Flood protection, a new Bundaberg Hospital and fixing Paradise Dam top Bundaberg Regional Council’s State Election advocacy priorities.
Council has released its advocacy document for the state election, outlining 29 economic, social, community and environmental initiatives.
Mayor Jack Dempsey said the aim was to get support from all political parties and candidates for a positive regional agenda.
“Our advocacy priorities are aligned with the needs of our community and opportunities to grow our region over the next few decades,” he said.
“Our priorities seek to achieve strong economic and social outcomes across our community, while also protecting the environment.
“In many cases Council has shovel-ready projects to create jobs and deliver much-needed community infrastructure.”
Mayor Dempsey said implementation of the 10-year Flood Action Plan was essential to provide investor confidence in the Bundaberg CBD, give residents peace of mind and reduce insurance premiums.
“The Bundaberg East Levee is estimated to cost approximately $80 million,” he said.
“Our position is that before the end of 2020, the State Government commits to funding and delivering the Bundaberg East Levee including all ongoing operational and maintenance costs.”
Mayor Dempsey said other projects included delivering the new Bundaberg Hospital, water security, diverting heavy traffic from Quay Street, funding the proposed regional aquatic centre, upgrading Moore Park Road and building a cycle path to Bargara.
“We're seeking bipartisan support from all parties and candidates to deliver the priorities listed in this document,” he said.
Council advocacy priorities
Economic infrastructure
- New Level 5 Hospital in Bundaberg
- Bundaberg 10 Year Flood Action Plan
- Repair Paradise Dam
- Deliver the Hinkler Regional Deal
- De-main Quay Street to activate CBD
- New governance model for Bundaberg Port
- Defence investment attraction
- Bargara Ag-tech hub
- Transition to national biomanufacturing hub
- 100-gig Bundaberg
- Air freight feasibility
- State road funding
Social infrastructure
- Bundaberg Regional Aquatic Facility
- Redevelopment of Anzac Park and Pool
- Moore Park Beach Community Hub
- Bundaberg Sport and Recreation Precinct
- Bundaberg Civic and Cultural Arts Precinct
- Challenger Learning Center
- Bundaberg to Bargara Rd upgrade and cycle path
- Kendall Flat AFL and cricket enhancements
Human infrastructure
- Bundaberg Jobs Commitment
- Building a Healthy Bundaberg program
- Building a Resilient Bundaberg community trial
Green infrastructure
- One Million Trees Program
- Moneys Creek Catchment rehabilitation
- Free green waste disposal
- Eco Destination certification
- Oppose Mineral Development License Application 3040
A levee for East Bundy is simply ‘patchwork politics’ for a few more votes but ultimately making it worse for many others who will suffer the consequences of a much higher risk of flooding due to a partial fix of the problem. Do the job properly or do nothing !