Jobs-supporting regional infrastructure projects, country racing and migrant resettlement initiatives are big winners in the 2019-2020 State Budget.
Minister for Local Government, Racing and Multicultural Affairs Stirling Hinchliffe said this year’s Budget helps to build on a series of successful initiatives to promote regional jobs and critical infrastructure, while creating a more inclusive Queensland.
“Remote parts of Queensland, including Cape York, are crying out for more infrastructure and that’s what the State Budget is delivering,” he said.
“The State Budget delivers $4 million for the Northern Peninsula Area to undertake a 10-year capital renewal and replacement works program on the water supply system commencing in 2020-21.
“There’s a further $2.7 million in one-off funding to repair the NPA’s water supply reservoirs, with both initiatives delivering an important boost to the local economy.
“The Budget also earmarks $4 million for the removal of car bodies and scrap metal from islands in the Torres Strait.
“This is in addition to the ongoing Budget support for the hugely successful $600 million Works for Queensland program which is supporting more than 14,000 jobs in regional parts of the State.”
Mr Hinchliffe said the State Budget continues to deliver on the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to country racing.
“This year’s Budget reaffirms our commitment to a four-year $70 million Country Racing Package that’s supporting racing participants at the grassroots level,” he said.
“Country racing is integral to communities throughout rural and regional Queensland and this unprecedented support will allow the industry to thrive and prosper.”
The State Budget also includes $1.8 million for the Asylum Seeker and Refugee Assistance program.
“The total funding package of $4.3 million over three years allocated for asylum seeker and refugee support delivers on our commitment to create a more inclusive and welcoming Queensland,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
