Div 8: Driving generational change with record infrastructure spend
Published 18 June 2021
Road networks, transport efficiency and community connectivity are set for a major shake-up around Division 8 in Budget 2021-22.
A total of $17.4 million will be invested in capital projects, with Cr Mick Gillam saying he’s focussed on delivering projects that will be of benefit for generations to come.
“The big one of course is the Youngs Crossing Bridge, planning is continuing for this multimillion dollar project with the bulk of the funds being budgeted in the next two years,” he said.
“As a former teacher it upsets me to see smart kids leave our region and I want to invest in keeping them here.
“Which means we need to make it easier to live, work and play in Moreton Bay Region.
“We all know what a headache Gympie Road can be in peak hour, so by building more efficient, alternative local roads we can help families to spend less time in the car and more time at home or playing sport.
“Within 12 months you’ll see a complete overhaul of the Beeville Road and Frenchs Road intersection in Petrie, with an additional $4.9 million funding upgrade for those roads.
“The existing intersection will be changed to have traffic lights and additional turning lanes from all directions, as well as new pedestrian crossings, with wider pathways and bicycle lanes for active transport.
“I’ve also secured $1.4 million for road rehabilitation works at Todds Road in Lawnton.
“There is additional funding for other road resurfacing and intersection upgrades around the Lawnton and Bray Park areas.
“One of our greatest local assets is the North Pine River, so it’s essential for Council to keep investing in making this incredible amenity a place to rival the likes of Kedron Brook or Norman Creek in the city.
“To this end we will be constructing future green links to improve pedestrian connectivity and make our parks a focal point of our suburbs.
“Thanks to a $400,000 contribution from Kallangur MP Shane King we will be constructing a brand new $1.6 million pedestrian bridge and pathway along the North Pine River from Ron Thomason Park in Lawnton to the corner of the One Mile Golf Club.
“This Budget also delivers for local kids with a $1.25 million upgrade to the Pine Rivers PCYC in Bray Park, which is just Stage 1 of a major four-part overhaul, with $890,000 support from the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program.
“We will also improve the usability of the Strathpine Community Centre by installing $600,000 worth air conditioning and a solar power system to keep help keep operating costs down.
“I’m proud to say that this Budget has an eye to the future and will deliver projects with a legacy benefit for Division 8.”
Budget 2021-22 delivers a record $245 million capital works program and a renewed focus on community engagement, to ensure every action of Council aligns with the values of our local community.
Budget Highlights for Division 8:
- $4.9 million for road rehabilitation and intersection upgrade to Beeville Road, Petrie
- $1.6 million for the construction of the bridge and shared pathway at Ron Thomason Park, Lawnton
- $1.4 million for road rehabilitation at Todds Road, Lawnton
- $1.25 million for Stage 1 upgrades to Pine Rivers PCYC in Bray Park with Federal Government support
- $670,000 for the drainage upgrade to Francis Road, Bray Park
- $600,000 to install air conditioning at the Strathpine Community Centre
- $485,000 to surface the road at Sovereign Avenue, Bray Park
- $360,000 for detailed planning of the intersection upgrade at Sparkes Road and Ellis Street, Lawnton
- $355,000 for an amenities upgrade at Lawnton Aquatic Centre
- $314,000 to resurface the road at Ferrari Street, Lawnton.