Burdekin Joins Push For Infrastructure Support

The Burdekin region faces a potential financial headache as a vital federal funding stream, which has bankrolled major local upgrades from the Ayr Swimming Pool to the Burdekin Memorial Hall, is set to expire on June 30th. The Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program (LRCIP), which has injected millions into projects across the state, will cease at the end of the financial year unless the Federal Government announces an extension in the upcoming May Budget. Burdekin Shire Council has joined the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) in an urgent advocacy campaign, warning that regional communities stand to lose the most if the program is not replaced. “Burdekin Shire Council supports LGAQ’s call for ongoing infrastructure funding that recognises the scale and importance of what councils deliver, particularly in regional areas,” Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Dalle Cort said. “This is about ensuring regional Queenslanders have access to the same opportunities, infrastructure and services as those living in metropolitan areas.” ‍‍Burdekin Stands Up As Federal Funding Faces Cliff-Edge The Burdekin Shire Council is joining a statewide push for the Federal Government to extend a crucial infrastructure program due to expire on June 30th, warning that local councils face a significant funding gap without a new commitment in the upcoming May Budget. Locally, the original LRCIP funding—in effect since 2020—has been instrumental in delivering practical community assets. Significant projects supported by the program include the refurbishment of the Burdekin Memorial Hall entrance and the installation of a compliant disabled access ramp, upgrades to the Burdekin Water Park at the Ayr Swimming Pool complex, and the revitalisation of Spiller Street’s Brandon Park, which included new playground equipment and amenities. Burdekin Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort said the Shire relies on predictable funding to maintain the essential infrastructure residents use every day. “Councils across Queensland are responsible for infrastructure that communities rely on every day – from local roads and footpaths to sporting facilities and shared community spaces,” Mayor Dalle Cort said. “Programs like LRCIP have allowed councils to deliver practical, community-driven projects that improve safety, connectivity and liveability while also supporting local jobs.” The LGAQ estimates the program has contributed roughly $668 million to the Queensland economy, supporting nearly 4,000 full-time equivalent jobs. Peak body leadership warns that without a replacement, the loss of this funding will create a "financial black hole" for local governments. LGAQ President Mayor Matt Burnett stated that regional equity is at the heart of the issue. “People living in regional Queensland should be able to access the same employment, infrastructure and service opportunities as those living in the cities,” Mayor Burnett said. “This program has been used to build roads, sporting grounds and other vital community facilities, and it’s our smallest communities who stand to lose most if funding isn't continued.” For the Burdekin, the uncertainty makes long-term planning difficult, says Mayor Dalle Cort, who emphasised that local councils are now facing “difficult decisions” that could impact the standard of services provided to residents. The LGAQ is pushing for a commitment in the May Budget that goes beyond the LRCIP, calling for an increase in untied Financial Assistance Grant funding to at least 1 per cent of Commonwealth taxation revenue to improve long-term financial sustainability. Residents can learn more about the campaign at www.lgaq.asn.au.