20/21 Council budget invests in the Clifton area
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Toowoomba Regional Council has this week adopted the 2020/21 budget with projects earmarked for Clifton, Cambooya, Wyreema and surrounding districts. The projects form part of a $215 million capital works budget, which this year includes a $50 million Pandemic Response Investment.
Toowoomba Region Mayor Paul Antonio said Council's $567 million financial plan would maintain and upgrade existing services and facilities while planning for a brighter future.
"We have a responsibility to plan for maintenance and upgrades to our existing infrastructure to guarantee the long-term viability of essential services to residents.
"The program will build on our earlier economic stimulus packages and is designed to help the community recover as Coronavirus lockdown restrictions continue to ease.
"The Coronavirus pandemic forced Council to reshape our budget plans to focus sharply on how we can directly support communities across our Region. Fortunately, Council's solid financial footing has allowed us to provide an operating budget of $352 million and develop a $215 million capital program.
"This includes a $165 million regular 12-month calendar of capital works. In addition to this Council has dedicated $50 million to a Pandemic Response Investment program with accelerated projects to stimulate economic activity across the Toowoomba Region.
"Stimulating local employment throughout our Region is one of the most constructive and immediate ways Council can help revive and sustain our regional economy.
Council understands the need for both long-term and immediate water security for the entire Region, and this budget allocates almost $90 million to Water and Waste Service capital projects.
A critical project this year will be the Southern Trunk Pipeline which will help provide a water security solution for the towns of Clifton, Nobby, Greenmount and Cambooya. This year $4.5 million has been set aside to begin that work. Council has also committed $2 million towards ongoing bore water treatment upgrades in Clifton.
Council will continue discussions with both Southern Downs Regional Council and the State Government to determine the further need and feasibility of a pipeline to connect our two regions.
"As well as looking at opportunities to increase water security, Council recognises water is a limited resource and in this budget has focused on refining its practices where possible.
"This year Council will begin testing its Smart Water Meter Program. Through smart meter technology, residents will be able to monitor their water usage and identify leaks which will lead to savings.
"The Clifton Museum is a link to the town's past. This year $500,000 has been allocated to finalise the replacement of the former Clifton Museum building.
"Cambooya Hall will receive $220,000 in this year's budget for painting the external walls and the replacement of roof sheeting. The work will maintain and respect the historical features of the building.
Council will undertake several upgrade projects including the completion of sealing works on Wyreema-Cambooya Road ($500,000).
Each year Council prioritises park upgrades in growing areas guided by the 2016 Open Space Strategy. In this year's Budget, Council has allocated $3.42 million for the continued upgrade of the parks including $360,000 for upgrades to Wyreema Park and $144,000 for improvements to Clifton District Park.
"Clifton, Cambooya, Wyreema and surrounding districts will also benefit from regionwide projects. including:
Regional Rehabilitation Program $15 million Regional Reseal Program $8 million Regional Resheet Program $6.17 million Asphalt Renewal Program $3.89 million Stormwater Drainage Renewal Program $500,000 Footpath Renewal $1.45 million Community Grants Program $740,000"Council's capital works program is an important investment in the essential services we provide for the community.
"The additional $50 million to the capital works program for the Pandemic Response Investment Program follows Council's initiative to enhance our Procurement Policy and offer local firms the best chance to do business with us."
For full details of the 2020/21 Budget, please visit www.tr.qld.gov.au/budget