Redland City Council‘s 2017-18 budget includes substantial allocations for the bay islands, with nearly $4 million earmarked for road sealing alone.
Mayor Karen Williams said the Budget underscored the City’s commitment to island communities.
“From improving roads and marine transport infrastructure to upgrading community facilities such as ramps, carparks and sportsgrounds, this budget addresses island residents’ priorities,’’ Cr Williams said.
“It builds on our response to residents’ wishes for island roads to be sealed faster and for better community infrastructure, while also addressing issues of particular concern to island communities such as seawall maintenance.’’
Division 5 Councillor Mark Edwards said $3.4 million had been allocated to continue the Southern Moreton Bay Islands’ green seal road program.
“Another $3.26 million is set aside for work on the Macleay Island ramp carpark, with $1.27 million for the Russell Terrace sea wall and asbestos capping,” Cr Edwards said.
“The Karragarra Island Esplanade boat ramp renewal will account for $654,000, with a further $500,000 to be spent on the Russell Island pontoon upgrade.”
Cr Edwards said funds had also been allocated for the islands’ waiting shed and bus shelter upgrades program and disability access for Macleay Island’s Pats Park.
“With the islands boasting such vibrant and active arts communities, it is fitting that almost $30,000 has been included for art platforms on Russell, Macleay, Karragarra and Lamb islands,’’ he said.
Division 2 Councillor Peter Mitchell said the budget would provide a boost for North Stradbroke Island’s tourism credentials, with $672,000 allocated for the Gorge Walk Trailhead project and $300,000 set aside for the renewal of Point Lookout’s Wail Rock Stairs, among a host of other projects.
“This budget includes funding for much-needed facilities such as showers and taps at Deadmans Beach, Cylinder Headland and South Gorge, as well as upgrades at Cylinder Beach and Adder Rock,” Cr Mitchell said.
“Importantly it also addresses the needs of the local community by including $268,600 for work at Dunwich’s Ron Stark Oval, as well as funding for seawall projects at Amity Point and Dunwich.
“Funds have also been secured to seal gravel roads on the island, along with $2.7 million for sewer and wastewater treatment projects at Point Lookout.”
Division 4 Councillor Lance Hewlett said upgrades to marine transport infrastructure had been a priority for Coochiemudlo Island.
“The funds are there to renew the public amenities at the Foreshore East jetty, along with other work in the area,” Cr Hewlett said.
“All up, more than $1 million has been assigned to upgrading work on the island’s barge ramp and berthing piles, with another $70k put aside for the Shoreline Erosion Management Plan which will be undertaken on Coochie.
“Provision also has been made for work at Laurie Burns Recreational Reserve and for dinghy racks for Coochie residents.’’