The Council of Mayors representing South East Queensland wants the State Government to invest more funds into the SEQ corner post COVID-19.
The group, which includes Ipswich City Council, welcomed a top-up to the Works for Queensland program, but believes the funding allocated was insufficient given the region’s population and potential for unemployment as a result of the pandemic.
SEQ councils received 25 percent of the $200 million funding pool. However, South East Queensland is home to more than 70 percent of the Queensland population and generates almost two-thirds of the state’s gross regional product.
Ipswich City Council will receive $4.44 million from the program to boost the local economy.
Mayor Teresa Harding said the funds would provide much needed economic stimulus, create new employment opportunities and benefit many communities across the city.
“We very much welcome this new commitment which will assist our city recover from the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic,” she said.
“Our $4.44 million allocation will enable council to invest in vital infrastructure, improve community facilities and create new jobs in this next financial year.
“I imagine many other mayors across the state will be delighted with their allocation, including Townsville City Council who received $13.54m.”
In the COVID-19 Works for Queensland program top-up, Fraser Coast received $9.04m, Gladstone $8.1m, Cairns $7.42m, Bundaberg $7.1m and Rockhampton $6.44m. Gympie with $4.19m received a similar amount to Ipswich, while in SEQ, Logan received $6.57m and Moreton Bay $7.92m.
“As the fastest growing city in South East Queensland and after the extreme losses and waste suffered under the dismissed previous council, every extra dollar of much needed investment in infrastructure is welcomed,” Mayor Harding said.
“Council has turned its attention to strengthening our communities post COVID-19. We are working through our budget at the moment and the combined state and federal funding of $6.74m will benefit our capital works budget.
“That being said, we still have many tough decisions ahead of us with our operational budget.”
Ipswich is recognised in the Shaping SEQ – South East Queensland Regional Plan as the region’s most significant Local Government Area for population and employment growth.
The population is expected to more than double from its current 230,000 to over 500,000 by 2040, with construction of new homes, infrastructure and public transport networks a major priority to cope with that number of residents.
However, in the short term, the Ipswich economy is forecast to decline -10.9 per cent in gross regional product in the June 2020 quarter because of the impacts of the pandemic.
Ipswich jobs are forecast to fall by -7.7 per cent in the quarter, which equates to a fall of 5,967 local jobs. Those numbers could drop further depending on Jobkeeper impacts. Youth unemployment rates, particularly in the retail, hospitality and tourism sectors, have doubled this year alone.
“We’re still continuing to grow in population, with 1,400 new residents moving to Ipswich in the first quarter of 2020.”
Mayor Harding said Ipswich needs major transport infrastructure investment by both levels of government to ensure Ipswich can reach its potential and be significant contributor to the state and national economy.
“Ipswich requires significant investment if it is to meet the unparalleled demand, maintain liveability and continue to grow at this unprecedented rate,” she said.
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