Div 9: Parks, pathways, community sport and koalas get Budget priority

Published 26 June 2020

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Newly elected Division 9 Councillor Cath Tonks says she has put the local community first in Council’s $685 million Budget this year.

She said jobs-generating investments would centre around community sport and parks, as well as introducing a new environmental land buyback scheme to help protect native wildlife including koalas.

“The centrepiece of our investment in the health and liveability of our region is the South Pine Sports Complex which is set to receive $11.19 million to upgrade the Indoor Sporting Complex,” she said.

“This multi-million dollar upgrade will ensure we meet the needs of a growing region, provide ongoing access to healthy active facilities whilst delivering jobs to our region.

“We are getting on with the job of delivering the Nolan Park BMX Precinct Construction after master planning and design concluded last year with $1.46 million allocated this financial year towards a total project worth $4 million.

“We are building infrastructure today that will deliver for generations to come.”

Cr Tonks said alongside the economy, environmental protections remained a key concern for her in the face of significant population growth.

“I’m thrilled that this Budget includes a new $1.8 million fund specifically to buyback strategic land parcels of environmental significance, including for koalas and wildlife habitat” she said.

“I know local residents want certainty for the protection of our native fauna and flora and this new initiative will deliver exactly that.

“I am also pleased to announce that Fauna Crossing Infrastructure Installations at Lilley Road will be delivered to provide native wildlife with safer access between the region’s parks, reserves and corridors.

“This project will also help improve safety for motorists by reducing the likelihood of collisions with animals.

“For park users and dog owners we are investing $540,000 in upgrades to John Leitch Memorial Park and spending $185,000 to build a new toilet block.

“We’ll also invest $800,000 for road rehabilitation works along Regent Street in Joyner which is all part of Council improving our road network.”

Division 9 Budget Highlights Include:

  • $11.19 million for South Pine Sports Complex - Indoor Sporting Complex
  • $2.7 million for upgrades to South Pine Sporting Complex including the Rugby Union Building and Soccer Field Renewal  
  • $1.64 million for road resurfacing across Division 9
  • $1.08 million for pathway construction across Division 9