Queensland councils have welcomed news that Deputy Premier Jackie Trad will step into the role of Treasurer as part of a Palaszczuk cabinet reshuffle.
LGAQ CEO Greg Hallam said he looked forward to seeing the excellent working relationship councils enjoy with the Deputy Premier continuing into her new role.
“Over the past three years local government has formed a solid relationship with Deputy Premier Trad in her former portfolios as Local Government Minister and Minister for Infrastructure,” he said.
“In particular, her commitment to regional Queensland showcased through the innovative Works for Queensland infrastructure funding program has won her significant support from councils.”
Regional, rural and indigenous councils have reaped substantial rewards from the funding program, which places councils at the heart of the project funding process and is estimated to have created or maintained 12,000 jobs across the Queensland.
Building on the lessons of the of Works for Queensland program and applying them to other grant and subsidy programs is at the top of the list of the LGAQ’s 10 Point Policy Plan.
"Councils and the State Government are on the cusp of a once in a generation opportunity to significantly reshape the way our communities access vital services, amenities and employment opportunities."
"Grant reform is the biggest priority for Queensland councils as we welcome a new cabinet - the Premier and the Deputy Premier have been our strongest advocates in this regard."
Mr Hallam also singled out the Deputy Premier’s response to Cyclone Debbie as a welcome indicator that the State Government’s support for natural disaster mitigation and recovery would continue to be paramount during the summer disaster season.
“We welcome the opportunity to once again work closely to the Deputy Premier in her new role,” he said.
Watch: Queensland councils respond to Works for Queensland
