65 regional councils will receive funding under the Palaszczuk Government’s $200 million Works for Queensland program, effectively ensuring local government plays a pivotal role in Queensland’s job creation strategy.
LGAQ acting chief executive Sarah Buckler welcomed the Government’s announcement, saying local councils were key regional employers and should be part of any good job creation program.
“This is a positive step by the State Government to bolster jobs growth in regional Queensland and will strengthen its relationship with Queensland councils in the spirit of the Partners in Government Agreement.”
Ms Buckler said councils already employed about 38,000 people but this program would help create new job opportunities where they were needed most, in regional and remote communities across Queensland.
“This funding will make a big difference to those communities that are ready to contribute their part to a statewide program of works but need a funding boost to get projects under way,” Ms Buckler said.
“Queensland councils are not only good employers but have a track record in delivering local infrastructure and services for local communities efficiently and effectively.”
The Government has allocated funding to councils on the basis of population and local unemployment.
Ms Buckler urged councils to nominate projects by early February to ensure their communities gained the most benefit from the jobs boost.
The regional breakdown of the funding is: Far North Queensland - $54.16 million; North Queensland - $32.35 million; Central Queensland - $22.66 million; Wide Bay-Burnett - $37.91 million; Mackay-Whitsundays - $17.56 million; Western Queensland – $19.86 million; North West - $15.5 million.