Eleven South East Queensland (SEQ) councils are set to share in $200 million of Federal and State funding to support infrastructure projects that will boost liveability for their communities.
The Federal Government, Queensland Government and Council of Mayors (South East Queensland) have announced the first tranche of projects funded under the SEQ Liveability Fund.
The local governments will contribute more than $85 million towards projects, which will support residents’ health and wellbeing, as well as projected population growth.
Successful projects include all-abilities walking and cycling trails on the Sunshine Coast, upgrading the Beenleigh Aquatic Centre, and a new precinct celebrating silo art in the Lockyer Valley.
The SEQ Liveability Fund is one of 29 commitments being delivered under the $1.8 billion SEQ City Deal, a partnership between the Federal and Queensland Governments and the Council of Mayors (SEQ) to generate long-lasting benefits for the fast-growing region.
One in seven Australians – or around four million people – currently call SEQ home.
By 2046, the region’s population is expected to grow to nearly six million.
The announcement of this funding follows a detailed assessment stage, which builds on the initial expressions of interest process for the SEQ Liveability Fund, with shortlisted projects announced in January 2024.
Funding for a second tranche of projects currently undergoing detailed assessment is expected to be announced in the coming months.
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 provide a high quality of life.
“It’s critical that all three levels of government work together to support this population growth and create liveable, creative, sustainable and healthy communities,” Minister King said.
Queensland Minister for State Development and Infrastructure, Grace Grace, said that the Queensland Government is investing in SEQ to ensure it remains a great place to live as the region grows.
“The SEQ Liveability Fund gives councils the chance to partner with the Australian and Queensland governments to deliver infrastructure that will improve access to quality open space and the natural environment, contributing to the long-term social, environmental and economic sustainability of communities,” Minister Grace said.
“It’s exciting to see the councils’ responses to this opportunity to boost local community and sport engagement in the lead up to Brisbane 2032 and beyond.
“The projects announced today will support residents’ health and wellbeing, create jobs and supply chain benefits for local businesses, and complement the Queensland Government’s $107 billion Big Build capital program.
“They are a 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
SEQ is experiencing significant population growth as more Australians discover the beautiful region and want to call it home.
“Better parks, more public art, improved community facilities and new walking and cycling paths help create more to see and do in our growing communities,” Mayor Schrinner said.
“Australian and Queensland government support for our Victoria Park transformation will help deliver an exciting new adventure playground and make it easier for people to get around.
“Our region is one of the best places in the world to live and we’re keen to continue working with the Australian and Queensland governments to make it even better.”
Sunshine Coast Mayor, Rosanna Natoli, said that this funding opportunity is another example of Council working together with other levels of government to connect and engage with its communities to build a better future for everyone.
“These projects will contribute towards creating a safe, high quality connected active transport network that improves the lifestyle, health and sustainability of the region,” Mayor Natoli said.
“They will help achieve an active transport friendly place where people of all ages walk and cycle for enjoyment and transport.
“These active transport links will form part of a connected active transport network that provides access to Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games event venues including the Sunshine Coast Sports Precinct venue, Alexandra Headland events, Athlete’s Village Maroochydore and the Caloundra live venue.”
Lockyer Valley Region Mayor, Tanya Milligan, said that Council is super excited as the projects being funded will showcase its amazing region, boost local economy and enhance the community’s wonderful lifestyle.
“Lake Apex Parkland is one of our premier open spaces attracting local families and drawing travellers from far and wide, and this project will allow us to welcome many more visitors,” Mayor Milligan said.
“The Forest Hill Silos Mural Project will deliver the closest silo art to SEQ’s booming population and provide a massive injection to the economy of our nearby towns and businesses.
“The support of the Australian and Queensland governments to turn community aspirations into reality is greatly appreciated.”
Logan City Mayor, Jon Raven, welcomed the funding, saying that it will benefit the City of Logan’s 377,000 residents for generations to come.
“Waterford West District Park is the largest investment in a new park in our city’s history,” Mayor Raven said.
“The community is excited about the master plan we’ve created for the site, with a water play area, a playground, paths, barbeques and picnic shelters providing a range of recreation opportunities.
“The Beenleigh Aquatic Centre redevelopment delivers a second 50m pool for Logan in the lead-up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games as well as other modern facilities for local residents.”
Featured image: An artistic render of the Forest Hill Silo Mural Project in Lockyer. Image credit: Federal Government.
