Council welcomes funding boost for public amenities and footpaths
New footpaths and improvements to public amenities feature in funding for the Scenic Rim through the Queensland Government’s Unite and Recover Community Stimulus Package.
Mayor Greg Christensen said Scenic Rim will receive $2 million for shovel-ready projects, which aimed to help the region recover from the financial impacts of COVID-19 by creating employment opportunities and stimulating economic growth.
“We welcome the Queensland Government’s funding for projects that will help create jobs in the short-term and provide social and economic benefits for our communities,” he said.
"Funding of $1,195,000 will provide for the replacement of old public amenities blocks across the region with new modern facilities, which will also provide accessibility for those with a disability.
"These public amenities are frequently used by locals, sporting groups, as well as visitors passing through the region, and are well overdue for replacement."
Local Government Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the Unite and Recover Community Stimulus Package was already helping councils build new and upgraded infrastructure, giving their communities, including the Scenic Rim, an economic boost.
“Council estimate more than 280 jobs will be created or supported through the Scenic Rim projects alone,” he said.
“This is a fantastic result for an area that has felt the effects of the pandemic through the forced closure of businesses and borders.
“This program is allowing the Council to fast-track new infrastructure and community assets, and in doing so, helping to get this community back on its feet faster.”
The public amenities being replaced are at the following locations:
- Selwyn Park, Beaudesert
- Coronation Park, Boonah
- EM Tilley Park, Rathdowney
- Geissmann Oval, Tamborine Mountain
- Staffsmith Park, Tamborine Mountain, and
- Sharp Park, Witheren.
The Unite and Recover Community Stimulus Package also allows for $805,000 for a series footpath connections at:
- Edward Street, Kalbar, which will link the showground and residential areas to the town’s existing footpath
- Enterprise Drive, Beaudesert, which will link the new and existing light and medium industrial businesses to the Mount Lindesay Highway, and
- Tina Street, Beaudesert, connecting Albert Street and William Street, which will provide safe and disability access at a busy intersection in a school zone.
“In addition to helping to boost our economy, each of the projects funded by the Queensland Government’s Unite and Recover Community Stimulus Program will add to the vibrancy and wellbeing of our communities,” Cr Christensen said.
“Well-maintained footpaths are key to connected communities.
“As well as representing vital links in our transport network, footpath improvements encourage walking, which contributes to physical and mental wellbeing and is one of the easiest ways for people of all ages to increase their health and fitness.
“Improvements to public amenities across the Scenic Rim will be welcomed, not only by locals but also by the thousands of visitors who come to explore our region each year.”
The footpath connection projects and upgrades to public amenities are an initiative of the Queensland Government.
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