The Queensland Government has allocated a further $200 million for 65 regional councils under the latest round of its Works for Queensland (W4Q) program, as part of the state’s plan for economic recovery.
The W4Q program supports regional councils to undertake job-creating maintenance and minor infrastructure projects.
Queensland Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk, said the allocations to each of the 65 regional councils would continue a program that local mayors have praised.
“We made a commitment to regional communities during the election that we would continue this fantastic program and we are living up to that commitment,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“The $200 million fourth round of Works for Queensland means that councils outside the South East corner have now been allocated $800 million dollars from the program, helping to create local employment opportunities and improve liveability in regional Queensland.
“So far, more than 21,000 jobs have been created or supported in areas of the state where they are needed most.
“That is a fantastic result with the state delivering for local businesses, local tradies and most importantly, local families.”
Far North Queensland
The $49 million for Far North Queensland comprises:
- Aurukun Shire Council – $2.37 million
- Cairns Regional Council – $12.11 million
- Cassowary Coast Regional Council – $3.27 million
- Cook Shire Council – $2.2 million
- Croydon Shire Council – $1.02 million
- Douglas Shire Council – $1.82 million
- Etheridge Shire Council – $1.05 million
- Hope Vale Aboriginal Shire Council – $1.3 million
- Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council – $1.7 million
- Lockhart River Aboriginal Shire Council – $1.21 million
- Mapoon Aboriginal Shire Council – $1.09 million
- Mareeba Shire Council – $3.24 million
- Napranum Aboriginal Shire Council – $1.29 million
- Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council – $1.74 million
- Pormpuraaw Aboriginal Shire Council – $1.6 million
- Tablelands Regional Council – $2.88 million
- Torres Shire Council – $1.45 million
- Torres Strait Island Regional Council – $3.05 million
- Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Council – $1.09 million
- Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council – $3.28 million
Mackay and Whitsundays
The allocation for Mackay and Whitsundays comprises:
- Whitsunday Regional Council – $3.84 million
- Isaac Regional Council – $1.59 million
- Mackay Regional Council – $9.99 million
Central Queensland
The allocation for Central Queensland comprises:
- Livingstone Shire Council – $3.5 million
- Rockhampton Regional Council – $9.46 million
- Woorabinda Aboriginal Shire Council – $1.11 million
- Central Highlands Regional Council – $2.66 million
- Gladstone Regional Council – $7.79 million
Bundaberg and Burnett
The allocations for Bundaberg and Burnett comprises:
- Bundaberg Regional Council – $13.03 million
- Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council – $1.27 million
- South Burnett Regional Council – $5.63 million
- Banana Shire Council – $1.65 million
- North Burnett Regional Council – $1.84 million
Fraser Coast
The allocations for Bundaberg and Burnett comprises:
- Fraser Coast Council – $16.46 million
Governments collaborate for community benefit
Deputy Premier and Minister for Local Government, Steven Miles, said Works for Queensland has had a positive impact on communities throughout regional Queensland.
“This further funding will help councils deliver roads and pathways, parks and playgrounds, all while creating local jobs,” Mr Miles said.
“Previous rounds of Works for Queensland have delivered a diverse range of projects, from new netball courts and returfed football fields at the Fraser Coast Sports Precinct, to upgrades to Charles Maroney Park and Heatley Park in Townsville, and a new cycling and walking track near Lake Moondarra in Mount Isa.
“I encourage councils to put forward projects for consideration that are shovel ready and can start delivering jobs for locals right now.
“I’ve seen firsthand the impact some of these projects have had for their communities, I know that this fourth round will deliver even more.”
Local Government Association of Queensland President and Sunshine Coast Council Mayor, Mark Jamieson, said Works for Queensland stands as a powerful example of what can be achieved when both levels of government work together to create jobs and improve local communities.
“This program’s success comes from its targeted focus on funding projects that can be rolled out quickly to provide opportunities and improved facilities for local communities,” Mayor Jamieson said.
“Councils have strongly supported the continuation of Works for Queensland and we welcome the release of this new round of the program at a time when job-creation has never been more important.
“We look forward to continuing to work with the Queensland Government to maintain this program into the future.”
Eligible projects range from roadworks to town beautification, parks and playground upgrades, renewable energy installations, tourism, water and safety.
Project submissions close on 9 April.
For more information visit: www.dlgrma.qld.gov.au/works-for-queensland
