$50 million Pandemic Response underway

Toowoomba Regional Council has begun rolling out a number of projects as part of its $50 million Pandemic Response Investment program.

Finance and Business Strategy Committee Chair Councillor Geoff McDonald said work had started on about half of the 64 projects designed to stimulate the local economy.

“In June we adopted the budget early to give confidence to the community and provide a positive financial outlook for the future,” Cr McDonald said.

“Less than three months later I’m pleased to report that we’ve not only hit the ground running, but about half the projects are underway.

“So far about $657,000 has been spent on Council’s Pandemic Response, but more importantly, the planning and progress to deliver the full suite of works is well-advanced.

“As part of that program we’ve spent more than $400,000 on the regional asphalt overlay program and a further $75,000 on the design of spillway upgrades in Cooby and Cressbrook Dams.

“We’ve completed an upgrade on the Wyreema Waste Management Facility as well as undertaken landfill rehabilitation of our sites in Brookstead and Quinalow.

“In addition to this, we’ve begun the tender process on a netball clubhouse and amenities upgrade for Nell E Robinson Park while work continues to progress on the construction of a new Highfields Library.

“When we first adopted this Pandemic Response the intention was not necessarily to have all 64 projects completed within the financial year, but more so, to fast track our program to help stimulate the local economy which is what we’ve done.

“Since announcing our pandemic response, the Federal and State Governments have also announced a number of funding programs, such as the housing grants, which tie in well with our response.

“While this is great news for our residents, it also means there is a high demand on certain professions, such as the building industry, which means certain projects might not be finished this financial year.

“We certainly welcome the additional support programs and rather than competing with them, we want to be working in with them, so we will look at how we can tailor the timing of our program of works in such a way, that we can see our community and residents receiving the benefits for a longer period of time.

“We’re fully aware the impacts of COVID-19 will be long-lasting for our community and the more we can stretch these programs, the better off our residents will be.

“To ensure we get this right, we will continue working with groups such as The Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce and the Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise.”

For a full list of the projects listed in the $50 million Pandemic Response Investment program visit www.tr.qld.gov.au or contact Council on 131 872.