Almost $49 million for Far North council’s Works for Queensland projects

Local Governments across Queensland’s Far North will receive $48.76 million from the latest round of the Palaszczuk Government’s hugely successful Works for Queensland program as part of Queensland’s plan for economic recovery.

Member for Cook Cynthia Lui welcomed today’s announcement.

“This is great news for regional communities across the Far North and for our communities’ economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic,” Ms Lui said.

“Another round of Works for Queensland will allow some of Queensland’s most remote council’s to deliver more jobs and build or upgrade their council infrastructure.

“I know that these councils have already put previous rounds of funding to good use with 463 projects being funded through Works for Queensland, delivering 3,577 jobs for locals.

“We’ve already seen Works for Queensland deliver water parks and upgraded footpaths for communities in the Cape and Torres Strait, I’m excited to see what they deliver next.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Local Government Steven Miles announced the allocations for the fourth round of the Works for Queensland program.  

“At the last election we committed to bringing back Works for Queensland for a fourth round and today we’re delivering on that commitment,” the Deputy Premier said.

“This is a $200 million pool that will be allocated to councils outside of Queensland’s South East, with the funding improving council infrastructure and delivering local jobs as part of Queensland’s plan for economic recovery.

“So far, Works for Queensland has created more than 21,000 jobs throughout regional Queensland, helping to drive economic recovery where it’s needed the most.”

Local Government Association of Queensland President and Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson said Works for Queensland stands as a powerful example of what can be achieved when both levels of government work together to create jobs and improve local communities.

“This program’s success comes from its targeted focus on funding projects that can be rolled out quickly to provide opportunities and improved facilities for local communities,” Mayor Jamieson said.

“Councils have strongly supported the continuation of Works for Queensland and we welcome the release of this new round of the program at a time when job-creation has never been more important.

“We look forward to continuing to work with the Queensland Government to maintain this program into the future.”

Eligible projects range from roadworks to town beautification, parks and playground upgrades, renewable energy installations, tourism, water and safety.

Project submissions close on 9 April.

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

ENDS

Far North Queensland allocations include:

• Aurukun Shire Council - $2.37 million
• Cairns Regional Council - $12.11 million
• Cassowary Coast Regional Council - $3.27 million
• Cook Shire Council - $2.2 million
• Croydon Shire Council - $1.02 million
• Douglas Shire Council - $1.82 million
• Etheridge Shire Council - $1.05 million
• Hope Vale Aboriginal Shire Council - $1.3 million
• Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council - $1.7 million
• Lockhart River Aboriginal Shire Council - $1.21 million
• Mapoon Aboriginal Shire Council - $1.09 million
• Mareeba Shire Council - $3.24 million
• Napranum Aboriginal Shire Council - $1.29 million
• Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council - $1.74 million
• Pormpuraaw Aboriginal Shire Council - $1.6 million
• Tablelands Regional Council - $2.88 million
• Torres Shire Council - $1.45 million
• Torres Strait Island Regional Council - $3.05 million 
• Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Council - $1.09 million
• Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council - $3.28 million

ENDS

Media contact: Amy Hunter – 0423 651 484