Council Budget: Divisions 1-4 highlights

DIVISION ONE

There’s something for everyone in Division 1 with Moreton Bay Regional Council today handing down a record $245 million 2021-22 Budget that will benefit pensioners, young people, fitness fanatics and even turtles.

Councillor Brooke Savige (Div 1) says it is thanks to residents that grassroots initiatives have been given the green light, with strategic spending to address requests from almost every local demographic.

“The important thing for me in this Budget is that we invest more in a connecting our community and enhancing our liveability, because I know there’s concerns about our increasing population,” Cr Savige says.

“I’m really excited to announce that we will start $850,000 beautification works on Brennan Park to enhance that remarkable view along the Bongaree foreshore and across Pumicestone Passage to Brisbane City.

“This is without question one of the most spectacular parks in South East Queensland and I want to bring it up to speed as a great destination for both locals and tourists to enjoy.

“These works will continue into late 2022, so please be patient with us because the results will absolutely be worth it.

“I’m proud to say we’ll be fixing the ‘missing links’ in our local pavement network with new footpaths along sections of Bribie Island Road in Ningi, as well as Bestmann Road East in Sandstone Point and other areas where you’ve told us we need to improve safety and connectivity for pedestrians, thanks to $500,000 from the Federal Government.

“I want to thank BIEPA for their work to reduce light pollution that disorientates turtles during nesting season and I’m thrilled to announce we’ll invest $50,000 to retrofit lights with wildlife sensitive lighting in Woorim.

“I’m proud to say the part pension rebate which I advocated for and saw introduced last year during COVID-19, will be extended for another year to support those in need.

“This means a large number of people in Division 1 will be able to benefit from up to $250 worth of rates concession over the financial year - but we haven’t forgotten about young people either.

“Council has dedicated $30,000 to deliver a suite of youth programs and activities to provide young people with more things to do on the Island.

“This will be developed in conjunction with schools and community groups to ensure to covers a diverse range of activities.”

Cr Savige says it is important to her that the community has a strong say in where their rates are spent.

“So, I’ve heard clearly local calls for more park fitness equipment around Bribie Island to stay fit and active, and I’m proud to say that will be delivered,” she says.

“This is something we started last year and now we will be building those as well as two ping pong tables across various local parks.

“This budget is about protecting and improving everything locals love about our lifestyle, as our region faces serious population growth.”

Budget 2021-22 delivers a record $245 million capital works program and a renewed focus on community engagement, to ensure every action of Council aligns with the values of our local community.

Budget Highlights for Division 1:

• $940,000 for 600m of road rehabilitation along Endeavour Drive, Banksia Beach
• $900,000 to complete 950m of missing link pathway along Bribie Island Rd, Ningi, between Bestmann and Aylward roads
• $472,000 for 650m of footpath along Goodwin Drive, Bongaree, between Kangaroo Ave and Bribie Island Aquatic Centre
• $450,000 to complete 650m of missing link pathway along Elkhorn Ave, Bellara, between Eucalypt and Verdoni streets
• $315,000 for refurbishment of the Woorim Foreshore surf beach amenities
• $300,000 to upgrade fire services, including hydrant booster, fire water pumphouse and more within the Bribie Island Community Arts Centre
• $260,000 to replace packaged units at the Bribie Island Rec Hall
• $250,000 to replace and upgrade turf at the Bribie Soccer Complex at First Ave, Bongaree
• $250,000 to complete 890m of missing link pathway along Jasmin Drive, Bongaree, between Goodwin Drive and 86 Protea Drive
• $214,000 for the removal and replacement of 375m of footpath along Bishop Rd, Beachmere, between 38 Bishop Rd and Elizabeth St

DIVISION TWO

A major effort to ease traffic congestion and improve safety is behind an investment of $10 million in roads and intersections across Division 2 during the next 12 months.

Councillor Mark Booth (Div 2) says improving transport networks such as roads, pathways and cycleways is critical to catering for growth.

“An investment into roads is an investment in creating a more efficient future, especially as more people move to Moreton Bay Region,” Cr Booth says.

“Council is spending $51 million on roads across the region this financial year, which includes more than $3.35 million for Graham Rd in Morayfield, partly thanks to Federal Government support.

“We will be expanding it from two lanes to four to increase its capacity and relieve congestion, as well as a highly sort after drop-and-go facility and reconfigured carpark for Morayfield East State School.

“Another key project will be the $1.46 million rehabilitation of Warroo Drive in Deception Bay and building a new pathway connection to Deception Bay Rd to increase safety for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians

Council will spend $1.3 million on the rehabilitation of Buckley Rd, Burpengary East, which will include a school bus stop, three pedestrian refuges, street lighting and off-street carparks in front of the local nursing home.

“I’ve been listening to local residents about their concerns regarding Station Road in Burpengary, so I’m proud to say it will not only get a $700,000 upgrade to improve pathways, signage and kerb-ramp improvements but I’ve also secured $200,00 in funding for a traffic management study which will provide the data to plan future capital projects to smash the congestion,” Cr Booth says.

“This project is possible thanks to $400,000 from the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program.

“The Budget also has some big wins for Beachmere too, with Biggs Ave getting a $500,000 streetscaping makeover to introduce a shared zone for pedestrians and reduce speed limits within the village area. This is 50 per cent funded by the Federal Government.

“This project will help revitalise the main street and hopefully provide an economic boost to Beachmere by attracting more visitors to town.

“Most importantly to Beachmere locals, Council will draw a line in the sand to deliver the first phase of the Beachmere Shoreline Management Project.

“These works will scope out the location of the A-Line, so residents can see exactly what it will look like, which is something locals have been calling for and I’m happy to deliver.

“I want to thank all of you for your input in this Budget and I will continue to action your feedback to achieve real outcomes for our community.”

Budget 2021-22 delivers a record $245 million capital works program and a renewed focus on community engagement, to ensure every action of Council aligns with the values of the community.

Budget Highlights for Division 2:

• $3.35 million for a road and intersection upgrade at Graham Rd, Morayfield, partly supported by the Federal Government
• $1.46 million to construct a new pathway and rehabilitate Warroo Drive, Deception Bay
• $1.3 million to construct a new pathway and rehabilitate Buckley Rd, Burpengary East
• $733,000 to resurface part of Uhlmann Rd, Burpengary East
• $700,000 for active transport improvements at Station Rd, Burpengary
• $500,000 to makeover Biggs Ave, Beachmere, with a streetscape upgrade
• $390,000 for a new outdoor area at Burpengary Library
• $300,000 to resurface and widen Creek Rd, Burpengary East
• $232,000 to resurface the road at Randwick Drive, Burpengary East
• $200,000 traffic management study for Station Rd, Burpengary

DIVISION THREE

Caboolture’s resurgent economy is set to be turbocharged with a multimillion-dollar investment in public infrastructure, roads, and economic initiatives.

Councillor Adam Hain (Div 3) says his determination to make Division 3 a powerhouse once again is unwavering.

“What our town needs is more people getting out in Caboolture and spending money to support our businesses and sense of vibrancy, which is why I want Council investing in assets that bring people out to play,” he says.

“That’s why this year’s budget will kickstart my vision to reimagine Centenary Lakes as a social and sporting focal point of Caboolture with pedestrian links to better connect it to our CBD and start that revitalisation in town.

“This starts with a $350,000 worth of works across two projects for a new Active Transport link along Elliot St that will become multimillion-dollar projects over a number of years.

“This will totally reinvent the way we use the lakes and CBD area by connecting the two with increased foot traffic, and revitalising businesses.

“Imagine if there was a healthy nightlife back on King St, with vibrant burger joints and trendy bars and cafes to socialise and unwind.

“The key to keeping any economy moving is efficiency and cashflow, so we’re pumping $3.13 million into busting the congestion problem at Morayfield Shopping Centre.

“This will be a two-year program of works, so I apologise for the inconvenience, but these works at the intersection of William Berry Drive and Dickson Rd are critical to fixing this choke-point in our road network.”

Council will also finalise design work for a new intersection in front of Living Gems retirement resort at Torrens Rd, so it can be constructed in the next financial year.

“We’re not just working to get you from A-to-B quicker so you can spend more time at home with the kids, we’re investing in infrastructure to ensure you’ve got cool things to do with your kids,” Cr Hain says.

“I’ve fought to get $1.5 million in this year’s budget for upgrades to Sheep Station Creek Skate Park in Morayfield, because I want to see it again rank as one of the best skate precincts in all of South East Queensland.

“This will be a huge drawcard to get kids active and outside by creating a social hub for young people to gather in a healthy way.

“I have a big vision for what Caboolture can become over the coming years and it starts with the groundwork in this year’s budget, so get excited for what’s to come and please get in touch with your ideas on how we can elevate our town.”

Budget 2021-22 delivers a record $245 million capital works program and a renewed focus on community engagement, to ensure every action of Council aligns with the values of the community.

Budget Highlights for Division 3:

• $1.56 million to rehabilitate 990m of William Berry Drive, Morayfield, and upgrade the intersection with Dickson Rd
• $1.5 million for design and construction of skate park renewals for Sheep Station Creek Park, Morayfield
• $350,000 to resurface the road on Lynfield Drive, Caboolture
• $350,000 to upgrade 61m of stormwater pipe and other repairs at Watt St, Caboolture
• $315,000 to install new light poles and LED lights for soccer fields at Devine Court Sports Complex, Morayfield
• $300,000 to design the construction of a new active transport connection between Caboolture Town Square and Elliot St and a new district civic space
• $230,000 to build 720m of missing link pathway along Beacon St, Morayfield, between Grant Rd and 70 Beacon St
• $180,000 to start wetland construction on King St, Caboolture
• $180,000 for a new playground at Golden Drive Park, Caboolture
• $175,000 to construct a pathway next to Stringfellow Rd, Caboolture

DIVISION FOUR

Councillor Jodie Shipway is determined to get Division 4 moving again, securing millions of dollars for major upgrades to local roads and improved pedestrian connectivity around the region.

“We’re spending too much time in traffic and not enough time doing the things we love and this Budget is about changing that,” she says.

“Top of my list are two notoriously bad intersections at Bunnings/Costco and the reconstruction of Henry and Dohles Rocks roads.

“For far too long Henry Rd has looked like a semi-rural road, despite being an important arterial connection for Griffin residents to access the Bruce Highway and it becomes quickly congested.

“I’m proud to say that I’ve successfully advocated the need to bring forward $6 million worth of reconstruction works here to raise the road and improve its flood immunity, thanks to $4 million from the Federal Government’s Urban Congestion Fund.

“There’s no denying the traffic situation at Bunnings has become so bad on weekends that it’s becoming a community problem, so we’re investing a massive $5 million to fix both the pinch points at Flinders Pde and Cook Crt, as well as the intersection at Torres Cres and Diamond Jubilee Way. This project is possible thanks to $1.3 million from the Federal Government.

“These bad boys headline a host of major road and active transport upgrades starting this financial year. Residents told me something needed to be done to solve congestion at Lamington Road in Mango Hill, so we listened.”

Council will also deliver $3.3 million in upgrades during the next two financial years that will extend Lamington Rd to Anzac Ave, which will complete the Mango Hill Ring Road.

“You can’t drive more than 20 minutes in the Moreton Bay Region without seeing a major project underway,” Cr Shipway says.

“This is great for jobs and it’s great for the liveability of locals as the region continues to grow. But there’s more work to be done to improve the efficiency of our road network, especially as our population booms, and that’s where my focus lies.

“I want to thank the State and Federal Governments for working with us to bring forward over 100 projects regionwide since COVID-19, I look forward to continuing that good work this financial year.

“Council will continue works on the new Griffin Sports Complex, which is on track to be completed by early next year; so residents can look forward to a brand new place to relax, unwind and stay fit after Christmas.

“While our economy is recovering well there are businesses still struggling, so I’m glad to see the $60,000 Regional Economic Development Grants program extended into the 2021-22 financial year to help businesses across the region.

“This is available to non-for-profit organisations for projects that support local businesses through events, business mentoring, studies, economic activations and more.”

Budget 2021-22 delivers a record $245 million capital works program and a renewed focus on community engagement, to ensure every action of Council aligns with the values of the community.

Budget Highlights for Division 4:

• $6 million to reconstruct Henry and Dohles Rocks roads, Griffin, including raising the level of the road to increase flood immunity and build new road pavement, with $4 million Federal Government support
• $5 million to increase the capacity of Flinders Parade-Cook Crt and Torres Cres-Diamond Jubilee Way intersections at the entrance of Bunnings, with $1.3 million Federal Government support
• $2.5 million for stage 1 developments of Griffin Sports Complex, including new access, car parking spaces, multipurpose fields, clubhouse, amenities and more
• $2.3 million to connect Chelmsford Rd, Mango Hill, with Kinsellas Rd West and widening of the road
• $1.65 million to complete the Mango Hill Ring Road by extending Lamington Rd to Anzac Ave and Capestone Blvd
• $660,000 to rehabilitate 895m of Boundary Rd, Deception Bay, between Potassium St and North Ridge Circuit
• $200,000 preparation works for stage 2 developments of Griffin Sports Complex, including clearing and bulk earthworks
• $200,000 for construction of a new themed playground and facility upgrades to Osprey House, Griffin, thanks to support from the Federal Government
• $150,000 to construct 50m of missing link pathway along Lapwing Cres between 1 Lapwing Cres and Thombill St
• $124,000 for new pedestrian facilities at Kinsellas Rd East, Mango Hill, as part of the Accessible Schools Program

See more Budget news here