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Moreton Bay Regional Council Budget: Divisions 7, 8, 9 highlights

Published 10:00am 16 June 2023

Words by Nick Crockford

Division 7

Councillor Yvonne Barlow says Budget 2023-24 will have a positive impact on the everyday lives of local families. 

Alongside increased funding for community facilities, Council makes major investments in critical road projects to fix bottlenecks and solve longstanding congestion issues across Division 7. 

“This Budget is about giving residents the opportunity to connect - whether it’s with locals at one of our amazing free events or community facilities, friends at one of our local parks, or driving along our revitalised road network to connect with your family,” Cr Barlow said. 

“Budget 2023-24 will see the critical $12.4 million staged upgrade to Old Gympie Road continue, particularly in the Dakabin and Kallangur area. 

“This considerable Council investment will make a huge difference for people who use Old Gympie Road every day, whether it’s heading to work or doing the school run, and is an important investment in our future considering the growth of the Moreton Bay region.”

A combination of new intersections, on-road bicycle lanes, new traffic signals and a $1.3 million road resurfacing program across Division 7, will provide smoother and safer roads for locals. 

“The budgeted street upgrades will also improve safety and accessibility for pedestrians including pathway widening, shade tree planting and lighting,” Cr Barlow said.

“Revitalising sections of our unique Kallangur streetscape will see the creation of a high-quality walking and cycling environment to encourage active travel and alleviate traffic bottlenecks.  

“As well as ensuring safe and active transport options, we want to be a region where people proudly come together to participate in activities, and celebrate, with access to services and facilities they need. 

“I know just how important family-friendly events are to the community and I’m pleased to announce the return of the Murrumba Christmas Spectacular. 

“Following the great success last year of our inaugural event, Council has supported the Spectacular to come back bigger and better. 

“Plus, the regular Pooches in the Park, our ultimate dog friendly event is the ’pawfect’ occasion for all dog lovers and their pets to spend a relaxing morning together in the sun. 

“To ensure future generations can live and thrive in vibrant communities, Council has been working hard to build and maintain exceptional sports facilities, open spaces and community and cultural facilities, which will continue to form part of our character and support engaged communities. 

“The kids will be pleased to know there will be extensive upgrades for playgrounds including Beverly Court Park, Acacia Park, and a new nature playground at Riverview Parkway, Griffin. 

“As part of our commitment to healthy communities, we’ll also be adding $330,000 worth of new fitness equipment at Glasshouse Circuit Park, and spaces at Cecily St and Gympie Rd.”
Cr Barlow said Council would begin $100,000 of master planning for upgrades to John Oxley Reserve in Murrumba Downs.

“As a growth area, we are keen to ensure this reserve remains a great space for local clubs, community groups and athletes for years to come,” she said.  

“We’re all very aware of the significant exposure the Moreton Bay Region has to natural disasters, so I’m happy to announce a much-needed flood monitoring station will also be built in Kallangur to improve flood warning accuracy and increase flood resilience for low-lying areas nearby. 

“Plus to accommodate Moreton Bay’s rapid population growth, we’re delivering nearly $10 million worth of upgrades to the Dakabin Waste Management facility to continue providing convenient, affordable, and sustainable waste disposal services.”

Budget Highlights for Division 7 

$6.4 million landfill cell construction at the Dakabin Waste Management Facility
$3.3 million sediment dam construction at the Dakabin Waste Management Facility 
$487,000 for development of Riverview Parkway, Griffin 
$300,000 for the playground renewal of Acacia Park, Murrumba Downs 
$245,000 to upgrade the Alma Road bend, Dakabin 
$240,000 for pathways along Brickworks Road, Kallangur 
$100,000 for masterplan upgrades to John Oxley Reserve, Murrumba Downs 
$182,000 for playground upgrade Beverley Court Park, Griffin 
$100,000 for shelter installation for Blatchford Reserve, Murrumba Downs 
$100,000 to upgrade Old Gympie Road (Viney to Highet), Kallangur 
$99,000 from pathway construction Kubiak Drive, Murrumba Downs

Division 8

Community connection, active lifestyles and infrastructure are the priorities for Division 8 in Budget 2023-24.

“Community is at the heart of what I do each day and in this, my 30^th budget for the local area, I have once again listened to residents and made a commitment to deliver on important infrastructure that will make people’s lives easier and be of benefit for generations to come,” Cr Mick Gillam said.

“This Budget is about making life easier for you - less congestion, smoother roads, better parks and improved sports grounds, right on your doorstep for all to enjoy.

“Planning and design for the new Youngs Crossing Bridge, a key stage in one of our region’s largest infrastructure projects, is now complete.

“Confirmation of State Government funding for this crucial project will ensure construction of the associated roadway is above flood level and will keep traffic moving regardless of the weather.

“We’ll also be investing $3.8 million to upgrade the Sparkes Rd/Ellis St intersection in Lawnton and also progress road rehabilitation at Mott St, Strathpine.

“I’m also happy to announce that an investment of $860,000 in construction works for Pine Rivers Park Road will make circulation and parking much easier for people attending events.

“Plus, there’s a massive $3.8 million for road resurfacing across Division 8 to ensure safer roads.”

Cr Gillam said council would allocate $850,000 for pathways to improve pedestrian connectivity and encourage more walking and cycling in the area that will ease traffic congestion. This includes a $112,500 renewal of the Kensington Way Pedestrian Bridge at Bray Park.

“A $110,000 investment in the Strathpine East Pathway Network will see the existing pathway in Norman Reilly Park link up with McConnell Esplanade Park and Grahams Road Environmental Reserve, also connecting the existing network on Monroe Crescent and Grahams Road,” he said.

“This will also include the construction of a footbridge spanning Coulthards Creek.
“Our solid investment in parks and sporting infrastructure supports Council’s goal for healthy and active living.

“This year, we’ll construct new amenities block at Alf Shaw Park, and planning works will begin design work for a new netball facility at Les Hughes Sports Complex.

“Plus, we’ve committed $1 million to upgrade the Rob Akers Reserve Sporting Facility at Strathpine, $65,000 to deliver on picnic facilities for Waratah Park, $60,000 for shelter construction at Peter Curtin Park and $2.5 million dollars in the next two years creating a Bray Park District Park.”

In the 2023-24 Budget continues to support Council’s family-friendly events including the Teddy Bears Picnic, Splash and Play and the Pine Rivers Christmas Carols.

“Council is committed to giving the community opportunities to participate in and celebrate different life experiences and cultures,” Cr Gillam said.

“I am proud to announce the return of Moreton Bay Pride Festival following the recent success of this inaugural event.

“With our pets playing such a key part in resident’s lives, we’ll also be investing $80,000 in a small dog off leash area for Mungarra Reserve, Petrie.”

Budget highlights for Division 8

$3.8 million for intersection upgrade at Sparkes Road/Ellis Street, Lawnton
$1 million for an upgrade to Rob Akers Reserve, Strathpine
$1 million for construction for Bray Park District Recreation
$860,000 for road design and construction for Pine Rivers Park, Strathpine
$250,000 for road rehabilitation at Mott Street, Strathpine
$250,000 for construction of new public facilities at Alf Shaw Park
$200,000 for design of a netball building upgrade at Les Hughes Sports Complex
$112,500 for pedestrian bridge renewal at Kensington Way
$110,000 for pathway network design at Strathpine East
$100,000 for footpath renewal on Andrew Petrie Drive
$96,000 for pathway links at Tolosa Street, Bray Park
$84,000 for pathway link at Woodlands Avenue, Petrie
$80,000 for a small dog off leash area at Mungarra Reserve, Petrie
$75,000 for pathway construction at Lorraine Court, Lawnton
$65,000 for picnic infrastructure at Waratah Par, Petrie
$60,000 for shade installation at Les Hughes Sporting Complex (baseball precinct), Bray Park

Division 9

Cr Cath Tonks says Council is improving the region’s recreation facilities and increasing environmental investments to ensure a greener, safer, and healthier future for Moreton Bay.  

She said Moreton Bay Regional Council was elevating the region’s parks and recreation spaces this financial year with further investments into wildlife safety, our sporting facilities and more.  

“We have listened to the residents of Division 9 and I am pleased the budget supports projects that reflect their needs,” Cr Tonks said. 

“The feedback we received through our Moreton Says community engagement survey was resoundingly clear; locals want to see increased environmental protections, upgrades to our parks and improved pathway connectivity .

“To enable this, Council is focused on improving roads, greening spaces, enhancing sporting and park facilities and protecting wildlife across the division. 

“We’re investing in new pathways in our parks and along our roads, including at HT Ireland Reserve and Drapers Road at Eatons Hill, South Pine Road, Brendale and many more. 

“$2.8million has been set aside for design works and upgrades to begin at the South Pine Sports Complex.

“This significant boost will include planning and design for the renewal of the netball courts, recreational trails and new amenities for the community to utilise.” 

Wildlife was also among the winners in this year’s budget with Council expanding our successful Land Buyback for Environmental Purposes program. 

“We’re investing into fauna bridges, escape poles, LED koala signage and fencing installation to help keep our wildlife and residents safe on and around our local roads,” Cr Tonks said. 

“At Richards Park, Clear Mountain, work will begin on a Riverine Rehabilitation Project to improve this important habitat for flora and fauna, including koalas, and enrich the riverside corridor.

“And I’m excited to announce that our four-legged friends will have access to a new dog off-leash area at Brendale Street Park as well as an extension to Bleakley Park dog off leash area at Albany Creek.

“The 2023-24 budget is about supporting healthy and active people - and animals - which leads to thriving communities and environments for us all, here in Division 9.  

“I am so proud we are delivering these projects for the community.” 

Budget Highlights for Division 9  

$2.8 million for upgrades to Brendale, South Pine Sports Complex including planning and design for the netball courts renewal and recreational trail construction and new amenities 
$200,000 for fauna infrastructure and renewal in Warner and Joyner  
$240,000 for construction and upgrade of Brendale Street Park, Bleakley Park dog off leash areas and planning and design for Boxwood Crt Park dog off-leash extension  
$185,250 for the Drapers Road missing link pathway for better connection in Eatons Hill  
$150,000 for construction of Eatons Hill - HT Ireland Reserve pathway project
$496,000 for the South Pine River shared pathway connection  
$80,000 for a footpath renewal at Old Northern Road, Albany Creek  
$50,000 for planning and design of the Albany Creek library courtyard extension   
$50,000 for Stage 2 of the Master Plan Implementation of the Kumbartcho Sanctuary