SEQ short-changed by Works for Queensland (again)

South East Queensland has once again been short-changed by the Queensland Government’s Works for Queensland program.
South East Queensland has once again been short-changed by the Queensland Government’s Works for Queensland program.

South East Queensland has once again been short-changed by the Queensland Government’s Works for Queensland program, receiving a meagre 25 percent of COVID-19 stimulus funding to support the 70 percent of Queenslanders who live in the south-east. 

Despite bearing the impact of the recent drought, bushfires and now the COVID-19 pandemic, calls for financial support from south-east to the Queensland Government have largely fallen on deaf ears.

Council of Mayors (SEQ) Chair and Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner questioned the Queensland Government’s rationale for the funding allocation, given the population and the threat of unemployment was greatest in South East Queensland.

“The amount of funding allocated to South East Queensland is insulting, given that it is home to 70 percent of Queenslanders,” said Cr Schrinner.

“This is a kick in the teeth for residents and businesses of the south-east and we will end up paying the price.

“Based on our region’s population and unemployment rate, we should be getting a significant chunk of funding. Instead the 12 councils in South East Queensland, some of the largest in Australia, will have to share a miserly $50 million.

“This funding is about creating jobs for Queenslanders, but clearly for the State that means Queenslanders who live outside of South East Queensland.”

Council of Mayors (SEQ) Deputy Chair and Toowoomba Mayor Paul Antonio said that any funding was welcome, but the amount allocated to South East Queensland did not equate to our needs.

“South East Queensland is a vibrant and growing area, and home to some of the largest councils in Australia in terms of population. Unfortunately, this has not translated into an acceptable level of support on this occasion,” said Cr Antonio.

“I think the residents of South East Queensland, particularly those whose businesses and employment have been impacted by COVID-19, would like to understand the fairness of this allocation.”

Council of Mayors (SEQ) Treasurer and Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the decision to allocate only 25 percent to South East Queensland councils, but then provide the rest of the funding to regional Queensland that already has Works for Queensland, deserves some explanation.

“This funding was designed to help respond to COVID, so to suggest South East Queensland councils are somehow less impacted by the pandemic than areas in Central and North Queensland is astounding,” said Cr Williams. 

“Our islands already have twice the state unemployment rate, so the need for increased State funding is clear.

“It beggars belief that some councils with better employment and less disadvantage than areas in the south-east get more funding on top of the Works for Queensland money they already receive and I for one am keen to learn how they came to this conclusion.”

Council of Mayors (SEQ) Director and Scenic Rim Mayor Greg Christensen said that while he appreciated the funding that will help create jobs and deliver projects for the region, it’s disappointing to see the disproportion of allocations among councils across Queensland.

“Unlike other councils with large population bases and revenue streams, we are massively reliant on self-funding our programs via our rates,” said Cr Christensen.

“In addition to COVID-19, the Scenic Rim Regional Council area has been hit hard by long-term drought and two significant bushfires and our communities will be challenged heavily for their capacity to pay rates coming out of these events.

“Because we are located in South East Queensland, we have never had the eligibility of Works for Queensland funding, and when you see other regional councils, which have larger revenue bases receiving between $6 million and $13 million, it’s difficult not to be disappointed.”

The Works for Queensland program is a $600 million Queensland Government funding program to support Queensland councils to undertake job-creating maintenance and minor works. The program has historically excluded South East Queensland communities.

The Queensland Government allocated an additional $200 million in COVID Works for Queensland stimulus to be shared across all Queensland councils. Of this $200 million, only 25 percent has been allocated to the 12 councils in South East Queensland.

South East Queensland is home to more than 70 percent of the Queensland population and generates almost two-thirds of the state’s gross regional product. 

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