The Morrison Government has approved funding for 39 projects in Cairns and across Far North Queensland as part of its $1.5 billion Local Road and Community Infrastructure Program which is supporting local jobs, businesses and boosting the economy during COVID-19.
Federal Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch said getting shovels in the ground on these 39 local construction projects* was important for maintaining jobs and economic growth in Cairns and Far North Queensland.
He said funding for the 39 projects totalled more than $3.7 million.
“Every single job we support makes a huge difference in our local community, now and as we build our way out of the pandemic,” Mr Entsch said.
“That is why we have moved quickly to approve funding to flow to these 39 projects across Cairns, Cape York and the Torres Strait.
“Not only will this new program support jobs, construction businesses and economic growth across Cairns and Far North Queensland, it will also improve road safety and bolster the resilience of our local road networks, helping people get home sooner and safer.
“We will work closely with our local councils in Cairns, Cape York and the Torres Strait to ensure local projects get underway and supporting jobs and businesses as soon as possible.”
Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said the projects funded under the program will improve the quality of life of Australians and have lasting economic and social benefits for local communities.
“Our funding boost will help communities across Australia accelerate priority projects to get people into jobs and stimulate our economy,” Mr McCormack said.
“We know how important our support is to communities who have faced the effects of COVID-19 which is why we are backing projects to create employment and business opportunities while cutting travel times, as well as making our roads and communities safer.
“Having only announced the program in late May, we are moving decisively to deliver the support councils and communities need to get through this pandemic and get back on their feet.”
The Morrison Government in May 2020 also pre-paid $1.3 billion of this year’s Financial Assistance Grant to provide untied funding for all local councils across Australia to spend on local priorities.
More information on the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program is available at infrastructure.gov.au/infrastructure_investment/local-roads-community-infrastructure-program.
