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Local partnership to form local projects

Market Insights
8 years ago
2 minutes

The Palaszczuk Government has reaffirmed its commitment to work constructively with the State's 77 local governments, particularly to create jobs and deliver infrastructure, following yesterday's council elections.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said her Government valued the partnership with local governments and she has vowed to strengthen those links to generate jobs across the State.

"I congratulate the new and re-elected Mayors and councillors across the State and reaffirm my Government's commitment to work with them. My Government has always had a constructive relationship with local government and I am determined that we will continue to work closely with councils across the State," the Premier said.

Ms Palaszczuk said Queensland’s trend unemployment rate 5.9% (February 2016) had fallen - compared to 6.6% the Government inherited from the LNP Government.

“My Government is determined to create new jobs, attract new investment and establish new industries in Queensland,” she said.

On Tuesday, the Premier will take her Working Queensland Cabinet Committee to Mount Isa.

The Cabinet Committee has previously met in Townsville and Mackay, and Cabinet met in Gladstone.

“My Government and local councils will be partners in progress for Queensland. We need to seize the opportunities to generate new jobs and ensure we get the backing from the Federal Government on infrastructure.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Local Government Jackie Trad said the Palaszczuk Government is committed to planning, funding and delivering the projects Queenslanders need now and for the future, to cater for growing populations, drive our economy and create local jobs.

"Over the past 12 months we have been reforming the way we plan, prioritise and invest in infrastructure to ensure we deliver the right infrastructure in the right place at the right time," she said.

"Working with local governments has been an important part of our infrastructure reform agenda and we look forward to continuing this important work with new and continuing local government representatives."

Ms Palaszczuk said immediate opportunities for the Queensland Government to work with councils included:

  • $70 million for critical regional infrastructure fund under the Government through its Building Our Regions program. Eligible local councils can apply from 4 April;
     
  • $180 million for the Significant Regional Infrastructure Projects Program under the State Infrastructure Fund, as part of the Government's $35 billion four-year State Infrastructure Plan, to deliver regionally significant infrastructure projects identified by communities, create jobs and grow Queensland’s economy; and
     
  • seeking funds from the Turnbull Government to match the Queensland Government's contribution, such as $200 million for the Ipswich Motorway Upgrade Stage 1 Darra to Rocklea and $100 million for a new stadium in Townsville, as well as deliver its own programs and commitments, including the northern Australia initiatives ahead of the Federal Budget and election due this year.