Palaszczuk Government helps Townsville work its way to economic recovery

Upgrading the Northern Beaches Leisure Centre pool, improving the irrigation system at the Palmetum Botanical Gardens and replacing water pipes were just some of the items Townsville City Council discussed with Local Government Minister Stirling Hinchliffe when he visited the region.

Each of these projects has been submitted by the Council to be considered for funding through the Palaszczuk Government’s $200 million Unite and Recover COVID Works for Queensland program.

Mr Hinchliffe said the program was a significant component of the Unite and Recover for Queensland Jobs blueprint for recovery as the world continued to grapple with the health and economic fallout of the pandemic.

“This specific program is expected to create or support thousands of jobs across the State, hundreds of which will be in North Queensland.

“Townsville City Council has been allocated $13.54 million through the COVID Works for Queensland program and it will go a long way to helping boost resilience.

“It’s really important to meet with the council and talk about how our two levels of government can unite to benefit our communities and our workforces.”

Member for Mundingburra Coralee O’Rourke said the irrigation system for the gardens would be a welcome upgrade.

“This is such a haven for our residents and a drawcard for visitors that it’s important to make sure it’s in the best shape possible,” she said.

Member for Townsville Scott Stewart welcomed the extra funding for city projects.

“Our councils are doing outstanding jobs by delivering services and infrastructure for their regions, towns and cities, and now we’re making sure they have the support they need to stimulate their economies and create jobs,” he said.

Member for Thuringowa Aaron Harper said the Government was standing shoulder to shoulder with the Council to help Townsville unite and recover.

“This is an outstanding result for the communities in and around this beautiful city,” he said.

The funding builds on the $600 million Works for Queensland program, through which this Council has received $69.607 million, helping deliver 96 projects and supporting or creating 1,582 local jobs so far.

Townsville City Council Mayor Jenny Hill thanked the Queensland Government for its support.

“There is no doubt that Works for Queensland has made an enormous impact on our community, helping the council deliver new and upgraded infrastructure,” Mayor Hill said.

“The COVID Works for Queensland funding will be just as important as we look to get through this difficult time together.”

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.

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