Boost for hinterland projects in Council budget

Noosa Mayor Tony Wellington has announced a range of projects for the hinterland in the 2016/2017 budget.

These include a $250,000 project to formalise the bus turnaround area in front of Pomona State School.

“These works will significantly improve safety in the pick-up and drop-off zone,” Cr Wellington said. “And they will have the added benefit of stopping the clouds of dust that have been finishing up in the school’s swimming pool.”

“Pomona will also see the development of a town centre master plan, to be developed in consultation with the community. Pomona’s skate park will also gain a replacement shade sail.

“We’ll continue developing plans for an iconic playground to be situated in Cooroy. This is a very exciting project, and I know Cr Pardon has been a strong advocate.

“And the historic Boiler House next to the Woodies and Camphor Laurel operations will receive essential repair and safety works, hopefully bringing that work to fruition and allowing the site to once again open to the public,” Cr Wellington said.

“Over in Cooran, $100,000 has been set aside to improve pathways leading to the State School.”

“Money will be spent refurbishing the Boreen Point campground amenities, and also to provide more powered sites there,” Cr Wellington said.

“I’m very pleased to announce the funding of a Six Mile Creek flood study. This will provide Council with a better understanding of flooding across the catchment, from Cooroy to Pomona and Cooran. It will also fulfil my promise to investigate residents’ flood concerns in the Lake Macdonald area,” Cr Wellington said.

“Kinmond Creek Road at Cootharaba will be the scene of two new culverts at a total cost of $1.25 million. The existing culverts at Sandy Creek and Eastern Branch are currently failing.”

Hinterland roads will share in more than $400,000 worth of gravel road re-sheeting. But this may be just part of the story for our rural roads. “Council is currently finishing its assessment of our sealed road network. That gargantuan task will highlight where there are roads requiring attention. If rural sealed roads require immediate attention, there are emergent capital reserves available for this purpose,” Cr Wellington said.

Council’s 2016/2017 budget is due to be ratified on 29 June.

21 June 2016