Works for Queensland projects to deliver up to 430 jobs for Rockhampton region

The first projects approved under the Palaszczuk Government’s $200 million Works for Queensland projects will support up to 430 jobs in the Rockhampton, Mount Morgan and Capricorn Coast regions.

Speaking from Rockhampton, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the projects nominated by the Rockhampton and Livingstone councils included completing a showcase hockey development, new family water play areas and revamping town streetscapes in the Capricornia region.

“We announced just two weeks ago that we were putting almost $12.9 million on the table to create jobs and build infrastructure for Rockhampton and Livingstone and I’m very happy to say that both councils have responded in record time,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“This program has cut red tape which means we are able to announce and kick start these projects right now, delivering jobs and infrastructure for the Capricornia region faster.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning Jackie Trad said that the projects were delivering exciting community infrastructure for the region.

“This funding will deliver a significant number of liveability projects including two dynamic family water play areas, the development of an artificial surface for the Rockhampton Hockey Association and Stage 1 of civil infrastructure for the new Yeppoon Homemaker Centre,” Ms Trad said.

“We have been absolutely overwhelmed by the positive response from councils across regional Queensland and we look forward to announcing many more job creating projects in the weeks to come.”

Rockhampton Regional Council Mayor Margaret Strelow said the Works for Queensland program would have an immediate and dramatic impact in the town of Mount Morgan.

“This program will enable us to deliver $1 million to revitalise Mount Morgan delivering jobs to a town struggling with the region’s highest unemployment and having an immediate and long lasting effect on the local economy,” Cr Strelow said.

Livingstone Regional Council Mayor Bill Ludwig said the Works for Queensland program will have an immediate and dramatic impact in Yeppoon.

“The Yeppoon Homemaker Centre is a landmark project on nine hectares of prime Council land. This funding kicks off the first stage and presents an incredible opportunity to boost our economy and create construction and ongoing service industry jobs,” Cr Ludwig said.

Minister for Rural Economic Development and Member for Rockhampton Bill Byrne said that the Works for Queensland program had already been an extraordinary success.

“This is great news for Rockhampton and great news for regional Queensland. These projects will support the jobs we need in our region right now,” Mr Byrne said.

Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga said that the program would deliver jobs in Yeppoon through cooperation.

“These projects will deliver great new infrastructure for Keppel and demonstrates what can be achieved when different levels of government work together,” Ms Lauga said.

Rockhampton Regional Council’s projects for its $9.38 million allocation include:

• $2.46 million for the Rockhampton hockey facilities development
• $1.54 million for Cedric Archer Park water play project
• $1.23 million for the 42nd Battalion Pool water play project
• $1.5 million for the North Rockhampton boat ramp carpark and walkways project
• $1.07 million for Mount Morgan street scaping and liveability project
• $1.58 million for upgrades to built and environmental facilities across the region

Livingstone Shire Council’s projects for its $3.5 million allocation include:

• $3 Million Yeppoon Homemaker Centre stage 1 civil infrastructure
• $500,000 for rural floodway upgrades

The $200 million Works for Queensland program serves double duty – supporting jobs and upgrading important regional infrastructure across the state.

Councils have until 10 February to submit their projects which are to be delivered by 30 November 2017.

The Works for Queensland Program is part of the State Infrastructure Fund.

For more information visit: www.dilgp.qld.gov.au/works-for-queensland

Media contacts:
Kirby Anderson (Premier’s office) 0417 263 791
Anna Jabour (Deputy Premier’s office) 0429 890 942