October 16, 2017
South Burnett Mayor Keith Campbell and Cherbourg Council CEO Warren Collins have starred in a Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) video praising the State Government’s $400 million Works for Queensland program.
The program, which allocated Councils extra money for local projects, was designed to create jobs across regional Queensland.
The South Burnett Regional Council has received two allocations, worth a total of $8.5 million, from the program.
The LGAQ praised Works For Queensland as a “winner”.
On the video, prepared by the LGAQ and the State Government, Mayor Campbell talks about roadworks and the South Burnett Rail Trail, while Warren Collins praises the installation of lights at the Cherbourg Rugby League field.
Deputy Premier Jackie Trad said Works for Queensland had created thousands of jobs for regional Queenslanders since it was introduced at the beginning of this year.
“Since its inception, Works for Queensland has supported over 5000 jobs across regional Queensland,” Ms Trad said.
“We have worked closely alongside local councils and the LGAQ to make sure this is a program dedicated to creating and supporting jobs in the regions and it has done exactly that.
“Wherever I go, communities and mayors have lauded Works for Queensland and I call on the LNP to finally vocalise their support for this job-creating program.”
An LGAQ Census showed that there had been an increase in Council employment in both south-east Queensland councils (3.2 per cent) and non-SEQ councils (0.53 per cent), giving an overall increase of 2.75 per cent statewide.
LGAQ chief executive Greg Hallam said the figures suggested Works for Queensland was having a positive impact on jobs.
“Anecdotally, the arrest in the decline in local government employment numbers that has been recorded can be attributed in part to the successful Works for Queensland initiative in non-SEQ councils and preparation for the Commonwealth games in SEQ,” he said.
“Our Census covers workers directly engaged in local government – employees only, not contractors.”
The LGAQ is encouraging the State Government to build on the formula by introducing allocative local infrastructure funding throughout the entire State.
Local Government Minister Mark Furner said he’d heard nothing but positive feedback about Works for Queensland from Mayors and Councils across the state, as well as the LGAQ.
“This program is a great example of our Government partnering with Councils to deliver jobs, training and infrastructure for Queensland communities,” Mr Furner said.
“I’ve had the opportunity to see first-hand the benefits these projects are bringing to regional areas, in Councils from south-west Queensland right up to the Torres Strait.”
[UPDATED: Originally published as “Councils Praise State Government Program”]
