Toowoomba Regional Council has this week adopted the 2020/21 budget with projects earmarked for Pittsworth 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.
Each year Council prioritises park upgrades in growing areas guided by the 2016 Open Space Strategy. In this year's Budget, Council has allocated $3.42 million for the continued upgrade of parks including $210,000 for Pittsworth District Park Upgrades.
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.
Several of Council's landfill sites will undertake rehabilitation projects this year. Council will profile each site to permit suitable stormwater drainage, cap the old landfill and revegetate the areas.
The waste facilities undergoing rehabilitation works this financial year include Irongate ($100,000), Brookstead ($610,000), Pilton ($510,000) and Quinalow ($200,000). Council will also start preliminary work on Pittsworth Landfill to upgrade to a Tier 3 facility at the cost of $25,000.
"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.
"Pittsworth will also benefit from regionwide 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
