Communities across South West Queensland will see more jobs, increased liveability and stronger local economies with the approval of more than $7.4 million towards priority local infrastructure projects.
Works will include a new civic centre in Paroo, water infrastructure upgrades in Longreach, Winton and Quilpie and resealing the runway at Thargomindah Airport in Bulloo, 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 South West Queensland councils on their successful projects.
"I applaud the councils and their 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 these projects 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."
Paroo Mayor Lindsay Godfrey welcomed the funding.
"The program is all about benefitting the community and this funding means priority infrastructure projects will be delivered faster," Mayor Godfrey said.
"It is a great example of the two levels of government working together for the local community."
South West Queensland communities will benefit from:
- Bulloo Shire Council receiving $285,256 to reseal the Thargomindah Airport runway
- Paroo Shire Council receiving more than $5.3 million for a new Civic, Community and Enterprise Centre
- Quilpie Shire Council receiving $749,100 for a new bore to increase water supply
- Barcoo Shire Council receiving $384,000 to replace the Connemara Road Bridge and to install automatic rain and river gauges across the shire
- Blackall-Tambo Regional Council receiving $144,000 for property identification signage to assist emergency services
- Longreach Regional Council receiving $225,000 for upgrades at the water treatment plant
- Winton Shire Council receiving $310,200 to upgrade the water supply and sewerage network
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.
