Budget delivers for the future of the Moreton Bay Region

Published 03 June 2019

Years of big-picture thinking, fiscal restraint and strategic investment have delivered for the Moreton Bay Region, with the council today adopting a $655 million budget focused on the future.

Acting Mayor Mike Charlton described the 2019/20 Budget as a “milestone” and a “coming of age” for Moreton Bay Regional Council.

“This budget is centred on building a stronger region and investing in lifestyle, safeguarding the future of the Moreton Bay Region,” Cr Charlton said.

“We have known for a decade that this region is one of the fastest growing in the country and we have been busy preparing for that growth.

“The nation’s first new greenfield university campus in nearly 20 years, University of the Sunshine Coast Moreton Bay, is literally rising from the ground at The Mill priority development area in Petrie.

“It’s an impressive sight that we have worked hard to bring to fruition and so is the predicted $1 billion economic impact and 6,000 new jobs that it will deliver.

“Our children will have brighter futures with access to a university education in their backyard and this council is determined to make that possible.

“No-one should be denied a university education and the opportunities that come with it because of financial disadvantage, which is why we’ve allocated $64,000 in equity scholarships for local children in this budget and a further $704,000 for the future.”

Cr Charlton said education was just one part of the bigger picture for the Moreton Bay Region.

“This budget will also deliver a $227.4 million capital works program to improve roads, waste services, sport and recreation facilities, stormwater infrastructure and invest in community programs and facilities expected from a strong and financially sustainable council,” Cr Charlton said.

“$112 million of the capital and maintenance works program for a safer, more integrated road and transport network for the region, with a few noteworthy projects on the horizon including:

  • $3.7 million for a second access road into the incredible Moreton Bay Central Sports Complex;
  • $3 million for an intersection upgrade at Oakey Flat Road;
  • $2.82 million for drainage upgrades in the Cox Street catchment including at Duffield Road, Cox Street, Oxley Avenue, Mabel Street and Margate Parade;
  • $2.45 million in safety improvements on McKean Street in Caboolture;
  • $1.86 million of an ultimate $3.86M project for road construction and upgrade, including cycling and pedestrian infrastructure along Caboolture’s Brown Street corridor;
  • $1.8 million for streetscaping along Archer Street in Woodford;
  • $1.75 million for initial road reconstruction works at Henry Road and the intersection with Dohles Rocks Road and additional funding has been committed to this project thanks to the Australian Government;
  • $1.6 million to upgrade the intersection of Narangba Road and Torrens Road in Kurwongbah thanks to Black Spot funding from the Australian Government;
  • $1.6 million to improve a section of Pates Road in Wamuran;
  • $1.17 million to upgrade Arthur Drewett Drive in Burpengary;
  • $1.12 million for the design and construction of an intersection in Narangba where Main Street, Mackie Road and Mumford Road meet;
  • $1 million for road renewal along Alma Road in Dakabin;
  • $1 million to rehabilitate a section of road along Saraband Drive, from the intersection with Felicia Place to Queen Elizabeth Drive; and
  • $500,000 towards design costs for road and intersection upgrades for Young Crossing Road and Oxford Street intersection to Francis Road.

The 2019/20 Budget will also make a significant environmental investment as well, Cr Charlton said, being one of the largest spends of the entire budget.

“This council is committed to getting the balance right as the region continues to grow into the future, which is why we’re spending $54 million on projects to rehabilitate, protect and enhance the natural environment,” Cr Charlton said.

“Scarborough’s iconic Red Cliffs will be protected from encroaching erosion with a $1.5 million investment in stabilisation works, while Blatchford Recreational Reserve is in line for $1.49 million expansion including a new playground.

“Water quality in the Bells Creek Catchment, which flows into our precious Moreton Bay, is also going to benefit from an $800,000 wetland creation.”

The 2019/20 Budget will also see a $34 million investment in sport and recreation projects across the region.

“Sport is integral to the healthy and active lifestyle that residents value so highly,” Cr Charlton said.

“This council is proud of its strong record of delivering world-class sporting facilities like the Moreton Bay Central Sports Complex, which is in line for a further multi-million-dollar investment in this budget for new playing fields.”

Council Spokesperson for Corporate Services, Councillor Matthew Constance, said the budget was a testament to the financial sustainability of Moreton Bay Regional Council.

“The 2019/20 Budget will deliver an operational surplus for the ninth year in a row,” Cr Constance said.

“The Moreton Bay Region has a long and proud history of delivering consecutive operational surplus budgets — it has become the hallmark of this council and the benchmark that distinguishes us from many other councils across Queensland.

“I am excited to announce today that this council will end its term with less debt than when it started, which is a remarkable achievement given the current economic climate and the world-class infrastructure we have been able to deliver.

“By 30 June 2020, we will have a forecast debt level of $370.1 million, down $20 million from the start of this term.

“It is difficult to pull the right economic levers at the right time, stimulating growth while also paying down debt but we have managed to achieve that.

“We can look to the future with optimism. This budget is strategically designed to deliver for the region by investing in our future, today.”

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