$495m funding boost for regional Queensland
Published Wednesday, 4 July 2012 at 4:52pm
Construction projects in regional Queensland will create job opportunities.
Almost $500 million has been earmarked for critical infrastructure projects in Queensland to assist in growing pressure the mining industry is placing on regions across the state.
The Royalties for Regions funding is scheduled for 14 regional councils for the construction, maintenance and upgrading of critical infrastructure and community services, minister for local government David Crisafulli said yesterday (July 3).
The funding boost is likely to create a number of jobs in Queensland, with an emphasis on employment opportunities in regional parts of the state.
Mr Crisafulli said it was important all areas of Queensland benefit from the mining boom, particularly the towns which service the resource sector.
"Unfortunately, some councils are struggling to keep pace with the unprecedented demand for services and infrastructure. This fund will help them start to turn that around," he commented.
"Mining should leave a lasting legacy for Queensland: strong, well-built and well-serviced communities. Resource communities should be a place where workers can raise their families and small business can prosper."
Councils eligible for the funding include: Western Downs, Whitsunday, Townsville, Toowoomba, Rockhampton, Mount Isa, Maranoa, Mackay, Isaac, Gladstone, Central Highlands, Barcaldine, Cloncurry and Banana.
