The Queensland Government’s 2024-25 Budget has revealed an additional $61.6 million over two years to bolster support for the state’s 16 Indigenous councils.
“First Nations councils are the building blocks of some of Queensland’s most remote communities,” said Deputy Premier and Treasurer, Cameron Dick.
“We are investing more than $61 million over two year to boost their long-term sustainability, which will benefit them now and well into the future.”
The bolstered funding for First Nations councils will help support continued delivery of the Indigenous Councils Funding Program that supports the state’s Indigenous council’s to deliver the services their local communities need, the Government said in a statement.
The investment will also fund a new entity to support the long-term sustainability of councils serving First Nations communities.
The Indigenous Councils Funding Program was established last year following a review of historical operational funding arrangements.
The program ensures operational grants are distributed across all 16 councils under a single, equitable and fit-for-purpose methodology that has reduced administration costs.
Program funding allocations are based on a methodology that reflects factors impacting costs of service delivery in Indigenous local government areas. Considerations include population, remoteness and dispersion.
New funding guidelines for the next $115 million round of Local Government Grants and Subsidies Program will also be released this week, with successful council projects to be short-listed later this year, Premier Steven Miles confirmed today.
As well as getting new priority infrastructure off the ground, the funding is also aimed at extending the life of existing assets and planning projects, he said.
“Travelling around our great state, I know firsthand the crucial role local governments play in delivering important services and infrastructure Queenslanders rely on,” said the Premier.
“I am proud that in my first Budget as Premier, we are building on the ongoing support with Local Government Grants and Subsidies program.”
Final funding decisions for infrastructure projects will be made following a two-stage, competitive application and assessment process.