Dozens of local government shovel-ready projects across regional Queensland will receive funding from the $200 million COVID Works for Queensland program, with individual council allocations announced today.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said $150 million to regional councils would see projects delivered that would have long-term economic benefits, including thousands of jobs.
“While Queenslanders are resilient, it has certainly been a difficult time for everyone and this program will provide a huge lift for employment opportunities, local economies, and most importantly community spirit,” she said.
Local Government Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said COVID Works for Queensland was designed to help councils get their communities back on their feet with up to an extra 8000 jobs supported or created across the State.
“From Birdsville to Cooktown to Gympie, no town or city has been immune.
Regional Development Minister Glenn Butcher said the regional and remote Works for Queensland program had been incredibly successful.
“It has delivered more than 19,000 jobs and counting, and this new funding will give every council a further boost to deliver job-creating infrastructure and maintenance projects,” he said.
“Communities stand to benefit from new assets such as libraries, bikeways and footpaths, caravan parks, sport and recreation facilities and critical water, sewer and waste management infrastructure.
“COVID Works for Queensland is an important part of the Queensland Government’s $6 billion economic recovery strategy Unite and recover for Queensland Jobs.”
Brisbane City Council will receive $5 million, while several South-East Queensland councils previously ineligible for Works for Queensland funding will share $45 million.
