Local Government Association of Queensland unveils election priorities wish list

The Local Government Association of Queensland will push the state’s political parties to back its proposal to support more than 28,000 local jobs and generate $4.6 billion in economic activity.

THOUSANDS of jobs would be supported under a push from the state’s councils to drive billions of dollars in economic activity in the next term of government.

The Local Government Association of Queensland will today unveil its state election priorities that it will push political parties to adopt ahead of the October 31 poll.

Their plans include an annual $50 million tourism infrastructure fund, half a billion dollars to fix ageing water and wastewater infrastructure as well as $144 million to support 800 apprenticeship and traineeship positions.

The LGAQ says their proposal would support more than 28,000 local jobs and generate $4.6 billion in economic activity.

Election 2020: Labor and LNP fight to fix Beams Rd traffic congestion

LGAQ president and Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson. Picture: Patrick Woods

Also on the wish list is a push for $100 million over four years for a western roads upgrade program, as well as calls for the advance payment for the waste levy to continue in a bid to protect households from taking a financial hit.

LGAQ president and Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson said they would be asking political parties to commit to a range of policies and programs, including proposals for the bush and the environment.

“Voters must ensure they choose candidates who support projects that will help give their communities the boost they need to both weather the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic crisis it has caused and to recover from it in the best position possible,” Cr Jamieson said.

“Councils want whoever is elected as their state member to work on their behalf, to not only see through the challenges of the next four years but to help set communities up for the future.

“The best way to ensure jobs continue to be created and supported is to ensure the strong partnership with the state continues.”

The state election priority document, signed off by policy executive members like Redland Mayor Karen Williams and Ipswich councillor Paul Tully, also calls for $6 million over four years to go towards flying fox research.

Throughout the campaign, the LGAQ will rank political parties according to how supportive they are of their election priorities.

Originally published as Local Government Association of Queensland unveils election priorities wish list