New traffic signals at two Gold Coast intersections and upgrades at the Lake Moogerah Caravan Park are just some of the local projects to be funded with the Queensland Government’s $50 million Unite and Recover Community Stimulus Package.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said 1500 jobs would be supported or created with the funding going to 12 South East Queensland councils for 63 projects.
“Throughout the Gold Coast City Council and Scenic Rim Regional Council areas, five projects are receiving $6.02 million which the councils estimate will create or support 206 local jobs. It is a really great outcome,” the Premier said.
“This package builds on the $50 million allocated to the 12 SEQ councils through the COVID Works for Queensland program to make $100 million worth of job-creating projects aimed at helping the region unite and recover from the impacts of the global pandemic.
“This package is an integral part of Queensland’s plan to stimulate the economy at a time when the major economies across the globe are hurting.”
Minister for Local Government Stirling Hinchliffe said the positive effects will be felt almost immediately.
“The Unite and Recover Community Stimulus Package will help our councils build new and upgraded infrastructure and give their communities’ economies a boost,” he said.
“From Noosa to the Gold Coast and from Toowoomba to Moreton Bay, councils estimate more than 1500 jobs will be created or supported through 63 projects for the communities.
“This is a fantastic result for our most densely populated region, which has felt the effects of the pandemic more than anywhere else in Queensland through the forced closure of businesses and borders.
“Our councils have also been doing it tough with the closure of services, provision of community support concessions and reduced revenue, including rates and charges revenue, all while leading their communities.
“This program is allowing the councils to fast-track new infrastructure and community assets, and in doing so, helping to get the communities back on their feet faster.”
Gold Coast City Mayor Tom Tate thanked the Queensland Government for the initiative.
“It’s been a tough time for our community and these projects will not only create jobs, they will improve liveability and safety,” Mayor Tate said.
“We will get them moving as soon as possible to ensure they are delivered quickly for local families and visitors.”
The councils eligible for Unite and Recover Community Stimulus Package funding are Brisbane City, Gold Coast City, Ipswich City, Lockyer Valley Regional, Logan City, Moreton Bay Regional, Noosa Shire, Redland City, Scenic Rim Regional, Somerset Regional, Sunshine Coast Regional and Toowoomba Regional Councils.
