Who’s Who in 22, Government Gurus: Darren Grimwade

This year, Moreton Bay Regional Councillor Darren Grimwade (pictured centre) has delivered funding to improve infrastructure such as roads, while also protecting the environment, before the region hits population forecasts in Division 11.

Council’s 2022/23 Budget included initiatives to better protect the environment and improve the efficiency of road networks. This included ramping-up Council’s land buyback program to protect areas from development.

A key component of this year’s budget also focused on enhancing villages, townships and suburbs.

In November, the $1.96 million Mt Glorious Community Hall was opened, which includes a children’s play area, and Samford’s $1.3 Million facelift started in August.

It is designed to enhance the contemporary rural character of area, with new landscaping, paving, and street installations along Main St.

At the time, Cr Grimwade said the works would make the village more accessible and provide more parking for residents, as well as constructing a laneway to link the new carpark to Main Street’s shops and businesses.

Council allocated $800,000 to build a new carpark next to Alan Cash Park (behind the Farmers Hall) with federal government funding to address calls for more carparking in the central business district.

The $5.7 million Percy Cash Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge in Samford was opened in June, with a $2.5 million contribution from the State Government, and the $4 million Narangba Tennis Centre opened in May.

The Budget also included $350,000 for splash pad at Dayboro Swimming Pool for toddlers, and funding for renewal of the heritage-listed Council building on Williams St.

Road projects were also funded, with $6 million allocated to the intersection upgrade of Oakey Flat and Young roads; $793,000 for curve upgrading to Mount Nebo Rd at the Goat Track; and $650,000 for road improvements and upgrades to Cedar Creek Rd.

Cr Grimwade said Narangba residents had been calling for the Oakey Flat Rd intersection upgrade and it would allow them to safely cross the busy road with dedicated pedestrian crossing lights incorporated into the final design.

About Darren Grimwade

Darren Grimwade was elected to Moreton Bay Regional Council in 2016.

He was the LNP State Member for Morayfield for one term, from 2012-15.

He worked as a baker and as a director of a taxation franchise before buying a pizza business in 2007, which he was operating when elected to parliament.

He was awarded Queensland Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 2008 and is a big supporter of innovation and small business.