The Palaszczuk Government’s $600 million Back to Work program is supporting 12,152 jobs and delivering important new infrastructure in regional Queensland.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said Works for Queensland was a regional jobs powerhouse, with 1,354 approved projects across 65 councils pumping $400 million into local economies, with a further $200 million on the way.
"Works for Queensland is breathing fresh life into regional economies throughout Queensland and supporting more than 12,000 jobs," she said.
"Jobs are my government’s number one priority and that’s exactly what Works for Queensland is delivering.
"In addition to the thousands of new jobs, this program is delivering vital new community facilities in the regions – such as parks and gardens, walking tracks, town centre improvements and improved swimming pools.
"Last week I was in Blackall where the showgrounds have been restored, improved UHF communications have fixed blackspots and streets have been widened all under this program.
"Elsewhere, works on the Goondiwindi Cultural Centre have been completed and in Texas, the town pool has been refurbished, parking at the Texas State School has been improved and the historic community hall are all projects that provide massive benefit to the community.
"In Port Douglas the Flagstaff Walking Track will provide never-before-seen views of Douglas Shire’s most spectacular natural wonders and in Agnes Water residents and visitors can now enjoy a new-look Tom Jeffery Memorial Park.
"These are just a few of the exciting projects happening under this program and we’ll continue to partner with local councils because it's having such a positive impact in regional Queensland."
Local Government Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said regional councils were queuing up to share in a slice of Works for Queensland funding.
"Whenever I visit regional Queensland, I see first-hand how Works for Queensland is helping to transform local communities," he said.
"It’s delivering new and improved facilities whole communities can enjoy, while injecting much-needed investment into local economies.
"There’s a total of $600 million in funding committed under this program, in another sign of the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to regional Queensland."
