The Queensland Government has replaced the former government’s Royalties for Regions program with its own 200 million ‘Building our Regions’ Program and is calling for applications from local councils. See:
http://www.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/regional-development/building-our-regions.html
A commendable aspect is the requirement to provide a cost benefit analysis on applications for funding over $500,000. Application for amounts below that will still be subject to a benefit analysis.
There are pros and cons with this type of handout – are projects genuinely additional, will co-contributions be effective, is effective, long term infrastructure planning distorted?
However, it can hardly be argued local councils are drowning in funds to invest in infrastructure.
Recognising the Government is looking for shovel-ready projects, applications close 11 September.