On Wednesday, the Queensland Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing and Minister for Water announced a $70 million funding package for regional Queensland water projects.
The Palaszczuk Government has announced the next phase of the Build Our Regions program, investing millions in regional water infrastructure.
The Building Our Regions program is designed to help Queensland’s local governments invest in essential infrastructure and create flow-on economic development opportunities for the regions.
Under Round 6 of the program, regional local governments will soon be able to apply for funding for priority water and sewage infrastructure projects.
Queensland Minister for Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water Glenn Butcher said the funding provided vital support to councils in need of financial help to complete critical works.
“These projects aren’t just critical right now as we deliver our economic plan to recover from the global COVID-19 pandemic and create jobs, but also for the long-term growth of regional communities around the state,” he said.
Mr Butcher said guidelines for Round 6 would be provided to regional councils so they could assess potential projects to submit for funding when applications open in the coming weeks.
“Councils can apply for up to $2 million in funding to support a range of eligible construction and works projects over three years.”
Very small councils will also be able to apply for funding up to $300,000 on industry infrastructure projects.
Local Government Association of Queensland President and Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson welcomed the water and wastewater infrastructure focus of the latest round of funding programs.
“We have been working closely with the Queensland Government on behalf of our member councils, to find ways to address the infrastructure cliff many rural towns are facing due to ageing water and wastewater infrastructure,” said Mr Jamieson.
“This funding represents an important first step in what will be needed to deliver critical water and sewerage upgrades for these communities.”
Click here for more information on the Build our Regions program.
For more information visit the Queensland Government website.