Parklands, community facilities and better roads are the focus for Division 3 in Sunshine Coast Council's 2020/21 $782 million budget delivered today (June 25).
Divisional councillor Peter Cox said this year's budget focused on supporting our community and identifying projects council could invest in which would complement and enhance our wonderful Sunshine Coast lifestyle.
"This year has already been a rollercoaster of emotions and uncertainty across the globe and pandemic-related restrictions have seen us all spending much more time indoors than we would have ordinarily liked to," Cr Cox said.
"As a council we are here for you. That's why this financial year more than $5 million has been allocated for projects that improve and maintain the parks and open spaces within Division 3 – to get us all out and about again.
"This includes $1 million to continue the Coastal Pathway's missing link at Warana which I know is a much loved and utilised piece of community infrastructure.
"Another $3 million funding will be put towards planning and early site works for a new regionally-significant 75 hectare sports and recreation precinct in Meridan Plains.
"We're also upgrading playgrounds, installing fitness equipment and replacing seating and barbecues throughout Division 3, to ensure we continue providing public spaces that enhance the liveability of our region.
"Paul Niesler Park in Warana, Cliff Hargreaves Park in Currimundi and Aroona Park in Aroona will all receive equipment upgrades.
"Another significant project in Division 3 includes the Parklands Boulevard upgrade to four lanes between Meridan Way and Saffron Drive.
"This financial year another $2.5 million will go towards finalising this crucial road project.
"It has been underway for some time, and I'd like to thank the community for their patience. Once complete this project will provide improved commute times for local residents.
"Additionally, $520,000 will see the 50 metre pool at Kawana Aquatic Centre resurfaced, which will complement its recently completed filtration upgrade.
"It's through projects like these, which provide on-the-ground benefits and spaces for the community to enjoy an active lifestyle, that the Sunshine Coast will achieve its vision to be Australia's most sustainable region – healthy, smart, creative."
Division 3 highlights for the 2020/21 budget include:
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$3 million to develop a new sports and recreation complex plan in Meridan Plains
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$2.5 million for four-lane upgrade of Parklands Boulevard, Little Mountain
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$1 million to complete the Coastal Pathway's missing link at Warana
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$520,000 to resurface 50 metre pool at Kawana Aquatic Centre, Bokarina
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$75,000 to renew exercise equipment at Moondara Park, Wurtulla
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$60,000 to renew playground equipment at Cliff Hargreaves Park, Currimundi.
