New playground works at the Redbank Plains Recreation Reserve, upgrades to the Lockyer Valley Cultural Centre and the replacement of ageing electrical infrastructure at the Lake Moogerah Caravan Park, were just some of the items discussed with Local Government Minister Stirling Hinchliffe when he visited Ipswich, Lockyer Valley and Scenic Rim Council areas.
Each of these projects have been submitted by the councils to be considered for funding through the Queensland Government’s $200 million Unite and Recover COVID Works for Queensland program.
Mr Hinchliffe said it was important to meet with the local councils and discuss how the two levels of government could work together to benefit their communities.
“The pandemic is having widespread economic impacts across the world but we are focused on uniting and recovering,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
“These have been incredibly tough times for our communities and for our councils and our Unite and Recover for Queensland Jobs plan will do just that in this region.
“The councils I visited today are doing an outstanding job of delivering services and infrastructure for their regions, towns and cities.
“The Palaszczuk Government is here to stand with them shoulder-to-shoulder, to help Queensland unite and recover from the effects of COVID-19.”
The three councils received a total of $7.87 million through the COVID Works for Queensland program and will share in a further $50 million through the recently announced Unite and Recover Community Stimulus Package for South East Queensland councils.
Member for Bundamba Lance McCallum joined Minister Hinchliffe at Redbank Plains Recreation Reserve to inspect the site of new playground works today.
“Our COVID Works for Queensland program is creating local jobs while delivering infrastructure that truly benefits the community,” Mr McCallum said.
“The Reserve is somewhere the whole family can get out and enjoy, and the playground upgrade will make it a go-to destination for locals and visitors alike.”
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the funding was an example of the two levels of government working well together for the benefit of Ipswich.
“Programs aimed at sustaining jobs in the wake of COVID-19 and improving our great city’s liveability are very much welcomed,” Mayor Harding said.
“The new Ipswich City Council is committed to improving trust and developing productive partnerships with the State Government for the long-term benefit of the Ipswich community.”
Lockyer Valley Regional Council Mayor Tanya Milligan welcomed the Queensland Government’s support.
“Whether it is through the COVID Works for Queensland program or the Unite and Recover Community Stimulus Package, Lockyer Valley Regional Council is pleased to be working with the Queensland Government to deliver local infrastructure and employment opportunities during this difficult time,” Mayor Milligan said.
Scenic Rim Regional Council Mayor Greg Christensen said the funding would be put to good use.
“We have a number of projects ear-marked to improve liveability and create jobs throughout our region and I thank the Queensland Government for its assistance,” Mayor Christensen said.
COVID Works for Queensland builds on the $600 million Works for Queensland program that has already created or supported more than 19,000 jobs throughout regional Queensland.
