Council seeks to partner with State for job-creating projects

Redland City Council is hoping to partner with the State Government to deliver more than $7 million of job creating projects thanks to two State grants.

Mayor Karen Williams said the one-off State grants came after years of lobbying for State funding in recognition of the regional challenges faced by parts of Redlands Coast.

“The COVID Works for Queensland and Unite and Recover Community Stimulus Package grant programs gave Council officers the chance to look at our capital plan and see what projects could be prioritised or brought forward to deliver jobs and economic return for Redlands Coast,” Cr Williams said.

“While this one-off funding isn’t the permanent regional funding I have been advocating for, it is a good start and, on behalf of the community, I thank Minister Hinchliffe for making this funding available and I look forward to working with him to ensure it delivers for Redlands Coast.

“While the grants had very tight timeframes and strict criteria, Council officers worked with their State counterparts to find projects that will deliver local jobs and boost the local economy.”

Acting Redland City Council CEO John Oberhardt said Council officers had put forward a range of infrastructure projects under the two grants.

“These projects include infrastructure such as green sealing island roads and an important coastal pedestrian link on North Stradbroke Island to drive tourism opportunities,” Mr Oberhardt said.

“We have also applied for recreation projects such as maintenance on our Cleveland Aquatic Centre and a mountain biking and recreational trail in the south of the city we have been working on for a number of years.

“Officers also identified the installation of internet fibre in key areas of the city as a worthy project due to its potential to deliver better connectivity and business opportunities.”

Cr Williams said she would continue to work with Minister Hinchliffe to ensure this funding was not a one-off.

“While we welcome this one-off funding to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, we need the State Government to make this funding permanent like it is for other areas of the State,” Cr Williams said.

“This would allow Council to plan our projects knowing this funding was available, giving us greater confidence so we can deliver the projects and associated jobs sooner.”