The 2017 State Budget contained a raft of good news for Queensland’s indigenous communities, with one of the big ticket items being the restoration of State Government Financial Aid (SGFA) to levels before program funding was lashed by the previous Newman government.
The Budget contained additional SGFA funding of $3.4 million in 2017-18, with the program gaining indexed funding in subsequent years.
The extra funding is expected to greatly assist indigenous local governments meet the cost of delivering key services to their communities.
It represents a win for the vigorous lobbying campaign waged by the LGAQ and indigenous councils since the cuts in 2012.
The Budget also provided $120 million over four years to upgrade vital water, wastewater and solid waste infrastructure in indigenous communities.
Additional indigenous program funding of note includes the following:
Indigenous Land and Sea Rangers – Building jobs from Country to Country: the additional funding of $8.1 million over 4 years will expand the existing program from 75 to 100 positions. The program supports skilled indigenous jobs and protects environmental and cultural heritage values. The LGAQ will work with the government to determine whether the program can support additional indigenous ranger employment in discrete indigenous councils.
Continuation of the Local Fare Scheme and a trial period for the Western Cape and Gulf: these communities rely on the subsidised fares program to boost productivity and employment and improve access to education and health services. The budget provides $8.3 million over two years, giving Cape York and Torres Strait communities access to affordable flights. A further $2 million will deliver a trial of the scheme in the Western Cape.