LOCAL ROADS AND COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDING TO BOOST JOBS AND THE ECONOMY IN WIDE BAY

October 7, 2021

Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien today welcomed the approval of funding for 18 local road and infrastructure upgrade projects, supporting jobs for 175 contractors and 75 council staff.

The Federal Liberal and Nationals Government has approved funding for the following projects, worth a total of $5,123,683 as part of its $2.5 billion Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program: 

  • Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council – $41,554 to upgrade the Barambah Ave and Fisher Street/Marshall Street junction roundabout area and drains at Cherbourg, supporting 12 jobs.
  • Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council – $20,000 to upgrade car park and driveway at Collins Road, Cherbourg, supporting five jobs.
  • Fraser Coast Regional Council – $780,000 for an additional 105 parks at the Brolga Theatre Carpark, supporting 12 jobs.
  • Gympie Regional Council – $120,000 to upgrade the Albert Park Touch Carpark, supporting 17 jobs.
  • Gympie Regional Council – $148,000 to seal Excelsior Road beyond Hyne Street, supporting 10 jobs. 
  • Gympie Regional Council – $98,000 to upgrade Laminex Road, including curve widening and resurfacing, supporting 10 jobs.
  • Gympie Regional Council – $221,000 to upgrade Mellor Street , supporting 11 jobs.
  • Gympie Regional Council – $441,000 to upgrade the kerb, channels and surfaces of Pronger Parade and Smith Street in the Glanmire industrial area, supporting 10 jobs.
  • Gympie Regional Council – $758,507 to upgrade two Thornside Road floodways, supporting 8 jobs. 
  • Gympie Regional Council – $500,000 to upgrade and expand the CCTV network within the Gympie region including parks, roads and facilities, supporting six jobs.  
  • Noosa Council – $935,622 to upgrade and reseal David Low Way at Peregian Beach, supporting 19 jobs.
  • Noosa Council – $100,000 to seal Tinbeerwah Road, Tinbeerwah, supporting 16 jobs.
  • Noosa Council – $80,000 to resurface Eenie Creek Road, Sunshine Beach, supporting 19 jobs. 
  • Noosa Council – $80,000 to reseal Ely Street, Noosaville, supporting 19 jobs.
  • Noosa Council – $200,000 to reseal and repair Lake Weyba Drive, Noosaville, supporting 19 jobs.
  • Noosa Council – $100,000 to reseal and repair Green Gate Road, Cooroibah, supporting 19 jobs. 
  • Noosa Council – $250,000 to upgrade Langura Street at Noosa Heads, supporting 19 jobs.
  • Noosa Council – $250,000 to upgrade Sea Eagle Drive, Noosaville, supporting 19 jobs. 

Mr O’Brien said each of the projects would make a significant difference in their local communities as well as supporting local contractors and construction jobs.

“These 18 projects will provide work for up to 250 FTE positions, helping to secure our economic recovery by generating jobs through the construction phase, and they will also leave lasting benefits to strengthen local communities,” Mr O’Brien said.

The Morrison Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program provides funding to councils for new capital works, encouraging them to bring forward construction of new projects to create local jobs.
“Creating jobs, building better roads, improving community safety, and boosting the local economy are key features of this program that will be delivered through these projects,” Mr O’Brien said.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said over 5,800 projects have already been approved under the program with around $835 million paid to councils across Australia.

“This funding will result in some much-wanted facilities and infrastructure in our community, which will have flow-on effects for local companies and suppliers,” Mr Joyce said. 

“We know how important our support is to communities who have faced the combined effects of drought, bushfires and COVID-19, which is why the construction of new infrastructure will help support the community recover from their economic hardships.

“These projects are driving new money back into the local economy in Wide Bay and creating jobs at a time when we need it most – it’s a real win-win.”

In June 2021, the Federal Liberal and Nationals Government also pre-paid $1.3 billion of this year’s Financial Assistance Grant to provide untied funding for all local councils across Australia to spend on local priorities.

More information on the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program is available at investment.infrastructure.gov.au/infrastructure_investment/local-roads-community-infrastructure-program

WELCOME TO WIDE BAY

In the spirit of Australia, I acknowledge all citizens who contribute to making our nation the greatest on earth.

I acknowledge our defence force personnel, past, present, and emerging, for their service to our nation, and particularly those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the defence of Australia.

I also acknowledge the Australian taxpayers who, through their hard work, pay for the infrastructure, health, education, and emergency services that keep our proud nation healthy, safe, and prosperous.