$150 million to make SEQ an innovation powerhouse
Published Sunday, 29 September, 2024 at 11:33 AM
JOINT STATEMENT
Minister for State Development and Infrastructure, Minister for Industrial Relations and Minister for Racing
The Honourable Grace Grace
Minister for the Environment and the Great Barrier Reef and Minister for Science and Innovation
The Honourable Leanne Linard
South East Queensland (SEQ) is set to become an innovation powerhouse thanks to more than $150 million of investment in infrastructure to boost the region’s innovation economy.
The SEQ Innovation Economy Fund is part of the $1.8 billion SEQ partnership between the Australian Government, Queensland Government and Council of Mayors (SEQ), which aims to improve the accessibility, prosperity and liveability of the region – home to around four million residents.
Eligible local governments, industry, public and private entities can now apply for funding for capital projects that will deliver new and improved innovation infrastructure in SEQ and help grow high-value, knowledge-intensive jobs across the region.
The Australian and Queensland governments have committed $50 million each to create the fund, with at least $50 million in co-contributions required from industry.
The fund aims to support capital projects which will:
Funding of up to $25 million is available for major capital projects that include new builds, extensions or refurbishments of innovation infrastructure, the purchase and installation of new equipment, or innovation-specific expansions to current capital projects.
Funding of up to $5 million is available for minor capital projects including refurbishments and the purchase and installation of new equipment.
Applications for the SEQ Innovation Economy Fund close 22 November 2024. More information can be found at https://advance.qld.gov.au/grants-and-programs/innovation-economy-fund.
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Cities Jenny McAllister:
“We want to help grow South East Queensland’s innovation economy.
“Investing in future technologies and industries will drive innovation, create more high value job opportunities and make South East Queensland an even more excitingplace to work and live.”
“The Albanese Governemnt is working closely with our state and local government partners to deliver initiatives that benefit the community and support the local economy.”
Quotes attributable to Queensland Minister for State Development and Infrastructure Grace Grace:
Quotes attributable to Queensland Minister for Science and Innovation Leanne Linard: