Roads and infrastructure funding top the list of priorities for the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) as it gears up for the July 14 State Budget.
LGAQ President Margaret de Wit said local councils would welcome any extra spending on road building and maintenance.
“This Government promised before the election to restore funding for the Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme, or TIDS, to $60 million a year so we will be looking to the Budget to provide detail on that commitment.
“We would also want to see other election promises for local government confirmed in the Budget, including details of natural disaster resilience funding and more money for local infrastructure projects.’’
The Government has already confirmed it will heed pre-election calls from local government for a rejuvenation of investment in workplace skills development.
The Skilling Queenslanders for Work program will be revamped, with an initial $60 million to be spent this financial year.
The LGAQ is looking for part of this investment to be earmarked for continued support of training in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Cr de Wit said the LGAQ would also want to see the State Budget continue funding for regional collaboration across water and sewerage services to improve the way water is delivered and treated in local communities.
“Another big issue for Queensland councils is climate change, with many anxious to ensure their local communities are equipped to adapt to its impacts.
“The Government has promised funding for climate change adaptation strategies which will go a long way to ensuring local communities, both this generation and future generations, are more resilient to natural hazards like sea level rise.”
