Communities across Queensland will receive an early Christmas present this year, with
$86 million to deliver priority infrastructure projects like tourism, water and sewage or sports infrastructure.
In Bundaberg to announce the program, Deputy Premier and Minister for Local Government Steven Miles said the Local Government Grants and Subsidies Program (LGGSP), provides funding to councils to deliver the infrastructure and essential services communities need.
"This program aims to help our hardworking councils build and upgrade infrastructure that is vital to sustaining and improving their towns, cities and regions," Mr Miles said.
"This early Christmas present will go a long way to continue Queensland's economic recovery, creating jobs and building the infrastructure our communities need.
"The types of infrastructure projects we are talking about can include sewerage and water, economic development and tourism, and community wellbeing projects such as sport and recreation centres, and security and community safety projects."
Member for Bundaberg Tom Smith said the Elliott Heads Foreshore Redevelopment was an example of the kinds of projects that could receive funding.
"Since 2017, this program has supported close to 1,900 jobs across Queensland, providing a big boost to regions like ours" Mr Smith said.
"The much-loved Elliott Heads Foreshore was redeveloped, and the main street transformed, thanks to funding from this program.
"I can't wait to see what projects receive funding this time and the jobs created from those projects."
Projects funded under previous rounds of the LGGSP include the Rosewood Library in Ipswich, the Storm King Dam pipeline in Southern Downs, a community hub in Mareeba, a second reservoir in Hughenden, and Thargomindah's Whole Town Renewable Energy Solution.
Joining the Deputy Premier, Bundaberg Region Mayor Jack Dempsey thanked the Palaszczuk Government for continuing the Local Government Grants and Subsidies Program.
"The program provides valuable grants which enable Councils to fast track and complete important infrastructure projects which would otherwise be delayed or not happen at all," he said.
"In 2019 we completed the Elliott Heads foreshore redevelopment thanks to State Government support.
"This has improved the amenity at Elliott Heads and left a lasting legacy for the benefit of residents and visitors."
All 77 Queensland councils are eligible to apply for 2022-24 LGGSP funding.
Applications close on 04 March 2022. Successful projects will be announced in the first half of next year, with construction beginning on some projects as early as 1 July 2022.
The LGGSP provides funding to support councils to deliver priority infrastructure projects that improve the liveability of communities and support economic growth and employment.
