A survey commissioned by the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) shows that the state's councils are leading the country in terms of economic and regional investment.

 

The survey shows that each Queensland council invested on average $1.14 million a year on economic and regional development compared with a national average of $860,000.

 

The survey found that southeast Queensland councils invested the most in economic development, with an average of $1.6 million, while councils in resource regions invested less, reflecting the pressures they are under to meet immediate needs such as housing and community services.

 

"This work shows how different councils are dealing with different challenges, with the most significant investment coming from rural and remote and SEQ councils," LGAQ president Paul Bell 

 

Cr Bell said the survey results reinforced the need for a genuine effort across all levels of government to foster the sustainable development of regional Queensland.

 

"One of the ways that can happen is through meaningful engagement of local government in developing and maintaining the Regional Development Australia (RDA) network,'' he said.