INITIAL ASSESSMENT COMPLETE FOR $285m SEQ LIVABILITY FUND

JOINT MEDIA RELEASE

 

THE HON CATHERINE KING MP

MINISTER FOR INFRASTRUCTURE, TRANSPORT, REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT

 

THE HON GRACE GRACE

MINISTER FOR STATE DEVELOPMENT AND INFRASTRUCTURE, 

MINISTER FOR INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS,

MINISTER FOR RACING

 

COUNCILLOR ADRIAN SCHRINNER

COUNCIL OF MAYORS (SEQ) 

LORD MAYOR OF BRISBANE

 

More than $285 million of local infrastructure projects aimed at boosting the lifestyle of communities across Queensland’s booming south-east corner have been unveiled under the South East Queensland (SEQ) Liveability Fund. 

The Australian Government, Queensland Government and Council of Mayors (SEQ) have partnered to establish the SEQ Liveability Fund as one of the key commitments being delivered under the SEQ City Deal.

Eleven eligible local governments were invited to submit expressions of interest (EOI) as part of the initial assessment phase for funding to deliver projects that will help build healthier, liveable and more inclusive, connected communities.

Projects could include new parks and initiatives that improve access to quality public open spaces and the natural environment, as well as community infrastructure that complements new housing supply or urban renewal.

Funding for regional sporting and recreation facilities to drive engagement in local sport in the lead-up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games were also eligible

A list of 24 eligible projects has now been finalised across councils of Noosa, Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay, Somerset, Brisbane, Redlands, Logan, Scenic Rim, Lockyer Valley, Ipswich and Toowoomba. Local governments will now be invited to submit a detailed application for these projects, and a final decision on funding of projects will be made after assessment of detailed applications in 2024.

The SEQ City Deal delivers a significant package of investments with a value of $1.8 billion to one of the fastest growing regions in the country and is expected to benefit more than three million residents.

The Deal is a long-term partnership between the three levels of government to deliver 29 commitments aimed at generating long-lasting benefits for the region.

A list of the projects progressing to the detailed application stage is available on the Department of State Development and Infrastructure website.

 

Quotes attributable to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

 “The Australian Government is committed to improving our cities and regions to ensure a high quality of life, while delivering a region-shaping legacy with the hosting of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“The SEQ Liveability Fund is another example of this commitment and is expected to benefit more than three million Queenslanders, with one in seven Australians living in the great south-east.

“I’m pleased to see a variety of projects submitted for consideration that will help unlock a stronger future for communities.”

 

Quotes attributable to Queensland Minister for State Development and Infrastructure, Grace Grace:

“South East Queensland is booming and playing host to some of the world’s biggest events, so the Miles Government is committed to investing in our communities and delivering for our councils in the south-east corner.

“The SEQ Liveability Fund will give local councils the opportunity to create better places to live through access to more open spaces, infrastructure that complements new housing or projects that support health and wellbeing.

“It’s great to see councils’ responses to this opportunity to boost local community and sport engagement in the lead-up to Brisbane 2032 and beyond.

“We are committed to providing long-term improvements to the social, environmental and economic viability and sustainability of SEQ communities and this funding is another wonderful example of what can be achieved for Queensland when our three levels of government work together.”

Quotes attributable to Council of Mayors (SEQ) Chair and Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner:

“We’ve seen Councils put forward projects which will improve the local lifestyle and liveability of communities across the South East. 

“With another 2.2 million people to call our region home, we need to ensure important community infrastructure like local parks, sport and recreation precincts keep up with this growing demand.

“Funding through the SEQ City Deal – enabled by all levels of government – will help to deliver local projects which unlock new opportunities for residents to explore, exercise and recreate across our region.

“Projects which are aimed at enhancing the local lifestyle south east Queenslanders love about where they live, in time for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”    

 

MEDIA CONTACTS:

MINISTER KING – LYNDAL CURTIS 0497 847 212

MINISTER GRACE – KIM SWEETMAN 0457 600 237

LORD MAYOR SCHRINNER – Matthew Hendry 0417 603 634

 

Background

• The 11 Local Government partners of the SEQ City Deal who are eligible for funding and participating in the SEQ Liveability Fund, are Brisbane, Ipswich, Lockyer Valley, Logan, Moreton Bay, Noosa, Redland, Scenic Rim, Somerset, Sunshine Coast and Toowoomba.
• These Local Governments have funding allocated to them on a pro-rata population rate determined when the SEQ City Deal was signed. Local Government allocations range from $1.7 million up to $120.8 million.
• The SEQ City Deal Implementation Plan was launched on 15 July 2023 and provides details on all commitments, how they will be delivered, and how they will support high-quality connectivity and community infrastructure to create a sustainable and thriving region. The plan is available online at www.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0029/80696/south-east-queensland-city-deal-implementation-plan.pdf
• Other commitments within the SEQ City Deal will focus on achieving and delivering:
  • Accelerating future jobs across SEQ – Developing a more export-competitive and knowledge-intensive region to deliver high-value employment opportunities.
  • A faster, more connected SEQ region – Delivering a more connected region that will drive productivity, reduce congestion and lift global competitiveness.
  • A more liveable SEQ – Delivering a healthy, sustainable and liveable region through new investments in urban amenities and blue and green environmental assets.
  • Creating thriving communities – Creating more prosperous communities by investing in and planning for future infrastructure, providing better access to jobs and improving housing options.

 

 

Mayoral Quotes follow

 

Quotes attributable to Ipswich City Council, Mayor Teresa Harding:

“Ipswich is Queensland’s fastest growing city, and with that comes the challenge of delivering sporting and community infrastructure to ensure this growth is sustainable and liveable.

“Council welcomes the opportunity to work with the Australian and Queensland governments to boost our grassroots sporting facilities in Redbank Plains and Tivoli through the SEQ Liveability Fund.

“With the 2032 Games fast approaching, this is another important step in encouraging participation in sport, building inclusive communities, and promoting health and wellbeing in Ipswich.”

 

Quotes attributable to Lockyer Valley Regional Council Mayor, Tanya Milligan: 

“It’s exciting to see Council’s application progress to the next stage under the SEQ City Deal.

“Every region has a story to tell – and what better way to document ours than through silo art! We’re seeking to etch the history of the Lockyer Valley through the Forest Hill Silo Mural Project, making our region more attractive to day trippers, short-stay RV campers and tour buses - boosting our local economy as a result.
“Lake Apex Parkland is one of our region’s most popular recreational precincts, and improving accessibility to the site will ensure more people can benefit from this wonderful green space.

“Council welcomes the opportunity to work with the Australian and Queensland governments on these exciting projects which will benefit residents and visitors to Lockyer Valley.”

 

Quotes attributable to Logan City Council Mayor Darren Power:

Mayor Darren Power said the SEQ City Deal would benefit generations to come.

“A lot of hard work has gone into the SEQ City Deal over the past few years between three levels of government,” Mayor Power said.

“I am excited to see the two projects we nominated for the Liveability Fund progress to the next stage.”

 

Quotes attributable to City of Moreton Bay Mayor, Peter Flannery:

City of Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery said the significant pool of funding, along with Council’s $15 million investment will help to enhance the lifestyle of our residents and visitors alike.

“Our city plays an important role in the future prosperity not only of the south east, but the entire state as we work to retain our liveability and affordability in the face of rapid population growth,” Cr Flannery said.

“While this growth is Council’s single greatest challenge, this funding demonstrates that when all levels of governments work together, we can maintain and enrich the lifestyles of our current and future population.

“The funding means Council can deliver these key projects while also freeing up funds to allocate to other community projects across the city.”

 

 Quotes attributable to Noosa Mayor, Clare Stewart:

“The projects identified will support the lifestyle and liveability of two growing communities in the shire,” she said.

“It’s certainly exciting to move to the next phase in the submission process,” Cr Stewart said.

“Enhancing our shire’s liveability is key part of council’s new Corporate Plan 2023-2028 and the SEQ Liveability Fund demonstrates what can be achieved when all levels of government work together,” Cr Stewart said.

“The latest outcome once again demonstrates the tangible benefit to our community of being a part of the SEQ Council of Mayors and how it is creating opportunities for the health and wellbeing of our community,” Cr Stewart said.

“We will continue to work closely with all levels of government and I commend the collaborative approach in the development of the SEQ Liveability Fund,” the Mayor said.

 

Quotes attributable to Redland City Council Mayor Karen Williams: 

"Redlands Coast continues to be lauded for its enviable liveability standards and we welcome the opportunity to expand that reputation even further with the help of the South East Queensland Liveability Fund.

“Council recognises the huge social value that our sporting clubs and their facilities bring to our community across all ages and backgrounds. This is why we are putting forward projects for lighting and other upgrades across a number of our city’s sporting venues.

"Leading up to the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Brisbane 2032, these venue upgrades will support Redlands Coast’s young sportspeople in their quest to achieve their sporting goals, and potentially provide opportunities for local clubs to play a part in preparing for the Games.

“Strengthening Communities is one of the central tenets of our Council’s vision for Redlands Coast, and infrastructure upgrades are a tangible part of that process.”

 

Quotes attributable Scenic Rim Regional Council, Mayor Greg Christensen

"Boonah Sports Complex and Selwyn Park at Beaudesert are already two of Scenic Rim’s most popular sports precincts catering for hundreds of local users across sports including cricket, football, vigoro and tennis.

“Council’s Sports Facilities Strategic Review 2023-2032 identified the need for new amenities to support growing demand.

“This will deliver new accessible facilities for both sporting precincts, and it’s exciting to see Council’s application progress to the next stage under the SEQ City Deal.”

 

Quotes attributable Somerset Regional Council, Mayor Graeme Lehmann:

“Council has been working with the communities of Lowood and Kilcoy for around 18 months, developing detailed master plans for the CBDs of our two largest towns,” Mayor Lehmann said.

“Plans for both towns have now been adopted by Council and we are working to fund delivery of these vital projects.

“Somerset Regional Council is extremely grateful for the funding now available from the State and Federal Governments under the SEQ City Deal Liveability Fund. Once this new funding is confirmed we can put shovels to the ground and deliver on these two visions.”

 

Quotes attributable to Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson:

Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson welcomed the funding opportunity and said it was a glowing example of what could be achieved when all three levels of government worked together.

“Our three submissions will now progress to the detailed application stage, moving us a step closer to delivering these projects for our community,’’ Mayor Jamieson said.

“They include spectacular coastal pathways, foreshore improvements and new cycling and walking infrastructure, which will be enjoyed by locals and visitors and provide a boost for our businesses.

“They will also make the Sunshine Coast even more attractive and enjoyable for those coming to our shores and well before the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.’’

 

Quotes attributable to Toowoomba Regional Council, Mayor Geoff McDonald:

Toowoomba Region Mayor Geoff McDonald said Council was delighted to be invited to submit a detailed application and potentially receive funding for key improvements to Kearney Springs Park.

“Kearney Springs Park is a key sporting facility which has 10 touch football fields and 4 softball diamonds in addition to picnic shelters and informal play areas.

“Council will now submit a detailed proposal for further improvements to Kearney Springs Park in the hope that we will be granted funds through the SEQ Liveability Fund being delivered under the SEQ City Deal,” Mayor McDonald said.