Budget Report for Natural Resource Management, Parks and Indigenous Affairs – Deputy Mayor Cr K Duff
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Natural Resource Management which primarily encompasses Council’s pest management programs will receive around $1.4million in funding this year which is predominately spent in the rural areas.
- Natural Resource Management which primarily encompasses Council’s pest management programs will receive around $1.4million in funding this year which is predominately spent in the rural areas.
- Environmental Levy has been indexed by $1 to be $28 per annum for 2016/17 which will raise around $490,000 and will be used for the following programs:
- Declared and environmental weed control
- Firebreaks and prescribed burning activities
- Landholder assistance
- Regional Fire Management Plan.
- 2016/17 will see the final year of a five (5) year Federal Government grant to address biodiversity across the region. Approximately $268,919 will be spent on the finalisation of a tree planting program and establishment of a free tree program.
- Council will also contribute around $469,000 from its rate revenue towards pest and stock route management programs.
- Environmental Levy has been indexed by $1 to be $28 per annum for 2016/17 which will raise around $490,000 and will be used for the following programs:
- Approximately $3.1m has been allocated for parks maintenance and capital works across the region during the next financial year. Additional funds have again been included in this budget for increased service levels over the growth periods from December through to February. Some of the significant works will include:
- New shelter, tables and fencing at Butter Factory Park in Nanango
- Replacement of the shade structure in Pioneer Park in Nanango
- Installation of paths and lighting in the Murgon Youth Park
- Replace Barbecues and Shelters and undertake drainage works in Dingo Park in Wondai
- New Playground equipment, BBQ Shelter and car park reseal in Apex Park, Kingaroy
- Walking Track and exercise equipment in Bjelke-Petersen Park, Kingaroy.
- Funds have been provided to replace the fence at the Blackbutt Cemetery and for the redevelopment of the Murgon Cemetery.
- A number of public conveniences will be replaced or upgraded during 2016/17:
- The toilet blocks at Durong and Maidenwell will be replaced and the Proston Railway Park toilet will be refurbished
- A new toilet facility will be constructed at Memerambi.
- Provision has been made to paint the terminal building and to repaint the linemarking on the runway at the Kingaroy Aerodrome and to alter the Wondai Aerodrome Terminal building to accommodate disabled access.
- A review is to be undertaken on the Coolabunia Saleyards operations and future capital requirements.
- The Kilkivan to Kingaroy Rail Trail is expected to be completed by early October. The Rail Trail has been generating some very promising interest through the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Users Association, receiving the highest number of views for any previous post, achieving 8,648 views in a three (3) day period. In addition Bikes of Queensland are holding the first of many events on the opening day of the Rail Trail. It is very encouraging to see so much interest from people outside our Region wanting to visit.
- Council through the efforts of Deputy Mayor Cr Duff has forged strong relationships with the Cherbourg community. Once again a small budget allocation has been provided to support initiatives such as the Reconciliation Fun Run and Cherbourg on Show.