Palaszczuk Government continues working for Queensland jobs

A new playground at Toogoolawah Children’s Park, an extension of the Fernvale Sports Park amenities building, an upgrade of Pomona’s Memorial School of Arts and a renewal of Noosaville’s Wallace Park pathways were some of the items discussed with Local Government Minister Stirling Hinchliffe when he visited Somerset and Noosa today .

Each project has been submitted by the councils to be considered for funding through the Palaszczuk Government’s $200 million Unite and Recover COVID Works for Queensland program.

Mr Hinchliffe said it was important to meet with the councils and discuss how the two levels of government could work together to benefit their communities.

“The pandemic is having widespread economic impacts across the world and we’re not immune to that,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“These have been incredibly tough times for our communities and our councils but they are doing an outstanding job delivering services and infrastructure for our regions, towns and cities.

“The Palaszczuk Government is here to stand with them shoulder to shoulder, to help unite and recover from the effects of COVID-19.

“We are focused on three key elements: jobs, jobs and jobs."

Somerset Regional Council received more than $1.6 million and Noosa Shire Council received more than $1.8 million through the Unite and Recover COVID Works for Queensland program and will share in a further $50 million through the recently announced Unite and Recover Community Stimulus Package for South East Queensland councils.

Somerset Regional Council Mayor Graeme Lehmann thanked the Queensland Government for its support.

“These funding programs will have an enormously positive impact in our region through job creation and improving liveability,” Mayor Lehmann said.

“It has been particularly important for council to be able to talk to the Minister directly about the projects we have earmarked for the community.”

Projects include Kilcoy Race Club and footpath upgrades in the town.

Noosa Shire Council Mayor Clare Stewart welcomed the funding.

“Our community and economy have been heavily impacted by the pandemic and it is vital that both tiers of government work hand-in-hand to see us through,” Mayor Stewart said.

“We have a long way to go, but these programs will help set us on the right track to recovery.”

Projects include the Pomona Memorial School of the Arts and the navy cadet building.

COVID Works for Queensland builds on the $600 million Works for Queensland program that has already created or supported more than 19,000 jobs throughout regional Queensland.

For more information visit: www.dlgrma.qld.gov.au/covid-w4q 

Media: Bernadette Condren 0417 296 116

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