FEDERAL CASH FOR COUNTRY COUNCILS

September 2, 2021

Regional councils across North Queensland have been on a building spree thanks to millions of dollars in federal grants designed to improve road safety, tourism, town beautification and liveability.

North Queensland-based Senator and Special Envoy for Northern Australia, Susan McDonald, said the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program had proven to be a major driver of road improvements, parkland upgrades and community hubs.

“This funding program is further proof that Morrison Government is the most regions-focused administration we’ve had,” she said.

“These small Northern councils really have to be congratulated for their relentless lobbying to myself and Ministers directly in Canberra.

“The most pleasing thing about these grants is that they are being used for grassroots, practical projects that will have a marked effect on regional populations for generations.

“With small populations and low rates revenue, councils need help to maintain and create infrastructure that makes their regions more liveable and that gives people a sense of pride in their communities.”

A list of councils and projects is below. More information is available at https://investment.infrastructure.gov.au/infrastructure_investment/local-roads-community-infrastructure-program/

RECIPIENTS (some projects have been completed. Please check with individual councils if unsure):

Charters Towers Regional Council – $1.44m for Charters Towers aquatic park due to be completed by December 2021.

Construction of aquatic park and associated facilities.  Project aligns to the following work categories:

1. Playgrounds and Skate parks (including all ability playgrounds)
2. Picnic Shelters or Barbeque Facilities at Community Parks
3. Closed Circuit TV (CCTV)
4. Bicycle and Walking Paths
5. Improved Accessibility of Community Facilities and Areas
6. Landscaping Improvements
7. Toilet Blocks

Boulia Shire Council – $390,000 for sewerage and communication lines (due Dec).

Burdekin Shire Council – ($859,621) including community tennis courts at Giru ($300,000, due Dec); Burdekin Memorial Hall refurbishments ($263,000, due Dec); upgrading and adding to youth hub ($136,621, due Nov).

More than $500,000 for Carpentaria Shire Council including roadworks that will allow for construction of more housing in Normanton ($400,000, due Dec); Normanton town beautification and public art ($55,000, due Oct).

Nearly $350,000 for Burke Shire Council including replacing failed culvert for improved road safety and floodwater management ($29, 574, Jul 2021 complete).

Cairns Regional Council – $50,000 for Bramston Beach Campground Seepage Trench Upgrade. Toilet blocks: Increasing the capacity of the Bramston Beach Campground wastewater treatment system to cater to the usage loads following upgrades to the public toilets, which services the camp grounds and public park, and caretakers facility and comply with environmental permits (Completed in June 2021).  

More than $1.3 million for the Cassowary Coast Regional Council for sealing of Warrami Road south-west of Tully, water drainage and associated works ($750,000); major works on Warrakin Road south-west of Innisfail ($450,000). All due December, 2021

Cloncurry Shire Council – $750,000 for lawn cemetery upgrade including irrigation, carparking upgrade and memorial wall. Due Dec.

Croydon Shire Council – more than $300,000 for water treatment plant upgrade ($135,000, Mar 2021 complete) and repairs and upgrades to multi-purpose sports facility ($182, 413, due Sept).

Flinders Shire Council – Nearly $600,000 inc. sealing of Glentor Rd ($200,00, May complete); extending Discovery Centre ($217,065, due Dec); pool and kiosk upgrades ($75,000, due Sept); CCTV cameras ($120,000, due Aug).

Hinchinbrook Shire Council – $533, 143 for major upgrades to Rotary Park including soft-fall matting and wheelchair access, covered barbecue facilities (due Dec).

Mareeba Shire Council – $725,000  for a new bore and water mains supply at Chillagoe (due Dec). $638,943 for parks and facilities upgrades across shire (due Dec).

McKinlay Shire Council – Byrimine Road Sealing. Construct approximately 4kms of existing unsealed road to a new sealed standard ($244,246 due Dec). Burke Street Enhancement & Pavement Reconstruction. Reconstruction of pavement on Burke Street (between Mathews and Quarrel Streets), $244,246 (due Dec).

Mt Isa City Council – More than $1.1 million for new pavilion and ablutions block at Buchanan Park racetrack and showgrounds (due Dec).

Richmond Shire Council – $392, 764 swimming pool upgrade (due Oct).

Tablelands Regional Council – Just over $1 million for all-abilities playground and barbecues in Malanda ($500,000, due Oct), all-abilities playground at Tolga and multisport infrastructure ($400,000, due Oct); covering Ravenshoe netball courts ($150,000, due Nov)

Yarrabah Community Council – $108,000 for new pathway (due Nov)