$70 million in infrastructure funding available

Expressions of interest are now open for a share of $70 million in funding under Round 3 of the Queensland State Government’s $375 million Building our Regions program.

Minister for State Development, Dr Anthony Lynham, said regional councils have until 24 February to put forward their shovel-ready infrastructure projects to be considered for a share in the $70 million available this round.

During its first two rounds, Building our Regions allocated $150 million to 93 critical infrastructure projects, supporting almost 1300 jobs in Queensland’s regional communities. These projects are attracting a further $275 million investment from councils and other organisations.

“That is why we’ve brought this round forward by six months, to continue to support local jobs, grow local economies and return royalties to these regional areas for vital community infrastructure projects,” Dr Lynham said.

“I encourage councils to take advantage of this to start sooner on projects they have ready to go that will boost jobs and liveability in their local communities.

“Round 3 is open to all councils eligible under the Remote and Indigenous Communities Fund, Regional Capital Fund and Royalties for Resource Producing Communities Fund.

“For the best chance of being shortlisted, councils can use the EOI checklist to ensure they have included all the necessary information in their applications.” Dr Lynham said.

Once EOIs close they will be reviewed by an independent panel, and a shortlist announced in March 2017. Councils with shortlisted projects will then by invited to prepare detailed submissions.

Successful projects will be announced mid-year.