Remote Queensland councils will soon be able to apply for access to $5 million for much-needed critical infrastructure projects to support jobs and economic development in their regions.
Thirty-one remote and Indigenous councils will be able to apply for a one-off round of the Queensland Government’s $375 million Building our Regions infrastructure program.
Queensland Minister for State Development, Dr Anthony Lynham, said the State Government recognised that small projects can make a big difference in remote communities.
“This one-off round of funding will kick-start much needed infrastructure in these battling communities,” Dr Lynham said.
“This is about listening and responding to the needs of our most remote and Indigenous councils which is why we are making extra funds available and halving the minimum amount they can apply.”
Dr Lynham said the eligible councils were small, with lower rate bases, and many had been affected by the long-running drought.
“Some of these councils need an extra hand, which is why my department has been working with council staff to help them identify suitable projects and demonstrate how these meet community need and support local economic development,” Dr Lynham said.
“By lowering the funding threshold from $100,000 to $50,000, councils will now able to apply for projects previously deemed too small.
“I encourage the 31 councils eligible to get their expressions of interest in for the Remote and Indigenous Communities Fund.”
Local governments eligible for the Remote and Indigenous Communities Fund include: Aurukun, Diamantina, Mapoon, Richmond, Balonne, Doomadgee, Mornington, Torres, Barcoo, Etheridge, Murweh, Torres Strait Island, Blackall-Tambo, Flinders, Napranum, Winton, Boulia, Hope Vale, Northern Peninsula, Woorabinda, Cherbourg, Kowanyama, Palm Island, Wujal Wujal, Cook, Lockhart River, Paroo, Yarrabah, Croydon, Longreach, and Pormpuraaw.
For more information and to apply visit statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/buildingourregions.
