Who’s Who in 22, Government Gurus: Mick Gillam

This year, Moreton Bay Regional Councillor Mick Gillam has delivered funding for a significant and long-awaited road project, wildlife initiatives and community infrastructure in Division 8.

Council’s 2022/23 Budget included significant funding for Young’s Crossing, other busy intersections, infrastructure improvements and better amenities.

Cr Gillam said safer roads, increased flood mitigation, and greater investment in community sports were priorities of this year’s Budget.

He said there was a good balance, with road upgrades, new cycling and pedestrian paths to get people exercising, safe crossings to protect our wildlife and investment in parks, clubhouses and community centres.

A major investment project was an initial $30 million for road and bridge construction at Youngs Crossing Rd, Petrie, to enable the construction of a four-lane divided roadway above the flood level, pedestrian paths and bikeways on both sides, and landscaping.

It is part of a bigger two-year project that has more than $32 million in Federal Government funding and will keep traffic moving regardless of weather and dam releases into the North Pine River.

The Budget also allocated $9.8 million to a two-year project to replace the roundabout at the intersection of Francis Rd, Sparkes Rd and Ellis St at Lawnton, with an initial $1 million invested in 2022-23 thanks to Federal Government support.

There was also $887,000 for road resurfacing at Old North Rd, Bray Park, in partnership with the Federal Government.

Work to reduce congestion and improve safety is continuing at Beeville Rd, Petrie, with $700,000 to widen the road, fix stormwater drainage and install traffic lights at the Frenchs Rd intersection.

The Budget included $1.3 million to get people outside and enjoying Ron Thomason Park at Lawnton, with shared bike and pedestrian pathways that connect North Pine River, One Mile Creek and Mungarra Reserve through to Todds Rd.

Stormwater drainage works have been prioritised with $470,000 for Francis Rd, Bray Park and $230,000 at Wyllie St, Petrie; and $500,000 is to be spent at Four Mile Creek on fencing, rope bridge and planting to keep wildlife safe.

Cr Gillam said the Budget also delivering for community groups and sporting bodies, with another $750,000 to continue demolition at Strathpine’s Rob Akers Reserve and construction of a fit-for-purpose AFL clubhouse with a club room, dining area, office, undercover spectator area and tiered seating with assistance from the State Government.

About Mick Gillam

Mick Gillam is a former teacher, who served as a Pine Rivers Shire Councillor from 1994 to March 2008. He was elected to Moreton Bay Regional Council in March 2008, 2012, 2016 and 2020.

He has won seven straight elections and is a member of the ALP but serves as an independent.

He has announced he will be retiring at the end of this term.