Building our Regions delivering for SWQ

Communities in South West Queensland, including Roma and Quilpie are benefitting from improved infrastructure and the support of local jobs under the Palaszczuk Government’s $375 million Building our Regions program.

Minister for State Development Dr Anthony Lynham, who today (Saturday 25 March) officially opened the new airport terminal in Roma, said investment in critical and community infrastructure projects was necessary for meeting the current and future demands of the local communities across the state’s South West.

 “The Palaszczuk Government’s continues to invest in the delivery of critical infrastructure projects across regional and remote Queensland to keep local economies, such as Roma’s ticking over in the longer term,” Dr Lynham Said.

“Our $375 million Building our Regions program continues to be a driving force to do that.

“After the success of the first two rounds, round three of this program is currently open.

“I’m pleased to note that three projects in Maranoa have been shortlisted under this round, including the Roma saleyard multi-purpose facility, a sewer main upgrade, and a water main augmentation.

“All councils with shortlisted projects have until Friday 7 April to submit detailed applications for a share of $70 million available under Round 3.

“State-wide, Building our Regions has already allocated $150 million to 93 projects, which has attracted a further $275 million investment from councils and other organisations.

“Two projects have been funded in Maranoa under previous rounds, including $2 million to upgrade the Roma airport runway and $3.09 million for flood mitigation works—supporting a total of 42 jobs during construction.”

Dr Lynham said successful projects for Round 3 of Building our Regions would be announced by mid-year.

The Minister also travelled to Quilpie to inspect the recently completed Bulloo Park redevelopment, which will provide better facilities for community events and improve its use as an evacuation centre.

“This project was made possible with $500k in funding under the Building our Regions program, and importantly has supported more than 3 jobs in the local community,” Dr Lynham said.

The Palaszczuk Government provided $580,000 towards the Bulloo Park redevelopment project, delivered in partnership with $800,000 from the Australian Government and $120,000 from Quilpie Shire Council.

The Roma Airport terminal redevelopment was delivered through $531,082 in Queensland Government funding, complementing the $2,257,972 provided by Maranoa Regional Council and $500,000 support from Origin.

For more information on Building our Regions visit http://statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/buildingourregions

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Date                            25 March 2017

Media contact:           Benjamin Mulcahy 0419 562 389