Council
8 February, 2024
Somerset joins in fed cash splash
Four local infrastructure projects in Ipswich and the Somerset Region have been given the green light as part of the $285 million South East Queensland (SEQ) Liveability Fund.
Somerset Regional Council’s proposals to improve access to public open spaces, through the relocation of a car park in Lowood and streetscape improvements to the Eastern Gateway to Kilcoy, were deemed eligible for funding.
These projects joined Ipswich City Council’s proposed upgrades of the Tivoli Sport Complex and Redbank Plains Recreation Reserve, which have received initial approval.
The Australian Government, Queensland Government and Council of Mayors (SEQ) partnered to establish the Fund as one of the key commitments being delivered under the SEQ City Deal.
Councils were invited to submit expressions of interest (EOI) as part of the initial assessment phase for funding to deliver projects that will help build healthier, liveable and more inclusive, connected communities.
Under the Fund, $18.18 million was made available to Ipswich City Council and $1.66 million allocated to Somerset Regional Council.
Projects could include new parks and initiatives that improve access to quality, public open spaces and the natural environment, as well as community infrastructure that complements new housing supply or urban renewal.
Funding for regional sporting and recreation facilities to drive engagement in local sport, in the lead-up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, were also eligible.
Councils will now be invited to submit a detailed application for these projects, and a final decision on funding will be made later this year.
Federal Member for Blair, Shayne Neumann, has welcomed the news that the local projects were being considered for funding under the SEQ Liveability Fund.
“I’m pleased to see a range of initiatives submitted for consideration that will help deliver a better future for our community,” he said
