Sunshine Coast and Noosa will benefit from job opportunities and new assets from bikeways and footpaths to sport and recreation facilities through $7.18 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 and the State, with up to 8000 jobs being supported or created across Queensland.
“The allocation of $7.18 million to the region’s councils will see projects delivered that will have long-term economic benefits and increase liveability in these communities,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“I know Queenslanders are resilient but our Government also recognises how difficult it has been for the region with economic hardship and unemployment in the wake of this pandemic.
“COVID Works for Queensland funding will provide a huge lift for employment opportunities, local economies, and most importantly community spirit.”
Noosa Council CEO Brett de Chastel said this is the first time Noosa has been included in the program and council will begin talks to see where to money will be allocated.
“Council staff are preparing a report to be considered by councillors in coming weeks.
“There are a number of projects being identified which will be finalised by councillors as part of the budget workshop process,” Mr de Chastel said.
Local Government Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said that in the past three years, the Works for Queensland program had been very successful in regional Queensland, delivering more than 19,000 jobs and counting.
“Now every council, including those in South-East Queensland, will be given a boost to deliver job-creating infrastructure and maintenance projects,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
“We have never had to deal with anything like the repercussions from this pandemic, which is why the Queensland 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.”
