A more than $33 million investment in the region’s pathways, roads and stormwater drainage network has been led by new strategies which ensure the greatest benefit and value for money.
The projects adopted in Bundaberg Regional Council’s 2021-22 budget were prioritised using the newly developed Stormwater Management Strategy and Road Investment Strategy.
Portfolio spokesperson Cr Bill Trevor said it was a best practice approach which saw Council making evidence-based decisions for project development.
“We maintain thousands of kilometres of road and just as many drains – many of which are subject to historical concerns,” Cr Trevor said.
“These strategies, developed in consultation with our community, are ensuring we have a formal decision framework through which to prioritise projects.
“We are taking a whole-of-network approach. What that means for residents is we are achieving the best value for money while ensuring the greatest level of community benefit.”
In a $27.4 million roads budget Cr Trevor said projects like the Birthamba Road widening and Hughes Road culvert upgrades were among those prioritised.
He said increasing traffic volumes on Harts Road had also seen it selected for an almost $1.4 million upgrade.
“This road is becoming more and more popular due to its proximity to the ever-growing Elliott Heads community, farming operations and the Riverview boat ramp,” Cr Trevor said.
“To improve safety and traffic flow, we will seal and widen Harts Road between Elliott Heads and Riverview Roads.”
The innovative and environmentally friendly approach to improving stormwater quality and renewing deteriorated drainage assets by returning Washpool Creek to its natural state headlines the stormwater management budget.
The $3.4 million Washpool Creek project has received funding support from the Queensland Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Program.
Highlights for the $2.1 million pathway budget, which will add 4.25km to the growing network, include Sims Road, Avenell Heights and Childers Road, Branyan.
Cr Trevor said Council would also continue to invest in important safety initiatives for the region’s roads.
“Our smiley face program will once again be rolled out, moved throughout the year to speeding hot spots across the region.
“We will also continue to partner with the State Government to deliver the SafeST program which focusses on safety improvements around the regions schools.”
View the budget documents on the Council website.
its a joke we at pacific acres at innes park have been trying to get a sago palm removed from a storm water for years even had storm water councier and enginers to inspect it but 4 years later no result