Budget supports facilities which are at the heart of Scenic Rim communities

Scenic Rim Mayor Tom Sharp said Council was proud to be delivering a range of improvements to community facilities which contribute to the region's lifestyle and liveability.

A major project as part of the region-wide Vibrant and Active Towns and Villages program will be the first stage of the Gallery Walk car park at Tamborine Mountain, which has been allocated $4.2 million.

Parks, Gardens and Open Space Portfolio Councillor Amanda Hay said the project aimed to improve the Gallery Walk streetscape and the safety and accessibility of this popular precinct for pedestrians and motorists.

"Visitors to the region as well as residents will also benefit from the $268,000 replacement of public amenities at Dapsang Drive Park at Tamborine Mountain and the replacement of picnic shelters at Staffsmith Park and Geissmann Oval at Tamborine Mountain, Dick Westerman Park in Beaudesert, and Apex Park in Boonah costing $84,400 overall," she said.

"In Beaudesert, a new playground shade structure will also be installed at Selwyn Park at a cost of $65,000 and $100,000 will provide for an off-leash dog park within Lions Bicentennial Park. Community security and safety will be bolstered with CCTV in the newly developed Beaudesert Town Centre Parklands at a cost of $137,500.

"More than $266,000 in Council's budget will support the upgrade of cemeteries across the region, including Tamborine Mountain and Boonah, to ensure well-maintained and dignified final resting places for members of the community.

"The budget also provides for works at Graceleigh Park at Beechmont, Middle Park at Tamborine, Justin's Lookout at Tamborine Mountain, the Tamborine Mountain Botanic Gardens and Monza Street Reserve at Beaudesert."

Sport and Recreation Portfolio Councillor Stephen Moriarty said Council's commitment to encouraging a healthier and more active community has been supported in the 2024-2025 Budget.

"This includes a total of $420,000 for the resurfacing of the tennis courts and new lighting at Moriarty Park in Canungra, in addition to lighting installations at Selwyn Park in Beaudesert, Coronation Park in Boonah and the Long Roads Sports Complex on Tamborine Mountain," he said.

"The Tamborine Mountain Pool and the Scenic Rim Aqua Fitness Centre at Boonah have also been allocated a total of $67,000 for capital items."

Community Arts and Culture Portfolio Councillor Kerri Cryer has welcomed the budget allocation of $200,000 for design upgrades to the Beaudesert Library.

"It's great to see Boonah Cultural Centre being supported with new stage lighting and blinds," she said.

Cr Sharp said community feedback had been important in developing the 2024-2025 Budget and would continue to inform Council's budget priorities.

“I know that several projects, such as the off-leash dog park in Beaudesert and improvements to pedestrian safety on Gallery Walk in Tamborine Mountain, have been strongly advocated for by our residents, and it is pleasing to see these supported in this year's budget,” he said.