In Livingstone Shire, Queensland, the $53 million Yeppoon Foreshore Lagoon Precinct revitalisation project is now underway with the turning of the first sod.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure and Planning Jackie Trad joined Mayor Bill Ludwig, State Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga and Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry to mark the start of construction works on site.
Ms Trad said the project highlighted the Palaszczuk Government’s ongoing commitment to job creation and liveability in Central Queensland and Livingstone Shire through investing in great community infrastructure.
“Not only will the Lagoon Precinct offer locals and visitors to the Capricorn Coast an iconic tourism destination and visitor experience, it will also provide more than 180 full time jobs during construction, and continue to inject money into the local economy,” Ms Trad said.
“The Palaszczuk Government is incredibly proud to have invested $29 million dollars in the Yeppoon Foreshore and Town Centre Revitalisation Project after strong lobbying from local MP Brittany Lauga.
“We look forward to seeing this project completed and being enjoyed by visitors and locals alike.”
Mayor Bill Ludwig said detailed design plans for the 2500 square-metre lagoon are the result of extensive community consultation.
“The Lagoon Precinct is the spectacular centrepiece of the Yeppoon Town Centre and Foreshore Revitalisation Project and will encapsulate some of the unique attributes of the Capricorn Coast, including a swim-up infinity edge with stunning views over the Keppel Islands,” Cr Ludwig said.
“It has been designed to include both a shallow children’s play area as well as an informal lap swimming area and shaded areas in and around the lagoon, while the two storey pavilion will offer stunning interactive dining areas overlooking the entire precinct and coastline.
“Through projects like the Yeppoon Foreshore and Town Centre Revitalisation our vision continues to unfold into an exciting reality.”
Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga praised the project as a unique facility which will appeal to tourists and locals.
“Tourism is a key industry for the Capricorn Coast, and any facility or event which encourages tourists to spend longer here is a real bonus for Keppel,” Ms Lauga said.
“I have worked closely on the foreshore project since its inception and take my hat off to Livingstone Shire Council and the design specialists for giving Yeppoon facilities to last a lifetime.”
Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry said the Australian Government’s $10 million commitment to the Yeppoon Foreshore and Town Centre Revitalisation Project is a show of confidence in the region’s long-term economic future.
“The Lagoon Precinct will undoubtedly be the jewel in the crown but this project as a whole – including the Keppel Kraken, Yeppoon Town Centre Car Park, beach amphitheatre and place-making elements – is a genuine once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the region,” Landry said.
“We’re understandably proud of the economic and social benefits this project has delivered and will continue to deliver for the entire Central Queensland community as it continues to take shape.”
The Yeppoon Foreshore and Town Centre Revitalisation (Stages 3, 4 & 5) is a $53 million project jointly funded with the Australian Government contributing $10 million, the Queensland Government contributing $29 million, and Livingstone Shire Council contributing $14 million.
