By SONJA KOREMANS
THE Southern Downs Regional Council’s financial position doesn’t leave ratepayers with much hope of budget high notes next month.
Council is $31 million in debt, service cuts are on the table and rates will go up, but funds are still being set aside for a streetscape spruce-up.
The council has already announced it will be delivering a major capital works budget with a multi-million dollar commitment to bridge ugrades and water main growth on the back of the Royalties for the Regions program.
But SDRC CEO David Keenan said the budget would make funds available for smaller projects such as parks and footpath upgrades.
“There will be footpath work in Stanthorpe and renovations of parks and gardens in relation to replacing furniture and playground equipment,“ Mr Keenan said.
“There still remains money in the budget for some tree planting to occur and general beautification in the CBDs.”
SDRC Mayor Peter Blundell added that a footpath and bikeway network across the region was being prioritised beyond this budget.
“The network is something that we have developed an asset management plan around. We will be keen to put money towards it when it is available and that is an area we would look for (government) funding.”
He said capital works in this year’s budget would be a significant boost for the region’s infrastructure.
“It is the biggest capital works budget that we have had for a considerable time. Not every project we want is brand spanking new, we are looking to fix up existing structures.”
