Sunshine Coast Regional Council is receiving $7.01 million and Noosa Shire Council $4.08 million for shovel-ready community infrastructure projects that could create hundreds of jobs.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Local Government Steven Miles said the council’s are sharing in $100 million over the next three years through the Palaszczuk Government’s South East Queensland Community Stimulus Program (SEQCSP).
“This is part of Queensland’s plan for economic recovery, to create jobs across SEQ by assisting councils to fast-track investment in new infrastructure,” Mr Miles said.
“We made a commitment during the election to provide an additional $200 million over six years to the 12 councils in the South East.
“We’re delivering on our promise with the rollout of the first $100 million this week which will help councils deliver projects that will stimulate employment, boost local economies and improve communities.”
Member for Caloundra Jason Hunt said the program was designed to make an immediate impact on communities including the Sunshine Coast.
“The Sunshine Coast has taken an economic blow during the COVID-19 pandemic so this is great news for our economic recovery” Mr Hunt said.
“In 2020, through the COVID Works for Queensland program and the Unite and Recover Community Stimulus Package, the South East councils received $100 million to help deliver 151 projects, which the councils estimate will support or create more than 2,500 jobs.
“We’ve seen Sunshine Coast council begin to deliver some amazing community assets here already, including the Beerwah Community Meeting place under construction right now, delivering 11 local construction jobs.”
Member for Nicklin Rob Skelton said councils could now submit project proposals.
“We’ve already seen the local council take advantage of funding including to deliver park upgrades and community assets across the region,” Mr Skelton said.
“The Palaszczuk Government is delivering more funding to improve our local community and create jobs.”
Through the SEQCSP, $74 million is allocated to the councils and the remaining $26 million will be distributed on a competitive application basis.
From the $74 million worth of allocation funding:
*Sunshine Coast Regional Council – $7.01 million
*Noosa Shire Council – $4.08 million