Jobs bonanza for Regional Queensland

$200 million will kick off 723 projects and support almost 6,000 jobs across regional Queensland on economy-boosting infrastructure projects as part of the Palaszczuk Government’s Works for Queensland program.

• Far North tourism will be boosted with upgrades to Tully’s Golden Gumboot, Babinda Boulders swimming hole and Yorkey’s Knob Esplanade;
• North Queensland will reap the benefits of important community infrastructure projects such as the city trees project in Townsville and an adventure playground in Ayr; and
• The Bundaberg region will be buzzing with job creating projects like new playgrounds, pool upgrades and roadworks.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the $200 million Works for Queensland initiative was part of a $1 billion investment in dedicated programs to create jobs and deliver infrastructure outside the State’s south-east.

“My Government knows the importance of regional Queensland to the prosperity of our State. By working with local councils, we can improve infrastructure and amenities for regional Queensland and create jobs in these communities for locals,” the Premier said.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure and Planning Jackie Trad said the response to the program had been overwhelmingly positive.

“This program has been wholeheartedly embraced by councils across Queensland because they know it will deliver jobs and infrastructure for their communities,” Ms Trad said.

“Most importantly, these projects will deliver a jobs bonanza supporting almost 6,000 jobs in regional Queensland.”

“We’re delivering projects that will make our great regional communities even better places for people to live, work and raise their families.

“The Works for Queensland program has cut red tape meaning we are able to get these projects moving right now and deliver benefits for the region faster.”

Cairns Mayor Bob Manning echoed the Deputy Premier’s sentiments, saying Works for Queensland will have an immediate impact for locals.

“This funding will help us to deliver more facilities and infrastructure for the benefit of our community and to engage the local workforce in doing so,” Cr Manning said.

“We intend to use this funding to bring forward projects that have been slated for future years and which help to contribute to the liveability of our region.”

Bundaberg Mayor Jack Dempsey said Works for Queensland would have an immediate impact for locals.

“We have numerous shovel ready projects that we can deliver immediately, projects that comply with the stated outcomes of creating jobs and improving community assets and infrastructure,” Cr Dempsey said.

“This announcement is a win for our ratepayers as it eases the pressure on council’s finances.

“Specifically, council will be able to deliver capital programs that involve road building projects, parks and pathway construction and a host of other initiatives.”

Townsville mayor Cr Jenny Hill said the city’s $21.8 million in funding from the Works for Queensland program would deliver a big stimulus for jobs and the local economy.

“The Government’s Works for Queensland program will create much needed jobs and deliver 51 shovel ready projects for our community in suburbs right across Townsville,” Cr Hill said.

“With the government’s generous support, works will roll out in 88 locations in the city, generating great new opportunities for local companies and workers.

“Council’s priority is to get the tendering processes underway so that we can get projects started as soon as possible.”

Townsville City Council will deliver 51 projects with its $21.86 million allocation including:

• $1.93 million to upgrade Edison Park with new pathways, shelters, dog off-leash area, footbridges and irrigation
• $2.5 million for the Street Trees Project
• $1.25 million to streetscape Nathan Street between Charles Street and Dalrymple Road 
• $500,000 to progress Stage 2 of the Strand Water Park 
• $305,000 to trial 1500 Smart Water Meters across 5 suburbs
• $180,000 for the installation of Water Saving technology equipment into councils existing Irrigation Network sites
• $180,000 to upgrade Lake Paluma recreation facilities

Cairns Regional Council will deliver 11 projects with its $15.5 million allocation including:

• $2 million to upgrade the Yorkey’s Knob Esplanade
• $1 million for pedestrian bridges, viewing platforms and all abilities water access at Babinda Boulders
• $750,000 to construct a Nature Play park at Centenary Lakes
• $500,000 for upgrading Red Arrow Walking Trail

Bundaberg Regional Council will deliver 33 projects with its $10.71 million allocation including:

• $1.027 million to renovate the Norville pool
• $1.68 million for park upgrades, including playgrounds, new shelters, picnic tables, fitness areas and amenities
• $306,000 for a teen action area in Avoca with a sealed pump track with off-road terrain for BMX, scooters and skate boards.

The Works for Queensland Program is part of the State Infrastructure Fund.

The updated jobs figures were supplied directly by councils. For more information visit: www.dilgp.qld.gov.au/works-for-queensland

ENDS

Media Contact: Anna Jabour 0429 890 942