Multi-million-dollar boost to liveability in South East Queensland

Millions of Queenslanders are set to benefit from 22 local infrastructure projects that aim to boost the liveability of communities across the booming south-east corner.  

The Australian Government, Queensland Government and Council of Mayors (South East Queensland) have today announced the first tranche of projects funded under the SEQ Liveability Fund.

Under the fund eleven local governments will share in $200 million in Australian and Queensland Government funding.

The local governments will contribute more than $85 million towards projects, which will support residents’ health and wellbeing, as well as projected population growth.

Successful projects include all-abilities walking and cycling trails on the Sunshine Coast, upgrading the Beenleigh Aquatic Centre, and a new precinct celebrating silo art in the Lockyer Valley.

The SEQ Liveability Fund is one of 29 commitments being delivered under the $1.8 billion SEQ City Deal, a partnership between the Australian and Queensland governments and Council of Mayors (SEQ) to generate long-lasting benefits for the fast-growing region.

One in seven Australians – or around four million people – currently call SEQ home. By 2046, the region’s population is expected to grow to nearly six million.

Today’s announcement follows a detailed assessment stage, which builds on the initial expressions of interest process for the SEQ Liveability Fund, with shortlisted projects announced in January.

Funding for a second tranche of projects currently undergoing detailed assessment is expected to be announced in the coming months.

For more information, visit https://www.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/more-liveable-seq.

For images: SEQ City Deal Liveability Funding Announcement - Images and renders

Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:

“The Australian Government is committed to improving our cities and regions to provide a high quality of life.

 “It’s critical that all three levels of government work together to support this population growth and create liveable, creative, sustainable and healthy communities.

Quotes attributable to Queensland Minister for State Development and Infrastructure Grace Grace:

“The Queensland Government is investing in SEQ to ensure it remains a great place to live as the region grows.

“The SEQ Liveability Fund gives councils the chance to partner with the Australian and Queensland governments to deliver infrastructure that will improve access to quality open space and the natural environment, contributing to the long-term social, environmental and economic sustainability of communities.

“It’s exciting to see councils’ responses to this opportunity to boost local community and sport engagement in the lead up to Brisbane 2032 and beyond.

“The projects announced today will support residents’ health and wellbeing, create jobs and supply chain benefits for local businesses, and complement the Queensland Government’s $107 billion Big Build capital program.

“They are a wonderful example of what can be achieved for Queensland when our three levels of government work together.”

Quotes attributable to Council of Mayors (SEQ) Chair, Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner:

“South East Queensland is experiencing significant population growth as more Australians discover our unmatched lifestyle and want to call our region home.

“Better parks, more public art, improved community facilities and new walking and cycling paths help create more to see and do in our growing communities.

“Australian and Queensland government support for our Victoria Park transformation will help deliver an exciting new adventure playground and make it easier for people to get around.

“Our region is one of the best places in the world to live and we’re keen to continue working with the Australian and Queensland governments to make it even better.”

MEDIA CONTACTS:

MINISTER KING – LYNDAL CURTIS 0497 847 212

MINISTER GRACE – KIM SWEETMAN 0457 600 237

LORD MAYOR SCHRINNER – MATTHEW HENDRY 0417 603 634

SEQ Mayors Quotes:

Quotes attributable to Redland City Council Mayor Jos Mitchell:  

“Redland City Council welcomes the opportunity, through the help of the South East Queensland Liveability Fund, to build on the unique and valued lifestyle we enjoy across our city. 

“Sport has enormous social value in our community and this funding will help increase engagement with local sport as the region heads into the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. 

“These projects will provide lighting and other infrastructure upgrades at several sporting venues across Redlands Coast and will also help foster greater levels of health and wellbeing within our community.   

“Council looks forward to collaborating with all levels of government as we collaboratively work to further enhance liveability on Redlands Coast.” 

Quotes attributable to Lockyer Valley Regional Council Mayor Tanya Milligan:

“We’re super excited as the projects being funded will showcase our amazing region, boost our local economy and enhance our wonderful lifestyle. 

“Lake Apex Parkland is one of our premier open spaces attracting local families and drawing travellers from far and wide, and this project will allow us to welcome many more visitors.  

“The Forest Hill Silos Mural Project will deliver the closest silo art to SEQ’s booming population, and provide a massive injection to the economy of our nearby towns and businesses.  

“The support of the Australian and Queensland governments to turn community aspirations into reality is greatly appreciated.” 

Quotes attributable to City of Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery:

“We welcome this significant funding for City of Moreton Bay that will have great benefits for residents and visitors, encouraging them to take in the outdoors and enjoy active transport.  

“I’m excited to see projects come to fruition including active transport connections, walking trails at The Mill, a highly accessible nature play park at Centenary Lakes and of course the Suttons Beach Pavilion Public Space Project 

“This funding demonstrates what can be achieved when all levels of governments work together.” 

Quotes attributable to Logan City Council Mayor Jon Raven:

“I welcome the funding, which will benefit the City of Logan’s 377,000 residents for generations to come. 

“Waterford West District Park is the largest investment in a new park in our city’s history, 

“The community is excited about the master plan we’ve created for the site, with a water play area, a playground, paths, barbecues and picnic shelters providing a range of recreation opportunities. 

“The Beenleigh Aquatic Centre redevelopment delivers a second 50 metre pool for Logan in the lead-up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games as well as other modern facilities for local residents.” 

Quotes attributable to Toowoomba Regional Council Mayor Geoff McDonald: 

“Council welcomes this opportunity to work with the Australian and Queensland governments to boost our grassroots sporting facilities. 

“Drive past Kearney’s Spring Recreation Reserve when sport is being played and you see literally hundreds of families at the ground. 

“This funding isn’t just a physical investment in bricks and mortar infrastructure. Sport adds so much more to the fabric of our community by building connections between each other and keeping people active and healthy. 

“This funding shows what can happen when all levels of government work together to develop our communities.” 

Quotes attributable to Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding: 

“This funding opportunity is a great demonstration of all levels of government working together to deliver great outcomes for their communities. 

“Given the significant growth being experienced in Ipswich and the increasing demand for sporting services, Council is very pleased these two proposals have been funded with the aim of boosting our grassroots sporting facilities. 

“We can now expand our very popular Redbank Plains Recreation Reserve and the Tivoli Sports Complex to provide additional sporting fields and amenities to better service Ipswich community.

“Ipswich is a city that loves its sport. We recognise that participation in sports brings different cultures together, keeps kids fit and healthy, and helps us build positive and inclusive communities in our city. 

“With the 2032 Games fast approaching, these venues upgrades will help support our sportspeople’s quest to achieve their sporting goals.” 

Quotes attributable to Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli: 

This funding opportunity is another example of Council working together with other levels of government to connect and engage with our communities to build a better future for everyone.  

“These projects will contribute towards creating a safe, high quality connected active transport network that improves the lifestyle, health and sustainability of the region.

“They will help achieve an active transport-friendly place where people of all ages walk and cycle for enjoyment and transport.  

“These active transport links will form part of a connected active transport network that provides access to Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games event venues including the Sunshine Coast Sports Precinct venue, Alexandra Headland events, Athlete’s Village Maroochydore and the Caloundra live venue.” 

Quotes attributable to Scenic Rim Mayor Tom Sharp:

“Scenic Rim Regional Council welcomes the announcement of funding from the SEQ Liveability Fund for accessible unisex change facilities at Beaudesert and Boonah. 

“The new facilities will be a valuable addition to two of our region's largest sporting grounds, Selwyn Park at Beaudesert and the Boonah Sports Complex at Coronation Park, and support Council's goal for a healthier and more active community. 

“Changerooms that meet modern accessibility guidelines will encourage greater participation in a range of sporting activities and help meet the needs of our community as it continues to grow.” 

Quotes attributable to Noosa Mayor Frank Wilkie:  

“We welcome the opportunity to work with the Federal and Queensland governments to boost Cooroy’s sporting facilities through the SEQ Liveability Fund.

“Improving coastal pathways and new cycling and walking infrastructure in Peregian Beach is another important project for our shire. 

“This funding is a great example of what can happen when all three levels of government work together. 

“We remain committed to delivering projects that improve lifestyle and liveability for our residents, workers and those who visit our shire. 

“This demonstrates the tangible benefit to our community of being a part of the SEQ Council of Mayors and how it is creating opportunities for the health and wellbeing of our community.” 

Quotes attributable to Somerset Regional Council Mayor Jason Wendt:   

“We’re excited to see funding confirmed from the SEQ City Deal Liveability fund, which will help Council deliver a number of important projects for our region. 

“Projects such as the Kilcoy Streetscape Revitalisation Stage one will help enhance the Eastern Gateway to Kilcoy and promote tourism in Somerset while the Lowood Futures Strategy Stage one focuses on the relocation and improvement of carparking to enable the creation of a green botanic core in the Lowood Town Centre.  

“The City Deal shows what is possible when all three levels of government work collaboratively together to deliver important infrastructure and community facilities.”