Two Noosa projects, an extension to the Cooroy Sports Complex and installation of coastal pathway signage between Peregian Beach and Noosa Junction have passed the first hurdle to be included in $285 million in infrastructure projects unveiled under the South East Queensland (SEQ) Liveability Fund.
Noosa Council will now be invited to submit a detailed application for the projects aimed at boosting community lifestyle in SEQ.
“The projects identified will support the lifestyle and liveability of two growing communities in the shire,” Mayor Clare Stewart said.
“Enhancing our shire’s liveability is key part of council’s new Corporate Plan 2023-2028 and the SEQ Liveability Fund demonstrates what can be achieved when all levels of government work together,” Cr Stewart said.
“The latest outcome once again demonstrates the tangible benefit to our community of being a part of the SEQ Council of Mayors and how it is creating opportunities for the health and wellbeing of our community.“
The Australian Government, Queensland Government and Council of Mayors (SEQ) partnered to establish the SEQ Liveability Fund as one of the key commitments being delivered under the SEQ City Deal.
Eleven eligible local governments submitted expressions of interest (EOI) as part of the initial assessment phase for funding to deliver projects that will help build healthier, liveable and more inclusive, connected communities.
Projects could include new parks and initiatives that improve access to quality public open spaces and the natural environment, community infrastructure that complements new housing supply or urban renewal and sporting and recreation facilities to drive engagement in local sport in the lead-up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
A list of 24 eligible projects has been finalised across councils of Noosa, Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay, Somerset, Brisbane, Redlands, Logan, Scenic Rim, Lockyer Valley, Ipswich and Toowoomba.
A final decision on funding of projects will be made after assessment of detailed applications in 2024.
The SEQ City Deal is a long-term partnership between the three levels of government to deliver 29 commitments aimed at generating long-lasting benefits for the region.
“The SEQ Liveability Fund will give local councils the opportunity to create better places to live through access to more open spaces, infrastructure that complements new housing or projects that support health and wellbeing,“ Queensland Minister for State Development and Infrastructure Grace Grace said.
“With another 2.2 million people to call our region home, we need to ensure important community infrastructure like local parks, sport and recreation precincts keep up with this growing demand,“ Council of Mayors (SEQ) Chair and Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said.
The 11 Local Governments partners have funding allocated to them on a pro-rata population rate determined when the SEQ City Deal was signed with allocations ranging from $1.7 million up to $120.8 million.
The SEQ City Deal Implementation Plan was launched on 15 July 2023 and provides details on all commitments. It is available online at statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0029/80696/south-east- queensland-city-deal-implementation-plan.pdf
A list of the projects progressing to the detailed application stage is available on the Department of State Development and Infrastructure website.
