ACTING premier Andrew Fraser has announced almost $1 million for mental health support services in Far North Queensland while inspecting Tully's ongoing reconstruction following the devastation of Cyclone Yasi.
Mr Fraser, joined by Queensland Reconstruction Authority chairman Major-General Richard Wilson, said while the region's infrastructure reconstruction effort to date had been monumental, the health and well-being of those impacted by Yasi remained the number one focus for the Queensland Government.
"Almost $1 million has been allocated to ensure North Queenslanders affected by Cyclone Yasi continue to have greater access to mental health support services closer to home," he said.
"This funding continues to deliver vital counselling services for residents who needed a helping hand to get their lives back on track.
"Yasi may have hit North Queensland almost a year ago, but the need to provide emotional and social support in this region will continue for a number of years," Mr Fraser said.
"The funding has helped build on people's resilience after the cyclone and has delivered extra support services for people with a mental illness, their family and carers.
"It has also been used to promote mental health awareness and resources in North Queensland to ensure residents were aware that help was available. We worked side-by-side with the non-government sector in North Queensland to ensure the funding was allocated in a way that would help the community meet the challenges that lay ahead."
Mr Fraser said the Tully Community Support Centre received $728,000 to employ three full-time staff, including an indigenous support officer, to provide counselling and personal support to locals impacted by Cyclone Yasi.
"More than 500 people from Tully, Tully Heads, Johnstone and Cardwell have already received support from this service," he said.
Mr Fraser said $213,000 was provided to the Mental Illness Fellowship of North Queensland to establish a Cairns Mental Health Carers' Support Hub.
"The hub provides social and psychological help, counselling, and information and referral services to support the well-being of carers," he said.
Mr Fraser announced the mental health funding at the official reopening of the iconic tourist attraction, the Tully Boot.
"The Golden Gumboot is a badge of honour for the people of Tully, who live here in Australia's wettest town," he said.
"The 7.9m gumboot is a must-stop photo opportunity for those travelling the Bruce Highway, but Yasi left it looking a little worse for wear.
"The gumboot now has a new golden paint job and the viewing platform is restored.
Mr Fraser said North Queensland's infrastructure reconstruction was continuing apace.
"Across the far north and north of the state, there is already $73.6 million in completed works, $357.2m in infrastructure works currently under way and a further $178.4m in projects that will soon enter the market," he said.
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