Upgrades to the Whitsunday Airport roof and the Bowen Pool, and a new playground for the Cannonvale Foreshore Hall were just some of the items Whitsunday Regional Council discussed with Local Government Minister Stirling Hinchliffe when he visited the region.
Each of these projects have been submitted by the Whitsunday Regional Council to be considered for funding through the Palaszczuk Government’s $200 million COVID Works for Queensland program.
Mr Hinchliffe said that it was important to meet with the council and discuss how the two levels of government could work together so the community could unite and recover through the pandemic.
“The pandemic is having widespread impact across the world, and these have been incredibly tough times for our communities as well as for the councils,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
“Our councils are continuing to do an outstanding job by delivering services and infrastructure for their regions, towns and cities.
“Whitsunday Regional Council has been allocated $2.72 million through the COVID Works for Queensland program and it will go a long way to helping the community bounce back.
“The Queensland Government is here to stand with all of our councils shoulder-to-shoulder, to help unite and recover from the effects of COVID-19.”
The funding builds on the $600 million Works for Queensland program, through which Whitsunday Regional Council has received $12.04 million, helping deliver 37 projects which have supported or created 398 local jobs so far.
Across the region, upgrades to footpaths and cycle paths, construction of playgrounds and BBQ areas, and the installation of solar power for council owned buildings have been funded through this program.
“These projects will have long term economic benefits for the community while also improving liveability,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
“This is an outstanding result for the communities in this beautiful region.”
Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Andrew Willcox thanked the Queensland Government for its vital support of regional Councils.
“Works for Queensland has had a substantial effect on our region through job creation and improving liveability, and I expect the COVID Works for Queensland program to be just as effective,” Mayor Willcox said.
“I’m pleased we have been able to meet face to face with the Minister to discuss the projects we have earmarked that will deliver positive outcomes for our Whitsunday region community.”
The $600 million Works for Queensland program has created or supported more than 19,000 jobs throughout regional Queensland.
