State refocuses funding to boost regional economies

Infrastructure projects that deliver enduring economic benefits for regional communities will be the focus of Round 4 of the Palaszczuk Government’s Building our Regions (BoR).

Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said while previous BoR rounds had funded a variety of good projects, funding will now be directed to projects with stronger direct economic outcomes.

“Our BoR program has been most successful in generating construction jobs and other shorter-term benefits throughout regional Queensland - 1762 jobs through 174 projects in 62 councils - and this next round of funding, which is about to open, will ramp up the emphasis on projects that deliver real economic development clout,” Mr Dick said.

“My department will work closely with eligible councils to assist in identifying and prioritising the most appropriate projects and will provide support to councils in preparing robust submissions for the two-stage application process.

“I encourage councils to put forward projects that will deliver enduring economic outcomes for their regions, align with councils’ priorities, drive economic development and generate jobs,” he said.

Mr Dick said $70 million had been allocated to Round 4 of the Building our Regions program, with applications set to open on April 3.

Local Government Association of Queensland acting chief executive Sarah Buckler said the Building Our Regions fund was an important and valuable means of ensuring local communities derived the employment and investment benefits from well-planned and properly maintained infrastructure assets.

"The Palaszczuk Government knows that local councils will deliver value for money projects in a timely manner," Ms Buckler said.

"The LGAQ welcomes the new round of $70 million as an economic injection for the regions and appreciates the Government's willingness to extend the closing date for expressions of interest from councils affected by recent floods."

The new BoR guidelines are now available and representatives from the Department of State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning are currently conducting information sessions around the state.

 “This is an exciting new stage in the Building our Regions program, and I look forward to seeing the calibre of projects put forward as we continue to ensure regional Queensland has a strong economic future that sustains long-term jobs and opportunities,” Mr Dick said.

The closing date for expressions of interest is 27 April 2018. Councils who have had Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) activated due to the March 2018 flood events will have an additional four weeks to submit their applications.

For more information visit: www.dsdmip.qld.gov.au/buildingourregions

Media contact: Cath Palmer, 0424 823 424