Eight projects in the Ipswich region have been given funding by the Federal Government, as part of a $1.5 billion Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.
Queensland Senator Paul Scarr said the funding was worth $2.32 million for the Ipswich area, which would help local jobs and businesses.
“Every single job we support makes a huge difference in our local community, now and as we build our way out of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Senator Scarr said.
“That is why we have moved quickly to approve funding to flow to the Ipswich projects.
“Not only will this new program support jobs, construction businesses and economic growth across Ipswich, it will also improve road safety and bolster the resilience of our local road networks.
“We will work closely with the local council in Ipswich to ensure local projects get underway as soon as possible.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said almost 5000 projects have already been nominated under the program with around $450 million paid to councils across Australia
“Our funding boost is helping communities across Australia accelerate priority projects to get people into jobs and stimulate our economy,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“We know how important our support is to communities who have faced the combined effects of drought, bushfires and now 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.
“We are moving decisively to deliver the support councils and communities need to get through this pandemic and get back on their feet. Under the program, councils have already nominated almost 5,000 projects with construction to be completed by the end of this year.”
In May 2020, the Federal Liberal and Nationals Government 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.
The Ipswich projects are:
Queens Park, Goleby Avenue, Ipswich – new shared pathway. Providing an active transport connection from existing shared pathways to existing networks within strategic open space areas. Project cost – $249,480. Project funding – $226,800.
Redbank Plains Recreation Reserve – small dog breed off-leash area. Small dogs are currently sharing the existing dog off-leash area with larger breeds. Project cost – $106,920. Project funding – $97,200.
Waghorn Street Ipswich pathway upgrade. Project cost – $237,600. Project funding – $216,000.
Whitehill Road Eastern Heights footpath rehabilitation. Existing concrete pathway is at the end of its design life and is deteriorating. Project cost – $237,600. Project funding – $216,000.
Arborwood Avenue Springfield new path. This will provide a disability compliant pedestrian connection along Arborwood Drive to the Woodcrest College Secondary School. Project cost – $237,600. Project funding – $216,000.
Highridge Road Springfield new path. Providing a disability compliant pedestrian connection along Highridge Road to the proposed Arborwood Avenue footpath. Project cost – $237,600. Project funding – $216,000.
Caledonian Park Thagoona storage shed for sports equipment and machinery, landscaping. Local sports groups currently have insufficient facilities for storing sports, safety and maintenance equipment. Project cost – $355,718. Project funding – 323,380.
McLean Street North Ipswich kerb channel and drainage works. The existing asphalt kerb requires replacement and the current location has existing stormwater drainage issues. Project cost – $1,069,200. Project funding – $972,000.
More information on the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program is available at investment.infrastructure.gov.au/infrastructure_investment/local-roads-community-infrastructure-program.
Paul Scarr media contact: Lauren Day, phone 0403852090.
