Lockyer Valley and Somerset council areas will see more jobs, increased liveability and stronger local economies with the approval of $339,652 towards priority local infrastructure projects.
Works will include the installation of LED street lighting in Laidley and solar installations at the Esk Civic Centre and the Fernvale Indoor Sports Centre, made possible through the Queensland Government's more than $58.5 million 2019-21 Local Government Grants and Subsidies Program (LGGSP).
Local Government Minister Stirling Hinchliffe congratulated the Lockyer Valley and Somerset Regional Councils on their successful projects.
"I applaud the councils' initiative in recognising the need for these projects as well as securing the funding to help deliver them," Mr Hinchliffe said.
"This Government has committed to creating employment opportunities and this program will do just that.
"Upgrading or building new infrastructure has an immediate positive impact on the liveability of a town or city.
"This can have fantastic spinoffs such as creating jobs, retaining and growing a population base and generating business confidence to invest locally."
Lockyer Valley Regional Council Mayor Tanya Milligan welcomed the funding.
"This funding program is highly regarded, as it allows us to deliver priority infrastructure and give the region a genuine economic boost," Mayor Milligan said.
"The programs two-year timeframe is fantastic as it allows Council to budget efficiently and stretch the funding further."
The regions will benefit from:
- Lockyer Valley Regional Council receiving $186,000 for the installation of LED street lighting in Laidley and an assessment of road pavements and road seals
- Somerset Regional Council receiving $153,652 for solar installations in various council buildings including libraries and halls
The $58.56 million 2019-21 Local Government Grants and Subsidies Program is designed to provide funding assistance to support Local Governments to deliver priority infrastructure and essential services that meet the identified needs of their communities.
The Local Government and Grants and Subsidies Program projects must be completed by 30 June 2021.
