Infrastructure developments are an ongoing source of apprenticeship opportunities in Australia, especially as the country’s growing population continues to demand greater access to roads and other supporting services.
The Queensland government has reacted to these demands with its Building Our Regions program, a $200 million initiative designed to fund infrastructure projects specifically in local governments around the state. Round one of the funding has already been allocated, which means a number of new roles should already be on offer for apprentices in Queensland.
Next round of funding begins early for Queensland councils
With round two of the initiative now open for applications, the state government is encouraging local bodies to apply for funding to improve their infrastructure and get people into work. This round has opened early, with the government bringing it forward by six months to prompt further development in regional areas of Queensland.
As well as advancing the application date, the Queensland government has also streamlined the processes for local councils, ensuring that it’s much easier for them to pursue funding and get projects underway. Minister for State Development Dr Anthony Lynham described the updates and what they mean for interested parties.
“The latest round opens [April 4] and we’ve made the process easier, with councils only needing to supply expressions of interest initially, rather than full, detailed applications,” he explained.
“The Department of State Development then assesses their application and if they’re shortlisted, councils will have four weeks to prepare a detailed business case.”
While infrastructure developments are traditionally associated with major works such as roading, the state government detailed the variety of different projects that have been included in the Building Our Regions program so far. Included in the first round of funding was everything from a fibre optic network upgrade connecting Doomadgee and Burketown to cattleyard upgrades.
The encouragement from the state government is good news for people seeking apprenticeships in Queensland, especially as the completed projects are likely to continue to foster further job growth in the region.
The first round, which encompassed $5.4 million in funding, was responsible for the creation of around 40 jobs in regional Queensland. Depending on the nature of the projects that receive funding in the future, jobseekers can expect this to increase further.
By Leanne Macnamara, Public Relations Coordinator
