The new Grants to Local Government Model is a simple, adaptable and coordinated model making it easier for councils to apply for grants, deliver projects and report on progress. The model means councils can focus on delivering important infrastructure, boosting jobs and increasing liveability for their communities.
The model was developed in consultation with councils and key stakeholders to support state government priorities and objectives and respond to local government strategies and needs. It allows flexibility to reflect the vastness of Queensland and the diversity of our 77 councils. Read more about the grants review project background and consultation.
Local Government grant programs
A single web landing page for grants to local government has been developed where programs with similar outcomes will be grouped to reduce overlap and duplication and reduce the number of State agencies administering grants.
Essential services
Roads & transport
Resilient communities
Economic development
Natural resources
Community welbeing
What are the key benefits for local governments?
A single web page for grants to local government
Reducing the number of departments that councils have to deal with to 5
More time for councils to deliver projects (minimum two years)
Alignment of program timeframes with council budget cycles wherever possible
A single head funding agreement between the state and local governments
Consistent and standard templates for guidelines, applications, progress reporting
More streamlined Quarterly reporting and/or project milestone reporting
Inclusion of funding for non-capital activities within infrastructure programs
The Grants to Local Government Model is the new streamlined framework for state government grants programs and is the result of a significant reform process involving extensive consultation with state agencies, local government and industry bodies.
The new, simpler model improves coordination and brings together both state and local priorities to benefit our communities.
Will the new model apply to all grants?
The model applies to new programs and projects, as well as new rounds of existing programs that are open to local government only and which are released from 25 September 2019.
There are so many grant programs available all with similar outcomes. Will it be the same with the new model?
Under the new model grant programs will be consolidated, where possible. This will reduce overlap and the duplication of outcomes.
How can I find out what grant programs are available?
We have made it easier to find out what grant programs are open to local government only.
All grant programs open to local government only will be published centrally on the DLGRMA grants web landing page, so they can be found in the one place instead of needing to be searched on multiple department websites.
Local government grant programs will be grouped under outcome-focused program streams. The streams are a way of categorising grant programs that support like outcomes.
Often there are multiple departments to deal with in relation to grants. Will it be the same with the new model?
Until now, councils have dealt with up to 16 different departments for grants open to local government only. For new programs and projects under the new streamlined model councils will now only have to deal with five departments:
Department of Local Government, Racing and Multicultural Affairs
Department of State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning
Department of Transport and Main Roads
Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy
Queensland Reconstruction Authority
Each department is the administration agency for a program stream. To see what department acts as the administration agency for each program stream click here (PDF, 29KB).
In addition, there will be greater consistency of grants administration across government using standardised operational templates.
Will each different department require councils to enter separate grant funding agreements?
Under the new model a single head funding agreement is being developed with the ability to cover grants from all state agencies. This agreement will only need to be signed by councils once. A simpler project funding agreement will then be developed for each individual grant .
Grant programs are often designed to deliver government policy with limited input from councils. Is this going to change?
Yes, under the new model councils and industry bodies will have input into the design of grant programs. This will mean grant programs will meet both state and local government objectives, priorities and needs.
Most grant programs fund new infrastructure, even though councils would benefit from funding to extend the life of existing infrastructure. Will this change?
The new model will support funding for non-capital activities and initiatives related to infrastructure as well as funding for maintenance and capacity building. These may not be appropriate for every future grant program but are key considerations for new local government grants programs.
Are there any changes to timeframes?
Yes, under the new model councils will have more time to complete approved projects, with a minimum two-year project timeframe.
What funding certainty will the new model provide councils?
To provide more funding certainty to councils the model supports (where possible):
multi-year funding
allocation-based grant programs
reducing the number of competitive grant programs.
For approved projects, when will funding be released?
Under the new model funding for approved projects will be released in July at the start of the financial year, to align with council budget cycles.
Will there be any new forms or templates?
Yes, there are new standardised forms and templates to improve consistency across government and make administration easier for councils.
Will there be changes to project progress reporting to state agencies?
Yes, reporting on project progress will change to be quarterly reporting and/or project milestone reporting, with a template progress report developed for consistency.
Will there be more or less grant funding in the future?
The level of grant funding for local government grant programs was not in scope for the grants model project.
Will the State be providing any additional support?
Ongoing support will be provided to councils for grants, for example through project planning, program guidelines, and help with the preparation and lodgement of grant applications.
In addition, a program of ongoing training and support will be established to improve council capacity and capability focusing on strategic and long-term asset planning and management.
How can I find out more?
To find out more, you can email the department at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
