The recently unveiled South East Queensland (SEQ) Liveability Fund is set to deliver more than $285 million of local infrastructure projects to SEQ communities.
The Federal Government, Queensland Government and Council of Mayors (SEQ) have partnered to establish the SEQ Liveability Fund as one of the key commitments being delivered under the SEQ City Deal.
Eleven eligible local governments were invited to submit expressions of interest (EOI) as part of the initial assessment phase for funding to deliver projects that will help build healthier, liveable and more inclusive, connected communities.
Projects could include new parks and initiatives that improve access to quality public open spaces and the natural environment, as well as community infrastructure that complements new housing supply or urban renewal.
Funding for regional sporting and recreation facilities to drive engagement in local sport in the lead-up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games were also eligible.
A list of 24 eligible projects has been finalised across councils of Noosa, Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay, Somerset, Brisbane, Redlands, Logan, Scenic Rim, Lockyer Valley, Ipswich and Toowoomba. Local governments will be invited to submit a detailed application for these projects, and a final decision on funding of projects will be made after assessment of detailed applications in 2024.
The SEQ City Deal delivers a significant package of investments with a value of $1.8 billion to one of the fastest growing regions in the country and is expected to benefit more than three million residents.
The deal is a long-term partnership between the three levels of government to deliver 29 commitments aimed at generating long-lasting benefits for the region.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, said that the Federal Government is committed to improving cities and regions to ensure a high quality of life, while delivering a region-shaping legacy with the hosting of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“The SEQ Liveability Fund is another example of this commitment and is expected to benefit more than three million Queenslanders, with one in seven Australians living in the great south-east,” Ms King said.
“I’m pleased to see a variety of projects submitted for consideration that will help unlock a stronger future for communities.”
Queensland Minister for State Development and Infrastructure, Grace Grace, said that SEQ is booming and playing host to some of the world’s biggest events, so the State Government is committed to investing in communities and delivering for councils in the south-east corner.
“The SEQ Liveability Fund will give local councils the opportunity to create better places to live through access to more open spaces, infrastructure that complements new housing or projects that support health and wellbeing,” Ms Grace said.
“It’s great to see councils’ responses to this opportunity to boost local community and sport engagement in the lead-up to Brisbane 2032 and beyond.
“We are committed to providing long-term improvements to the social, environmental and economic viability and sustainability of SEQ communities and this funding is another wonderful example of what can be achieved for Queensland when our three levels of government work together.”
Council of Mayors (SEQ) Chair and Brisbane Lord Mayor, Adrian Schrinner, said that Councils have put forward projects which will improve the local lifestyle and liveability of communities across the South East.
“With another 2.2 million people to call our region home, we need to ensure important community infrastructure like local parks, sport and recreation precincts keep up with this growing demand,” Mr Schrinner said.
“Funding through the SEQ City Deal – enabled by all levels of government – will help to deliver local projects which unlock new opportunities for residents to explore, exercise and recreate across our region.
“Projects which are aimed at enhancing the local lifestyle south east Queenslanders love about where they live, in time for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
