New funding commitments for job-creation programs spanning the state, as well as extra funding for rural mental health and other vital council initiatives have been welcomed by the peak body representing Queensland local government.
Local Government Association of Queensland President and Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson today thanked Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk for her commitment at the opening of the 124th LGAQ Annual Conference to continuing the successful Works for Queensland program.
Mayor Jamieson also thanked the Premier for announcing she would adopt the LGAQ’s Jobs Advantage program to create and support jobs in areas of socio-economic disadvantage in South East Queensland.
“Our job at the LGAQ is to advocate on behalf of all our councils to ensure no community is left behind,” Mayor Jamieson said.
“That is why both the extension of the Works for Queensland program in the regions, and the additional funds for SEQ councils, were among the LGAQ’s key State Election priorities.
“Together we have already created or supported more than 26,000 jobs through Works for Queensland and this commitment will ensure we can create or support thousands more.
“I would also like to thank the Premier for committing today to working with the LGAQ and its member councils on our Bush Councils Compact, an historic new agreement to establish a new level of collaboration between the State and bush councils to guarantee minimum standards of service delivery and infrastructure for rural and remote communities.”
“This Compact will establish a new level of collaboration between bush communities and the State Government to ensure their needs are always taken into account.”
Ms Palaszczuk today announced her government’s support for another vital initiative requested as part of the LGAQ’s Battleplan for Queensland Local Communities, which will enable rural and remote councils to each access a $75,000 grant to deliver tailored mental health initiatives.
Other funding commitments include extra funding for cluster fencing, the QCoast2100 program and a $280 million commitment to continue funding under the TIDS (Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme).
Mayor Jamieson said a clear priority for the LGAQ going forward would be to continue to advocate for increased TIDS funding, as well as to secure Works for Queensland as a recurrent program set at a minimum of $100 million per year.
The LGAQ will continue to advocate for other key priorities to be adopted by all political parties ahead of the October 31 State Election - like the Rural Water and Wastewater Guarantee.
For more information on the LGAQ’s key State Election priorities, visit voteforlocal.com.au.
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