Published Tuesday, 03 June, 2008 at 04:08 PM
Minister for Main Roads and Local Government
The Honourable Warren Pitt
Bligh Government provides $812m to help councils build infrastructure
The Department of Local Government will provide $812 million in funding to Queensland councils in 2008-09 to help build essential community infrastructure and secure water supplies.
More than $137 million of this will help Queensland’s 73 councils build water infrastructure and implement water-saving projects as Queensland’s ongoing drought and population growth combine to make water an even more valuable commodity.
Local Government Minister Warren Pitt said Queensland was still in the grips of its worst drought in 100 years and many councils needed financial assistance to secure long-term water supplies for their communities.
“A significant part of Queensland is still in the grips of drought, and despite some rain in recent months, water resources are still scarce in many parts of the state,” Mr Pitt said.
“This $137 million will be specifically used for water-focused projects, providing councils with financial assistance for significant new water infrastructure and water saving, supply and recycling projects.
“The water crisis has already highlighted the ingenuity and expertise of our local governments and across the state, councils have been coming up with innovative local solutions to secure water for their communities.
“Some councils are choosing to recycle water for outdoor and industrial use, other councils have homeowner rebates for rainwater tanks and water-saving fittings, our western councils are tapping into underground water and many councils are upgrading water pipes and infrastructure to prevent water loss.
“Councils are doing a wonderful job and the State Government will encourage their innovation with financial support,” Mr Pitt said.
Mr Pitt said the infrastructure funding package also included a new $25.5 million funding program over the next five years to progress the introduction of fluoride into Queensland’s water supplies.
“This funding will provide a 100 per cent subsidy for water providers to upgrade their water treatment plants to ensure the plants have the capability to introduce fluoride into the water.”
Mr Pitt said some of the most important Budget initiatives were:
• $65 million (estimated per year over five years) to support the construction and augmentation of critical water and sewerage infrastructure
• $54 million to create legacies that celebrate Queensland’s 150th anniversary
• $25 million to build or upgrade local roads and urban stormwater infrastructure
• more than $10 million for social development, economic and tourism infrastructure for regional towns and communities
• $2 million to enhance security measures in public places
• $5 million (as part of a total commitment of $15 million over three years) to provide incentive funding to businesses outside South East Queensland with high levels of reticulated water consumption to implement water efficient devices and infrastructure
• $25.5 million (over five years) to Queensland water service providers outside south-east Queensland to introduce fluoride into water treatment plants supplying communities of more than 1000 people.
Mr Pitt encouraged councils to continue the excellent work and to continue sending in applications for funding assistance.
“The State Government is committed to working with councils across Queensland to ensure all communities have the facilities and infrastructure they need to grow in the future.”
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819
More than $137 million of this will help Queensland’s 73 councils build water infrastructure and implement water-saving projects as Queensland’s ongoing drought and population growth combine to make water an even more valuable commodity.
Local Government Minister Warren Pitt said Queensland was still in the grips of its worst drought in 100 years and many councils needed financial assistance to secure long-term water supplies for their communities.
“A significant part of Queensland is still in the grips of drought, and despite some rain in recent months, water resources are still scarce in many parts of the state,” Mr Pitt said.
“This $137 million will be specifically used for water-focused projects, providing councils with financial assistance for significant new water infrastructure and water saving, supply and recycling projects.
“The water crisis has already highlighted the ingenuity and expertise of our local governments and across the state, councils have been coming up with innovative local solutions to secure water for their communities.
“Some councils are choosing to recycle water for outdoor and industrial use, other councils have homeowner rebates for rainwater tanks and water-saving fittings, our western councils are tapping into underground water and many councils are upgrading water pipes and infrastructure to prevent water loss.
“Councils are doing a wonderful job and the State Government will encourage their innovation with financial support,” Mr Pitt said.
Mr Pitt said the infrastructure funding package also included a new $25.5 million funding program over the next five years to progress the introduction of fluoride into Queensland’s water supplies.
“This funding will provide a 100 per cent subsidy for water providers to upgrade their water treatment plants to ensure the plants have the capability to introduce fluoride into the water.”
Mr Pitt said some of the most important Budget initiatives were:
• $65 million (estimated per year over five years) to support the construction and augmentation of critical water and sewerage infrastructure
• $54 million to create legacies that celebrate Queensland’s 150th anniversary
• $25 million to build or upgrade local roads and urban stormwater infrastructure
• more than $10 million for social development, economic and tourism infrastructure for regional towns and communities
• $2 million to enhance security measures in public places
• $5 million (as part of a total commitment of $15 million over three years) to provide incentive funding to businesses outside South East Queensland with high levels of reticulated water consumption to implement water efficient devices and infrastructure
• $25.5 million (over five years) to Queensland water service providers outside south-east Queensland to introduce fluoride into water treatment plants supplying communities of more than 1000 people.
Mr Pitt encouraged councils to continue the excellent work and to continue sending in applications for funding assistance.
“The State Government is committed to working with councils across Queensland to ensure all communities have the facilities and infrastructure they need to grow in the future.”
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819