Roads a key focus of Isaac budget

Roads are set for a major funding injection in Isaac Regional Council’s 2016-17 Budget themed ‘Connecting our Communities.’ Mayor Anne Baker said the council would invest $36 million into new capital, with about 56 per cent earmarked for roads projects. “Our key priority this year is core infrastructure that connects and services our communities, businesses and industry,” Cr Baker said. “This is highlighted by our significant investment in roads and drainage. “Isaac is a region transitioning from the unprecedented mining investment boom, to a community evolving with challenging economic conditions. “Council has met these challenges head-on with a financially responsible plan, which has enabled the general rates revenue increase to be limited to 1 per cent across all residential categories.” Cr Baker said the Budget would deliver more than 120 new projects over the next 12 months. “These projects will create local jobs and have a flow-on effect for local business, injecting money into our local economy,” she said. Cr Baker said more than $8.8 million would be invested in essential maintenance including resealing, grading and gravel re-sheeting across the region. Council had approved 22 new road projects, including upgrading the dangerous Cherwell Creek Bridge. The Isaac Regional Council group following budget adoption - Cr Dale Appleton, Cr Kelly Vea Vea, Cr Jane Pickels, Cr Gina Lacey, Mayor Anne Baker,Cr Geoff Bethel, chief excecutive officer Gary Stevenson, Cr Peter Freeleagus, Cr Lynette Jones and Cr Nick Wheeler. “The project will raise the deck height of Cherwell Creek Bridge on the Peak Downs Mine Access Road, south of Moranbah, to increase flood immunity,” she said. “Council will contribute to this project with matched federal funding received from Round Two of the Australian Government’s Bridges Renewal Programme (BRP). “Popular agricultural route Lou Lou Park Rd, north west of Clermont, will see gravel road improvements, to cater for the high volume of road train and rural traffic. “This budget recognises roads are vital to our agricultural and mining industry’s development.” Cr Baker said water infrastructure was the second highest spend in this year’s budget including $4.3 million in new capital works. “Our long-term strategy to ensure reliable, quality drinking water will continue with the inclusion of projects to upgrade the water treatment plants in Moranbah, Clermont and Middlemount,” she said. “We have also set aside funds to continue the construction phase of Nebo Bore installation which will roll out over the next three years. “Isaac’s capital works program will deliver infrastructure that energises, attracts and enables investment, connected communities and industries to succeed in their market.” Below is the capital works breakdown for the Isaac Regional Council Budget. $20.2 million for roads and drainage $4.3 million for water $3.3 million for plant, fleet and workshops $2 million for resource recovery $1.8 million for parks and landcare $1.6 million for services and support $1.2 million for community facilities $0.9 million for sewerage $0.7 for planning and development View the full 2016-17 Budget at www.isaac.qld.gov.au/budget

Roads a key focus of Isaac budget

Industry Queensland

Related News

Austral Resources falls into receivership

Aeon tenement review yields new exploration targets

Quick fire – industry news briefs

Get access to breaking mining news, now.