Government provides $50 million for community infrastructure

Councils around Queensland have been invited to submit applications for a range of State Government community infrastructure programs worth more than $50 million.

Speaking at the Community Cabinet meeting in Mount Isa today, Local Government Minister Warren Pitt announced that applications were now being accepted for the latest rounds of four funding programs:
• the Smaller Communities Assistance Program (SCAP), worth $35 million
• the Reduction of Potable Water Consumption and Loss Program (RPWCLP), worth $14 million
• the Security Improvement Program (SIP), worth $2 million
• the Landfill Remediation Assessment Program, worth $800,000.

Mr Pitt said the Smaller Communities Assistance Program targeted towns with populations of less than 5000 people, and provided councils with funding to build important water and sewerage infrastructure.

“This is the ninth round of this highly successful program, and there is $35 million left to be allocated,” he said.

“The previous eight rounds have distributed approximately $190 million to smaller communities throughout Queensland.

“In many smaller communities, the financial cost of providing water and sewerage infrastructure is often out of reach for councils.

“That is why the Queensland Government is working with regional communities to improve the efficiency and capacity of water resources, and ultimately improve the quality of lifestyle for the community,” he said.

Mr Pitt said the RPWCLP would help councils improve the efficiency and capacity of water resources, particularly with the prevailing drought conditions.

“We have $14 million left to allocate for this program, which will be used by councils to implement a variety of water-saving initiatives that reduce the loss or wastage of clean drinking water,” he said.

“This will deliver significant water savings over the next few years.”

Mr Pitt said previous projects funded under the RPWCLP ranged from high-tech monitoring systems identifying leaking or burst water mains to recycled water storage tanks and an aquatic centre water-loss strategy.

“This funding represents a significant investment in water resource management in Queensland, enabling local councils to develop best-practice demand management strategies that reduce the loss of safe drinking water,” he said.

Mr Pitt said the Security Improvement Program would help councils improve safety and security in their regions.

“All Queenslanders have a fundamental right to feel safe in their communities,” he said.

“We have allocated $2 million for the Security Improvement Program to help councils to install the equipment needed to help reduce crime in public places and to ensure that local residents and visitors can enjoy a safe and secure community.

”Previous SIP funding recipients have initiated projects such as installing surveillance cameras in known trouble spots and erecting lighting in recreational areas, public pathways and parks.”

Mr Pitt said $800,000 had been allocated to the Landfill Remediation Assessment Program.

“This program is designed to help councils identify the risks associated with closed landfill sites and assess the potential costs of any remedial works that may be necessary,” he said.

“Councils have a key role to play in ensuring their landfill sites do not have adverse impacts on the surrounding environment and that our state’s unique natural assets are protected for the enjoyment of future generations.”

Mr Pitt urged all councils to apply for funding from these important programs.

“Funding programs such as these help councils throughout Queensland provide community infrastructure projects and programs that they would otherwise be unable to afford,” he said.

“Applications for SCAP close on 21 December 2007, while RPWCLP, SIP and LRAP grants close on 11 January 2008, so I urge all councils to get to work on their submissions,” he said.

For more information, or to access application guidelines for each of the funding programs, visit www.lgp.qld.gov.au

Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819