Works for Queensland funding boost to create more jobs for locals

Townsville City Council has welcomed the Palaszczuk Government’s announcement to bring forward more than $12 million in Works for Queensland funding for local projects.

Deputy Mayor Les Walker said the Works for Queensland program had already created hundreds of jobs locally.

“Works for Queensland is a great collaboration between the State Government and Council to deliver infrastructure projects that build a better community and create jobs for locals,” Cr Walker said.

“Townsville City Council is very excited to have this funding brought forward because we have a huge number of shovel-ready projects to deliver for our community.”

Cr Walker said Council is looking to apply for Works for Queensland funding to help deliver some of the projects in the Townsville 2020 Masterplan.

“Council released the Castle Hill Concept Plan this week, and I’m sure a number of projects in it could be built with funding from Works for Queensland,” Cr Walker said.

“Council also has the Mount Louisa Concept Plan and the Riverway Splash Water Park that we want completed.

“Using the Works for Queensland funding on Townsville 2020 projects will not only create jobs during the construction phase but has the potential to create jobs well into the future.”

Local Councillor Ann-Maree Greaney said previous rounds of Works for Queensland funding had delivered upgrades to Castle Hill’s extremely popular walking tracks.

“Castle Hill is synonymous with Townsville and it is absolutely adored by locals and visitors,” Cr Greaney said.

“We’ve already spruced up the Hill by upgrading the walking tracks but now Council has developed a concept plan to enhance one of the city’s most well-loved public spaces.

“We’ll be examining whether to apply for this additional Works for Queensland funding for some of the projects in the Castle Hill Concept Plan such as the new pedestrian link to the CBD or new viewing platforms.”

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