A social impact management plan for the Australia Pacific LNG (APLNG) project has earmarked $200 million for resource-rich regions across Queensland.
Residents and workers in Western Downs, Maranoa and Gladstone areas will benefit from the multimillion investment, which will boost social and community services in the region.
State deputy premier and minister for state development, infrastructure and planning Jeff Seeney said the area’s third social impact management plan for the APLNG project was recently approved by the Queensland coordinator-general.
Mr Seeney commented: “This plan will ensure local communities have genuine opportunities to share in the project benefits and the social investment will lead to better services and improved infrastructure.
“It will also assist those communities impacted by resource developments to identify and adjust to the social changes occurring as a result of the emergence of this new industry.”
The plan addressed the social impacts on health, community, training, employment and housing services in the region.
Under the multimillion plan, more than $27 million has been allocated towards affordable housing in the three areas, $15 million has been scheduled for community infrastructure and services and $6.2 million towards council road upgrades and maritime safety.
Mr Seeney said it was integral to manage the state’s booming LNG industry and its environmental, economic and social impacts on regions across the state.
