Queensland’s Local Government Grants and Subsidies Program (LGGSP) is set to fund 20 additional Far North infrastructure and planning projects in 2022.
Successful projects include refurbishing the Panguna Reservoir, improving water security and quality in Yungaburra, and upgrading Kowanyama Airport.
A total of 80 projects across the state have been approved for funding under LGGSP.
As well as going towards new infrastructure, the LGGSP is aimed at extending the functional life of existing infrastructure and improving asset management, helping councils stretch budgets.
“This grants program is designed to support councils to deliver priority infrastructure projects that improve the liveability of communities and support economic growth and employment,” Deputy Premier and Minister for Local Government, Steven Miles said.
“The successful projects tick all the boxes, with the 80 approved projects expected to create approximately 1,800 jobs in areas where they are most needed.
“That’s a great result for local economies, the councils and communities, and there are many more projects to be announced.”
Member for Cook Cynthia Lui said Hope Vale Aboriginal Shire Council would receive over $1 million to upgrade the Everlina Plaza building.
“The existing Hope Vale Supermarket will be transformed into a store of the future,” she said.
“The project will provide building upgrades and an external face-lift, opening up the front of the Everlina Plaza building to customers which include locals, visitors and tourists.
“The project also includes installing signage in the local Guugu Yimithirr language with English translation.
“This is great news for the community, supporting jobs in construction and longer-term retail jobs.”
Funding will also be allocated towards upgrading existing facilities to help staff retention.
“We’re investing $2.08 million for Lockhart River Aboriginal Shire Council to construct two new duplexes that can house up to eight staff members, which will help with retaining a skilled workforce,” Ms Lui said.
Pormpuraaw Aboriginal Shire Council will also spend $1.41 million to construct two staff housing duplexes, and Torres Strait Island Regional Council will use its funding of $1.14 million to upgrade council fuel infrastructure for remote residents.
“This is essential to access the only affordable modes of transport to support local employment,” Ms Liu said.
Other projects in Far North Queensland include funding towards:
- Maintaining the Douglas Shire Council sewer system
- A planning study for the future infrastructure in Cook Shire Council
- Replacing an existing and aged water pipeline and developing an Asset Management Framework and Plan for Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council
- Safety improvements in the LP Gas Storage Facility in Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council
- Bicentennial Lakes Active Recreation Upgrade in Mareeba Shire Council
- Upgrades to Kowanyama Airport Fuel Farm in Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council
- Developing a masterplan for Thursday Island Sports Centre in Torres Shire Council
