Major investments in sport and recreation, roads and stormwater infrastructure, and funding for a new Deception Bay SES depot highlight Moreton Bay Regional Council’s 2018/19 Budget for Division 2.
Division 2 Councillor Peter Flannery joined councillors at the special budget meeting on Friday, June 1 and said more than $6.1 million had been secured for Moreton Bay’s first regional soccer precinct at Burpengary.
“This is a project that puts Moreton Bay on pace to play a major role in the development of football in Australia, a sport which the Football Federation of Australia estimates more than 1.1 million Aussies participated in 2016 alone,” Cr Flannery said.
“Once completed, the new precinct will accommodate soccer’s incredible growth in our community, and help attract a host high quality competitions including state and national games to boost our region’s local economy.
The project includes the construction of Moreton Bay’s first FIFA-rated synthetic field together with two new senior-grade grass pitches, multi-purpose clubhouse and car parking facilities.
“Construction of the fields is well underway, and we’re already seeing the first pieces of the 650m2 clubhouse come together.
“We have had plenty of success with the Aussie Rules precincts here at Burpengary, and this project aims to bring that same level of local success to the round-ball game.”
Cr Flannery said close to $6 million would be also be invested in major refurbishment works for the region’s largest aquatic centre, the Caboolture Regional Aquatic and Leisure Centre (CRALC).
Works include the replacement of ventilation systems, ceilings and lighting, security and fire systems; maintenance work to the building structure and pool shells; and a fresh lick of paint for the popular swimming venue.
“This will mark the first major refurbishment of swimming facilities at CRALC since it opened more than 17 years ago and, as a major venue to local swimmers and regional competitions, will ensure the pool can be enjoyed by families and visitors for years to come.
“As part of the Budget, $560,000 has been allocated for the Old Bay Road Community Facility to install new workshop spaces, storerooms, amenities and a kitchen.
A further $20,000 will go towards design work for upgrades at the Deception Bay Library.
Cr Flannery said the 18/19 Budget would also continue council’s commitment to ongoing road and stormwater infrastructure upgrades across Division 2.
“I’m pleased to announce $1.2 million has been earmarked to resurface a number of priority roads as part of council’s ongoing resurfacing program and that an additional $350,000 has also been allocated to upgrade the Aerodrome Road intersection at Caboolture.
“Stormwater infrastructure will also receive a boost, with $750,000 to upgrade drainage channels along David Street, Burpengary and $35,000 for design works on Beachmere Lake.
“Council has also committed $50,000 in the Budget to begin design works on a new SES Depot for local crews at Deception Bay.
“Our SES crews do a fantastic job assisting the community as first responders during times of the disaster, and this funding will help kick off construction on a new facility with operational, training and storage space, and additional room for the local SES group to grow.
“This is a budget that focusses on ongoing sport and recreation opportunities for our community as well as funding vital road, stormwater and SES projects.”