• Rockhampton 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
Four councils in the Rockhampton/Keppel region 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 200 projects across the Rockhampton region.
It is estimated to have supported or created around 2,050 jobs.
In the Rockhampton region the program's current round, which concludes in June 2024, has provided funding for projects including: • $6.46 million to Rockhampton Regional Council for the upgrade of the North Rockhampton Sewage Treatment Plant (NRSTP), supporting an estimated 81 jobs. • $1.69 million to Livingstone Shire Council for full reconstruction of Matthew Flinders Drive between Edward Street and Melaleuca Street, supporting and estimated 10 jobs. • $660,000 to Woorabinda Aboriginal Shire Council for upgrading the Water Treatment plant and telemetry, supporting an estimated 17 jobs. • $388,000 to Central Highlands Regional Council to replace Valves and Hydrants, supporting an estimated 11 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 Rockhampton MP Barry O'Rourke:
"Our Government is going above and beyond to ensure local communities get even more of the infrastructure they need.
"Works for Queensland mean councils can fund important projects that will benefit the community, like housing and regional economic development."
Quotes attributable to Keppel MP Brittany Lauga:
"It's great to see the Palaszczuk Government continue to invest in regional Queensland.
"This Works for Queensland funding will make a big difference across the region by helping local councils deliver projects, creating even more good jobs and making our community an even better place to live.
