The Ipswich community will benefit from jobs and new assets such as libraries, bikeways and footpaths, caravan parks, sport and recreation facilities and critical water sewer and waste management infrastructure through $4.44 million from the Palaszczuk Government’s $200 million COVID Works for Queensland program.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the funding would have an enormous impact on the region.
“While Queenslanders are resilient, it has certainly been a difficult time for everyone and this program will provide a huge lift for employment opportunities, local economies and, most importantly, community spirit,” she said.
“The allocation of $4.44 million to Ipswich City Council for the first time from a Works for Queensland program will see projects delivered that will have long-term economic benefits and increase liveability in the community.”
Member for Ipswich Jennifer Howard said COVID Works for Queensland was designed to help councils get their communities back on their feet.
“Over the past three years, we have seen how incredibly successful the Works for Queensland program has been throughout regional Queensland, delivering more than 19,000 jobs and counting, and now every council will be given a boost to deliver job-creating infrastructure and maintenance projects,” she said.
Member for Ipswich West Jim Madden welcomed the investment.
“The projects that get the tick are programs that will create employment and that’s great news for this region,” he said.
Member for Jordan Charis Mullen said the program was now open for applications.
“Head to the Department of Local Government, Racing and Multicultural Affairs website, follow the prompts and get those applications in,” she said.
Member for Bundamba Lance McCallum said Queensland had never had to deal with anything like the repercussions from this pandemic.
“That’s why the Palaszczuk Government has put together the $6 billion economic recovery strategy Unite and Recover for Queensland Jobs, of which COVID Works for Queensland is an integral part for our councils and their communities.”
Local Government Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the program was targeting shovel-ready projects, which meant work should get underway shortly after approvals had been given.
“Because these projects must be completed within the 2020-21 financial year, we’ll quickly see the social, employment and economic benefits,” he said.
“Across the State, it’s estimated the COVID program will create or support up to 8000 jobs.”
For more information visit www.dlgrma.qld.gov.au/covid-w4q
