Supporting local government in Wide Bay

November 25, 2021

Wide Bay local governments have received a share of $4.7 million to deliver services and infrastructure, through the Liberal and National Government’s Financial Assistance Grants program.

Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien said councils in the Wide Bay region received a total of $4,771,014 this month, as the second 2021-22 quarterly payment in the program.

“This Federal Government support is untied, giving local councils the capacity to decide which are the most important local priority projects in their area, whether it’s transport, health, sports and recreation, environment or employment,” Mr O’Brien said.

“Local governments are vital to building safer and stronger communities, and these grants support them to invest substantial amounts in projects that will benefit the community and create jobs, and fast-track projects that will make a real difference as we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Local governments that fall entirely or partially within the Wide Bay electorate have received the following quarterly payment:

  • Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council – $94,711
  • Fraser Coast Regional Council – $1,055,255
  • Gympie Regional Council – $785,858
  • Noosa Shire Council – $310,417
  • South Burnett Regional Council – $920,732
  • Sunshine Coast Regional Council – $1,604,041

Assistant Minister for Local Government Kevin Hogan said a total of $2.7 billion in untied Federal funding was allocated for local governments in 2021–22.

“The Federal Government prepaid around half of the allocated funding in June 2021, the remainder will be paid through these quarterly payments across the year,” Mr Hogan said.

“We know the early payment is a valued support to councils, particularly in regions that have faced the combined impacts of bushfire, drought, floods and COVID-19.”

“Across the nation, local governments employ around 194,000 people and deliver a wide range of services in the cities, regional towns and remote areas of Australia.  This support will continue to bolster Australia’s economic recovery.”

Since 1974–75, the Australian Government has provided local governments with almost $60 billion in untied funding through the Financial Assistance Grants program.

For more information, visit https://www.regional.gov.au/local/assistance/index.aspx 

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.