Royalties for the Regions Round 4 opens today

Supporting jobs and regional investment will be one of the funding priorities when Round 4 of the Queensland Government’s successful Royalties for the Regions program opens today.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney said Round 4 would provide $210 million for councils to apply for including funding for strategic projects to supercharge regional economies.

“Royalties for the Regions is a flagship program developed by our LNP Government to reverse the neglect Queensland’s regions experienced under Labor,” Mr Seeney said. 

“It delivers on our promise to provide better infrastructure and better planning and will revitalise front line services for families in some regions by building a new medical centre and daycare facility.

“Now is the time to refocus the program, to broaden the scope to ensure these funds help to supercharge regional economies and provide jobs and long-term benefits for regional Queenslanders.

“This essentially means that we will consider funding more projects under Round 4 – projects that deliver jobs and business investment in regional Queensland and help us to achieve the objectives set out by Queenslanders in The Queensland Plan.”

Under Round 4, all councils and state government agencies can apply for funding for projects that support economic growth in their region and achieve the outcomes of the government’s RegionsQ initiative. Launched in July, RegionsQ will formulate a plan to supercharge regional Queensland economies in conjunction with local communities.

“Round 4 will see the $210 million split into two components – a council competitive allocation and a strategic projects allocation for state-led regional infrastructure,” he said.

“I encourage councils and community groups to work together and with state government agencies in their area to identify infrastructure projects that will supercharge local economies and provide long-term benefits for their region.

“Our government has a strong plan for a brighter future for regional Queensland and Royalties for the Regions is a key way we are delivering that plan.”

Councils can apply for Royalties for the Regions Round 4 until 26 September 2014. For more information visit www.dsdip.qld.gov.au/grants-and-funding/royalties

[ENDS] 20 August 2014

Media Contact: Jane Paterson 0417 281 754 or Elizabeth Spry 0418 928 744