Budget delivers Queensland’s plan for Economic Recovery

The Palaszczuk Government’s Budget handed down today continues Queensland’s Economic Recovery plan, creating economic development opportunities and jobs across regional Queensland.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning Steven Miles said today’s Budget was a jobs budget.

“The global COVID-19 pandemic has put immense pressure on our regional economies,” Mr Miles said.

“This Budget reflects our continuing efforts to support and promote job creation in getting our economy up and running and to ensuring more Queenslanders get back to work.

“We’re investing more than $62 million ($62.4 million) to continue the Building our Regions program for 2020-21 as part of the overall $332 million program to deliver infrastructure grants to local councils,” Mr Miles said.

“The Palaszczuk Government is investing $42.5 million to help build the East Bundaberg Flood Levee to protect the people of Bundaberg who have suffered enough through devastating floods in the past.

“Construction of the levee is expected to support 679 jobs over three years of construction.

“The budget includes key components of Queensland’s Economic Recovery Plan.

“Including, $200 million over two years ($180 million in 2020–21) for the COVID Works for Queensland Program which provided funding to 77 local governments for 520 projects to build productive infrastructure,

“And, $100 million over four years ($45 million in 2020–21) for the SEQ Community Stimulus Package to fast-track investment in new infrastructure and community assets.

“This is in addition to $34 million in 2020–21 for the government’s signature Works for Queensland program that is delivering infrastructure and creating jobs across regional Queensland

“These programs are supporting jobs and providing economic stimulus to local economies right across the State.”

Assistant Minister for Local Government Nikki Boyd said the government was committed to supporting local councils after a difficult year through COVID-19.

“This budget includes funding to support Local Governments, deliver key local projects and create jobs,” Ms Boyd said.

“We are delivering on our election commitments including more than $3 million for the Douglas and Mareeba Splash Parks and $50,000 for one of the Far North’s premier gathering places - the Cairns Showgrounds – to assist its planning efforts,” Ms Boyd said.

“We’re also providing funding to improve water supply and security in regional councils.

“This year we’re investing $ 7.5 million toward the Haughton Pipeline Stage 2 now being delivered with an overall four-year budget allocation of $195 million.

“This project will see the existing pipeline extended from the Haughton River to the Burdekin River and will include the construction of a pump station, high voltage power supply infrastructure, and includes proof of performance testing of the combined pipeline stages to create a complete water transfer system.

“The Haughton Pipeline project will improve water security in Townsville and is creating hundreds of local jobs.

“Additional funding of $10 million has been provided to the Burdekin Shire Council to improve Ayr Water Supply by building new infrastructure and more than $4 million for the construction of new drinking water storage reservoirs for Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council.

Other major capital grant programs with 2020–21 funding include:

• $26 million in 2020–21 for the Local Government Grants and Subsidies Program
• $15.5 million in 2020-21 for the Indigenous Councils Critical Infrastructure Program

“As always these grant programs are much sought-after and we look forward to continuing to work with councils to jointly play our part in keeping the Queensland economy moving, especially in our regions.”

ENDS

Media contact:           Amy Hunter – 0423 651 484