9 July 2021
Published 08 October 2020
Council has been lobbying the state and federal governments for funding to build a new Caboolture PCYC since the last federal election.
Now the state government has come to the party, Mayor Peter Flannery is hopeful the project could become a reality.
“Elections are a magical thing, we’ve been waiting for this commitment since the last federal election,” said Mayor Peter Flannery.
“Today’s announcement that a re-elected Palaszczuk Government will not only commit the land needed for this build but also provide $4 million in funding is precisely what we’ve been hoping to hear.
“I want to thank Mark Ryan as Queensland’s Police Minister and a Local Member for delivering both for his portfolio and the people of Moreton Bay Region.
“The club’s popularity means the PCYC is bursting at the seams, so it’s in urgent need of upgrade, but this isn’t a done deal yet.
“Council’s $2.5 million contribution remains on the table, but we still need the Federal Government and State LNP to get on board to ensure it becomes a reality.
“I know the Federal Member for Longman Terry Young has been petitioning his colleagues in Canberra to get onboard and I’m optimistic he’ll be successful.
“Tuesday’s federal budget provides billions of dollars for infrastructure investment, specifically to create jobs for young people in areas like Caboolture.
“The $5 million we need from the Federal Government is only a small ask, but the investment in terms of jobs and engaging our youth will be of enormous benefit to communities from Woodford to Bribie Island who are crying out for these kinds of facilities.
“I can’t understate the importance of this massive $11.5 million project to build a state-of-the-art facility big enough to service all communities across the north of Moreton Bay Region.
“The PCYC will be responsible for construction, enabling them to hire local contractors and directly create local jobs at a time they’re needed most.”
Mayor Flannery called on the LNP to match Labor’s commitment to Moreton Bay.
“I’ve met with every candidate ahead of this election to make sure they know what we want in Moreton Bay,” he said.
“Now that the LNP have announced Theresa Craig will contest the seat of Morayfield, I’m seeking an urgent meeting with her to secure the same commitment for our PCYC.
“My mission for Moreton Bay is to ensure that no matter who wins the election we will be better off.”