The Queensland Government has announced that a new round of Works for Queensland funding will be shared between 65 regional councils across the state.
The $300 million funding is aimed at supporting the delivery of essential local infrastructure and services.
The 2024-27 round of Works for Queensland has increased the total funding pool to $300 million from the previous $200 million and will benefit 65 councils outside the south-east corner of the state.
Applications will open on 13 May 2024 for councils to propose local projects, such as housing supply and supporting infrastructure, water infrastructure, community safety, roads and drainage, disaster resilience and community sports facilities.
Under new guidelines, councils can also put part of their allocated funding towards planning for key infrastructure as well as staff training to operate essential assets.
Queensland Premier, Steven Miles, said, “Regional councils are at the coalface of delivering for their growing communities, well above the roads, rates and rubbish they are often tagged with.
“That’s why our Works for Queensland program is so important to support the delivery of community building infrastructure, like parks, new homes and disaster resilience.
“Partnership is an easy word to say but the government is backing it up with real action – working hand in hand with councils near and far to deliver the infrastructure they need.”
Queensland Minister for Housing, Local Government and Planning and Minister for Public Works, Meaghan Scanlon, said that the State Government continues to back regional councils and invest in regional communities.
“That’s why this is the largest round of our Works for Queensland program to be rolled out.
“This program is delivering critical community infrastructure right across the state.
“This latest round is focused on working with councils to deliver critical infrastructure that Queenslanders need.
“These partnerships with councils are critical to delivering the infrastructure and housing that Queenslanders need.”
Local Government Association of Queensland’s (LGAQ) President, Mark Jamieson, said, “Works for Queensland is critical to the liveability and sustainability of 65 councils across Queensland, and the local communities they represent.
“This is why the LGAQ has been relentless in its campaign to have this funding secured and at $100 million per year.
“We thank the Premier for ensuring his government delivers on the promise to ensure the future of this crucial program and its restoration back to $100 million a year over the next three years.”
Image credit: Alex Cimbal/Shutterstock.com.
