Expressions of interest have been announced for round five of the Queensland Government’s $365 million regional infrastructure construction fund.
The latest stage of the Building our Regions (BoR) fund includes $70 million for regional Queensland councils that have shovel-ready projects.
Councils will have four weeks, from Monday 5 August to 30 August, to submit expressions of interest via the Building our Regions portal.
Two classes of projects are eligible for the grants, construction projects and infrastructure planning project.
Examples of projects include infrastructure to establish or expand a commercial or industrial precinct, water, sewage and waste infrastructure projects that provide a direct economic benefit to an industrial, commercial or tourist development, or alternative energy infrastructure.
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Projects must be capable of commencing construction by 30 April 2020.
It is part of the State Government’s plan to develop regional infrastructure to create more jobs.
Queensland Infrastructure Minister Cameron Dick said the State Government has invested $295 million towards 223 infrastructure projects across regional areas.
“This has supported more than 2400 jobs, while attracting additional investment of $487 million from councils and other organisations,” he said.
“Building our Regions demonstrates our commitment to working in partnership with regional councils, to deliver the vital infrastructure these communities need to grow and thrive.”
Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) President and Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson welcomed the beginning of BoR Round 5.
“The LGAQ has seen firsthand the economic injection and jobs for regions this program provides,” Jamieson said.
“By working with councils to identify projects that will deliver local growth, support local businesses and create more liveable communities, the State Government is supporting investment and opportunities across Queensland’s regions, which is welcomed by councils.”
Projects shortlisted to progress to the business case stage under round five are expected to be announced in September 2019.
Councils with shortlisted projects will then be invited to prepare and submit a business case with detailed supporting information for each project.