Ten multi-purpose public cyclone shelters are to be built in Queensland as part of a state government program worth $60 million.
In an announcement on Tuesday (November 29), minister for government services and building industry Simon Finn said that the tender process for the project had opened, with more than 20 contractors being selected.
"This will be a shot in the arm for employment with 400 jobs created over the life of the project," Mr Finn said.
He continued by saying that all of the shelters would be designed and constructed to be capable of providing protection from winds of more than 300 kilometres an hour – wind speeds experienced in category five cyclones.
"But the shelters will not only be a place of refuge during cyclones," Mr Finn added.
"They will be multi-purpose facilities that can be used year-round by the community."
Areas impacted by previous natural disasters will be receiving the shelters – including Bowen, Ingham, Port Douglas, Proserpine, Townsville, Tully, Weipa and Yeppoon.
The state government anticipates that the shelters will be completed in time for the 2012-13 cyclone season.