Money returns to regional Queensland

The Newman Government has confirmed that more than 90 per cent of its council flood and infrastructure money has gone to regional and rural councils for 2012-13.

Local Government Minister David Crisafulli said almost $23.5 million of the $26 million allocated in the past week through Local Government grants programs had gone to councils outside the southeast corner. 

“The flow of money to the regions, announced last week, signals a dramatic shift in the way the State does business,” Mr Crisafulli said.

“For far too long under Labor, regional Queensland has suffered while big city projects in the southeast soaked up the majority of funding.

“Somehow, artwork for Brisbane became more important than a levee for Roma, but those days are over.”

This year’s funding will see more than 100 flood and infrastructure projects get underway in about 50 regional council areas across the State.

Projects include upgrades to the Aramac showgrounds, the construction of a new community and evacuation centre in Burketown, and the installation of automated flood and rainfall gauges at Cherbourg.

The Newman Government is also giving $495 million over four years to 14 councils under pressure from the mining boom so they can build vital infrastructure for their growing communities.

“Wherever they live, people are proud of their communities and they don’t want to see them wither and die,” Mr Crisafulli said.

“Regional Queensland is vital if we are going to develop a strong four pillar economy.

“We know the State is bigger than the southeast corner, and that’s why we are investing in the regions like never before.”

[ENDS] 27 November, 2012

Media Contact: Monica Rostron 0409 126 332

                         Andrew Longmire 0418 216 627