Isaac Regional Council remains focused on the fundamentals of infrastructure and service delivery which enhance the liveability and connectivity of the region's communities, underpinned by a $51.4 million capital program in 2019-20.
Mayor Anne Baker said Council's capital budget would be directed to improving infrastructure and supporting active and attractive communities, and included: $27.4 million for roadworks, $6.2 million for water projects, $5.8 million for wastewater services, $3.2 million to waste management and $5 million to community facilities.
A further $2.4 million has been allocated to plant, fleet and workshops, $515,000 for internal services and support and $833,000 for parks and recreation.
Mayor Baker said the capital budget included provision of $2 million for new projects to improve the quality and sustainability of Clermont's water supply, supported by $900,000 provided under the State Government's Local Government Grants and Subsidies Program.
"The $16 million Pasha Road upgrade will be completed in 2019-20 with the State Government providing a further $13 million to pave and seal the remaining gravel sections of the road between the intersection with Eaglefield Road to the intersection with Riverside Mine Road," she said.
Other key road projects include $2 million to deliver Stage Two of the Mills Avenue rehabilitation in Moranbah, funded through the Australian Goverment's Roads to Recovery Program.
In addition, there is $1.5 million to rehabilitate a 2.5-kilometre section of Golden Mile Road and $1.3 million to pave and seal sections of Mackenzie River-Capella Rd, both co-funded under the State's Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme.
"Our recent budgets have been bolstered by millions in infrastructure restoration funding provided under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA), a joint initiative of the Commonwealth and Queensland governments," Mayor Baker said.
"But I'm pleased to announce we reached a significant milestone in May, completing a $50.1 million NDRRA restoration program in the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Debbie which devastated parts of our region in 2017.
"This is a great achievement for the Isaac and I acknowledge the support provided by the Federal and State governments to assist us on the path to recovery."
Mayor Baker said Council continued to strongly advocate to higher levels of government for a fair share of funding to provide critical infrastructure to support the residents and industries of the Isaac.
"Our community's infrastructure assets help underpin an Isaac resources sector responsible for generating almost half State's royalties revenue. An investment in our region by government is an investment in the industries which generate billions in wealth for our nation," she said.
"We have successfully partnered with the Queensland and Australian governments, as well as industry stakeholders, to deliver critical projects including not just the NDRRA program, but also the Queensland Government co-funded Moranbah Reservoir and Associated Works project and the Dysart Water Treatment Plant Upgrade, as well as the replacement of Cherwell Creek Bridge under the National Bridges Renewal Programme."
Mayor Baker said 2019-20 would see the completion of the jointly funded $7.1 million Nebo Water Supply Project, funded under the Queensland Government's Building our Regions program.
"Delivering critical infrastructure continues to be our top priority," she said.
Mayor Baker said $1.59 million in funding from the State Government's Works for Queensland (W4Q) program would deliver improvements to community halls and facilities across the region.
