The Local Government Association of Queensland welcomes the allocation of job-creating economic stimulus funding for South East Queensland councils, announced by the State today.
Local Government Association of Queensland President and Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson said the $100 million South East Queensland Community Stimulus Program funding commitment – including an initial allocation of $74 million - follows a request from the LGAQ on behalf of its member councils for a stimulus program to address areas of high unemployment in SEQ.
“No part of the state has been immune to the economic impacts of COVID-19. This program, combined with the Works for Queensland funding for regional Queensland, will ensure councils can roll out job-creating programs in every part of the state at a time when their communities need help the most,” Mayor Jamieson said.
“The LGAQ campaigned for this program on behalf of its members through both its Battleplan for Queensland Local Communities and during the State Election campaign and we thank the Government for its commitment.”
Mayor Jamieson said the Association would continue to work with the Government to increase the funding under this program to $50 million a year, ongoing, to ensure it can continue to create jobs and support those communities that need it most.
This reflects the resolution passed by member councils at last year’s Annual Conference asking the LGAQ to continue to lobby the State to increase the funding for this program going forward.