Investing in island infrastructure and communities

Redland City Council’s $430 million Budget for 2023-2024 includes significant funding for Redlands Coast’s islands.

Mayor Karen Williams said the Southern Moreton Bay Islands would receive $2 million for the ongoing green sealing of island roads.

“This brings the total spend on green sealing SMBI roads to $19 million since the program started in 2016,” Cr Williams said.

“This investment and others for our islands not only makes them a better place to live and visit; it also creates jobs and drives economic opportunity for our entire city.”

The Budget also allocated funding for the completion stage of the SMBI Ferry Terminals upgrade project, which is in partnership with the State Government.

“There has been $301,000 allocated for this final stage, while another $301,000 will go towards completing the complementary works at the Lamb, Russell, Macleay and Karragarra islands commuter interchanges,” Cr Williams said.

“This is part of Council’s program to make it easier for residents and visitors to commute and travel to and from the islands.”

Operational funding for Coochiemudlo Island over the next financial year will include $50,000 for the ongoing Shoreline Erosion Management Plan.

North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) was allocated $1.5 million in the Budget for upgrades to the Dunwich Wastewater Treatment Plant.

A further $350,000 has been allocated for a Point Lookout road upgrade, and $200,000 has been budgeted for seawall and causeway renewal in Dunwich.

Cr Williams said island communities would also benefit from the cost-of-living initiatives in this year’s Budget.

These include a $500,000 Civic Support Fund where community organisations will be able to apply for funds to address immediate community needs in their areas; and a $1.5 million wastewater subsidy to reduce the utilities charge, she said.

For more information, see Council’s 2023-2024 Budget webpage.