DIVISION 1 residents facing a 9.7 per cent rates increase will see money spent on a new hinterland pump track, local pathway connections and road upgrades under Sunshine Coast Council’s latest budget, with councillor Jenny Broderick arguing the region secured important wins despite a tight financial environment.
The budget has attracted criticism across the Coast for its steep rate rise, prompting questions from residents about whether hinterland communities are receiving their fair share of council spending.
Cr Broderick said this year’s budget was shaped by difficult financial realities and the need to complete major projects already underway across the region.
“For this budget, it is what it is, but we need to push harder after those big projects on the coast are finished,” she said.
Among the biggest gains for Division 1 is funding for stage one of a long-awaited pump track at Landsborough.
The budget also includes funding for Peachey Road Park improvements, ongoing pathway connections through Landsborough, Beerwah and Glass House, and a share of council’s $27 million road reseal program.
Roads and footpaths remained the dominant issue raised by residents throughout budget discussions.
“That’s what people in the hinterland keep telling me that they want. Roads, pathways and connections,” she said.
She said council would continue prioritising pathways linking communities with schools and key services.
Cr Broderick acknowledged some residents may struggle to see value in the increase, arguing much of council’s spending goes towards maintaining infrastructure that remains largely invisible, pointing to stormwater systems, underground infrustructure and essential services.
Highlights
Building and Facilities
• Beerwah Cemetery
entrance feature and carparking, Beerwah* $150,000
• Beerwah Aquatic Centre Security System renewal, Beerwah $150,000
Parks and Gardens
• Skippy Park Bollard Run renewals, Landsborough $98,000
• Corella Park Basketball Court surface renewal, Landsborough $80,000
• Gowen Drive Park Playground fence renewal, Landsborough $70,000
• Pioneer Park softfall renewal, Landsborough $50,000
Minor Capital Works
• Pump Track, Glasshouse Country $320,000
• Howard Walker Park – stage 1 playground, Peachester $115,000
• Storrs Road – stage 2 pathway, Peachester $111,000
• Baringa Dog Park – Shelter, Baringa $80,000
• Baker Finch Avenue to Fortune Avenue pathway, Peachester $75,000