The Hon David Littleproud MP, Federal Member for Maranoa, Media Release, 22 January 2021
Local water infrastructure in Stanthorpe will get a $940,000 boost, as part of $8.9 million in bushfire recovery projects announced today by the Australian and Queensland governments.
Maranoa MP David Littleproud said this project is one of nine Local Economic Recovery projects were announced today to support recovery in Queensland communities hit hard by the 2019-20 bushfires, including two exciting projects in Maranoa.
“In our area, $940,000 will go to the Southern Downs Regional Council for the Smart Water Meters project,” Mr Littleproud said.
“This project will install smart metering technology in Stanthorpe, which will help to adapt the built environment to future climate and natural hazard conditions.
“The technology will help council drive behaviour changes in water consumption, to deliver a more secure water supply and lower the costs associated with excess consumption and leakage.
“Toowoomba Regional Council will also receive $106,000 to boost eco-tourism in the region through the Crows Nest Mountain Bike Mecca and Escarpment Escape Project.”
“The devastating effects of the fires have been exacerbated even further by the COVID-19 pandemic, so I am pleased to see this funding flowing to Maranoa communities, to aid in their recovery.
”The projects announced today are the third round of projects announced in Queensland and the first for 2021. They come from $36.8 million for bushfire recovery projects under the Local Economic Recovery program, announced by the Australian and Queensland governments last year.
This funding builds on two Local Economic Recovery projects announced for Maranoa last year, including the $1.9 million Morgan Park Drag Strip upgrade for the Southern Downs.
The latest announcement brings the total projects approved under the LER Program in Queensland to 27 with a total value of more than $26 million, with further projects still to be approved.
For more information on the Local Economic Recovery program in Queensland visit www.qra.qld.gov.au/LER.
For information on Local Economic Recovery projects funded in Queensland – and across Australia – visit www.bushfirerecovery.gov.au/local-recovery-projects.
Media contact: Emily Bradfield (07) 4662 2715
