Communities across Mackay and Whitsundays will receive an early Christmas present this year, a share of almost $86 million to help councils deliver priority projects like tourism, water and sewage or sports and community infrastructure.
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 Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said the program has the potential to help create local jobs in the region.
"Since 2017, this program has supported close to 1,900 jobs across Queensland, providing a big boost to regions like Mackay," Mrs Gilbert said.
"A great example of a project previously funded by this program is the purpose-built Operations Centre and Nursery at the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens. This project has made it much easier for staff to maintain the gardens.
"These are the kinds of projects that create construction jobs and improve amenities in our community.
"The program provides valuable grants which enable Councils to fast track and complete important infrastructure projects.
"We have seen what impact this funding program can have on communities by delivering priority infrastructure."
Mackay and Whitsunday region projects funded under previous rounds of the LGGSP include the Isaac Regional Water Recycling Program, the Mirani Effluent Dam and Transfer System, improving water supply and storage for Airlie Beach, and phases 1 and 2 of upgrading the water storage at Theresa Creek Dam.
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.
