Toowoomba, Lockyer Valley and Somerset projects announced through $50 million stimulus package

Refurbishing facilities at parks across Toowoomba, new water infrastructure at Meringandan, redeveloping the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail between Fernvale and Esk, and installing a new pump track, dog off-leash area and learn to ride course at Fairways Park are just some of the local projects to be funded with the Queensland Government’s $50 million Unite and Recover Community Stimulus Package.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said 1500 jobs would be supported or created with the funding going to 12 South East Queensland councils for 63 projects.

“Throughout Toowoomba, Lockyer Valley and Somerset Regional Council areas, 19 projects are receiving more than $12.12 million which the councils estimate will create or support more than 331 local jobs,” the Premier said.

“This package builds on the $50 million allocated to the 12 SEQ councils through the COVID Works for Queensland program to make $100 million worth of job-creating projects aimed at helping the region unite and recover from the impacts of the global pandemic.

“This package is an integral part of Queensland’s plan to stimulate the economy at a time when the major economies across the globe are hurting.”

Minister for Local Government Stirling Hinchliffe said the positive effects will be felt almost immediately.

“The Unite and Recover Community Stimulus Package will help our councils build new and upgraded infrastructure and give their communities’ economies a boost,” he said.

“From Noosa to the Gold Coast and from Toowoomba to Moreton Bay, councils estimate more than 1500 jobs will be created or supported through 63 projects for the communities.

“This is a fantastic result for our most densely populated region, which has felt the effects of the pandemic more than anywhere else in Queensland through the forced closure of businesses and borders.

“Our councils have also been doing it tough with the closure of services, provision of community support concessions and reduced revenue, including rates and charges revenue, all while leading their communities.

“This program is allowing the councils to fast-track new infrastructure and community assets, and in doing so, helping to get the communities back on their feet faster.”

Toowoomba Regional Council Mayor Paul Antonio thanked the Queensland Government for the initiative.

“This program has come at just the right time and the jobs created through these projects will have a positive impact on local families and the local economy,” Mayor Antonio said.

“We will ensure works get underway as quickly as possible to benefit the community.” 

The councils eligible for Unite and Recover Community Stimulus Package funding are Brisbane City, Gold Coast City, Ipswich City, Lockyer Valley Regional, Logan City, Moreton Bay Regional, Noosa Shire, Redland City, Scenic Rim Regional, Somerset Regional, Sunshine Coast Regional and Toowoomba Regional Councils.

For more information: www.dlgrma.qld.gov.au/unite-and-recover

Toowoomba Regional Council

• Jondaryan Reservoir Upgrades- repair and replacement of the 300kl water storage. $500,000 and estimated to create or support 12 jobs.
• Vale View water pipeline- connecting the village of Vale View to the Toowoomba bulk water supply. $300,000 and estimated to create or support 8 jobs.
• Meringandan West trunk water mains- expansion of the water mains in the area to cope with increased residential growth in the area. $1.2 million and estimated to create or support 10 jobs.
• Regional Towns Community Infrastructure Project- state contribution of $1.6 million to deliver a number of community improvements to parks, halls and campgrounds across the region. Estimated to create or support 55 jobs.

Lockyer Valley Regional Council

• Fairways Park Stage 1c- Construction of this stage of large regional park. $1 million and estimated to create or support 12 jobs.
• Urban Stormwater upgrades- improvements to stormwater assets at two locations in the region. $700,000 and estimated to create or support 8 jobs.
• Laidley Transfer Station fence- improved fencing to meet environmental standards. $50,000 and estimated to create or support 4 jobs.
• Laidley LED lighting- upgraded LED lighting in Laidley CBD area. $105,000 and estimated to create or support 6 jobs.
• Laidley Pool Upgrade- new diving blocks and repairs to timber seating. $50,000 and estimated to create or support 4 jobs.
• Gatton Cemetery Upgrades- extension to existing chapel and new columbarium wall. $65,000 and estimated to create or support 4 jobs.
• Laidley Cultural Centre PA upgrades- improved sound equipment. $15,000 and estimated to create or support 2 jobs.
• Cochran St Gatton footpath missing link- construction of missing link near William St. $15,000 and estimated to create or support 2 jobs.
• Fairways Park Stage 1b and 1d- State contribution of $1.74 million to accelerate multiple phases this new regional level park. Estimated to create or support nine jobs.

Somerset Regional Council

• Fernvale Sports Park pipeline- new pipeline from Lowood to deliver treated wastewater for irrigation. $875,000 and estimated to create or support more than 8 jobs.
• LED Field Lighting- provision of upgraded field lighting at multiple sports fields across the region. $365,000 and estimated to create or support more than 3 jobs.
• Fernvale Sports Park Lights- LED lights for sports park. $100,000 and estimated to create or support 1 job.
• Rasmussen Road Mt Archer Roadwork- bitumen road surface installed to improve tourist experience in the area. $510,000 and estimated to create or support 2 jobs.
• Brisbane Valley Rail Trail upgrades- improvements to surface and safety at several points on the trail to enhance tourist experience. State contribution of $1,082,457 and estimated to create or support more than 12 jobs.
• Lowood-Minden Road Upgrade- road improvements to allow larger vehicles in an important transport corridor for livestock and produce. State contribution of $1,699,600 and estimated to create or support around 171 jobs.

ENDS