Creating local jobs is the focus of a $200 million boost of the Palaszczuk Government’s signature and successful Works for Queensland job-creation program.
The boost to the program means communities right across Queensland will see new, upgraded or refurbished playgrounds, swimming pools, community centres, caravan parks, sport and recreation facilities, libraries, water and sewer infrastructure, and waste management facilities.
The funding boost was announced as part of The Queensland Economic Recovery Strategy: Unite and recover for Queensland Jobs, to help the State recover from COVID-19 with a focus on backing Queensland jobs.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said LGAQ was asked to submit a list of projects for funding consideration.
“I want to thank the LGAQ and Councils for the impressive work they have done,” the Premier said.
“To get the work we have discussed in those consultations moving, today I am committing another $200 million in 2020-21 for a COVID Works for Queensland Program that will immediately support jobs over the next year.
“We will also be rolling out the latest $70 million round of the Building our Regions program.
“The new funding announced today builds on the $600 million commitment under Works for Queensland and the $515 million commitment under Building our Regions, taking total funding to more than $1.3 billion for local governments.”
Local Government Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the COVID Works for Queensland program would help councils across the State with their pandemic economic recovery efforts.
“We’re still finalising the details, but this program will expand to include South East Queensland councils and will be on top of the $600 million remote and regional program,” he said.
“We recognise the enormous economic impact, including unemployment, that has come in the wake of this pandemic.
“The COVID Works for Queensland program will give councils the capacity to deliver job-creating infrastructure and maintenance projects in the areas of essential services, economic development and community wellbeing.
“Not a mayor in regional Queensland misses the opportunity to ask when more Works for Queensland funding will be delivered, and every mayor in South East Queensland always asks when the program will be extended to their councils.
“As has been seen with the very successful and popular Works for Queensland Program, the projects that are delivered not only create jobs but also increase the liveability of our Queensland communities.”
