Queensland Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack
Bundaberg Regional Council Mayor Jack Dempsey
The main street of Burnett Heads has undergone a $6.6 million facelift following the completion of works co-funded by the Palaszczuk Government’s $295 million Building our Regions program.
Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said the program of works undertaken by Bundaberg Regional Council had transformed the heart of the township.
"The improvements to Zunker Street have included redesign of the streetscape, landscaping, installation of public art, widening of footpaths, new provision of on-street car parking, dedicated disabled parking spaces and sewerage infrastructure," he said.
"Smart technology elements including CCTV cameras, smart street lighting and public WIFI have also been installed, and the streetscape's whole design reflects the town's nautical connections which is a touch I'm sure will be well-received by local residents.
"Undertaking these enhancements created about 19 local jobs and has delivered a more vibrant town centre that I have no doubt will be enjoyed by local residents and visitors to the community.
"This project has also paved a foundation for new business investment by unlocking significant development potential to service more than 1800 new dwellings, as well as development in the nearby Bundaberg State Development Area (SDA) and port-related and industrial activities around the Port of Bundaberg.
"I’m also pleased to hear that although the project is located away from marine turtle nesting areas, it has proactively incorporated turtle-friendly lighting and other environmental and landscape design measures to ensure it does not affect marine turtles in the immediate area or other nearby nesting beaches."
The redevelopment was funded with $3.32 million from Round 3 of the Palaszczuk Government’s Building our Regions program, $415,410 from council and $2,905,268 from the Federal Government’s Building Better Regions fund.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said: "The Building Better Regions Fund is a centrepiece of this Government’s commitment to create jobs, drive economic growth and build stronger regional communities into the future, investing in projects outside the major capital cities – such as the Bundaberg region."
Mayor Jack Dempsey said improvements to the Burnett Heads town centre ensure that it grows in sync with nearby regionally significant developments.
"This is now a more vibrant environment for the community that will support future population growth and flow-on commercial and economic opportunities," Mayor Dempsey said.
Mr Dick said Building our Regions has funded four other infrastructure projects in the Bundaberg local government area which, collectively with the town centre project, have a total capital expenditure of more than $99 million and are generating nearly 300 jobs for local workers.
"It’s great to see Building our Regions delivering real benefits to regional communities and helping boost economies through supply chain opportunities and jobs for local businesses and workers," he said.
