$70 million Palaszczuk Government funding boost for regional water projects

The next phase of Palaszczuk Government’s hugely successful Building Our Regions program has taken a step forward with details of the $70 million for regional water infrastructure projects revealed.

Regional local governments will soon be able to apply for a share of the $70 million Building Our Regions Round 6 fund for priority water and sewage infrastructure and planning projects.

Minister for Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water, Glenn Butcher, said the funding provided vital support to councils who need financial help to get critical works completed.

“These projects aren’t just critical right now as we deliver our economic plan to recover from the global COVID-19 pandemic and create jobs, but also for the long-term growth of regional communities around the state,” Mr Butcher said.

“For some of our smaller councils, raising the funds for projects such as sewage infrastructure or water pipeline repairs can be challenging.

“That’s where the Palaszczuk Government is making a real difference for regional communities, by providing funding to get these essential but ‘un-sexy’ projects completed.

Mr Butcher said guidelines for Round 6 were being provided to regional councils so they could assess potential projects to submit for funding when applications open in the coming weeks.

“Councils can apply for up to $2 million in funding to support a range of eligible construction and works projects over three years,” he said.

“Small and very small councils will also be able to apply for funding of up to $300,000 for planning of projects that will help determine the right solution to address a water or sewerage service issue.”

The Building Our Regions program has a long and successful history of supporting Queensland’s local governments to invest in essential regional infrastructure and create flow-on economic development opportunities and jobs.

Previous rounds of Building Our Regions have seen more than $348 million of funding approved towards 271 projects across 67 council areas.

Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) President and Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson welcomed the focus on water and wastewater infrastructure of the latest round of the program.

“We have been working closely with the Queensland Government on behalf of our member councils, to find ways to address the infrastructure cliff many rural towns are facing due to ageing water and wastewater infrastructure,” Mr Jamieson said.

“This funding represents an important first step in what will be needed to deliver critical water and sewerage upgrades for these communities.”

More information about Building Our Regions is available here.

ENDS

Media contact: Dan Lato: 0438 891 158