Div 4: Focussed on families and cost of living

Published 16 June 2023

Deputy Mayor Jodie Shipway (Div 4) says Council’s 2023-24 budget addressed the challenges faced by families and highlighted the importance of liveability. 

“Council acknowledges the pressing need for a budget that champions liveability and ensures a sustainable future for all residents, Cr Shipway said. 

We’re delivering plenty of free and low-cost events and activities, great parks, and sports grounds to support our thriving, healthy, active community. We’ve beefed up our events calendar to over 47 community events this financial year, which means local events like our Movie in the Park, Jazz and Shiraz, and the North Lakes Christmas Carols will be back, bigger and better than ever—at no cost for our local families.  

There’s also plenty of great free initiatives planned at our galleries, libraries and museums, and a new quiet area and multi-use space will be built at North Lakes Library.  

Community activities are balanced with infrastructure expenditure in our division too. The 2023-24 budget sees continued investment in Griffin Sports Complex. This next stage propels us ever closer to the completion of the much-anticipated project," Cr Shipway said. 

Henry Road and Dohles Rocks Road intersection in Griffin is near completion. Works at the intersection of Diamond Jubilee Way and Discovery Drive aim to alleviate congestion, reduce delays and enhance overall safety. 

Momentum continues to build as construction of the Mango Hill Ring Road commences with $2.5 million allocated this financial year, towards a total project cost $6.8 million. Not stopping there, we have earmarked almost $480,000 for the rejuvenation of road surfaces, prioritising smoother and safer roads for locals. 

Our commitment to ensuring safe, smooth school runs is steadfast. Through our accessible schools program, we continue to work towards delivering a ‘Park and Walk’ for Bounty Boulevard State School. This project is aimed at dispersing traffic congestion while encouraging students and parents to enjoy the healthy, communal experience of walking to school together. 

Emphasising our dedication to enhancing the integrity of roads, bus shelters and pathways, we also have a network of footpath improvements that will span across our division, including footpaths on Tesch Road, Dohles Rocks Road, Henry Road, McCallum Street, and many more. 

“I know our community values green space and nature for reducing stress and encouraging exercise. It also fosters quality family time and a sense of community. That's why Council's "Going Green as We Grow" mantra resonates deeply with the community.  

“By investing in our natural and built environments, we forge a path towards a more sustainable tomorrow and a richer lifestyle for future generations.

The Lake Eden Park precinct continues to be a favourite among our families, and we are investing $1.3 million to upgrade the park, supported by funding from the Federal Government. 

Our youngest residents in North Lakes will welcome new and refurbished play space at Woodside Sports Ground. Furthermore, Kinsellas Sports Complex will continue to undergo its transformation, embracing accessibility with the addition of a spectator viewing deck, a shaded terraced seating area, and an equipment ramp, supported by funding from the State Government. 

A host of our other green spaces will also receive funding and embellishments. Capestone Lake is set to receive a significant park upgrade, including amenities. Meanwhile, Griffin will soon boast a basketball half-court (exact location to be confirmed), a shelter and picnic setting will be installed at Sandalwood Crescent Park, Victory Drive Park will benefit from a shade sail, and Halpine Lake Reserve will gain a dog off-leash area. 

Budget Highlights for Division 4

• $2.8 millionconstruction of Mango Hill Ring Road
• $1.7 million shared pathway construction on Henry Road, Griffin
• $1,3 millionpark upgrade at Lake Eden, North Lakes*
• $1.1 million road construction Henry/Dohles Rocks Roads, Griffin*
• $995,861tiered seating and a shade structure at Kinsellas Sports Complex, North Lakes**
• $850,000intersection upgrade at Diamond Jubilee Way, Memorial Drive, Kinsellas Road West, North Lakes
• $520,000intersection upgrade for Diamond Jubilee Way/Discovery Drive, North Lakes
• $500,000 to continue to development of the Griffin Sports Complex stage 2
• $479,600road resurface program for Division 4
• $370,000park upgrade and amenities construction for Capestone Lake, Mango Hill
• $250,000playground equipment and soft fall installation Woodside Sports Ground, North Lakes

*With a contribution from the Federal Government
**With a contribution from the State Government

Video transcript