Betterment funds flow for Moreton Bay

A popular bike and pedestrian path along the Margate shorefront, damaged by rough seas whipped up by Tropical Cyclone Oswald earlier this year, will be rebuilt to a better standard as part of the Newman Government’s push to build stronger infrastructure.

Community Recovery and Resilience Minister David Crisafulli was this week joined by Member for Murrumba Reg Gulley, LNP Candidate for Petrie Luke Howarth and representatives from the Moreton Bay Regional Council to inspect what is a major tourist drawcard for the area.

“The Redcliffe area is popular for its relaxed seaside lifestyle, not just for locals, but tourists looking for a sea change,” Mr Crisafulli said.

“The improvements to this section of the path will be good for local restaurants, cafes, accommodation providers, retail outlets and the recreational lifestyle of locals and tourists alike.”

Restoration works will include the construction of a new stepped concrete seawall designed to withstand a one in 100 year storm, and protect essential assets and services nearby.

The Margate Parade project is to be carried out under the $80 million ‘betterment’ program, a Newman Government initiative to give councils the chance to rebuild less damage-prone public infrastructure.

It is jointly funded by the State and Federal Governments, with more than 48 councils applying for nearly $1 billion worth of works.

“We are putting an end to the short-sighted approach of rebuilding essential infrastructure to the same standard, only to see it damaged again,” Mr Crisafulli said.

“Councils across the state understand the value of building infrastructure that lasts longer than the next storm season.”

[ENDS] 3 September 2013

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