Queensland Premier Anna Bligh has officially opened a $10.8 million Thursday Island Government Office Building during Community Cabinet on the Island.
 

Ms Bligh said the building brought together several Queensland Government services in one location.
 

The building can accommodate up to 80 staff, who will provide services to the community.
 

"The design of the building has incorporated the local traditions and culture of Thursday Island with local artists' designs featuring in the building's elements, Ms Bligh said.
 

"During the construction of the building, the project supported 90 full-time jobs with apprentices and local indigenous workers involved.”
 

Member for Cook Jason O'Brien said there would be future employment opportunities with the addition of a new structure outside the building.
 

"The Queensland Government will work with the Torres Shire Council to construct a shade structure and seating on the Council-owned land adjacent to this building,” he said.
 

"Emerging Thursday Island artists will be given the opportunity to submit their work so that it can be incorporated into the structure.”
 

Government Services, Building Industry and ICT Minister Simon Finn said the building had been designed with sustainability in mind.
 

"After the building structure was completed, a significant number of photovoltaic cells were added onto the roof, which will result in long-term energy savings and also reduces the load on the island's diesel-powered generator system," Mr Finn said.
 

"In addition to these green features, the Government has also contributed to a number of streetscape improvements including the construction of footpaths, drainage and additional car parking."
 

Although the official name of this structure was currently the Thursday Island Government Office Building, the government will work with the Elders of the Kaurareg People and Mayor Pedro Stephen to decide a traditional name for the building, Mr Finn said.