$400 million Works for Queensland program supports 8,442 regional jobs

The Palaszczuk Government’s $400 million Works for Queensland program is proving itself a jobs-generating powerhouse throughout Queensland, supporting 8,442 local jobs to November 2017, in a huge boost for regional economies.

Local Government Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said that in addition to the 8,442 jobs reported by local governments, there were many more jobs-supporting maintenance and minor-infrastructure projects in the pipeline, with a third $200 million funding round to extend the popular program until 2020-21.

“The hugely-popular Works for Queensland (W4Q) program is delivering terrific results for jobs and regional economies throughout regional Queensland,” he said.

“Since kicking off in 2017, councils are reporting that W4Q has already supported 8,442 jobs in regional Queensland – well in excess of the 6,000 jobs the program was forecast by local governments to generate.

“W4Q will pump more than $400 million into 1,367 approved Local Government projects which are transforming communities throughout regional Queensland.

“From an All Abilities Park in Gladstone, to a major foreshore redevelopment on Palm Island, to a beautification project for Tara Town Centre, W4Q is delivering great results for jobseekers and communities in regional Queensland.”

Mr Hinchliffe said an Internal Audit into W4Q’s Grant Administration undertaken by the Department of Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning found strong governance measures were in place.

“The Internal Audit found the program was robust, grant commitments accurate and supporting documentation appropriate,” he said.

“It also found in favour of ongoing management review of the grant programs to achieve continuous improvement in the effectiveness of the program’s administration.

“The Audit did, however, identify opportunities for improvement, including the development of an online portal to deliver improved program management and better utilization of resources.

“My Department has since developed this portal and it will continue to be rolled out in coming months.

“The Audit’s only other recommendation to streamline the way project variations are approved has already been implemented.”

Mr Hinchliffe said W4Q’s ability to deliver community-enhancing projects, when they would otherwise would have remained undone, was what set the program apart.

“W4Q creates jobs and builds stronger local economies,” he said. “Improved community amenity is another very welcome outcome.”

The second $200 million round of W4Q grants was rolled out in late 2017 with local governments already commencing projects.

By way of an election commitment, the Palaszczuk Government has committed to a third $200 million funding round to extend the program until 2020-21.

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

Media contact: Martin Philip 0427 919 548