Labor’s pledge for more local council, country racing funding ahead of election

Queensland Labor has pledged to expand several of its major local government programs if re-elected in two weeks.

GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA – NewsWire Photos – OCTOBER 20, 2020. Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk speaks during a visit to Wholesales Sands and Recycling on the Gold Coast, while on the election campaign trail. The business supplies material for the upgrade of the M1 motorway. Queenslanders go to the polls on October 31. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Dan Peled

The Works for Queensland program, which has provided $2.9 million in recent years to the Toowoomba Regional Council, will be expanded if the Labor Government is re-elected on October 31.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk yesterday announced a $400 million regional investment in Works for Queensland and another $280 million for the Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme.

She said Darling Downs councils would receive some of this funding.

“I know that Darling Downs and southwest councils have welcomed every single Works for Queensland round in the past,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“I know the massive impact this program has on supporting jobs in the region.”

That included $2.9 million for Toowoomba Regional Council, $2.7 million for Western Downs Regional Council and $3.0 million for Southern Downs Regional Council in this year’s $200 million COVID Works for Queensland program.

The Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme supports infrastructure projects across Queensland through a 50:50 split between state and local Government.

The $400 million Works for Queensland commitment will benefit 65 regional councils and support up to 11,800 jobs across regional Queensland, and in many cases will make the difference on whether vital local infrastructure projects can go ahead.

The ALP this week also announced country race clubs on the Darling Downs could benefit from a $35.2 million commitment.

Ms Palaszczuk said the commitment to country racing would see $15 million a year over two years dedicated to prize money and $2.6 million per year over two years for maintenance of racetracks.

“Race days bring towns alive with benefits for local shops and businesses, and an atmosphere that attracts tourists, city folk and locals,” the Premier said.