- Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday region councils are set to share in a $100 million infrastructure funding boost
- There will now be $300 million available to Queensland's regional councils in the next round of Works for Queensland (W4Q)
- Projects like water and sewerage infrastructure, housing and regional economic development.are set to be delivered from 2024-2027
Three Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday region councils are set to share in the extra $100 million in funds soon to be on offer for essential local infrastructure.
The Queensland Government has announced an increase in funding support for the Works for Queensland (W4Q) program to $300 million from the previous $200 million for its next round in 2024-27.
Since 2016, W4Q has funded 157 infrastructure projects across the Mackay and Whitsunday region.
It is estimated to have supported or created around 1700 jobs.
In Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday, the program's current round, which concludes in June 2024, has provided funding for projects including:
- $5.7 million to the Mackay Regional Council for gravel re-sheeting of existing roads throughout the Mackay Region supporting an estimated 20 jobs.
- $2.29 million to Mackay Regional Council for the redevelopment of the Seaforth Esplanade as a recreational hub including new playground and water play facilities and public amenities supporting an estimated 42 jobs.
- $1.2 million to Issac Regional Council for the replacement of a water play facility with a toddler's pool and zero-entry water play area at the Aquatic centre supporting an estimated nine jobs.
- $500,000 to the Whitsunday Regional Council for relining of asbestos cement and vitrified clay sewers and customer connections in and around the old Proserpine Fire Station supporting an estimated five jobs.
Funding guidelines for councils are expected to be released in April 2024 and will be developed in consultation with the Local Government Association of Queensland.
Quotes attributable to Deputy Premier Steven Miles:
"Works for Queensland is the Palaszczuk Government's signature local stimulus program, creating jobs and improving communities across regional Queensland.
"This is a record level of funding from the Palaszczuk government for local projects - $300 million up from the previous $200 million.
"By the end of the current 2021-24 funding round it's estimated that Works for Queensland will have supported or created more than 26,000 jobs in regional Queensland across almost 2,200 projects, with that number to increase when the new funding round begins in July 2024.
"Works for Queensland continues to be successful and is a great example of two levels of government working together to deliver for local communities."
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Local Government Nikki Boyd:
"Works for Queensland has supported communities the length and breadth of Queensland, it has been an enormous benefit particularly to regional and remote areas of our state.
"It's created thousands of jobs and supported communities. I've seen firsthand how our regions have benefited from the Palaszczuk Government's investment in them.
"This massive boost in funding will mean councils can keep delivering critical infrastructure and good jobs for locals, I look forward to seeing these projects delivered across the state."
Quotes attributable to the Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert:
"Works for Queensland is another example of the Palaszczuk Government working together with local councils to deliver for the community.
"We've already seen over 150 infrastructure projects throughout our region funded by Works for Queensland, and it's great to see our community benefitting from the creation of more local jobs."
