Queensland councils shortlisted for infrastructure funds

Thirty-nine regional councils from Torres Shire to Bulloo have been shortlisted for a share in $70 million under the latest round of the Queensland Government’s Building our Regions program.

Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said Round 4 of the program is focused on projects with enduring economic outcomes for regional communities.

“Projects that have strong, direct economic outcomes are vital for driving regional Queensland’s economic future and for generating jobs,” Mr Dick said.

“The 53 projects shortlisted for funding include airport and saleyard upgrades, tourist and community facilities, art galleries, a barramundi fishing and recreational precinct, a conference and cultural centre, an aged care facility, industrial estates, a racecourse development and digital connectivity projects.”  

In previous rounds of Building our Regions, the program has allocated $225 million to 174 projects, generating 1762 jobs.

“Funding isn’t guaranteed and councils with shortlisted projects will now have to prepare business cases for their projects, demonstrating detailed and compelling reasons for their projects to gain funding,” Mr Dick said.

“They will have six weeks from Monday 30 July 2018 until Friday 7 September 2018 to submit their business cases.

“During this time, I encourage councils to seek advice from their local Department of State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning (DSDMIP) office.”

Local Government Association of Queensland chief executive Greg Hallam said the Building Our Regions fund provided local councils with the means to deliver to their communities timely, value for money projects that created jobs.

“The Palaszczuk Government knows local councils understand the infrastructure needs of their communities and have the ability to meet those needs as effectively as possible,’’ he said.

Business cases will undergo a comprehensive assessment process by DSDMIP and an advisory committee of senior Queensland Government executives.

Successful projects are expected to be announced in late 2018.

More information about Building our regions: www.dsdmip.qld.gov.au/buildingourregions

ENDS

Media contact: Catherine Palmer, 0424 823 424