As the State Budget inches closer, Livingstone Mayor Andy Ireland is crossing his fingers the Treasurer will turn his eyes to the region and provide funding for some of the area’s most-needed projects.
Social housing, the Yeppoon CBD Revitalisation Project, the Causeway Lake and additional fishing infrastructure along the Capricorn Coast topped Cr Ireland’s wish list for Livingstone Shire Council.
Meanwhile, Senator Matt Canavan says the region should expect more funding, with Labor MPs based in Central Queensland.
He has condemned the government’s spending from the hike on the revenue generated by coal royalties, saying most of it appears to be funding Brisbane projects, such as stadiums.
Cr Ireland is hoping the State Government’s housing fund and budget on Tuesday, 13 May will provide Livingstone Shire with support for those in desperate need of homes.
“Social housing is a key issue for Livingstone with 290 people within the shire and over 1300 people in the region who are on the waitlist to have a roof over their head,” he said.
“Council’s considerable support to Anglicare Central Queensland and St Vincent’s De Paul to address severe shortages in community housing are both subject to the provision of funding through the Queensland Government.
“I’m looking forward to the outcome of their respective applications to the Housing Investment Fund and I would welcome further support from the Queensland Government to assist the growing need for social housing within the shire.”
The Yeppoon CBD Revitalisation Project, which includes Yeppoon Town Centre streetscape upgrades, Normanby Road upgrades and Adelaide Street upgrades is sought, comes with a $15 million price tag.
“Yeppoon Town Centre serves as the main street. It is where the majority of commercial, retail, dining, entertainment, and related urban activities occur,” Cr Ireland said.
“The Yeppoon Town Centre has not had a major streetscape upgrade since immediately following World War I.
Council is also seeking funding to complete several studies and a business case to support restoring Causeway Lake to its former glory as a major regional recreation asset.
However, Cr Ireland said council could not afford to pay for the business case and hopes the budget would intervene.
The Mayor said he had also written to Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey and Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga about the need for more maritime infrastructure on the Capricorn Coast.
He said demand for more fishing infrastructure along the Capricorn Coast had gained momentum in recent years, powered by the introduction of the commercial Net Free Zones and the subsequent improvements in fish stock.
“Livingstone Shire Council would welcome funding to conduct maritime infrastructure upgrades recommended in the 2022 Recreational Boating Facilities Demand Forecasting Study,” Cr Ireland said.