LNP lays the foundations to empower Local Government

• LNP locks in Works for Queensland with a minimum of $100 million funding each year, to support local projects and local jobs delivered by local councils.
• LNP doubles flood resilience funding to a $40 million state government contribution, under a bolstered Betterment program
• New red tape reduction Taskforce 100 to streamline approvals and remove barriers for local government projects.
• New $2 billion housing infrastructure fund to kick-start new housing developments and deliver the roads, lighting and utilities to get houses out of the ground faster.

The LNP will deliver a major infrastructure package for local government, with flood resilience, housing infrastructure and local projects, if elected this weekend.

LNP Leader David Crisafulli unveiled a bold plan to rebuild the relationship between state and local government during an address to the Local Government Association of Queensland annual conference today.

The LNP will increase Works for Queensland to $100 million each year and invest $40 million of flood resilience projects each year, doubling the existing Betterment fund, if elected.

The LNP will also partner with Local Governments to form a Taskforce 100 program, a red tape reduction initiative to streamline approvals and remove barriers for councils.

Mr Crisafulli said the commitments would empower local government with the resources needed to deliver critical infrastructure for local communities.

“The LNP will invest in local communities across Queensland with infrastructure big and small,” Mr Crisafulli said.

“Today we have a clear message to Councils, have your projects ready because we will hit the ground running if Queenslanders vote for a Fresh Start.

“Our plan will deliver long-overdue flood resilience, kick-start new housing developments and lock-in local projects.

“We will work with local governments, not against them, to build the infrastructure needed for our growing communities.”

Shadow Local Government Minister Ann Leahy said the LNP will give councils the resources they need to deliver for their communities.

“Our councils need the support, not interference, of the State Government, which is what they’ll get from the LNP,” Ms Leahy said.

“Local Government has been treated as second-class citizens under Labor, placed at the lowest rung on the ladder of a super-department without the respect or support they need to deliver.

“The LNP will restore trust, respect, and accountability in Local Government.

“Labor is desperate to hold onto power, but unless we change the government, we’ll continue to get more of the same.

“The LNP will deliver a Fresh Start for Queensland with the Right Plan for Queensland’s Future.”