Council Plans Big Spending In Bay Region

Moreton Bay Regional Council has announced spending on some big projects in the region in its 2018/19 budget. This financial year Council will return an operating surplus of $106 million which will be reinvested directly back into our community and into vital infrastructure,� Council's Spokesperson for Corporate Services Matt Constance said.

Following a special Budget Meeting in early June, Councillor James Houghton announced funding for several projects in Division 5 over the year, including over $2 million for a new art gallery and community space in Redcliffe, $500,000 towards the Scarborough Red Cliffs preservation project, and a $5.5 million investment in the peninsula's biggest greenspace project the 16.6 hectare Nathan Road Sports Precinct.

The Sports Precinct marks a reinforcement of local government support for activities that many residents are involved in on a regular basis.

It's a great result for sport and recreation in our community, local clubs, the dedicated legion of fans who cheer them on and the entire community,�
Cr Houghton said.

Sport and recreation have been huge drivers of economic development in our region, and this project will be no different, with hundreds of jobs to be created during construction and an ongoing benefit for local retailers and accommodation providers, once complete.�

While providing two senior-grade AFL playing fields, the precinct will also support the growth of other sports in the area. A multi-purpose field will cater to various codes, and the project will also provide a clubhouse, player and officials change rooms and a playground.

Existing fauna and flora at the planned location will be protected through the inclusion of a conservation wetland on the site.

For many years, rough seas and strong weather had battered the iconic red cliffs at Scarborough, the site named by Matthew Flinders as 'Red Cliff Point' when he passed the area in 1799.

Concerning the council's decision to fund the preservation, Cr Houghton stated, This investment will go towards the design and construction of a 380-metre long armour rock protection along the bottom of the cliffs to stabilise and protect the landmarks and Landsborough Avenue.�

Council also plans to spend $400,000 to upgrade the Moreton Bay Cycleway at Scarborough, between Kennedy Esplanade and Landsborough Avenue.

Many locals and visitors utilise the path along the Scarborough foreshore to access the park, local shops and other parts of the peninsula.

This project will widen the footpath to 3m to improve user safety and bring it into line with the rest of the Moreton Bay Cycleway,� says Cr Houghton.

In other funding, $2.39m is marked for investment in Redcliffe's cultural hub, with the expansion and upgrade of the Redcliffe Library, relocation of the Redcliffe Art Gallery and construction of a community space at the Redcliffe Administration Centre.

For more information check out Council's full Budget and Operational Plan for 2018/19 at www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au.