Regional councils share in $300 million for critical infrastructure

• Miles Government launches largest-ever round of Works for Queensland 
• New $300 million round will support hundreds of projects in regional areas
• Spans housing, critical infrastructure and regional economic development 

Regional councils are set to share in $300 million of new funding to deliver essential local infrastructure and services under a record round of Works for Queensland.

The 2024-27 round of Works for Queensland has increased the total funding pool to $300 million from the previous $200 million and will benefit the 65 councils outside the south-east corner of the state.

Applications will open next week for councils to propose local projects, such as housing supply and supporting infrastructure, water infrastructure, community safety, roads and drainage, disaster resilience and community sports facilities.

The latest round of the now $1.1 billion program shows the Miles Government’s focus on pulling every lever to deliver critical infrastructure across every region of the state.

Under new guidelines released today, councils can also put part of their allocated funding towards planning for key infrastructure as well as staff training to operate essential assets.

By the end of June 2024, Works for Queensland will have supported more than 26,000 jobs in regional Queensland across almost 2,200 projects.

Quotes attributable to Premier Steven Miles:

“Regional councils are at the coalface of delivering for their growing communities, well above the roads, rates and rubbish they are often tagged with.

“That’s why our Works for Queensland program is so important to support the delivery of community building infrastructure, like parks, new homes, and disaster resilience.

“This bigger, better $300 million round will support even more projects and importantly, even more local jobs.

“Partnership is an easy word to say but my government is backing it up with real action –  working hand in hand with Councils near and far to deliver the infrastructure they need.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Housing, Local Government and Planning and Minister for Public Works Meaghan Scanlon:

“Our Miles Labor Government continues to back regional councils and invest in regional communities.

“That’s why this is the largest round of our Works for Queensland program to be rolled out.

“This program is delivering critical community infrastructure right across the state.

“This latest round is focused on working with councils to deliver critical infrastructure that Queenslanders need.

“These partnerships with councils are critical to delivering the infrastructure and housing that Queenslanders need.

Quotes attributable to LGAQ President Mark Jamieson:

“Works for Queensland is critical to the liveability and sustainability of 65 councils across Queensland, and the local communities they represent,” President Jamieson said.

“This is why the LGAQ has been relentless in its campaign to have this funding secured and at $100 million per year.

“We thank the Premier for ensuring his government delivers on the promise to ensure the future of this crucial program and its restoration back to $100 million a year over the next three years.”

Further information:

• Works for Queensland supports regional councils to deliver infrastructure that creates jobs, supports economic development and boosts liveability in their communities.
• Councils can also put up to 20 per cent of their funding allocation towards planning projects and up to five per cent towards capability development projects.
• Applications will open 13 May, with the successful projects to be announced later this year.
• For more information, including funding guidelines, visit www.localgovernment.qld.gov.au/works-for-queensland

Projects supported through the 2021-24 round included:  

• $6.46 million to Rockhampton Regional Council towards the North Rockhampton Sewage Treatment Plant upgrade
• $1.08 million to Quilpie Shire Council to deliver new homes to accommodate council workers
• $2.75 million to Fraser Coast Regional Council for bridge and floodway replacement, repairs and construction   
• $5.7 million to the Mackay Regional Council for gravel re-sheeting of existing roads throughout the Mackay region
• $1.45 million to Cairns Regional Council for the Edmonton West water pump station renewal project
• $2.43 million to Gladstone Regional Council to rejuvenate the Gladstone Aquatic Centre

ENDS

Media contact – Francis Dela Cruz 0420 592 078