The Queensland Government has announced more than $4.8 million has been allocated to the funding of critical infrastructure projects in Northern Queensland.
The State Government will partner with Townsville, Burdekin, Hinchinbrook and Palm Island councils to improve water supply, drainage, and transport infrastructure.
Minister for State Development, and Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, Dr Anthony Lynham, said, “Infrastructure projects spark jobs growth and flow-on business opportunities, keeping regional Queensland’s local economies ticking over and its communities strong.
“Reinvesting royalties in this latest round of our $375 million Building our Regions program will generate almost 440 more jobs across 65 projects from Eromanga to Horn Island.”
Statewide, the Building our Regions program has already allocated $156.7 million to 109 critical infrastructure projects across the state, generating more than 1300 jobs and attracting more than $277 million investment from councils and other organisations.
Minister Assisting the Premier on North Queensland, Coralee O’Rourke, said Building our Regions was already delivering for the North, with more than 100 jobs and almost $9.14 million provided in area from Charters Towers to Palm Island.
“We’re building and delivering crucial infrastructure projects in North Queensland because we know how important it is for families, businesses and the community – from the start of construction right through to completion and beyond,” Mrs O’Rourke said.
“The reality is, a lot of people have been out of work for a long time, which has put increasing pressure on families and the community.
“We are creating and supporting jobs through this project, because we know how important it is, for families and businesses to continue to make ends meet.”
Member for Townsville, Scott Stewart, welcomed the upgrade to the jetty precinct at Palm, which is an issue locals have raised with him.
Member for Thuringowa, Aaron Harper, welcomed the latest investment in job creation.
“This is about pay packets for families, and spending at local businesses in Townsville and Thuringowa,” Mr Harper said.
The new projects funded by this round of Building our Regions include:
- A new water main providing reliable supply to the Townsville airport industrial area. It will also help support the airport’s current fire-fighting service level demands ($1.15 million from the State Government; $1.15 million from Townsville City Council)
- A drainage upgrade to improve flood resilience in Ayr. ($659,283 from the State Government; $659,284 from Burdekin Shire Council)
- An upgraded jetty precinct and an upgraded pedestrian footpath in Palm Island that will provide residents with a safer access to work and recreation ($1 million from the State Government; $218,540 from Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council)
- A new bore and pipeline to secure water supply in Ingham ($2 million from the State Government; $2.4 million from Hinchinbrook Shire Council)
