Over $12 million for Cairns Works for Queensland projects

Cairns Regional Council will receive $12.11 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 Barron River Craig Crawford welcomed today’s announcement.

“Cairns has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic so this is great news for our region’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mr Crawford said.

“Another round of Works for Queensland will allow Cairns Regional Council to build on their good work and deliver more jobs through the construction of council infrastructure.”

Member for Cairns Michael Healy said the money would help to drive Cairn’s economic recovery.

“Without international tourists Cairns is still struggling, but now’s a great opportunity to be investing in our city and building infrastructure to attract more interstate tourists,” Mr Healy said.

“Works for Queensland has already created more than 3,577 jobs in Far North Queensland and I’m looking forward to seeing more delivered right here in Cairns.”

Speaker of the Queensland Parliament and Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt said that Cairns Regional Council has been taking advantage of earlier rounds of Works for Queensland.

“Cairns Regional Council has made the most out of previous rounds, helping to deliver game changing local infrastructure projects,” Mr Pitt said.

“With the additional funding announced today, Cairns Regional Council will have received more than $64 million in direct funding from the Queensland Government’s Works for Queensland packages to improve the liveability and connectivity of our local area.

“Recent projects delivered by Works for Queensland funding include upgrades to the Esplanade Plaza, construction of the Gordonvale Heritage Trail, and the White Rock public open space and pathway network.

“Works for Queensland helps deliver much needed community assets and generates local jobs.”

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

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Media contact:           Amy Hunter – 0423 651 484