Royalties for the Regions Round 2 projects confirmed

Twenty regional councils across Queensland can commence work on Royalties for the Regions Round 2 projects after their detailed business cases were announced as successful.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney said almost $100 million would go to better roads, water treatment and supply facilities and important services like childcare centres in regional Queensland.

“The final endorsement of these projects demonstrates the Newman Government’s commitment to delivering better infrastructure and giving a fair share of royalties back to the regional communities that support resource projects,” Mr Seeney said.

“This was a key election commitment and delivers on our promise to provide better infrastructure as well as revitalise frontline services and there is more to come.

“Round 3 expressions of interest applications have just closed and the Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning has received keen interest from 43 regional councils submitting a total of 88 expressions of interest.

“Royalties for the Regions is successful because of its collaboration and partnership with industry and local government.

“Almost $135 million has been provided in co-contributions for Round 2 projects:  $48 million from local government, $51 million from industry and the remainder from state and federal government agencies and the not for profit sector.

“I look forward to announcing short listed Round 3 expressions of interest in April this year.”

Since 2012, the Royalties for the Regions program has delivered benefits to regional Queensland including:

• 23 road projects, totalling 215.15 kilometre of upgrades
• Risk of flooding reduced for 98 homes and 37 businesses in Toowoomba
• Protection of around 500 businesses and residences in Roma
• Increase in waste recycling from 5 per cent to 45 per cent in Western Downs
• Connecting five remote communities with 700km of fibre optics
• Long day care places increased by 22 in Blackall-Tambo
• Increase in sewerage treatment capacity by 3400 equivalent persons in Miles
• Increase in airport security screening and seating capacity from 34 to 140 in Cloncurry.

A list of confirmed Royalties for the Regions Round 2 projects is attached. These projects were announced as successful short listed expressions of interest in October 2013.

For more information visit http://www.qld.gov.au/royalties

[ENDS] 3 March 2014
Media Contact: Jane Paterson 0417 281 754 or Elizabeth Spry 0418 928 744