State funding set to provide job boost for the Burdekin
Council thanks the Queensland Government for supporting its recently-released battleplan of shovel-ready projects following the announcement of a $200 million COVID Works For Queensland program.
Burdekin Shire Council in collaboration with the Local Government Association of Queensland thanks the Queensland Government for supporting its recently-released battleplan of shovel-ready projects following the announcement of $200 million for a COVID Works for Queensland program this morning.
The State Government announcement was made in response to the release of LGAQ’s Battleplan for Queensland Local Communities over the weekend, which included a $200 million Jobs Recovery Package.
Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin said the package included a range of projects that would provide immediate benefit to the Burdekin trade industries and had the potential to improve on a range of local cultural, tourism, and infrastructure facilities.
“I want to thank Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, Treasurer Cameron Dick and Local Government Minister Stirling Hinchliffe for recognising the need to accelerate shovel-ready projects across the State and Council looks forward to working with them on the delivery of a number of initiatives in the Burdekin,” Cr McLaughlin said.
“A key component of Council’s battleplan is the Jobs Recovery Package, which includes a range of projects from culvert replacements to infrastructure upgrades, facility refurbishments and more.
“These projects will deliver a range of job-creating opportunities for our Shire to keep the Burdekin working. We have the opportunity to come out of this year stronger by building a more resilient future driven by solutions that put our community first.”
Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) CEO Greg Hallam said the funding announcement meant projects could begin across the State within weeks, based off the successful Works for Queensland model.
“This announcement means councils can start rolling out job-creating projects within weeks, helping bolster the construction, tourism, small business and agricultural sectors,” Mr Hallam said.
“Expanding a proven job-creating program statewide means no community will be left behind.
“Add to this the $70 million commitment to Building Our Regions program and local economies will have the shot in the arm they desperately need to do the heavy lifting.
“We look forward to continuing our discussions with the Government on other measures contained within the LGAQ’s battleplan as we work together to help Queensland recover.”
Burdekin Shire Council will continue discussions with State Government and the LGAQ as details of the COVID Works for Queensland program are finalised, with announcements made as projects are confirmed.