South West jobs boost through COVID Works for Queensland

Published Wednesday, 03 June, 2020 at 05:05 PM

Minister for Local Government, Minister for Racing and Minister for Multicultural Affairs
The Honourable Stirling Hinchliffe

South West Queensland will benefit from job opportunities and new assets from bikeways and footpaths to sport and recreation facilities through $9.87 million from the Palaszczuk Government’s $200 million COVID Works for Queensland program.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the funding would have an enormous impact on the region and the State, with up to 8000 jobs being supported or created across Queensland.

 “The allocation of $9.87 million to councils across the South West regions will see projects delivered that will have long-term economic benefits and increase liveability in these communities,” she said.

“I know Queenslanders are resilient, but our Government also recognises how difficult it has been for the region with economic hardship and unemployment in the wake of this pandemic.

“COVID Works for Queensland funding will provide a huge lift for employment opportunities, local economies, and most importantly community spirit.”

“In the past three years, we have seen how incredibly successful the Works for Queensland program has been throughout regional Queensland, delivering more than 19,000 jobs and counting, and now every council will be given a boost to deliver job-creating infrastructure and maintenance projects,” he said.

“We have never had to deal with anything like the repercussions from this pandemic, which is why the Queensland Government has put together the $6 billion economic recovery strategy Unite and Recover for Queensland Jobs, of which COVID Works for Queensland is an integral part for our councils and their communities.”   

Winton Shire Council Mayor Gavin Baskett welcomed the Queensland Government support.

“It’s great to see the current round of Works for Queensland being given a boost of $200 million,” Cr Baskett said.

“This will help Winton Shire Council maintain it’s essential infrastructure and keep local people employed during these tough times.

“The Queensland State Government has once again put faith in Local Government to deliver locally lead projects and get this money on the ground quickly where it’s needed.”

South West councils will receive COVID Works for Queensland funding of:

  • Bulloo Shire Council - $1.03 million
  • Murweh Shire Council - $1.27 million
  • Paroo Shire Council - $1.14 million
  • Quilpie Shire Council - $1.07 million
  • Barcaldine Regional Council - $1.11 million
  • Barcoo Shire Council - $1.02 million
  • Blackall-Tambo Regional Council - $1.07 million
  • Longreach Regional Council - $1.12 million
  • Winton Shire Council - $1.04 million

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

Across the three rounds of the Works for Queensland program, these councils have received more than $30.9 million, which has supported or created more than 1900 jobs.

Projects include upgrades to Wyandra and Eulo halls, Quilpie Airport upgrades and work on the Muttaburrasaurus Interpretation Centre in Muttaburra.

Media contact: Bernadette Condren 0417 296 116

ENDS