$2.74 million will kick start 21 projects for Charters Towers Regional Council in a major infrastructure boost from the State Government’s Works for Queensland program.
Council has had all of the 21 projects approved under the program last week, giving the green light for all projects.
All nominated projects will be completed by the end of 2017.
Mayor, Liz Schmidt, said the Works for Queensland funding was allowing council to bring forward urgent infrastructure upgrades that were vital for the region.
“When we got the news of this funding in January it was exciting news,” Cr Schmidt said.
“Now that we have all of the 21 projects approved work can begin. Work on the first project will begin in March. We are ready to go.”
Roadwork projects under the Works for Queensland funding will include:
*Repairs and maintenance to 13 bridges located throughout the council region.
*Resheet and stabilisation work on the Mount Fox Road from the intersection of Mount Fox Road to the Burdekin River.
*Sandy Creek Road reconstruction from Cambridge Street to Wellington Road.
Other projects funded by the program:
*Construction of a dedicated safe walkway at Towers Hill which is one of the major tourism drawcards and venue for recreational walking in Charters Towers. The proposed work will utilise local workers (council and sub-contractors) and local suppliers. Project is shovel ready.
Construction plans and heritage approval is in place.
*Installation of a concrete pathway over an existing unsealed section of walking track from the top of Towers Hill to link up with a concrete path which takes tourists and local exercise enthusiasts to the base of Towers Hill. Project is shovel ready.
*Replacement of a number of ageing asbestos cement water mains which in some locations in Charters Towers recently were subject to significant breaks resulting from an earthquake. These water mains are in various locations and account for a number of the funded projects.
The Mayor said every one of the 21 projects would be important infrastructure upgrades for council.
“With the injection of this $2.74 million from the State Government through the Works for Queensland program, Charters Towers Regional Council is reinvesting in the future of our region,” she said.
“This program is also an important employment boost for our region. It is anticipated that up to 104 new jobs will be created and another 27 positions will be supported through these 21 infrastructure projects.”
The Works for Queensland Program is part of the State Infrastructure Fund.