Critical water planning and construction projects will become a reality for 45 Queensland councils thanks to the Palaszczuk Government, following the announcement of the latest round of Building our Regions funding.
Minister for Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water Glenn Butcher said round 6 of Building our Regions is dedicated to construction and planning projects, for water and sewerage infrastructure.
"Following my announcement of the 35 planning projects in June, I am pleased to announce that under the next phase of this round, almost $60 million of further Building our Regions funding will deliver 55 water and sewerage infrastructure projects to 38 councils.
"This program delivers funding to a total of 45 local councils, for all kinds of projects that need to be done but aren't always easy to get across the line at local council budget time.
"Water and sewerage infrastructure is one of those things that aren't top-of-mind, but are vital to good jobs, better services and the ongoing liveability of our wonder Queensland communities," he said.
"I'm proud to announce this funding for projects the length and breadth of the state."
Eligible construction projects include those that address:
- water supply security (including recycled water for non-potable uses)
- water loss mitigation
- water quality improvement
- water for use in hydrogen projects or other priority manufacturing sectors
- sewage collection and treatment.
Planning and feasibility projects include:
- development of detailed construction or engineering designs or
- project business cases to provide better clarity about investment decisions.
Mr Butcher said the program has had strong support from regional mayors and the Local Government Association of Queensland.
"Everyone recognises what a vital role this program plays in getting works done that are crucial to our growing regional communities.
"With population growth strong in many of our beautiful regional centres, it's vital that maintenance work on water and sewerage infrastructure be maintained," he said.
Round 6 of Building our Regions will provide $70 million in funding over three years towards the total programs funding commitment of $416 million.
To date, including Round 6, the Building our Regions program has contributed to more than 360 projects across 68 local government areas. The program has leveraged close to $610 million in additional funding from other sources bringing the total program expenditure to over $1 billion, supporting an estimated 3,180 construction jobs.
