Newman Government Gets Money out in Record Time

The Newman Government and Queensland councils have set a record with the fastest approvals for injection of money into communities for infrastructure delivery.

Local Government Minister David Crisafulli said this year the State received 135 applications, up from 106 last year, and approved 84 infrastructure projects for 49 councils under the Local Government Grants and Subsidies Program. 

 “Queensland councils are setting a cracking pace in their willingness to work with us to get money flowing into their cities and towns,” Mr Crisafulli said.

“The result of this process is $14.6 million is being fast-tracked to local communities rather than sitting for months in Treasury coffers.”

“Money back to communities means local job creation and that’s what councils have helped us achieve.

“This must be the year of delivery for all levels of government and we’re making projects happen to help councils deliver a better lifestyle for their communities.

“There was a time only a few years ago when it would take nearly a year for the State Government to call for applications and award funding for these types of projects.

“This year it has been completed in six weeks.”

The funds will be used to build or upgrade infrastructure such as parks and playgrounds, water treatment plants, sporting fields, tourist information centres and more. 

“For the first time, this money will be spent entirely in this financial year so as well as improving what makes our communities special it will also be injecting money at the right time,” he said.

“Councils are raring to go, and the State will do what’s needed to help them.”

[ENDS] 17 July 2013

Media: Monica Rostron 0409 126 332; Andrew Longmire 0418 216  627