Toowoomba Regional Council has this week adopted the 2020/21 budget with projects earmarked for Millmerran, Cecil Plains and surrounding districts. The projects form part of a $215 million capital works budget, which this year includes a $50 million Pandemic Response Investment.
Toowoomba Region Mayor Paul Antonio said Council's $567 million financial plan would maintain and upgrade existing services and facilities while planning for a brighter future.
"We have a responsibility to plan for maintenance and upgrades to our existing infrastructure to guarantee the long-term viability of essential services to residents.
"The program will build on our earlier economic stimulus packages and is designed to help the community recover as Coronavirus lockdown restrictions continue to ease.
"The Coronavirus pandemic forced Council to reshape our budget plans to focus sharply on how we can directly support communities across our Region. Fortunately, Council's solid financial footing has allowed us to provide an operating budget of $352 million and develop a $215 million capital program.
"This includes a $165 million regular 12-month calendar of capital works. In addition, Council has dedicated $50 million to a Pandemic Response Investment program with accelerated projects to stimulate economic activity across the Toowoomba Region.
"Stimulating local employment throughout our Region is one of the most constructive and immediate ways Council can help revive and sustain our regional economy.
Council has committed $2.28 million to complete the Tummaville Road Bridge Renewal. The project includes replacing the existing single-lane timber bridge with a new multi-span two-lane concrete bridge. The Australian Government has contributed $700,000 towards the project as part of its Bridges Renewal Program.
A $1.5 million upgrade to the Millmerran Swimming Pool will be a long-term investment into this fantastic community facility. The project includes the renovation of the main pool and the toddler pool with an upgrade of associated pumps, filters and pipework.
A further $950,000 is earmarked for construction of new amenities at the Millmerran Swimming Pool with significant accessibility upgrades.
"The Play Facilities Renewal Program provides for the replacement, relocation and renewal or removal of existing park equipment including softfall and shade structures. This year Henry Russell Stewart Park in Cecil Plains will receive safety improvement works and renewal as part of the region-wide program.
"The budget provides $880,000 to renew and repair buildings located at parks throughout the Region. The improvements in 2020/21 will include refurbishment of ANZAC Park Toilet block, Millmerran and the replacement of toilet blocks at Ravensbourne Recreation Reserve, Lions Park, Pittsworth and John Trousdell Park, Cotswold Hills.
Throughout the Region, Council has several landfill sites nearing capacity and will need upgrading to transfer stations. As such, we have set aside $420,000 in Yarraman, $735,000 in Millmerran and $420,000 in the Southern Growth Corridor to begin detailed design of new facilities.
"Council recognises water is a limited resource, and in this budget has focused on refining its practices where possible.
"This year Council will begin testing its Smart Water Meter Program. Through smart meter technology, residents will be able to monitor their water usage and identify leaks which will lead to savings.
$100,000 has also been allocated in this budget to maintain and refurbish equipment at Cecil Plains Weir.
"Millmerran, Cecil Plains and surrounding districts will also benefit from region-wide projects. including:
- Regional Rehabilitation Program $15 million
- Regional Reseal Program $8 million
- Regional Resheet Program $6.17 million
- Asphalt Renewal Program $3.89 million
- Stormwater Drainage Renewal Program $500,000
- Footpath Renewal $1.45 million
- Community Grants Program $740,000
"Council's capital works program is an important investment in the essential services we provide for the community.
"The additional $50 million to the capital works program for the Pandemic Response Investment Program follows Council's initiative to enhance our Procurement Policy and offer local firms the best chance to do business with us."
For full details of the 2020/21 Budget, please visit www.tr.qld.gov.au/budget
