ADDITIONAL FUNDING WELCOME NEWS IN THE SCENIC RIM

Scenic Rim Regional Council has welcomed the Queensland Government's latest announcement of an additional $2 million funding for the region under the State's Unite & Recover Community Stimulus Program.

Mayor Greg Christensen said the additional funding for South East Queensland councils, and in particular for the Scenic Rim was welcome news after concerns regarding the disproportion of funding allocations across Queensland councils earlier this month.

"Yesterday's funding announcement follows a Works for Queensland COVID Recovery Package announced in early June where South East Queensland councils only received 25 per cent of the $200 million available, yet has more than 70 per cent of the State's population," said Cr Christensen.

"While we are grateful for any funding that will help create jobs and deliver projects for the region we were disappointed with earlier outcomes, however pleased to be included in the program for the first time.

"We wrote to the Premier and worked with the Local Government Association of Queensland and South East Queensland Council of Mayors to advocate for additional funding, and thank the Queensland Government for listening to our concerns.

"Under the new program, the Scenic Rim will receive $2 million for shovel ready projects to help get our community back on its feet and to stimulate employment opportunities and economic growth.

"In addition, we can apply for additional funding through a competitive application process, with $26 million in this bucket available to South East Queensland councils.

"We've all felt the social and economic impacts from COVID-19, however here in the Scenic Rim, we are also still feeling the effects from drought and bushfires.

"It's been a tough 12 months in the Scenic Rim and we will be making sure we put forward strong applications in an attempt to secure as much funding as we possible so we can deliver projects that will benefit our communities and economy for the long-term."