The Council of Mayors of (SEQ) has signed off on a South East Queensland City Deal with the Commonwealth and Queensland state governments.
Implementation of the 20-year deal signed on 21 March is expected later this year.
In all, around $1.8 billion will be invested in projects to drive jobs growth across SE Queensland, enhance liveability and transport infrastructure, and better support population growth.
Another key priority is investing to improve the health and resilience of local waterways.
Council of Mayors (SEQ) Chair and Lord Mayor of Brisbane Adrian Schrinner said the deal is a critical step towards ensuring the south-east corner of Queensland can cater for a booming population and is ready when the Olympic Games arrives in 2032.
“This deal demonstrates what great things can be achieved when all levels of government work together,” Cr Schrinner said.
“We look forward to continuing to work closely with industry and the other levels of government to empower the SEQ City Deal to deliver the needs of our rapidly growing region.”
Under the terms of the deal, the Federal Government will invest $668 million, the state government $619 million, and the Council of Mayor (SEQ) $502 million. An additional $75 million will be provided by the private sector.
In related news, the partners in the Albury Wodonga Regional Deal have announced their funding commitments.
The Federal Government will invest $80 million in the deal, the Albury City Council $37.8 million, and the City of Wodonga $10.5 million.
The Commonwealth’s $80 commitment will fund, among other things, the Wodonga TAFE’s heavy vehicle technology program, the Albury Entertainment Centre redevelopment, Albury Airport upgrades, and investment in the Gateway Island Murray River Experience precincts.
Albury City Mayor Kylie King welcomed the federal government commitment.
“There is still a lot of work to be done, however, the many hours of hard work on both sides of the border are finally starting to pay off, and this announcement moves us one step closer to
delivering some great projects and initiatives on behalf of our growing Albury Wodonga community,” Cr King said.