Council implements economic stimulus measures

Lockyer Valley Regional Council is committed to supporting local businesses and the regional economy throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Council recently commenced a range of economic stimulus measures to inject money into the local economy, including:

• From the date of the invoice (effective immediately), all suppliers (excluding large corporations and government bodies), have been placed on 14-day payment terms;
• Council's Requests for Quotes for purchases over $15,000 will include at least two (2) local businesses, where they are available;
• Reviewing essential work that is already budgeted which can be brought forward and delivered by local suppliers and contractors; and
• Discussions with grant funding bodies for approved funds not yet spent, to be reassigned to COVID-19 relief/ economic stimulus projects and request altering the grant terms to allow the use of internal resources to deliver projects.

Lockyer Valley Finance and Business Performance Portfolio Councillor Chris Wilson said Council understood the community was struggling, particularly those businesses and their workers who have lost trade.

"Council will continue working with businesses, social enterprises, community groups and sporting clubs impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic to assist them with accessing information on available Federal and State Government stimulus packages.

"We will also work with the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) to lobby Federal and State Government for funding assistance to Local Governments for additional economic stimulus and recovery.

"Council is committed to assisting our community through this pandemic and we will do what we can to make sure we get through this - together.

"We are also aware our region is still drought-declared, and those ongoing challenges certainly won't ease anytime soon," Cr Wilson said.

The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications recently requested information on local road projects that have the potential to be fast-tracked to support local economies recover from the impact of COVID-19.

Council recommended:

• Inland Rail Road Access Enabling Safety Improvements Package - $1,400,000
• Unsealed Road Network Renewal Program - $900,000
• Postmans Ridge Road widening and rehabilitation - $800,000
• Woodlands Road widening - $450,000

For further information, contact Council on 1300 005 872.