Queensland councils have welcomed a commitment from the LNP to continue the successful Works for Queensland program should the party win government at the October 31 poll.
Local Government Association of Queensland President and Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson today welcomed the commitment, made by Shadow Local Government Minister Ann Leahy during her address to the LGAQ’s 124th Annual Conference on the Gold Coast today.
“This program has supported and created more than 26,000 jobs since its inception. It has become a critical program for local government in Queensland, especially right now as we navigate the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic crisis it has caused,” Mayor Jamieson said.
“We thank the LNP for their commitment to both this program and to the LGAQ’s Jobs Advantage initiative to address high unemployment in South East Queensland.
“Councils can now be assured their communities will continue to benefit from these job-creating programs no matter who forms government following the State Election.”
Ms Leahy also committed to reviewing certain local government legislative reforms should the LNP form government, to maintaining the waste levy and to addressing water security issues in rural and regional towns across Queensland, starting with a statewide water asset audit and then the formulation of a 30-year water security plan, among other commitments.
“Water security is a critical issue for rural and regional Queensland with a pipe bursting every 80 minutes. It must be addressed,” Mayor Jamieson said.
“This is why the LGAQ has made its Rural Water and Wastewater Guarantee a key State Election Priority.
“Councils welcome the commitment today that the LNP would act on this critical issue should they form government.
”The LGAQ will continue to advocate for other key priorities to be adopted by all political parties ahead of the October 31 State Election.
For more information on the LGAQ’s key State Election priorities, visit voteforlocal.com.au.
Listen to Shadow Local Government Minister Ann Leahy's address at the 2020 LGAQ Annual Conference below.
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Sarah Vogler, Media Executive
Local Government Association of Queensland