Qld unveils $200m support program for local council jobs

Queensland communities will get new or upgraded pools, playgrounds, caravan parks and other facilities under a $200 million local government jobs support program announced this week.

Water and sewerage infrastructure and waste management facilities are also in line for extra state government funding to help Queensland’s recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.

Announcing the Covid Works for Queensland program on Tuesday, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk thanked the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) for submitting a list of projects for funding consideration.

Minister for Local Government Stirling Hinchliffe has said that while details of the program are still being finalised, it “will expand to include South East Queensland councils and will be on top of the $600 million remote and regional program”.

The Government also announced $400 million in accelerated road funding for upgrades, new intersections and widening projects. The stimulus package includes $200 million to increase resilience, widen and seal key freight routes and upgrade older bridges and culverts.

In addition, the state is partnering with 39 councils to help deliver 48 new projects through Round 5 of the Building Our Regions program.