More construction jobs for regional QLD as Economic Recovery continues

The recently announced 2020-21 State Budget will continue supporting Queensland’s Economic Recovery plan through a series of investments on projects that will create economic development opportunities as well as jobs across regional Queensland. 

“The global COVID-19 pandemic has put immense pressure on our regional economies. 

“This Budget reflects our continuing efforts to support and promote job creation in getting our economy up and running and to ensuring more Queenslanders get back to work,” Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning Steven Miles said. 

Approximately $62.4 million has been committed for 2020-21 on the Building our Regions program, which is part of the $332 million program that will deliver infrastructure grants to local councils. 

The Budget also commits $42.5 million towards the construction of the East Bundaberg Flood Levee, which will improve flood resilience in Bundaberg to protect locals who have suffered from devastating floods in the past. 

The flood levee project in Bundaberg is expected to support up to 679 during its three-year construction phase. 

This year’s Budget also includes key components of Queensland’s Economic Recovery Plan, such as: 

• $200 million ($180 million in 2020-21) to be spent over a two-year period for the COVID Works for Queensland Program that will provide funding to 77 local governments to build about 520 productive infrastructures 
• $100 million ($45 million in 2020-21) to be spent over four years for the SEQ Community Stimulus Package that will help fast track investment in new infrastructure as well as community assets 
• $34 million in 2020-21 for Works for Queensland program, which will deliver infrastructure and create jobs across regional Queensland 

“These programs are supporting jobs and providing economic stimulus to local economies right across the State,” Minister Miles said. 

According to Assistant Minister for Local Government Nikki Boyd, the government is committed to providing support to local councils following the difficulty brought by the recent pandemic. 

“This budget includes funding to support Local Governments, deliver key local projects and create jobs. 

“We’re also providing funding to improve water supply and security in regional councils,” Ms Boyd said. 

More than $3 million has been committed for the Douglas and Mareeba Splash Parks as well as $50,000 for the Cairns Showgrounds – one of the Far North’s premier gathering venues. 

About $7.5 million has been invested on the Haughton Pipeline Stage 2 as well, with the project securing a total of $195 million in funding to date. 

The Haughton Pipeline Stage 2 project will extend the existing pipeline from the Haughton River to the Burdekin River. Works will include the construction of a pump station, high voltage power supply infrastructure along with proof of performance testing of the pipeline stages, which will create a complete water transfer system. 

“The Haughton Pipeline project will improve water security in Townsville and is creating hundreds of local jobs. 

“Additional funding of $10 million has been provided to the Burdekin Shire Council to improve Ayr Water Supply by building new infrastructure and more than $4 million of the construction of new drinking water storage reservoirs for Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council,” Ms Boyd added. 

Other major capital grant programs covered by the 2020-21 Budget include: 

• $26 million in 2020-21 for the Local Government Grants and Subsidies Program 
• $15.5 million in 2020-21 for the Indigenous Councils Critical Infrastructure Program 

“As always these grant programs are much sought-after and we look forward to continuing to work with councils to jointly play our part in keeping the Queensland economy moving, especially in our regions,” Ms Boyd said. 

Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; Queensland Budget 2020-21 – Highlights; Queensland Government – Unite & Recover