Council supports communities in 2019-20 Budget

The Balonne Shire Council has renewed its support for community groups and events over the next financial year.

Mayor Richard Marsh said the Balonne In-Step program, funded by Queensland Health, would continue in 2019-20 with the continuation of the Community Collective and Wellbeing Services Coordinator.

“This role is important to ensuring our communities have the services they require for their health and well-being,” he said.

“We also have engaged a fully-funded Multicultural Development Officer to determine the desire of the community to welcome migrants to our community and what services would be needed to support those migrants.

“Our community development programs such as the Young Leader’s Bursary, Get Ready Balonne and support of local community events will continue.

“We have budgeted $50,000 for tourism and events donations or assistance.

“A business plan has been completed for the new Library precinct and this will be used as a basis to engage with the community and also to help attract funding to develop this project in the future.

“Our libraries will continue to service the communities and we have allowed $37,655 to continue with the pop-up gallery, digital literacy and deadly digital programs as well as the First 5 Forever program.”

Cr Marsh said each town within the shire would receive funding for improvements over the coming year.

“Bollon will receive new tables for the Civic Centre, upgrades to the decking around the Bollon Showground campdraft office as well as master plans for streetscaping and Showground power,” he said.

“Thallon will see a new cemetery remembrance area constructed, new trees under the street tree replacement program and a replacement irrigation dripper line.

“We will replace the showground arena paneling at Hebel and spread white rock at the Nindigully truck stop area.

“In Dirranbandi, Council will construct a new carpark near the river pontoon, renew 324m of footpath in Kirby Street, construct a new fence at the Dirranbandi Civic Centre Park Playground, replace the town’s rising sewerage main, replace cupboards in the showground luncheon pavilion, create a showground power masterplan, air-condition the Dirranbandi Multi-Purpose Sporting Complex’s meeting room and kitchen and replace water mains in Burke, Charles, Sowildi, Horace and Perkins streets.

“St George will see an extension to the river foreshore canoe ramp and the foreshore footpath will be extended from Rotary Park to the flood sign and Rotary Park playground will get soft fall and artificial turf. The Salmon Bypass at St George will receive a bitumen reseal, St George’s Terrace bore and river water mains will be replaced and river water mains in Scott Street will also be replaced.”