Last month the Queensland Government announced Works for Queensland a $200 million program aimed at creating jobs in the state’s regional areas.
The Local Government Association of Queensland said the Works for Queensland program will deliver a shot in the arm for regional communities in need of healthy jobs growth.
Deputy Premier and Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning Minister Jackie Trad announced funding allocations for 65 regional councils under the program, effectively ensuring local government plays a pivotal role in Queensland’s job creation strategy.
LGAQ acting chief executive Sarah Buckler welcomed the Government’s announcement, saying local councils were key regional employers and should be part of any good job creation program.
“The LGAQ and councils have long argued that the most successful job creation policies focus on grass roots projects that make a difference to communities across the state. Works for Queensland does that,’’ she said.
“This is a positive step by the State Government to bolster jobs growth in regional Queensland and will strengthen its relationship with Queensland councils in the spirit of the Partners in Government Agreement.”
Ms Buckler said councils already employed about 38,000 people but this program would help create new job opportunities where they were needed most, in regional and remote communities across
Queensland.
“This funding will make a big difference to those communities that are ready to contribute their part to a statewide program of works but need a funding boost to get projects under way.
“Queensland councils are not only good employers but have a track record in delivering local infrastructure and services for local communities efficiently and effectively.”
The Government has allocated funding to councils on the basis of population and local unemployment.
Ms Buckler urged councils to nominate projects by early February to ensure their communities gained the most benefit from the jobs boost.
The regional breakdown of the funding is: Far North Queensland – $54.16 million; North Queensland – $32.35 million; Central Queensland – $22.66 million; Wide Bay-Burnett – $37.91 million; Mackay- Whitsundays – $17.56 million; Western Queensland – $19.86 million; North West – $15.5 million.
