• Far North Queensland councils are set to share in a $100 million infrastructure funding boost • There will now be $300 million available to Queensland's regional councils in the next round of Works for Queensland (W4Q) • Projects like water and sewerage infrastructure, housing and regional economic development are set to be delivered from 2024-2027
Far North Queensland councils are set to share in the extra $100 million in funds soon to be on offer for essential local infrastructure.
Queensland Government funding support for the Works for Queensland (W4Q) program has been increased to $300 million from the previous $200 million for its next round in 2024-27.
Since 2016, W4Q has funded 508 infrastructure projects across Far North Queensland.
It is estimated to have supported or created around 4,290 jobs.
In the Far North, the program's current round, which concludes in June 2024, is currently providing: • $2.2 million to the Cook Shire Council for Stage 1 of the Cook Shire Water and Wastewater Electrical Upgrade, supporting an estimated 16 jobs. • $2.4 million to the Tablelands Regional Council for the Ravenshoe Region Water Quality improvement Plan Stage 2A (Pipelines Only), supporting an estimated 27 jobs. • $2.1 million to the Cairns Regional Council for the Asphalt Overlay Program, supporting an estimated 9 jobs. • $420,000 to Douglas Shire Council for maintenance and repairs to gravel roads, supporting an estimate 5 jobs.
Funding guidelines for councils are expected to be released in April 2024 and will be developed in consultation with the Local Government Association of Queensland.
Quotes attributable to Deputy Premier Steven Miles:
"Works for Queensland is the Palaszczuk Government's signature local stimulus program, creating jobs and improving communities across regional Queensland.
"This is a record level of funding from the Palaszczuk government for local projects - $300 million up from the previous $200 million.
"By the end of the current 2021-24 funding round it's estimated that Works for Queensland will have supported or created more than 26,000 jobs in regional Queensland across almost 2,200 projects, with that number to increase when the new funding round begins in July 2024.
"Works for Queensland continues to be successful and is a great example of two levels of government working together to deliver for local communities."
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Local Government Nikki Boyd:
"Works for Queensland has supported communities the length and breadth of Queensland, it has been an enormous benefit particularly to regional and remote areas of our state. "It's created thousands of jobs and supported communities. I've seen firsthand how our regions have benefited from the Palaszczuk Government's investment in them. "This massive boost in funding will mean councils can keep delivering critical infrastructure and good jobs for locals, I look forward to seeing these projects delivered across the state."
Quotes attributable to Member for Cook, Cynthia Lui:
"We're going above and beyond to ensure local communities in the Far North get even more of the infrastructure they need."
"It will mean councils can fund things like water and sewerage infrastructure, housing and regional economic development."
Quotes attributable to Member for Barron River Craig Crawford:
"Far North Queensland is set to get more infrastructure like water supply and road upgrades through this extra $100 million in W4Q funding.
"I'm proud to be part of a government that has invested $1.1 billion in stimulus to regional councils since 2016.
Quotes attributable to Member for Cairns, Michael Healy:
"Over the past seven years, W4Q has already provided almost $190 million in funding for 508 local projects in the Far North.
"It's great to see increased investment here in Cairns and the Far North. We know this will deliver even more growth and jobs for our community.
Quotes attributable to Member for Mulgrave, Curtis Pitt:
"W4Q is set to continue making a big difference across the Far North by helping councils deliver projects that will create good jobs and make our community an even better place to live.
"Queensland is the most decentralised state, and it is great to be a part of a government which invests in our regional communities.
