22 May 2024

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Planning and Minister for Public Works
The Honourable Meaghan Scanlon

  • South East Queensland councils to share in $100 million for critical infrastructure, future housing, disaster resilience and community 
  • New round gives councils more options to invest in the future of SEQ communities     

South East Queensland councils are set to share in $100 million for projects that will deliver critical housing and local infrastructure, jobs and essential services across the fast-growing region.

The funding will be available to the 12 SEQ councils through the second $100 million round of the Miles Government’s South East Queensland Community Stimulus Program.

Minister for Local Government Meaghan Scanlon released the new program guidelines today ahead of meeting with South East Queensland’s mayors in Brisbane.

The program aims to fast-track investment in critical infrastructure and community assets, such as water supply and maintenance, roads and drainage, disaster resilience projects, community buildings and works to prepare sites for future housing development.

Under the new round, some councils will be able to put part of their allocated funding towards planning for key infrastructure, and training for council staff to operate essential assets.

Quotes attributable to Local Government Minister Meaghan Scanlon:

“David Crisafulli cut funding for local councils and didn’t regret it; we’re backing them in with more funding for critical infrastructure.

“To support Queensland’s growth, not only are we building more Homes for Queenslanders, we’re backing SEQ councils to deliver essential infrastructure and services.

“Queensland needs more houses, and I am pulling every lever to deliver them.

“We’re investing not only in critical infrastructure but also in the sustainability of our councils, with the option to strengthen their workforces and plan for key infrastructure needs.

Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Local Government Ali King:

“We’ve already seen the benefits the SEQ Community Stimulus Program is delivering for local economies, tradies and families right across this region.

“We will work with local councils to ensure the best local projects are funded through this new round to support more jobs and liveable communities.”

Further information:

  • The 12 councils eligible to receive funding through the SEQCSP are Brisbane City Council, Gold Coast City Council, Ipswich City Council, Lockyer Valley Regional Council, Logan City Council, Moreton Bay Regional Council, Noosa Shire Council, Redland City Council, Scenic Rim Regional Council, Somerset Regional Council, Sunshine Coast Regional Council and Toowoomba Regional Council.
  • The 2024-27 round will have a strong focus on projects that deliver critical infrastructure needs and support long-term sustainability.
  • All councils can allocate up to 20 per cent of their SEQCSP allocation towards planning projects and up to five per cent towards capability development projects.
  • Applications for proposed projects will open later this month. Learn more about the SEQCSP and new funding guidelines.

ENDS