Infrastructure and roads funding for local NWQ councils delivers welcome boost

The mayors of North West Queensland (NWQROC) have welcomed the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program announcement which will see $4.9million invested across our local councils. 

This funding adds further to the good news for our region following on from the Queensland Government’s Building our Regions announcement earlier this week.

NWQROC Chair Cr Jack Bawden said: “We thank the Commonwealth for this vital funding, in addition to advancing the Financial Assistance Grants - a move that will provide funding certainty to councils at this critical time.

“We also appreciate the allocative approach of these funding programs. This gives local councils better decision-making power that will ensure action is taken on current priorities for our areas.”

“This is a good move by both levels of government. Local councils are at the forefront when it comes to understanding and delivering for our communities. That role has never been more important as we deal with the impact of COVID-19 on our local communities, economies and jobs,” Cr Bawden said. 

“We look forward to upcoming announcements of further Federal and State government roads projects across the region. 

Cr Bawden said this funding was backed up by the strong commitment from local councils to advocate for and secure investment, so the region continues to be attractive for people and business to live, work and invest.

“With the region dealing with flooding in 2019, the impact of COVID-19 has been another blow to our recovery momentum. We will continue to advocate for our region to all political levels to ensure funding commitments are delivered where they are needed most, helping to boost our economies and jobs,” Cr Bawden said.

About the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program

Allocations for the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program have been calculated in a similar way to how the Roads to Recovery Program and the road component of the Financial Assistance Grants works.

This formula takes into consideration road length and population and is based on recommendations of Local Government Grants Commissions.

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Contact:

Greg Hoffman PSM | 0418 756 005 | nwqroc@carpentaria.qld.gov.au