Enhanced Sunshine Coast walking trails and expanded sporting facilities in Ipswich are among 22 infrastructure projects to be funded in the first $200m allocation from the SEQ Liveability Fund.
A core commitment of the $1.8 billion SEQ City Deal, the Federal and State Government funding will be shared among the 11 south-east Queensland councils.
Federal Infrastructure and Local Government Minister Catherine King said local governments would also contribute more than $85 million towards the projects, which would support residents’ health and wellbeing, as well as projected population growth.
“It’s critical that all three levels of government work together to support this population growth and create liveable, creative, sustainable and healthy communities,” Minister King said.
Queensland State Development and Infrastructure Minister Grace Grace said successful projects included all-abilities walking and cycling trails on the Sunshine Coast, upgrading the Beenleigh Aquatic Centre and a new precinct celebrating silo art in the Lockyer Valley.
Minister Grace said one in seven Australians, around four million people, currently called south-east Queensland home and by 2046, the region’s population was expected to grow to nearly six million.
“The SEQ Liveability Fund gives councils the chance to partner with the Australian and Queensland governments to deliver infrastructure that will improve access to quality open space and the natural environment, contributing to the long-term social, environmental and economic sustainability of communities.”
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said the funded projects would contribute towards creating a safe, high quality connected active transport network that improved the lifestyle, health and sustainability of the region.
“These active transport links will form part of a connected active transport network that provides access to Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games event venues including the Sunshine Coast Sports Precinct venue, Alexandra Headland events, Athlete’s Village Maroochydore and the Caloundra live venue,” Mayor Natoli said.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said given the significant growth being experienced in Ipswich and the increasing demand for sporting services, Council was pleased to have two proposals funded.
“We can now expand our very popular Redbank Plains Recreation Reserve and the Tivoli Sports Complex to provide additional sporting fields and amenities to better service Ipswich community,” Mayor Harding said.
The full list of funded projects are:
Brisbane City Council:
- Victoria Park / Barrambin – Catalyst Works
Ipswich City Council:
- Redbank Plains Recreation Reserve Sports Facilities Development
- Tivoli Sports Complex Sports Facilities Development
Lockyer Valley Regional Council
- Forest Hill Silos Precinct & Mural Art Project
- Lake Apex Entrance and Accessibility Upgrades
Logan City Council
- Beenleigh Aquatic Centre
- Waterford West District Park
City of Moreton Bay
- Bongaree to Woorim Active & Accessible Community Infrastructure Project
- Centenary Lakes Regional Playground
- Centenary Lakes Activation
- The Mill Lakes Precinct Activation
- Suttons Beach Pavilion Public Space Project
Noosa Shire Council
- Cooroy Sports Complex Multisport Facility
- Noosa Coastal Pathway- Stage 1
Redland City Council
- Sports Field Lighting Upgrades
- William Taylor Memorial Sports Precinct Upgrades
Scenic Rim Regional Council
- Accessible Unisex Change Facilities at Coronation Park and Selwyn Park.
- Kilcoy Streetscape Revitalisation Stage 1
- Lowood Futures Strategy Stage 1
Sunshine Coast Council
- Sunshine Coast Active Transport Links
- Sunshine Coast Coastal Pathway
Toowoomba Regional Council
- Kearney Springs Recreational Park Club House Upgrade
