Council
7 August, 2024
A liveability jackpot
Moreton Bay and Somerset will share over $32 million across seven liveability projects, intended to boost their local communities.
The projects will be jointly funded by the Federal and State Government as part of the first tranche of projects funded under the South East Queensland (SEQ) Liveability Fund.
This is one of the commitments delivered under the $1.8 billion SEQ City Deal, a partnership between the Australian and Queensland governments and SEQ Council of Mayors (made up of 11 local governments) to generate long-lasting benefits for the fast-growing region.
Moreton Bay will receive over $30m for five projects, including improvements to the pedestrian and cyclist access to Centenary Lakes in Caboolture, by upgrading paths, adding street safety features, and constructing a river boardwalk with improved street-lighting.
Centenary Lakes will also be receiving funding for a new playground, which will offer an inclusive, all-ages and abilities recreational space, featuring play structures, toilets and change block, sensory trails and amenities such as picnic areas, BBQs, and ample shading.
Suttons Beach Pavilion Public Space, in Redcliffe, is also among the list of projects, getting a mixeduse community building, integrating public spaces and amenities, as well as retail or hospitality areas based on community feedback.
The other two projects include the Mill Lakes Precinct Activation in Petrie, and the Boongaree to Woorim Active and Accessible Community Infrastructure. Moreton Bay Council will have to contribute $15m overall to the five projects, in addition to the $30m federal and state funding.
Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery said this funding was welcomed and will be great to keep residents and visitors active and enjoying the outdoors.
“I’m excited to see projects come to fruition,” he said.
“This funding demonstrates what can be achieved when all levels of governments work together.”
Somerset Council will be receiving $830,000 for Stage 1 of the Kilcoy Streetscape Revitalisation project, which will involve streetscape improvements to the Eastern Gateway to Kilcoy and include construction of a carpark, associated landscaping, a new gazebo and picnic seating.
The project aims to create a gateway arrival experience for the town, attracting locals and visitors alike.
Somerset’s second project, also receiving $830,000, is Stage 1 of the Lowood Futures Strategy, which will create improved access to public open spaces through the relocation of the town’s central carpark in preparation of a Green Botanic Core, enhancing the town centre and providing improved access to Brisbane Valley Rail Trail.
The project will provide a central space for the community to meet and promote community pride in the centre. Somerset Council will not have to provide any additional funding for the projects.
Somerset Mayor, Jason Wendt, echoed Mr Flannery’s comments on what can be achieved when all levels of government work together, emphasising how these projects will help promote tourism of the area.
“We’re excited to see funding confirmed from the SEQ City Deal Liveability fund, which will help Council deliver a number of important projects for our region,” he said.
Federal Member for Blair, Shayne Neumann, said this funding will help make the region an “even better place to live and work”.
“This is one of the fastest growing regions in Queensland and this funding will support important community infrastructure, so we can maintain our enviable lifestyle into the future,” he said.
“We already know Ipswich, the Somerset region and Karana Downs are wonderful places to live, and with three levels of government working well together, they will only get better.”
The SEQ Liveability Fund will provide a total $200 million funding to deliver 22 projects across the 11 local governments that make up the Council of Mayors (Brisbane, Moreton Bay, Ipswich, Lockyer Valley, Logan, Noosa, Redland, Scenic Rim, Somerset, Sunshine Coast, and Toowoomba). One in seven Australians – or around four million people – currently call SEQ home.
By 2046, the region’s population is expected to grow to nearly six million.
Funding for a second tranche of projects currently undergoing detailed assessment is expected to be announced in the coming months.
For more information, https://cutt.ly/RexbWAVr
