$285m funding to deliver vital infrastructure across South East QLD

Local governments in Queensland’s south-east corner are set to deliver more than $285 million worth of infrastructure projects that will help boost the lifestyle of communities – funded through the South East Queensland (SEQ) Liveability Fund. 

The Australian Government, Queensland Government and Council of Mayors (SEQ) have partnered to establish the SEQ Liveability Fund as a key commitment to be delivered under the SEQ City Deal. 

“We’ve seen Councils put forward projects which will improve local lifestyle and liveability of communities across the South East. 

“With another 2.2 million people to call our region home, we need to ensure important community infrastructure like local parks, sport and recreation precincts keep up with this growing demand. 

“Funding through the SEQ City Deal – enabled by all levels of government – will help to deliver local projects which unlock new opportunities for residents to explore, exercise and recreate across our region. 

“Projects which are aimed at enhancing the local lifestyle south east Queenslanders love about where they live, in time for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” Council of Mayors (SEQ) Chai and Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said. 

There are 11 eligible local governments invited to submit Expressions of Interest (EOI) as part of the initial assessment phase for project funding. 

These projects that will help build healthier, liveable and more inclusive, connected communities could include new parks and initiatives to improve access to quality public open spaces and the natural environment.Community infrastructure that complements new housing supply or urban renewal are also considered. 

Other eligible projects include regional sporting and recreation facilities that will drive engagement in local sports leading up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. 

“South East Queensland is booming and playing host to some of the world’s biggest events, so the Miles Government is committed to investing in our communities and delivering for our councils in the south-east corner. 

“The SEQ Liveability Fund will give local councils the opportunity to create better places to live through access to more open space, infrastructure that complements new housing or projects that support health and wellbeing. 

“It’s great to see councils’ responses to this opportunity to boost local community and sport engagement in the lead-up to Brisbane 2032 and beyond. 

“We are committed to providing long-term improvements to the social, environmental and economic viability and sustainability of SEQ communities and this funding is another wonderful example of what can be achieved for Queensland when our three levels of government work together,” QLD Minister for State Development and Infrastructure Grace Grace said. 

Source: QLD State Development and Infrastructure

A list of 24 eligible projects across 11 councils has already been finalised and local governments will now be invited to submit detailed applications for these projects. Final decision for project funding will be announced after the assessment of detailed applications this year. 

The 11 councils include Noosa, Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay, Somerset, Brisbane, Redlands, Logan, Scenic Rim, Lockyer Valley, Ipswich and Toowoomba. These Local Governments received funding allocation at a pro-rata population rate that was determined when the SEQ City Deal was signed – ranging from $1.7 million to $120.8 million. 

The SEQ City Deal delivers a significant package of investments valued at $1.8 billion towards one of the fastest growing regions in Australia and it is anticipated to benefit more than three million residents. 

This City Deal is a long-term partnership between three levels of government to deliver 29 projects that will generate long-lasting benefits for the region. 

“The Australian Government is committed to improving our cities and regions to ensure a high quality of life, while delivering a region-shaping legacy with the hosting of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. 

“The SEQ Liveability Fund is another example of this commitment and is expected to benefit more than three million Queenslanders, with one in seven Australians living in the great south-east. 

“I’m pleased to see a variety of projects submitted for consideration that will help unlock a stronger future for communities,” Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said. 

Source: Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government; Queensland Government – Media Statements; Queensland Government – State Development and Infrastructure; Infrastructure Magazine