The State Government has announced more than $59 million in new funding “to unlock development opportunities, create jobs and drive economic growth”
Deputy Premier Jackie Trad said the new Catalyst Infrastructure Program would allow councils and private proponents to apply for co-investment funding to build road, water, sewerage and other infrastructure.
“Often development can be stalled by the lack of critical infrastructure such as roads, water supply, wastewater or stormwater infrastructure,” Ms Trad said.
“By investing in this catalyst infrastructure, we unlock the potential for economic growth and jobs.
“Councils, developers and water distributors-retailers will embrace this opportunity with the Palaszczuk Government co-investing in infrastructure to kick-start the development of their projects.”
Ms Trad said the State Government was investing $10.1 billion in infrastructure this financial year, supporting 27,500 jobs.
She said the key criteria for the Catalyst Infrastructure Program was that the proposed infrastructure must generate, facilitate or accelerate economic benefit.
“We are now talking to councils and calling for potential co-investors to speak to us about what projects they would like to see funded through the Catalyst Infrastructure Program,” Ms Trad said.
“We are looking for shovel-ready projects which demonstrate significant flow-on economic benefits for the community.
“Jobs and economic growth are key priorities of this government and all councils will be eligible to apply for catalyst infrastructure funding under the program.”
Successful proponents will receive funding on an interest-free basis to be repaid over time. These repayments will allow for the sustainable, ongoing funding of the program.
The proponent must also co-invest between 10 and 50 per cent of the total direct costs, and be ready to start construction within 12 months.
