Palaszczuk Government delivers jobs for Southern Border

The Palaszczuk Government is continuing to deliver jobs and economy-boosting infrastructure for the Southern Border region, today announcing the next round of projects through the $400 million Works for Queensland program.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure Jackie Trad said the Southern Border would receive over $5 million investment for community infrastructure.

“Councils across the state have told us how the Works for Queensland program is transforming their community’s infrastructure and delivering jobs and I am very pleased that these new projects for the Southern Border region are being announced today,” Ms Trad said.

“Councils have told us that this $5 million will create or support around 300 jobs.

“This program is all about jumpstarting projects and delivering jobs quickly and I’m proud that we are increasing the funding and giving regional councils another boost.

Minister for Local Government Mark Furner in announcing the next round of Works for Queensland projects said he has seen firsthand the benefits that Works for Queensland is having on the Southern Downs community.

“Today we’ve seen a number of projects underway, being built – now we’re announcing another round of funding which means more jobs,” Mr Furner said.

“Through the new round the Palaszczuk Government will deliver funding for 23 projects which councils advise will create and support around 300 jobs.

“Important community projects like the refurbishment and relocation of the Killarney Scout Building into a multi-purpose facility, a Dungaree commemorative memorial space and extending and developing the Stanthorpe Industrial area making the Southern Border region an even better place to live and work.

“Through this new round of funding the Southern Downs Regional Council will be able to deliver important infrastructure works which will benefit the entire community now and into the future.

“This investment in regional infrastructure is all thanks to a great partnership between the Palaszczuk Government and local councils.”

Mayor for Southern Downs Tracy Dobie said the program supports real, meaningful jobs for regional Queenslanders.

“We are extremely pleased that the Palaszczuk Government is investing in the Works for Queensland program – we’ve never seen a funding package quite like this before that puts jobs first,” Mayor Dobie said.

“Works for Queensland is all about delivering jobs in our region and these new projects will do just that.

“The first round of funding has already contributed to job creation in our region, through projects like the Schnitzerling Street intersection upgrade, Connolly Dam pipeline upgrade, Morgan Park sewerage connection.

Local Government Association of Queensland President Mark Jamieson said Works for Queensland projects are making a huge difference to the lives of Regional Queenslanders.

“Projects like these are building on the success stories that Works for Queensland has produced and supporting local governments as ideal partners with the Palaszczuk Government in the challenging task of job creation,” Mr Jamieson said.

“As the level of government closest to the community, strong local employers and reliable drivers of regional economies, councils are best placed to deliver initiatives aimed at bolstering local jobs growth, designing smart cities, improving water and wastewater services and pursuing economic development opportunities.”

Projects funded include:

• Balonne Shire Council will receive $1.21 million for 5 projects including renovating the grandstand at Rowden Park and revitalising the St George swimming pool complex
• Goondiwindi Regional Council will receive $1.37 million for 7 projects including refurbishing town parks and upgrading various water treatment facilities such as Yelarbon plant
• Southern Downs Regional Council will receive $2.9 million for 11 projects including the refurbishment and relocation of existing Killarney Scout Building into a multi-purpose facility and extending and developing the Stanthorpe Industrial area

For more information visit Works for Queensland

ENDS

Media contact:          Clare Manton (Deputy Premier) 0432 446 268