Western region councils share part of $25m for roads and drainage

Local councils in western Queensland will share in part of $25 million in Queensland Government grants this financial year to help them improve local roads and stormwater drainage.

Local Government Minister Warren Pitt said this was the second year that funding had been made available under the five-year, $125 million Road and Drainage Grants program.

“These grants, which will go to every council in Queensland, will help local governments make a real difference where it matters most – in local communities,” Mr Pitt said.

“Road and drainage projects rarely make the headlines, so it’s easy to forget how important they are until something goes wrong in our own neighbourhood.

“This funding will reduce the risk of urban flooding and traffic accidents by helping to improve local government infrastructure across the state.”

Local councils in Western Queensland will receive funding of $1,153,539.

They are:

• Aramac Shire Council - $55,878
• Barcaldine Shire Council - $65,683
• Barcoo Shire Council - $46,973
• Blackall Shire Council - $60,220
• Boulia Shire Council - $48,966
• Bulloo Shire Council - $182,451
• Diamantina Shire Council - $128,869
• Ilfracombe Shire Council - $16,178
• Isisford Shire Council - $36,289
• Longreach Shire Council - $103,428
• Murweh Shire Council - $95,426
• Paroo Shire Council - $87,599
• Quilpie Shire Council - $68,091
• Tambo Shire Council - $30,890
• Winton Shire Council - $126,598

Mr Pitt said Queensland councils were responsible for more than 150,000km of roads.

“Put end to end, these roads would take you round the world nearly four times," he said.

Mr Pitt said the Department of Local Government would provide more than $740 million in grants and subsidies to Queensland councils and other organisations this year to help build better local communities.

Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819