Federal Government funding to boost jobs, growth and investment in Ipswich
09 October 2020
Ipswich City Council welcomes additional funding from the Federal Government to support growth, investment in roads and community infrastructure and create new jobs.
The Coalition Government has announced almost $10 million in funding for Ipswich as part of rebuilding the economy post coronavirus pandemic.
In this week’s Federal Budget announcement by the Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack, council will receive an extra $7.4 million on top of the $2.3 million already granted.
Mayor Teresa Harding said it was a boost for the region at a time when governments needed to work collaboratively to support local economies.
"The City of Ipswich is the fastest-growing local government area in Queensland with around 24 people moving to our city every day. By 2041, this will mean more than 336,000 new residents will call Ipswich home,” she said.
“Keeping up with this pace of growth requires a significant investment in planning and delivery of community and local infrastructure and we welcome the extension of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program.
“This additional funding will deliver important economic stimulus and, through our Buy Ipswich procurement policy, will ensure local jobs are secured and created.”
Locally based LNP Senator Paul Scarr said the government would invest an additional $2 billion for a new national road safety program which will support upgrades.
“Improving road safety in the Ipswich region is a core priority for the government and that’s why this additional investment builds on the $500 million we are already delivering for targeted road safety works,” Sen Scarr said.
“Ipswich City Council will receive an additional $7.4 million on top of the $2.3 million already received, to build shovel-ready local priorities, supporting local jobs and local business. I know Ipswich City Council has a number of shovel ready projects and they will put this additional funding to great use.”
Mayor Harding said the program extension will continue to assist council to deliver local road and community infrastructure projects, and create local job opportunities.
Projects approved under the initial program allocation are currently scheduled for delivery by 30 June 2021 (see table below).
Projects approved under the program extension will be delivered between 1 Jan 2021 and 31 Dec 2021.
When the program guidelines are published, council will consider projects for inclusion in the funding program based on the following criteria:
- Deliverability (can deliver by 31 Dec 2021)
- Community need and benefit (council strategic planning)
- Economic benefit (job creation and ongoing economic benefit)