What exactly does the Local Government Association of Queensland's (LGAQ) Battle Plan outline?
What impact will it have on not only the health and wellbeing of the local community but the economic activities and employment?
In a recent article authored by the LGAQ, Queensland councils mayors outlined their unique ability to recognise the impact of COVID-19 on their respective LGA’s and also, to recognise the opportunity to develop initiatives to lead the economic recovery at a local level [1].
The Local Governments’ intention to “do the heavy lifting” with the support of the State Government in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
To do this, councils, as well as State and Federal Governments, need to work together collectively to keep the local workforce in jobs and local economies turning through this challenging period.
The LGAQ states:
“Queensland is Australia’s most decentralised State. One size does not fit all. Stimulus needs to be widespread and scalable. Evidence shows direct funding allocations to councils achieves rapid and direct economic stimulus relevant to the unique needs of local communities and their economic circumstances."
The article goes on to state that local councils are ready to go, and have formulated a $608 million battle plan that could potentially deliver 14,000 new jobs across Queensland with State Government support.
The overall goal is to sustain local economic activity and jobs, reduce the impact of shutdown due to COVID-19, and build towards a strong recovery.
Key Initiatives
Key initiatives that could be realised by the $608 million battle plan include:
8000 jobs recovery packages
3000-strong green army
770 job creating community infrastructure projects
These initiatives would accelerate the upgrades to Queensland's transport infrastructure and also assist the local mental and community health programs.
In support of its argument, the LGAQ makes note of the effectiveness of previous collaborations between Local and State Governments, citing the recent success of the Palaszczuk Government and local councils in delivering ‘The Works for Queensland Program’ over the last three years.
The successful economic stimulus helped deliver more than 21,000 jobs during the period.
COVID-19 & The Planned Response
According to the LGAQ, COVID-19 has hit Queensland and Australian communities in so many complex ways. Councils are well placed to identify the need and direct resources in a local context.
Councils are a significant local employer, employing 40,000 staff across Queensland. By sustaining the council's workforce and boosting local job-creating programs, a big difference can be made in combating the impact of COVID-19 on local economies.
In the article, Brisbane Council Lord Mayor, Adrian Schriner lends further support to this claim; stating:
“Like every council, our priority is to deliver essential services for residents and keep our more than 8000 staff employed and productive while we confront this crisis. This is critical not only to sustain our local economy, but it also means we are ready to mobilise our workforce, once our pipeline of works is ready to go.”
Overall, the LGAQ Battle Plan outlines a compelling argument for a collaborative approach that could not only have a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of the local community but also sustain local economic activity and jobs beyond the COVID-19 event.
To continue staying up-to-date on the property market make sure you join our Weekly Property Market Pulse Newsletter here.
Jarryd Gauci – Property Investment Consultant
P: (02) 9939 3249
References:
[1] LGAQ Report