- State Budget secures critical funding for councils, including $61.6 million over 2 years to boost long-term sustainability of First Nations councils
- Also supports $115 million opening up this week for all 77 Queensland councils for infrastructure projects
- Builds on record investment already underway through programs like Works for Queensland, South East Queensland Community Stimulus Program, Recycling and Jobs Fund, and Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme
The Miles Government’s 2024-25 Budget will continue its record investment in councils, including an additional $61.6 million over two years to bolster support for Queensland’s 16 Indigenous councils.
It will also allow councils this week to apply for $115 million for water and sewerage, housing and road projects across Queensland through the next round of the Local Government Grants and Subsidies Program.
It builds on ongoing support in the Budget for councils across Queensland through programs like Works for Queensland, the South East Queensland Community Stimulus, Recycling and Jobs Fund and Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme.
$61.6 million for Indigenous Councils
The bolstered funding for First Nations councils will help support continued delivery of the Indigenous Councils Funding Program that supports the state’s Indigenous council’s to deliver the services their local communities need.
The investment will also fund a new entity to support the long-term sustainability of councils serving First Nations communities.
The Indigenous Councils Funding Program was established last year following a review of historical operational funding arrangements.
The program ensures operational grants are distributed across all 16 councils under a single, equitable and fit-for-purpose methodology that has reduced administration costs.
Program funding allocations are based on a methodology that reflects factors impacting costs of service delivery in Indigenous local government areas. Considerations include population, remoteness and dispersion.
$115 million for next round of Local Government Grants and Subsidies Program
The new funding guidelines will be released this week, with successful council projects to be short-listed later this year.
As well as getting new priority infrastructure off the ground, the funding is also aimed at extending the life of existing assets and planning projects.
Final funding decisions for infrastructure projects will be made following a two-stage, competitive application and assessment process.
As stated by Premier Steven Miles:
“Travelling around our great state, I know firsthand the crucial role local governments play in delivering important services and infrastructure Queenslanders rely on.
“I am proud that in my first Budget as Premier, we are building on the ongoing support with Local Government Grants and Subsidies program.”
As stated by Deputy Premier and Treasurer Cameron Dick:
“First Nations councils are the building blocks of some of Queensland’s most remote communities.
“We are investing more than $61 million over two year to boost their long-term sustainability, which will benefit them now and well into the future.”
As stated by Local Government Minister Meaghan Scanlon:
“When David Crisafulli was Local Government Minister, he culled council funding and refused to guarantee that he wouldn’t cut it even more, meanwhile our Miles government is delivering record funding which we know our councils need.
“Whether it’s through this additional funding, Homes for Queenslanders or programs like Works for Queensland, only this government is delivering infrastructure partnerships with councils to help make sure Queenslanders have the services, infrastructure and homes they need.
“It builds on the billions of dollars we’re investing through our Big Build, and programs like our Works for Queensland to help councils build the infrastructure their communities need.
“Indigenous councils in particular face enormous challenges and these grants are core to delivering the services that their communities need.
“The $61.6 million investment in our First Nations councils will go a long way to assist in their sustainability so they can continue to serve their communities in the best way possible.”
