Council joins Battle Plan to support local, state economy

Lockyer Valley Regional Council is urging the Queensland Government to back the regional economy now to ensure the state can get back on track, post COVID-19.

Lockyer Valley Regional Council has joined forces with other Queensland councils and the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) to present a Battle Plan to the Queensland Government, designed to see the local and state economy get up and running again.

Lockyer Valley Mayor, Cr Tanya Milligan said Council had provided proposals on more than 60 potential projects with a combined value of $46.2 million.

These projects have the potential to generate more than 460 direct and almost 900 indirect jobs over the next four years.

This is a very real opportunity to make a difference and I can't stress enough the importance of us receiving funding for at least some of these projects.

We need the funding to make them happen and I call on Premier Palaszczuk and her government to commit the finances that are needed.

The Lockyer Valley wants to play a real role in getting the state's economy back on course and I implore the State Government to get on board, Mayor Milligan said.

Some of Council's potential projects include: Water for Lockyer & Somerset-Post Detailed Business Case; desilting Lakes Apex and Freeman; Fairways Park Stage 1; Lockyer Valley Equine Precinct Business Plan and Mahon Bridge replacement.

The Water for Lockyer & Somerset-Post Detailed Business Case builds on work currently underway by the Lockyer Valley & Somerset Water Collaborative to bring new water from the Wivenhoe Dam to the region for irrigators.

Given the ongoing drought, it is a project that's vital for the long-term sustainability of the Lockyer Valley and will deliver jobs for decades to come, Mayor Milligan said.

Desilting of Lakes Apex and Freeman would provide a drought-resistant habitat for a range of migratory birds and aquatic species as well as a significant tourism drawcard for the region; while Fairways Park Stage 1 will ensure the construction of a major recreational facility to service families in the fast-growing north-east corner of the region.

Council is always actively looking well into the future for projects that build strong, healthy and connected communities, as well as ensuring we're effectively managing the assets and opportunities we already have.

Any funding we can secure from the Queensland Government reduces the burden on ratepayers and Council, especially while we're offering a range of financial relief measures to the community throughout the COVID-19 pandemic that reduce Council's income base, Mayor Milligan said.

For further information, contact Council on 1300 005 872.