The Queensland Government has approved almost $6 million in funding for critical water, flooding and sewerage upgrades for Gladstone and the Banana Shire in Central Queensland.
Queensland Assistant Minister to the Deputy Premier, Glenn Butcher, said the infrastructure projects will not only generate jobs but are also integral to maintaining liveability as the community grows.
“Replacing aging sewage pipes and upgrading water reservoirs are essential for our city and it’s great to see the Palaszczuk Government partnering with the Gladstone Regional Council to deliver these much-needed projects,” Mr Butcher said.
The new Building our Regions funds are:
- Gladstone – $2 million from the State Government and $4.4 million from council to upgrade an aging sewage pump station at Chapple Street to bring it up to environmental standards, and another $1.5 million from government and $2.1 million from council for a new reservoir to meet water supply demands at Kirkwood and firefighting capacity for the Gladstone area
- In Moura – $1.7 million from the State Government and $1.88 million from Banana Shire for a new water trunk pipeline and upgraded pump station, boosting the capacity and reliability of the local water supply system
These projects are among 51 critical infrastructure projects receiving more than $79.2 million under round two of Building our Regions, and attracting a further $117.6 million from councils and other organisations.
Queensland Minister for State Development, and Natural Resources and Mines, Dr Anthony Lynham, said the projects would support 47 local jobs and generate new business opportunities in Gladstone, Biloela and Moura.
“Regional infrastructure projects are an important part of keeping the economy ticking over and keeping our regional communities strong,” Dr Lynham said.
“Our $375 million Building our Regions program is pumping funds into regional communities across the state and supporting more than 600 jobs in 51 projects funded in this latest second round.
“Already, 37 projects are underway and two are completed from the first round announced just a year ago.
“That includes almost $1.6 million for the Gladstone Regional Council for work nearing completion on a new water treatment plant for Miriamvale.”