The Mayor of Queensland’s largest mining region is calling on the state government to stop ‘double dipping’ in the Royalties for the Regions (R4R) cash pot and deliver more funding to local councils.
Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker wants to see state agencies prevented from accessing funds from the R4R program.
“The original intent of R4R was to return a proportion of state royalties to Council’s to help manage the impacts of resource development,” Mayor Baker said.
In August a total of $210 million was allocated for Round 4 and split into two components—a state-wide council competitive allocation and a strategic projects allocation for state-led regional infrastructure.
“The inclusion of state government as an eligible applicant directly contravenes the program’s intent and could significantly dilute the funding pool for local governments,” Mayor Baker said.
“$1.1 billion in royalties was paid from mines in our region during 2012-13.
“That’s why Isaac Regional Council is sponsoring a motion to the LGAQ to ensure royalty’s money goes to communities not just State Government departments.”
“If the state government doesn’t reconsider this decision, the loss of this funding for local government could have a potentially devastating effect across the state.”
“The Dysart Medical Centre is a great example of Isaac Regional Council partnering with industry and government to provide long-term benefits to our communities through this program.”
“We will continue to fight for worthwhile community projects like this to receive their fair share of state government funding.”
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