Budget: Highlights of Council’s record capital spend
BUDGET
In handing down the 2020/21 Budget yesterday, Council revealed its largest ever capital works program with a focus on renewing and upgrading critical infrastructure to help build the region out of COVID-19.
The $21.17 million investment will see $12.5m spent on civil works projects such as roads, bridges and drains, with a further $5m pumped into improving the Shire’s water and wastewater infrastructure. There is also additional investment in sporting facilities and public spaces.
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About $10.5 million of the program is funded through State and Federal Government grants obtained by Council.
Local business are encouraged to register at Vendor Panel to get notifications of council quotes and tenders.
Budget highlights
Tourism and Lifestyle
Progressing the Coral Bank - $130,000
- Purchase Road Reserve next to proposed Port Douglas Carpark to accommodate Reef Bank
- Business case for Port Douglas car park complex.
Finishing Sugar Wharf upgrades - $460,000
- Concrete jetty - engineering inspection, costing for repairs and repair of the spalling.
- Install new toilets
Mossman Pool & Caravan Park Upgrades - $347,500
- Design and construction disability access.
- New disability chair lift
- Landscape pool and office entry.
- Replace camp kitchen roof and fit out kitchen.
- Rewire and cable in residence above pool.
Sports Masterplan implementation for Port Douglas & Mossman - $200,000
- Improvements, repairs and new infrastructure at the Port Douglas Sports Complex and Coronation Park (Mossman Showgrounds).
Beautifying the region
Parks Renewal Program - $750,000
- Improve the presentation and infrastructure for park users
Macrossan St landscaping & road works - $300,000
- Improving the gardens with modern tropical garden beds
- Renewal and improvements to the Owen Street intersection.
Design for Grant St, Port Douglas - $50,000
- Design a pedestrian / outdoor dining green precinct
Place making Public Arts - $10,000
- Encourage local artists to create public art and murals across the Shire beautifying buildings, parks and streetscapes.
Roads
Zig Zag/Cape Tribulation-Bloomfield Road Upgrades - $6.7 million
- Queensland Reconstructions Authority grant funding
Road programs - $1.34 million
- Reseal program for Council roads
- Gravel pavement renewal across various locations
- Pavement rehabilitation across various locations
Bonnie Doon Rd - $180,000
- Intersection upgrade at Cooya Beach Road
Alchera Drive, Mossman - $50,000
- Pedestrian refuge island and associated street lighting at the intersection of Maxwell Street
Water
Smart Water Meter program - $800,000
- Rollout of Smart Water Meters through the Shire. Water demand, conservation and security through real time monitoring of water use. Allows immediate leak detection for households and council and network monitoring to assist in addressing non-revenue water use.
Water Network Service Renewals - $750,000
- Renewals as required for water mains, valves, hydrants and water meters.
Design an additional Water Extraction Site - $150,000
- Increase water security. Design will include permit applications, land tenure. Consultant fees in preparation of construction phase at Mossman River (Drumsara).
Security & Disaster Response Strengthening program - $100,000
- Rolling program of improvements to water treatment, storage, reticulation
Mayor Kerr said particular projects, such as plans to progress the Great Barrier Reef Legacy’s Living Coral Biobank project, would build economic and community value in Douglas Shire.
“While we have prioritized investment in essential infrastructure, we have made sure there are a collection of projects that our community be proud of,” he said.
“Council will purchase road reserve to help accommodate the exciting Living Coral Biobank project, which will see a state-of-the-art facility to house coral from across the world, right here in Port Douglas.
“We will also continue to upgrade the Mossman Pool and Caravan Park, refresh the gardens in Macrossan Street and finish vital upgrades at the Sugar Wharf to ensure the venue is ready for a bumper 2021 wedding season.”
A $750,000 spend on renewing parks, improving gardens in Macrossan Street and developing streetscape improvement program for Mossman feature in a beautification package.
Cr Lisa Scomazzon said she was particularly interested at working with businesses and residents in Mossman to beautify Front Street.
“We need to be creative in and around Mossman, using new landscaping designs in streetscapes and eye-catching plants for our little area,” she said.
“This is an easy way to restore pride in our towns and welcome tourists as they explore the region.”
A design for a green, outdoor dining precinct in Grant Street is also in the pipeline over the next 12 months.
Mayor Kerr said he wanted to inspire people to spend time in the Shire’s public spaces.
“We live in one of the most beautiful natural areas in the country so we should ensure our natural assets are managed and treated in a way that maximise their potential,” he said.
See full Budget here.
View Council's 2020/21 operational plan here.
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