Improving parks, gardens, community safety and beautifying streets to increase our residents' quality of life are some of the key features of the Sunshine Coast Council Division 1 2024-25 Budget highlights.
Sunshine Coast Council Division 1 Councillor Jenny Broderick said Council had placed the community at the heart of every decision made when finalising this budget.
"Road safety is a high priority for me, and I welcome the $1.5 million to upgrade Commissioners Flat Road, between Butlers Lane and Reserve Lane at Peachester," Cr Broderick said.
"Our community has been waiting a long time for these works which include upgrading the narrow culvert and addressing curves in this section.
"We are improving safety and I know road users will be pleased to see this project included in this year's Budget."
Cr Broderick acknowledged it's the little things that made a difference to our daily lives.
"Our community loves heading to our many parks to relax, enjoy time with family and friends, to picnic or to exercise," she said.
"Investing in these community spaces is an investment in our health and wellbeing.
"I am very pleased to announce Rotary Park Caloundra playground at Caloundra West will receive $65,000 to upgrade the playground equipment plus an additional $15,000 to replace a picnic table and chairs.
"We will also replace seats and bollards at Mill Park, Beerwah at a cost of $51,000 and improve security and lighting at Canavan Gracie Park, Caloundra West with a $10,000 investment.
"Another $100,000 will be spent on upgrading fencing at Pioneer Park, Landsborough and $126,000 will be invested in a new fauna fence at Edward Corbould Environment Reserve East at Little Mountain.
"Our very popular skateparks at Common Park, Little Mountain and Landsborough will also receive $55,000 and $50,000, respectively."
Cr Broderick said sporting facilities were also important to her local community groups and Council would invest $1.23 million into building two new clubrooms at the Baringa Football Grounds which includes $350,000 in funding from the State Government.
"I am very pleased that Cribb Street streetscape project at Landsborough has received $200,000 to complete the final stages.
The Landsborough Heritage Precinct will undergo a rejuvenation, adding another $100,000 investment into that township.
"We will also invest $170,000 in the Beerwah Cemetery entrance and car parking aimed to make a difference to families and friends visiting their loved ones."
Council is upgrading multiple waste facilities across Division 1, including investing $450,000 in the Sustainability Park Development at Baringa.
This facility is earmarked to become a regionally important recycling precinct and will attract investment in resource recovery infrastructure and drive Council's circular economy.
Another $209,000 will be invested in resealing the internal road at Caloundra Resource Recovery Centre at Bells Creek.
"Our capital works program is creating local jobs and bolstering local industries," Cr Broderick said.
"We are encouraging people to shop local, study here and join us for exciting events which help our businesses thrive.
"Looking forward, I will be focusing on pathways, better connections and more regular maintenance programs in future Budgets and will be working hard to achieve that investment in Division 1."
The 2024-25 Budget was adopted at a Special Meeting on Thursday, June 20.
