$200 million Works for Queensland program to create regional jobs now

Regional Queensland councils are being urged to submit their job-creating projects after being allocated a share of the new $200 million Works for Queensland program.

Announcing the grants in Townsville today, Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning Jackie Trad said priority for funding had been given to areas in need of an economic boost.

“The Palaszczuk Government is absolutely committed to creating jobs for Queenslanders and this innovative program will deliver on this commitment,” Ms Trad said.

“It will serve a double duty – supporting more than 600 jobs and upgrading important regional infrastructure across the state.

“Funds could go to a wide variety of projects like improving the condition of local roads or upgrading important community infrastructure like sports facilities and swimming pools.”

Ms Trad said that the grants were designed to target areas where they would be of most value.

“Every member of the Palaszczuk Government is focused on job creation and this program has been fast tracked to benefit our regional communities, sooner,” Ms Trad said.

“The full $200 million has been allocated across 65 regional councils on the basis of population and local unemployment.

“We have been working closely with councils and the LGAQ since coming to government and we are confident that councils will be able to deliver important local projects for their communities.

“This will provide a boost to every regional community, town and city and I urge councils to identify projects which will rapidly create jobs.”

LGAQ acting chief executive Sarah Buckler welcomed the Government’s announcement, saying local government was a key regional employer and should be part of any job creation program.

“The LGAQ and councils have long argued that the most successful job creation policies focus on grass roots projects that make a difference to communities across the state. Works for Queensland does that,’’ Ms Buckler said.

“This is a positive step by the State Government to bolster jobs growth in regional Queensland and will strengthen its relationship with Queensland councils in the spirit of the Partners in Government Agreement.”

Councils are encouraged to nominate projects by early February with approvals to follow soon after. All projects are then expected to be completed by the end of November this year.

The Works for Queensland Program is part of the State Infrastructure Fund.

For more information visit: www.dilgp.qld.gov.au

ENDS