Budget: Emphasis on Liveability
The 2022-23 Budget provides general support to the Economic Development portfolio as it works to boost the South Burnett economy
through investment and innovation that promotes population growth and community wellbeing.
“Through the 22/23 budget we are focused on creating a liveable community because this in itself will continue to create economic value in our region,” said portfolio Councillor Kirstie Schumacher.
“Liveable communities offer choice, are made up of great places, are varied, look after all residents, integrate nature and know and nurture their economy. Home values, growth in business revenue, workforce attraction, service delivery and improved infrastructure are examples of how a liveable community underpins the strength of our economy.
“In the 2016 Census, there were 32,186 people in South Burnett. It’s positive to see some growth with the 2021 Census revealing there are now 32,996 people calling the South Burnett home.
“In developing this budget Council has considered the desired attributes of liveability and lifestyle, and how community owned facilities and Council’s broader operations support our residents’ way of life and encourage investment and business confidence.
“We strive to be innovative in our pipeline of shovel ready projects, and to use our seat at the many tables in which Council sits to support, encourage, drive and advocate for outcomes and funding that strengthens the sustainability and growth of our region.
“Over this coming year, we believe strong collaboration and bold conversations will continue to be critical in shaping South Burnett Regional Council’s Development Action Plan, our priorities and the key performance indicators that we will hold ourselves accountable to in the measurement of our success.
“It is both timely and opportune for this Council to redefine the role it will play in regional development, and I welcome Council’s support to fund a regional economic development officer.
“It’s pleasing that through this budget and the Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grant that Council will welcome another Economic Development Officer, Community Capacity Building Officer and a Grants Officer to the team.”
Some of the key deliverables for the funding include the development of a South Burnett Community Information Platform, a Regional Development Action Plan, South Burnett Business Prospectus, and in collaboration with the Kingaroy Chamber of Commerce, the delivery of the South Burnett Facade Improvement Scheme.
Council will also continue its partnership with TSBE, an economic development organisation providing opportunities to collaborate in the areas of health, energy, and agriculture.
An evolving visitor economy
The year ahead will see Council continue to promote and operate Council owned visitor information centres and tourism assets including Council’s tourist facilities at Boondooma and Bjelke-Petersen Dams.
Council will also continue to provide well planned and maintained open space, parks, and rail trails network to meet the recreation and social needs of the community and tourists.
“General maintenance such as a clean bathroom, safe place to stop or a place to park your electric vehicle or caravan close by a town are all ways Council will continue to encourage visitor dollars into our region,” said Cr Schumacher.
“I’m pleased to advise Council intends to continue its partnership with Visitor South Burnett to support industry led tourism outcomes. “Through its community grants and in-kind support Council will continue to partner in local events, arts and festivals which all add to the rich experience for locals and tourists
Water for the future
Council will continue to work alongside stakeholders with a vision to improve the reliability and security of water in the South Burnett region.
Since the commencement of phase two of the National Water Infrastructure Development Fund project, the KBR team has been working with Council and key stakeholders to advance the following:
- Blackbutt irrigation Investment Logic Map
- Hydrological modelling to estimate the increase in reliability of the Barker Barambah Water Supply Scheme under various scenarios, based on the feedback provided by stakeholders during the initial engagement phase.
- Gordonbrook Dam review of water plan and available water licenses
- Blackbutt Economic Assessment and Demand Assessment
- Gordonbrook Dam Demand Assessment
- Barambah Demand Assessment
- Regional Soil and Climate Assessment
- Commodity export potential
The strengthening and expansion of urban water security and enabling further agricultural and industrial activity into the future, remains a key focus moving forward.
