The Palaszczuk Government's successful Works for Queensland program has created more than 1200 jobs across Central Western Queensland since 2016 with more than $23 million invested to deliver 124 community projects.
The region is set to benefit further with an extra $7.42 million allocated to local councils to stimulate the economy, create jobs and deliver infrastructure under the Palaszczuk Government's Unite and Recover for Queensland Jobs plan.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk inspected some of the Works for Queensland projects while visiting Longreach and Barcaldine this week.
"Across regional Queensland, Works for Queensland is helping councils deliver new and upgraded infrastructure, while boosting economies and creating jobs," the Premier said.
"This is even more important now as our economy recovers from the global pandemic, which has had a serious impact on economies around the world.
"That's why under my government's plan to Unite and Recover for Queensland Jobs we've invested a further $200 million into this program, which is expected to create a further 8000 jobs across the state."
The Premier said more than 500 jobs had been created or supported across the three rounds of Works for Queensland in Longreach and Barcaldine with more $7 million allocated to deliver nearly 50 projects.
Longreach projects:
- Library upgrade
- Isisford pool upgrade
- Longreach Civic Centre air-conditioning upgrade
- Beersheeba Place upgrade with the installation of a dry creek bed and timber bridge
- Ilfracombe shade structure for the playground
- Powerhouse landscaping
- Longreach Childcare Centre carpark reseal
- Longreach tennis court resurfacing
- Scenic walkways project for Ilfracombe and Isisford
- Thompson River beautification and upgrade
- Longreach water mains upgrade
Barcaldine projects:
- Alpha Dip Yards upgrade
- New amenities at the Aramac Showgrounds
- New structure at Bullock Dray Shed
- Community streetscapes
- New skate and bike park at Jericho
- Oak Street footpath upgrade
- Muttaburrasaurus Interpretation Centre and River site
"With our economic recovery plan, Longreach gets a further $1.12 million in COVID-19 Works for Queensland funding and I want to thank Longreach Regional Council who has submitted some exciting projects, including continued upgrades of the pool and further refurbishment of the civic centre.
"I'm also pleased that Barcaldine Regional Council has received a further $1.1 million in this latest COVID Works for Queensland boost."
Local Government Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said other terrific projects delivered through Works for Queensland in the region, included the new water park in Winton and improved road safety at blackspots across Barcaldine.
"I'm delighted further funding has been allocated to the region through the new COVID Works for Queensland program, aimed at helping our councils get their communities back on their feet," he said.
"It's part of the Queensland Government's $6 billion economic recovery strategy Unite and Recover for Queensland Jobs to help counter the economic effects of the pandemic.
"These are difficult times, but we are stronger when we are united in the face of adversity.
"The Works for Queensland program is a wonderful example of what can be achieved when our two levels of government work together for all Queenslanders."
