Roosters up north

Spr Tim Langbien operating an excavator at the Umagico housepads. Photos provided by 21 Const Sqn

Spr Dan Kane, 21 Const Sqn, LCpl Michael Kira and LCpl Deri Bigiding, PNGDF Engineer Bn, dig a stormwater trench at the Injinoo housepads.

Army dentist Maj Matt Hopcraft, Defence Health Services, conducts an examination of a boy as part of the Health Team project.

By Capt Matt Richardson

CONSTRUCTION has begun at five Far North Queensland communities by 21 Const Sqn as part of the ATSIC Army Community Assistance Program (AACAP).

21 Const Sqn has provided assistance to Injinoo, Umagico, New Mapoon, Bamaga and Seisia in the Northern Peninsula Area (NPA) of Cape York in the form of construction, health and delivery training.

After a staged deployment commencing on May 1, 173 personnel, including 10 personnel from the PNGDF Engineer Bn, are working on site as part of the project.

The deployment phase of the project recently culminated in cross-cultural awareness training assisted by local rangers.

Delivery of the NPA Health Infrastructure Project is the result of extensive consultation between the communities, Army, ATSIC, the Department of Health and Aged and other government agencies.

As the grantees of this year’s project, the Aboriginal communities of Injinoo, Umagico and New Mapoon will all receive new housing and improvements to local infrastructure.

In addition, the wider NPA community will benefit from construction of a new regional tip, augmentation of health services from June to October, tailored training packages, including a pre-vocational certificate in construction, and fluoridation of the NPA water supply.

At present, construction of three houses, a 21-lot subdivision, and delivery of training and health services are underway.

In the coming months the construction of two houses at Umagico and a regional waste facility will begin.

Works delivered by 21 Const Sqn will be completed and handed over to their new owners in October.