Revitalising the Mooloolaba Foreshore, developing a new Beerwah Community Meeting Place, and upgrading the Peregian Beach Boardwalk are just some of the local projects to be funded with the Queensland Government’s $50 million Unite and Recover Community Stimulus Package.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said 1500 jobs would be supported or created with the funding going to 12 South East Queensland councils for 63 projects under the Queensland Government’s $50 million Unite and Recover Community Stimulus Package.
“Throughout the Sunshine Coast Regional Council and Noosa Shire Council areas, 18 projects are receiving $8.81 million which the councils estimate will create or support more than 680 local jobs,” the Premier said.
“This package builds on the $50 million allocated to the 12 SEQ councils through the COVID Works for Queensland program to make $100 million worth of job-creating projects aimed at helping the region unite and recover from the impacts of the global pandemic.
“This package is an integral part of Queensland’s plan to stimulate the economy at a time when the major economies across the globe are hurting.”
Minister for Local Government Stirling Hinchliffe said the positive effects will be felt almost immediately.
“The Unite and Recover Community Stimulus Package will help our councils build new and upgraded infrastructure and give their communities’ economies a boost,” he said.
“From Noosa to the Gold Coast and from Toowoomba to Moreton Bay, councils estimate more than 1500 jobs will be created or supported through 63 projects for the communities.
“This is a fantastic result for our most densely populated region, which has felt the effects of the pandemic more than anywhere else in Queensland through the forced closure of businesses and borders.
“Our councils have also been doing it tough with the closure of services, provision of community support concessions and reduced revenue, including rates and charges revenue, all while leading their communities.
“This program is allowing the councils to fast-track new infrastructure and community assets, and in doing so, helping to get the communities back on their feet faster.”
Sunshine Coast Regional Council Mayor Mark Jamieson thanked the Queensland Government for the initiative.
“It has been a particularly tough time and these projects are designed to create jobs and give the local economy a much needed boost,” Mayor Jamieson said.
“We are ready to get shovels in the ground as soon as possible to make sure the benefits are delivered to the community sooner.”
The councils eligible for Unite and Recover Community Stimulus Package funding are Brisbane City, Gold Coast City, Ipswich City, Lockyer Valley Regional, Logan City, Moreton Bay Regional, Noosa Shire, Redland City, Scenic Rim Regional, Somerset Regional, Sunshine Coast Regional and Toowoomba Regional Councils.
