Communities across Ipswich and Scenic Rim will receive an early Christmas present this year, a share of almost $86 million to help councils deliver priority projects like tourism, water and sewage or sports and community infrastructure.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Local Government Steven Miles said the Local Government Grants and Subsidies Program (LGGSP) provides funding to councils to deliver the infrastructure and essential services communities need.

“This program aims to help our hardworking councils build and upgrade infrastructure that is vital to sustaining and improving their towns, cities and regions,” Mr Miles said.

“This early Christmas present will go a long way to continue Queensland’s economic recovery, creating jobs and building the infrastructure our communities need.

“The types of infrastructure projects we are talking about can include sewerage and water, economic development and tourism, and community wellbeing projects such as sport and recreation centres, and security and community safety projects.”

Member for Ipswich Jennifer Howard said she looked forward to seeing the projects delivered and jobs created through this investment.

“The LGGSP has the potential to help create local jobs, which is a win for families right across our region.” Ms Howard said.

“Already we’ve seen funding for a new library and upgrades to bus stops delivered thanks to our investment.

"The program provides valuable grants which enable Councils to fast track and complete important infrastructure projects.”

Member for Bundamba Lance McCallum said the program had the potential to help create local jobs in the region.

“Since 2017, this program has supported close to 1,900 jobs across Queensland, providing a big boost to regions like Ipswich,” Mr McCallum said.

“We have seen what impact this funding can have on communities like ours.” 

Member for Ipswich West Jim Madden said the program had provided funding toward the new Rosewood Library.

The Rosewood Library is a great example of the kinds of project that could receive a funding boost,” Mr Madden said.

“These are the kinds of projects that create construction jobs and improve amenities in our community.”

Ipswich and Scenic Rim projects funded under previous rounds of the LGGSP include building the Rosewood Library, revitalising Tamborine Mountain’s Main Street, upgrading fire trails in Gleneagle and Tamborine Mountain, and ensuring bus stops in Ipswich are DDA compliant.

All 77 Queensland councils are eligible to apply for 2022-24 LGGSP funding. 

Applications close on 04 March 2022. Successful projects will be announced in the first half of next year, with construction beginning on some projects as early as 1 July 2022.

The LGGSP provides funding to support councils to deliver priority infrastructure projects that improve the liveability of communities and support economic growth and employment.

For more information: www.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/lggsp