Qld Govt approves $500m+ in funding for 570 council projects

Picture: ANDREW KACIMAIWAI

The Queensland Government has allocated more than $500 million on almost 600 local infrastructure projects.

The announcement follows Premier Steven Miles’s decision on Monday to call a state election for October 26.

Using three local government programs, the government will fund more than 570 projects across the state.

Local Government Minister Meaghan Scanlon described the funding allocation as a “record”.

“Whether it’s through this funding, Homes for Queenslanders or our city deals, only this government can be trusted to get on with the job of delivering infrastructure in partnership with councils to help make sure Queenslanders have the services that matter,” she says.

Ms Scanlon also had a swipe at Liberals-National Party state leader David Crisafulli.

“David Crisafulli cut millions in funding for local councils when he was Local Government Minister and now he’s refusing to reveal to Queenslanders his costings, because we know he’ll cut it again,” she claimed.

Among the nearly 600 projects earmarked for funding are:

$18m for road, stormwater and watermain repairs and upgrades across Cairns;

$11.5m for Bundaberg Regional Council’s pathway, road and bridge renewal programs;

$5.45m for the South West Victoria Point Gravity Sewer Infrastructure expansion;

$4.8m for water and sewer main renewal in Gympie;

$4.5m for road, parking, kerb and drainage upgrades in Rockhampton;

$4.1m to expand the Yeppoon landfill;

$4m for the Dalby Water Supply Upgrade project;

$3.9m for Minnie Street upgrade, Upper Kedron;

$3.8m for Compton Park, Woodridge clubhouse facilities;

$3m to remediate a critical bulk water reservoir for Magnetic Island;

$2.7m for Toowoomba Regional Council’s sewer pump construction at Highfields;