New residential care facility gains further Council support

Scenic Rim Regional Council has shown support for a new community residential care facility in Harrisville.

Council will offset the construction costs of a new footpath and reduce infrastructure charges for Wesley Mission Queensland to establish a facility in Harrisville.

At yesterday's Ordinary Meeting, Council agreed to enter into an Infrastructure Agreement for the part waiver of infrastructure charges, and to offset the construction costs of an estimated $63,600 for works as part of the charitable organisation's current development approval in North Street, Harrisville.

Mayor Greg Christensen said the part waiver of charges is approved under Council's Adopted Infrastructure Charges Resolution in which a maximum waiver of 25 per cent of the infrastructure charges, capped to $50,000, will be applied to the development.

"Wesley Mission Queensland is also eligible for deferral of payment over a three-year period under the Infrastructure Charges Deferral Guideline in line with the Scenic Rim Investment Attraction Incentives Program. The agreement is conditional that construction occurs within three years of the development application being approved by Council," he said.

Mayor Christensen said this is the first time Council has entered into an agreement of this nature and that the request submitted by the non-for-profit organisation demonstrated that there are strong local community and economic benefits as part of the proposed development.

"Wesley Mission Queensland has a long track record of giving back to the community in providing support to those in need of meals and accommodation, and providing accessible and flexible services to older people, those living with a disability or mental illness, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, refugees and vulnerable children and families."

Division 6 Councillor Duncan McInnes said the proposed development had demonstrated a reliance in the community for Wesley Mission Queensland's services. It is anticipated that these demands will increase as the Scenic Rim population continues to grow, placing greater pressure on health care services.

"The organisation's proposed development has also demonstrated strong employment benefits through the creation of up to 27 local jobs," he said.

"Its impact on the Scenic Rim community is far-reaching and Council is pleased to support the part waiver of charges under this development to recognise their dedication to the community.

"The arrangement Council has entered into with Wesley Mission Queensland will provide a balance that recognises the development's benefit to the local community against the impact on infrastructure demands."

Wesley Mission Queensland now operates as a mission activity of the Albert Street Uniting Church and works collaboratively with other Uniting Church congregations, community organisations and government bodies.

For more information, visit Council's website.