Jobs, economic growth and liveability boosted in the Sunshine State

The Albanese Labor Government continues to support councils across Queensland deliver local priorities that are high impact, through the $3.25 billion Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) program.

An additional $151.5 million is set to flow to councils across the Sunshine State under Phase 4 of LRCI, with 33 out of 77 Local Government Areas locking in funding agreements to date.

Under Phases 1-3 of LRCI, more than 530 projects have already been completed across Queensland, with 90 more expected to be finalised within the next year.

The program has delivered $95 million in funding to Queensland councils during the 2022–23 financial year, which has contributed to projects such as Rosia Park Stage 1 in the City of Logan, the Lake Alford Park post-flood restoration in Gympie, a Miles CBD Streetscape Upgrade, and the Wadeville Street and Ritchie Road Corridor Improvements – Stage 1 project in Pallara.

Rosia Park Stage 1 includes upgraded playgrounds and skate parks (including all-abilities playgrounds), picnic shelters, toilet blocks, the construction of a new road, off-road car parks and landscaping – with a total cost of $21 million, including $9 million in Australian Government funding. Completion is expected in mid-2024.

Lake Alford park is a district-level park in Gympie and includes the region’s only all-abilities playground. The park will be restored to pre-flood conditions and where possible, with more flood resilient treatments. The Australian Government is funding this project in its entirety, committing $400,000 – with completion expected in early 2024.

In Miles, LRCI funded a CBD streetscape upgrade, delivering designated parking lanes, community infrastructure, footpaths and landscaping. The over $6.5 million project (over $3.2 million Australian Government funding) was completed in June last year.

In Pallara, the Wadeville Street and Ritchie Road Corridor Improvements – Stage 1 are delivering congestion and safety improvements from Wadeville Street at Parkwood Road, to Van Dieren Road, Pallara, with completion expected later this year. The Australian Government is fully funding the more than $7.2 million project through LRCI.

Of the 1,334 road and infrastructure projects approved in the state under Phases 1-3, 505 are for roads, 781 are community infrastructure and 48 are combined.

Nationally, LRCI is currently funding more than 9,500 projects, with an additional $250 million promised by the Albanese Government at the last election, to be delivered through Phase 4 to target road projects in rural, regional and outer urban areas, on top of the previously announced $500 million.

For more information, visit: www.investment.infrastructure.gov.au/about/local-initiatives/local-roads-and-community-infrastructure-program

Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, the Hon Kristy McBain MP:

“From upgrading surfaces at local sporting fields, improving audio-visual capabilities at community halls, or repairing roads that have been washed away by floods – our investment ensures local infrastructure in Queensland is fit-for-purpose.

“By strengthening the capacity of Queensland councils to deliver their priority projects, we’re supporting local jobs, boosting economic opportunities, and advancing really positive social outcomes in communities.

“We know that Queensland is Australia’s most disaster-prone state, with the infrastructure they depend on impacted by extreme events – which is why the LRCI funding will also go a long way to helping communities in the Sunshine State recover and build resilience.

“We’re continuing to work with local councils across Queensland to finalise their Phase 4 funding agreements, with 33 agreements already locked in to date – which means more councils can now move from planning to delivery.”

Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Senator for Queensland, Anthony Chisholm:

“The Albanese Government is committed to working constructively with local councils across Queensland, because we know that the best outcomes are only achieved when we work together. This announcement is a prime example of our commitment to continuing that collaboration.

“Local councils are the lifeblood of our communities, as they play a vital role in ensuring the needs of our local community are met, especially for those living in our State’s remote and regional communities.

“Queenslanders cop more than their fair share of natural disasters, and with 33 agreements already locked in, I look forward to seeing what improvements will be made to strengthen our community’s disaster resilience.”

Quotes attributable to Australian Local Government Association President, Linda Scott:

“Funding through the LRCI continues to help councils across Queensland – and Australia – bring vital projects to life and councils recognise the significant and lasting benefits this support has for our communities.

“We’re pleased to see funding agreements for Phase 4 progress – and because every cent counts for local governments, we’ll continue to work constructively with the Albanese Government to advocate for future funding arrangements that support councils across the country advance their local priorities.”