Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Funding to Boost Gold Coast Jobs and Economy
More than 90 jobs will be created across the Gold Coast when $5 million in Federal funding flows for eight shovel-ready projects, as part of the Morrison Government’s $1.5 billion Local Road and Community Infrastructure Program.
Federal Member for McPherson Karen Andrews MP said getting shovels in the ground on local construction projects was important for maintaining jobs and economic growth across the city.
“Every single job we support makes a huge difference in our local community – now and as we build our way out of the pandemic,” Ms Andrews said.
“That’s why we’ve moved quickly to approve funding to flow to these eight projects, which includes $2 million for storm water drainage improvements already underway in Currumbin Waters – providing 41 fulltime equivalent jobs for Gold Coasters,” she added.
Federal Member for Fadden Stuart Robert MP said another 15 jobs would be created through a range of City of Gold Coast projects.
“From landscape improvements to CCTV installation and resealing works – not only will this new program improve road safety and bolster the resilience of our local road networks, it will support jobs, construction businesses and economic growth,” Mr Robert said.
“We’ll work closely with the City of Gold Coastto ensure local projects get underway and are supporting jobs and businesses as soon as possible.”
Member for Moncrieff Angie Bell MP said the projects funded under the Program will have lasting economic and social benefits for local communities.
“I’m excited to see $900,000 dedicated to the $4.5 million make-over of Pizzey Park to an Olympic standard skatepark course which will be a legacy for generations to come,” Ms Bell said.
“We know the Gold Coast has suffered through COVID-19 restrictions, which is why we’re backing projects to create employment and business opportunities,” she added.
Gold Coast Projects
| Description of Project and Work Proposed | Problem being addressed | Construction Timeline | Total Project Cost | LRCI Program Funding Required | Estimated Jobs Created |
| Stormwater drainage improvements, Currumbin Waters | Increased conveyance capacity; replacement of dilapidated drainage system, improving flood conditions. | Nov 2020 – April 2021 | 2,016,000 | 2,000,000 | 41 |
| Citywide road preservation works | Protect the road surface and reduce ongoing maintenance. | Jan-April 2021 | 200,000 | 200,000 | 7 |
| Upgrade of Hinkler Dr between exit 75 to Alkira Park | Widen road to include bicycle lanes/shared paths. Improve road safety standards. | Apr-Oct 2021 | 2,500,000 | 500,000 | 10 |
| Install CCTV at five sites across the GCCC road network | Road safety, incident response and traffic management of the road network. | Nov 2020 – June 2021 | 300,000 | 300,000 | 5 |
| Construction of Olympic standard skatepark course Pizzey Park, Miami. | Issues with removal of landfill to create a suitable foundation. Increased seating capacity for events. | Oct 2020 – Jun 2021 | 4,500,000 | 900,000 | 13.5 |
| Recreational link between conservation reserves at Burleigh Heads. | 16m span bridge and a 200m walking track to ill create a link. | Nov 2020 – Feb 2021 | 340,000 | 300,000 | 5.9 |
| Construction of amenities facility at The Spit. | Amenities and storage for increasing beach crowds. | Oct 2020 – Jun 2021 | 400,000 | 350,000 | 8 |
| Shade tree planting in public parks where natural shade is desirable | 54 nominated citywide council parks to create/develop/extend shaded areas | Aug 2020 – June 2021 | 450,000 | 450,000 | 3 |
In May 2020, the MorrisonGovernment also pre-paid $1.3 billion of this year’s Financial Assistance Grant to provide untied funding for all local councils across Australia to spend on local priorities.
More information on the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program is available at:
investment.infrastructure.gov.au/infrastructure_investment/local-roads-community-infrastructure program.
