Lockyer Valley facilities score cash injection

The Newman Government is focussing on local jobs and lifestyle by supporting key council projects in the Lockyer Valley over the next 12 months.

Local Government Minister David Crisafulli said $250,000 had been set aside to help the Lockyer Valley Regional Council revamp the Laidley Cultural Centre and improve parking and security at Lake Apex.

“Council has put forward these projects as community priorities, and we’ve stretched every dollar to give maximum value for money,” Mr Crisafulli said.

Council will receive $200,000 towards refurbishing Laidley’s Cultural Centre, which takes over 500 bookings a year for local community group functions. The funding will deliver an overhaul of the entrance, function room and stairwell of the building.   

A further $50,000 will see council build additional car parking spaces and install 80 plastic bollards to prevent vandalism at Lake Apex.

Local Government Minister David Crisafulli said the Local Government Grants and Subsidies Program was about building infrastructure in local communities while also creating jobs at an important time.

“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,” Mr Crisafulli said.

“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.

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

[ENDS] 18 July 2013

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