The peak body representing Queensland councils has welcomed the launch of the latest round of the critical Works for Queensland program, with councils to share in $300 million over the next three years.
Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) President Mark Jamieson said Works for Queensland provided vital funding for councils to deliver projects in their local communities, as well as help keep skills, workers and their families in regional communities.
He said while councils welcomed the extension of the program and the top up to $100 million a year, councils and their communities would continue to advocate for Works for Queensland to be made permanent, and indexed.
“Works for Queensland is critical to the liveability and sustainability of 65 councils across Queensland, and the local communities they represent,” Mr Jamieson said.
“At last year’s LGAQ Annual Conference councils overwhelmingly backed the motion to permanently fund Works for Queensland at $100 million a year and index it.
“This is why the LGAQ has been relentless in its campaign to have this funding secured and at the right amount of $100 million per year, as well as for a top up round to account for the reduction in funding over the last three years.
“We thank Premier Steven Miles for ensuring his government delivers on the promise to restore it to $100 million a year over the next three years.
“Communities and councils also need certainty however, and that means locking in Works for Queensland every year, indexed to keep up with growing construction and workforce costs.
“As well as delivering facilities for communities, the funding has also helped keep skills and workers and their families in communities.
“Projects have included upgrades to local infrastructure critical in ensuring the liveability of the state’s regional communities, including water and sewerage treatment plant upgrades, road upgrades, and upgrades to facilities crucial to economic development like airports and tourism infrastructure.
“Works for Queensland is the cornerstone job creation program for Queensland’s local government sector.
“It represents a critical partnership between the state and local governments that highlights the economic and social benefits of working together to create, support and sustain local jobs in Queensland communities.
“To ensure community liveability and the sustainability of every local community, Works for Queensland must be funded properly and permanently.”
For more information, please contact:
Dan Knowles, LGAQ Media Advisor