$400 million Works for Queensland program supports 1,217 North Qld jobs

The Palaszczuk Government’s $400 million Works for Queensland program is proving itself a jobs-generating powerhouse in North Queensland, supporting 1,217 local jobs to November 2017, in a huge boost for the local economy.

Local Government Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said there were many more jobs-supporting maintenance and minor-infrastructure projects in the pipeline for North Queensland, with a third round of W4Q funding worth $200 million approved 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 North Queensland,” he said.

“Since kicking off in 2017, W4Q has already supported 1,217 jobs in North Queensland – well in excess of the local government estimated 753 local jobs the program was forecast to generate.

“W4Q will pump more than $66 million into 176 approved Local Government projects which are transforming communities throughout North Queensland.”

Statewide, local governments are reporting a total 8,442 jobs being supported through W4Q.

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.”

Member for Townsville Scott Stewart said W4Q’s ability to deliver community-enhancing projects, when they would otherwise would have remained undone, was what set the program apart.

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

“The program is contributing more than $2.5 million to fund the Coolgaree Bay Foreshore Redevelopment and Connectivity projects on Palm Island.”

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