Queensland’s 77 councils have produced a 10-point plan of policy priorities for the State’s next government.

The Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) insists that all parties contesting the upcoming State Election should commit to real progress on infrastructure funding, child literacy and protecting the Great Barrier Reef.

Topping the list of priorities is a proposed $500 million baseline funding model for building local infrastructure such as roads and water supply services which puts local councils at the centre of decision making on how to provide for their communities.

The LGAQ’s 10 Point Election Plan also includes calls for more money to be spent on protecting the Great Barrier Reef, a special program to support child literacy and a lasting and genuine program that ensures the State’s indigenous communities can reap the benefits of the digital economy.

The association’s president, Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson, said councils would use the election campaign to push all parties to commit to a range of funding proposals and policy changes aimed at improving the liveability of local communities and strengthening regional economies.

“Whoever wins this election needs to make a genuine commitment to supporting the drivers of Queensland’s regional economy, be they big employers like regional councils or natural assets underpinning our tourism industry like the Great Barrier Reef,” he said.

“Elections are when we get a chance to tell the major parties to get real about the promises they make and the LGAQ will be taking that chance over the course of this campaign.”

The full list of demands is accessible here.