24 September 2020
Improving the safety of community amenities across the region is the driving force behind the latest list of social infrastructure projects funded from the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.
At the General Meeting on 23 September, Southern Downs Regional endorsed to submit the following projects for consideration to replace a number of previous projects that were not eligible under the funding’s criteria:
· Velodrome reseal and lighting, $219,538
· Wallangarra Railway Footpath, $57,400
· Killarney Footpath, $30,000
· Lock Street (Stanthorpe) Footpath, $106,403
· Security fencing and signage at sewerage pump stations, $123,000
Southern Downs Mayor Vic Pennisi said the projects targeted the maintenance of existing public infrastructure to improve community safety and would support jobs and local economy resilience to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This particular stream of funding through the Australian Government enables us to deliver infrastructure upgrades for the benefit of our community,” Mayor Pennisi said.
“These projects will have positive impacts for the community now with creation of jobs during tough economic time and in the future with improved safety for our community.
“The prospect of new lighting and resurfacing at Australiana Park’s Velodrome is particularly exciting. Australiana Park is fast becoming a popular recreational destination with the recent addition of the Learn to Ride Bike Park and the proposed works at the Velodrome will only add to the appeal of the park.”
Council initially secured $1,577,341 under the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, of which $1,041,000 has already been approved and allocated.
The selection criteria for the program specifies that all projects are required to deliver benefits to the local community and involve infrastructure that is generally accessible to the general public. In addition, proposed projects cannot be included in Council’s existing work plan for 2020-21 and must be completed by 30 June 2021.