The program was dedicated to maintaining the lifestyle in resource regions by supporting projects that improved local amenities and services, Deputy Premier Jeff Seeney said.

“The Royalties for the Regions program will also help local government and communities manage the impacts of rapid growth in the resource sector,” he said.

"The program will also be another way for resource companies to contribute funds under their social impact management plans."

Fourteen eligible regional councils would have until early October to lodge their Expression of Interest applications.

"Of the $495 million being invested across the state over the next four years, $60 million will be available in 2012/13," Seeney said.

"This is about reinvesting a share of royalties to help build new and improved community, road and floodplain security infrastructure and the first round of funding will focus on critical or urgent infrastructure projects.”

Funding applications will go through a two-stage competitive assessment process.

Eligible regional councils will submit an expression of interest (stage one), with successful expressions of interest proceeding to a full business case (stage two).