The Queensland Government has accelerated $70 million of critical regional infrastructure fund by six months to help stimulate jobs and economic growth in the region.
The funding is part of the state government’s $200 million Building our Regions program, which aims to support jobs, foster economic development and improve liveability in regional communities.
Applications for the second round of funding open 4 April and the government is encouraging local council’s to start thinking about eligible projects before March’s local government elections.
Minister for State Development and Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Anthony Lynham said in a statement that they want to get the ball rolling on applications for eligible infrastructure projects that will benefit communities through jobs and long-term economic opportunities.
“In this round, councils will only initially need to prepare an expression of interest. My department will assess those EOIs, shortlist projects and then give councils four weeks to prepare a detailed business case for their project,” he said.
Dr. Lynham said the first round was already making a difference in regional communities with 44 jobs supported through the program and two projects already underway in Bundaberg and Kowanyama.
“So far, 11 agreements have been signed by council and 31 agreements are currently in development,” he said.
Tenders have been awarded for the Bundaberg Region Multi-use Community and Sports Centre and the Miriam Vale Water Treatment Plant. Tenders will be called for more projects in the coming months.
“The Building Our Regions program is effective because it encourages regional collaboration and additional financial investment in local communities,” said Dr. Lynham. “Regional communities are the backbone of our economy and bringing this funding round forward will give regional areas a boost where it is most needed.”