BRISBANE, Queensland, May 29 -- The Queensland Cabinet issued text of the following statement:

Minister for Local Government and Water and Minister for Fire, Disaster Recovery and Volunteers

The Honourable Ann Leahy

Crisafulli Government delivers critical infrastructure upgrades for Far North Queensland

* The Crisafulli Government delivers more than $8 million for four FNQ local governments to upgrade council infrastructure. * Cook Shire, Mareeba Shire, Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire and Croydon Shire will use the funds for a new Resilience and Learning Hub, overdue accommodation, building and sewer upgrades. * Funding is provided by the Local Government Grants and Subsidies Program 2024-28.

The Crisafulli Government will provide a vital boost to infrastructure in four Far North Queensland communities with more than $8 million in funding for major sewerage, housing and building upgrades.

The funding, available through the Local Government Grants and Subsidies Program (LGGSP), will support an upgrade to a sewer main in Mareeba, improve council-owned houses in Kowanyama and rejuvenate several council buildings in Croydon.

Cook Shire Council will also benefit from a new Resilience and Learning Hub, enhancing Cooktown's capacity to respond to and recover from disasters.

Minister for Local Government Ann Leahy said the four projects were examples of how the Crisafulli Government was delivering for remote and regional Queensland communities that were forgotten under Labor.

"For over a decade, multiple critical infrastructure projects identified by local communities were left unfunded by Labor," Minister Leahy said.

"The Crisafulli Government is committed to tangible outcomes for these communities are these projects are crucial to ensuring they thrive.

"This funding will help the Cook, Mareeba, Kowanyama and Croydon local councils deliver priority projects that improve the infrastructure and services to create safe, liveable and prosperous communities.

"Projects like this will not only help improve the liveability of local communities, but also support tens of thousands of jobs in rural and regional council areas."

Member of Cook David Kempton said the funding was another example of how the Crisafulli Government was backing Far North Queensland.

"This funding is well overdue after years of Labor inaction and one of the many examples of how the Crisafulli LNP Government is backing Far North Queensland," Mr Kempton said.

"These projects are crucial for our communities and are a part of the Fresh Start Queenslanders deserve."

All 77 of Queensland's councils are eligible for funding, with up to $115 million made available through the 2024-28 round.

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Kate Haddan0437 334 769

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: For more information about the LGGSP, visit https://www.localgovernment.qld.gov.au/for-councils/grants/current-programs/local-government-grants-and-subsidies-program.

Mareeba Shire Council

Project: Kenneally Road Gravity Sewer Main Upgrade

Total cost: $6,307,604

Approved funding: $3,784,562

% of total funding: 60%

Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council

Project: Kowanyama Staff Housing Upgrades

Total cost: $1,187,913

Approved funding: $1,069,121

% of total funding: 90%

Croydon Shire Council

Project: Kitchen and Bathroom Upgrades and Painting Works

Total cost: $238,926

Approved funding: $143,356

% of total funding: 60%

Cook Shire Council

Project: New Resilience and Learning Hub

Total cost: $4,685,000

Approved funding: $3,275,000

% of total funding: 70%



Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.