Div 9: Regrowing the green heart of our suburbs

Published 17 June 2022

Councillor speech video play

More trees, more habitat, and more environmental protections are coming in 2022-23 to provide better wildlife linkages through our suburbs and out to the hinterland.

Cr Cath Tonks (Div 9) said Council’s ‘Going Green as We Grow’ mantra was in direct response to calls from locals, as well as delivering critical road upgrades with wildlife fencing.

“I know residents want to see responsible and sustainable action to keep Division 9 moving with new and better roads, but want to protect wildlife and keep the suburbs green and liveable,” she said.

“Wildlife protection and tree planting are important elements of a $1 million road upgrade at the Leitchs Road crossing of Conflagration Creek in Brendale, designed to improve pedestrian safety and remove a traffic pinch-point.

“We’re continuing the work on fauna crossings we started in Division 9 this financial year, with another $610,000 in 2022-23 for koala proof fencing, rope bridges, and ledges on Samsonvale Road in Joyner thanks to federal government assistance.

“We’re investing an initial $100,000 for tree planting, fencing and fauna escape poles for Edward D Allison Park in Eatons Hill as part of a bigger $400,000 project.

“Locals have told me they want more trees and better recreation infrastructure in local parks. So we are investing $250,000 in pathways, fitness equipment, seating and tree planting as part of a second stage of upgrades at Frank Nichols Park in Warner, as well as another $120,000 into a picnic shelter and play equipment at Chandler Reserve in Joyner. This is thanks to financial assistance from the Queensland Government.

“I am so excited to announce that a safe pathway will be built this year to improve access for cyclists and walkers at the South Pine Road entrance to the South Pine Sports Complex - this is something locals have long asked for and is absolutely needed here! I am so proud to be able to deliver this project for the community.

“Construction will also start on another missing pathway link in Brendale, between Kremzow Road and Old North Road.

“An internal pathway loop will be constructed at HT Ireland Reserve, great for scooters, walkers and joggers and access to the dog park will also be improved as part of this project.

“We are also creating public spaces for residents at Albany Creek, with $422,000 to acquire land for Albany Creek Civic District Park next to the civic centre, to be used for community and business events, social interaction and improving the amenity.

“Residents continue to benefit from investment at South Pine Sporting Complex, with $16.6 million for four multi-purpose fields, field lighting, tiered seating, a clubhouse, paths, landscaping, road upgrades, car parking and stormwater drainage over two years thanks to federal government funding.

“With the wet weather this year, we have been reminded of the importance of work on the new bridge at Youngs Crossing Road in Joyner, so I am pleased to report that we have $2.5 million for land acquisition ahead of construction with funding from the federal government.

“It’s one of many projects in the budget that will improve road safety, remove pinch points, improve pedestrian safety and give people almost 5km of resurfaced roads free from potholes and rutting.

“A combined total of more than $1 million is being invested in projects along Kremzow Road, at Girrah Street in Brendale, Gordons Crossing Road East and Regent Street in Joyner, Saraband Drive in Eatons Hill and Maud Street in Albany Creek.

“I have listened to the residents of Division 9 and I am pleased to be able to take your suggestions and deliver projects that improve our roads, green spaces and sporting facilities and protect our wildlife.”

Budget 2022-23 delivers a record $259 million capital works program to provide the infrastructure and investments locals have told us they want to see in their communities, via feedback in the Moreton Says survey. This Council wants to ensure our priorities align with our community’s values.

Budget Highlights for Division 9

  • $16.6 million for work on sporting fields, a clubhouse, landscaping, road upgrades, car parking and stormwater drainage at South Pine Sporting Complex, Brendale
  • $2.5 million to acquire land for the Youngs Crossing Road bridge in Joyner, with federal funding
  • $1.2 million to fit out for storing gallery and museum collections at a commercial site at Brendale
  • $1 million to upgrade Leitchs Road across Conflagration Creek in Brendale
  • $800,000 for tiered seating for AFL matches at South Pine Sports Complex, Brendale Sustainable suburbs - sport, parks, trees, green infrastructure, community connectivity
  • $610,000 for wildlife crossing installations to protect koalas at Samsonvale Road, Joyner
  • $565,000 for new hockey field lighting at the South Pine Sports Complex, Brendale
  • $422,000 to acquire land to create Albany Creek Civic District Park and improve the amenity around the civic centre.
  • $420,000 to upgrade amenities at England Park, Brendale
  • $295,000 to resurface Folkstone Avenue, Albany Creek.

Video transcript

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