Minister for Local Government
The Honourable David Crisafulli
Resource Regions to benefit from cash injection
Queensland communities which are battling to maintain infrastructure in the state’s mining boom will receive a $495 million boost under the Newman Government’s Royalties to the Regions program.
The program will see millions of dollars returned to 14 regional Queensland councils to help provide critical infrastructure in areas placed under enormous strain by the mining boom.
In an announcement made today, Local Government Minister David Crisafulli said it was high time resource communities received a fair share.
“We want to make sure all Queenslanders share in the spoils of the mining boom,” Mr Crisafulli said.
“Unfortunately, some councils are struggling to keep pace with the unprecedented demand for services and infrastructure. This fund will help them start to turn that around.”
The funds will only go to communities at the heart of the State’s mining boom.
The councils will be able to apply for funding for road improvements and community infrastructure such as libraries and community centres.
“Mining should leave a lasting legacy for Queensland: strong, well-built and well-serviced communities. Resource communities should be a place where workers can raise their families and small business can prosper,” he said.
The councils to benefit include Banana Shire, Cloncurry Shire, Barcaldine Regional, Central Highlands Regional, Gladstone Regional, Isaac Regional, Mackay Regional, Maranoa Regional, Mt Isa Regional, Rockhampton Regional, Toowoomba Regional, Western Downs Regional, Whitsunday Regional, and Townsville City Council.
The first grants will be included in this year’s budget and be delivered over four years
