Facilities investment strengthens the social fabric of Scenic Rim

President of the Friends of Tamborine Mountain Library, Arne Lange, welcoming news that there will be more space in the library.

Communities throughout the Scenic Rim will benefit from Council’s increased expenditure on the maintenance and upgrade of a wide range of facilities including cultural centres, community halls, libraries, swimming pools, park furniture and playgrounds.

In line with the priorities of the shared Community Plan to support healthy, engaged and resourceful communities, Council has committed a total of $8.02 million in its 2021-2022 Budget for the maintenance of its 286 buildings and facilities, and $844,500 on capital expenditure for facilities.

Scenic Rim Mayor Greg Christensen said Council is committed to enhancing the vibrancy and accessibility of the region's town centres with cultural and community infrastructure that is fit for purpose, well-maintained, safe and aesthetically pleasing.

“Residents and visitors expect facilities and public spaces that encourage outdoor recreation and strengthen the social fabric of our communities,” he said.

"The maintenance and renewal of facilities supports our arts and culture, community groups and sporting and recreational activities to the benefit of the entire community and makes our region such a great place to live."

Council’s swimming pools at Beaudesert, Canungra and Tamborine Mountain have been allocated a total of $187,000 in 2021-2022 for essential maintenance and equipment replacements to ensure their continued operations for uninterrupted access in the summer months.

Council’s Budget provides $100,000 for community halls, $95,000 for park furniture including barbeques, seating, shelters and water bubblers, and $180,000 for playground shade structures and playground improvements.

“Our playgrounds help to promote an active and healthy lifestyle and strengthen the social fabric of our communities by providing an opportunity for families to connect and entice visitors to stop and stay a little longer in our towns and villages,” Cr Christensen said.

"Smaller projects budgeted for this financial year include an upgrade to the roof between the Boonah RSL and Boonah Culture Centre, replacement of the air-conditioner at the Boonah Sports Complex, and the installation of new portable stairs at the Tamborine Mountain's Vonda Youngman Centre.

"It is noteworthy to acknowledge significant funding support from both the Australian and Queensland governments in the current financial year for Scenic Rim facilities including the upgrade of Tamborine Mountain's Vonda Youngman Centre into a community hub and recovery centre, the refurbishment of the Tamborine Mountain Library, the Lake Moogerah Caravan Park's amenities upgrade and electrical safety upgrade, and the first phases of the Beaudesert Town Centre Revitalisation.

"This funding not only means we are able to invest in our assets with minimal impact to our general revenue, but also helps to create jobs and stimulate our economy.

"The works at Lake Moogerah will be ramping up thanks to the Queensland Government's COVID Unite and Recover Stimulus Package and its COVID Works for Queensland funding.

"The refurbishment of the Tamborine Mountain Library will move into the architectural design phase, after Council was able to purchase the former IGA site adjacent to the current facilities, with the refurbishment generously funded by the Australian Government's Local Economic Recovery program."

A copy of the Scenic Rim Regional Council 2021-2022 Community Budget Report is available for download from Council's website: www.scenicrim.qld.gov.au/financial-information