Key community infrastructure features in Scenic Rim's 2024-2025 Budget

The $119 million budget provides $37.1 million for capital works, highlighting Council's commitment to the delivery of infrastructure to meet both community needs and the region's continuing growth.

Scenic Rim Mayor Tom Sharp said feedback from the recent community consultation has contributed to developing the budget and will continue to shape Council's budget priorities in the year ahead.

“With feedback from members our community about what matters most, we will ensure that the Scenic Rim remains a connected, thriving, and forward-focused region," he said.

“This year, more than $37 million has been budgeted for major capital works as well as community facilities, parks and landscape maintenance, waste management, and our Vibrant and Active Towns and Villages program,” he said.  

"More than $19.69 million has been allocated to the upgrade and rehabilitation of Council’s road and bridge network which has been damaged repeatedly in recent years by significant weather events."

Major projects planned for the 2024-2025 year include: 

• the continuation of the Kerry Road upgrade, with a focus on improving driver safety ($8.3 million) 
• the reseal and rehabilitation of Council’s sealed road network ($5.5 million)  
• works to improve driver safety along Beechmont Road ($2.16 million) 
• improvements to increase the safety and serviceability of more than 130 bridges ($1.15 million)
• the upgrade and replacement of sections of the region's drainage network ($796,000), and
• improvements to more than 500 major culverts and floodways ($656,000).

“Our region depends on quality infrastructure, for our agricultural and tourism sectors which underpin the Scenic Rim economy, and Council will continue to invest in improved transport networks,” Transportation Infrastructure portfolio Councillor, Deputy Mayor Cr Duncan McInnes said.   

"With limited financial resources, we rely heavily on other levels of government to deliver major infrastructure projects for our community.

"Council is particularly grateful for the Australian Government's Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program $5million in funding, enabling the continued upgrade of Kerry Road, and the Queensland Government's Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme's $743,983 contribution to continue to progress works at Beechmont Road."

Council's 2024-2025 Budget also provides more than $930,000 for new and upgraded footpaths across the region, including $520,000 for general rehabilitation and minor works.

“The importance of footpaths is often underestimated, but they connect our communities and contribute to the health and wellbeing of our residents by encouraging people to get out and about,” Cr McInnes said.  

“Boonah residents will be pleased to know that $242,688 has been earmarked for the Church Street footpath between Campbell Street and McDonald Street, providing an important final link from the eastern side of town into the town centre.”