Seven Central Queensland projects from four councils, including the Central Highlands, are vying for a share of $70 million of the Palaszczuk Government’s job-generating regional infrastructure funds.
Minister for State Development and Natural Resources and Mines Minister Dr Anthony Lynham yesterday released the shortlisted projects in the running for the next round of the $375 million Building our Regions program.
Dr Lynham said the CQ councils – Barcaldine, Central Highlands, Livingstone and Rockhampton – were seeking $17.5 million to fund infrastructure ranging from airport upgrade to a mountain bike reserve.
“The response from local government across the state has been outstanding, and now the shortlisted councils have until 19 August to provide detailed submissions for final assessment,” he said.
“This next stage is highly competitive and submissions will undergo rigorous assessment by the Department of State Development (DSD) and a committee of senior executives from across government.
“I expect to announce successful projects in the fourth quarter of 2016 and construction will be expected to start no later than 30 June 2017,” Dr Lynham said.
Dr Lynham said jobs were already being supported by CQ projects funded in the first round of Building our Regions.
“The Tambo Sawmill upgrade and the Mount Morgan sewerage extension project are already under construction and the Birdsville Caravan Park redevelopment and upgrade of the Carnarvon Gorge road are in the design and tender stage,” he said.
“Of the 42 projects funded statewide under the first round, one project has already been completed, 12 are under construction, 28 are in design and tender stage, and all will be underway by November.”
Shortlisted projects in CQ are:
- Barcaldine Regional Council – Aramac Aquatic Centre
- Central Highlands Regional Council – Black Gully waste water treatment plant upgrade and Emerald Airport runway upgrade
- Livingstone Shire Council – Emu Park Village and foreshore revitalisation and Yeppoon Sewage Treatment Plant upgrade
- Rockhampton Regional Council – First Turkey Mountain Bike Reserve and Rockhampton CBD Smart Technologies and Working Hub.