Gladstone Benefits from Industry Spend on Social Infrastructure
October 24th, 2011
Published in the Gladstone News Weekly
Major engineering projects in Queensland with plants currently under construction in the Gladstone region represent a total financial investment of some $55 billion. Add to this another $30 billion of proposed projects for Gladstone including the recently announced Aldoga Power Station and the future for the region is truly outstanding.
These projects will bring major growth, economic development and employment plus significant industry contributions for social infrastructure resulting in positive outcomes for the local community. A tally of recent industry investment for social infrastructure in the Gladstone region totals in excess of $75 million.
Examples include LNG industry contributions of $4.85 million towards health and wellbeing projects that include the permanent establishment of a renal dialysis centre at the Gladstone Hospital; the refurbishment of the hospital’s 35 year old operating theatre
and high dependency unit; the establishment of a medical education and training unit; the provision of midwifery scholarships; and funding for Gladstone Rotary Club to provide a hospital shuttle service between Gladstone and Rockhampton.
Safe operation of the Gladstone Regional Airport is a priority and the valuable LNG industry contribution of $10.5 million will allow the installation of an instrument landing system at the airport to ensure it is weather proofed for future operation.
Other significant industry commitments to social infrastructure include $19.5 million from the LNG industry to help establish the Gladstone Housing Company that will target development of affordable housing in the region; $2.1 million to Gladstone Regional Council to provide accommodation support services for vulnerable individuals and families; and $45 million from the Wiggins Island Coal Export Terminal project and Gladstone Ports Corporation to the exciting Eastern Shores development that will provide significant community amenity.
The benefits for the Gladstone region’s social infrastructure will grow during project construction and subsequent plant operation. Gladstone’s existing industries continue to make ongoing community and social contributions.