Local Government Association of Queensland President Mark Jamieson thanked Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack and Federal Local Government Minister Mark Coulton for providing a further contribution to local communities to assist with their economic recovery.
It follows a teleconference between the Deputy Prime Minister and presidents from all state associations including Mayor Jamieson earlier this month to discuss the need for economic stimulus to flow.
“Queensland councils stand to receive more than $101 million in new money to build vital community infrastructure under the $500 million Local Road and Community Infrastructure Program,” Mayor Jamieson said.
“We thank the Federal Government for listening to Queensland councils and their counterparts across the country and delivering much-needed stimulus at this critical time.
“This demonstrates the responsiveness of the Commonwealth as well as the power of councils to advocate on behalf of their communities.”
Mayor Jamieson said councils had been wearing significant revenue losses due to the pandemic and the impacts of the national public health directions.
At the same time, they have also been providing support and stimulus to vulnerable businesses and households.
“The decision of the Commonwealth to also bring forward Financial Assistance Grant funding is welcome and will bring much-needed certainty as Councils frame their budgets,” Mayor Jamieson said.
“Councils will continue to work with the Federal Government to ensure extra funding flows in future years so the economic sustainability of councils and their communities is maintained.
“This week has seen incredible leadership from all tiers of government to help mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 economic crisis on local communities.
“The only way communities thrive is if all three levels of government work together.”
For more information, please contact:
Sarah Vogler, Media Executive
Local Government Association of Queensland