Published Tuesday, 29 July, 2008 at 10:30 AM
Minister for Main Roads and Local Government
The Honourable Warren Pitt
State Government increases funding for Hughenden sewerage scheme
The Queensland Government has increased its funding offer to Flinders Shire Council for the replacement of the 61-year-old sewerage scheme in Hughenden.
Local Government Minister Warren Pitt said the State Government had boosted its contribution to $4.4 million, an increase of $1.2 million, under the Smaller Communities Assistance Program (SCAP).
“The age of Hughenden’s sewerage network, the remoteness of the location and the health risks of overflow all warrant the extra funding,” Mr Pitt said.
“This is exactly what the Smaller Communities Assistance Program was established to provide.
“I met with the mayor and CEO from Flinders Shire Council at the recent Community Cabinet meeting in north Queensland and as a result of those representations, I have increased the level of funding for this much-needed project.”
Mr Pitt said construction phases would be combined to provide the most efficient upgrade to Hughenden’s sewerage network, creating a win-win situation for both the residents of Flinders Shire and Queensland taxpayers.
“Replacing this critical piece of community infrastructure will result in higher health standards for community members and greater environmental protection from overflows and groundwater contamination,” he said.
SCAP has been boosted under the Local Government Infrastructure Grant and Subsidy Program with new funding of $75 million being provided over five years from 1 July 2006.
SCAP is designed to help small communities (usually with less than 5000 residents) to develop essential water and sewerage infrastructure and to ensure these services are of an acceptable standard.
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819
Local Government Minister Warren Pitt said the State Government had boosted its contribution to $4.4 million, an increase of $1.2 million, under the Smaller Communities Assistance Program (SCAP).
“The age of Hughenden’s sewerage network, the remoteness of the location and the health risks of overflow all warrant the extra funding,” Mr Pitt said.
“This is exactly what the Smaller Communities Assistance Program was established to provide.
“I met with the mayor and CEO from Flinders Shire Council at the recent Community Cabinet meeting in north Queensland and as a result of those representations, I have increased the level of funding for this much-needed project.”
Mr Pitt said construction phases would be combined to provide the most efficient upgrade to Hughenden’s sewerage network, creating a win-win situation for both the residents of Flinders Shire and Queensland taxpayers.
“Replacing this critical piece of community infrastructure will result in higher health standards for community members and greater environmental protection from overflows and groundwater contamination,” he said.
SCAP has been boosted under the Local Government Infrastructure Grant and Subsidy Program with new funding of $75 million being provided over five years from 1 July 2006.
SCAP is designed to help small communities (usually with less than 5000 residents) to develop essential water and sewerage infrastructure and to ensure these services are of an acceptable standard.
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819