Ipswich and Scenic Rim projects announced through $50 million stimulus package

A new skating facility at Sutton Park, improvements to the Ipswich Civic Centre and upgrades at the Lake Moogerah Caravan Park are just some of the local projects to be funded with the Queensland Government’s $50 million Unite and Recover Community Stimulus Package.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said 1500 jobs would be supported or created with the funding going to 12 South East Queensland councils for 63 projects.

“Throughout the Ipswich City Council and Scenic Rim Regional Council areas, nine projects are receiving $7.89 million which the councils estimate will create or support 170 local jobs,” the Premier said.

“This package builds on the $50 million allocated to the 12 SEQ councils through the COVID Works for Queensland program to make $100 million worth of job-creating projects aimed at helping the region unite and recover from the impacts of the global pandemic.

“This package is an integral part of Queensland’s plan to stimulate the economy at a time when the major economies across the globe are hurting.”

Member for Ipswich West Jim Madden said the Sutton Park Skatebowl upgrade was a big win for the community.

“I met with residents back in February to discuss the desperate need for an upgrade to Sutton Park, with many residents only too happy to sign my petition table to Council in May,” Mr Madden said.

“The Palaszczuk Government has now committed $1.23 million for refurbishments and a new skating facility, as well as shade structures and seating areas.

“It will also support six local jobs, so I couldn’t be happier.” 

Member for Ipswich Jennifer Howard said that these projects will make a real difference to the Ipswich region.

“COVID-19 has had a real impact on our community, so it is really exciting that this funding will create and support a total of 12 jobs in the Ipswich electorate.

“That’s $1.95 million total, which will go towards channel naturalisation for Small Creek, a façade upgrade for the Ipswich Civic Centre and a new shelter for the Queens Park Croquet Club.”

Member for Jordan Charis Mullen said a $50,000 investment will deliver a much-needed upgrade to the Andre Ripoll Park Remote Control Car Dragstrip.

“The Queensland Model Drag Racing Association will tell you that the Andre Ripoll Park drag strip is one of the best racing surfaces in the world,” Ms Mullen said.

“There will be no disputing that when resurfacing works on the bitumen track are complete.

“So to all the remote control car lovers, start your engines.”

Minister for Local Government Stirling Hinchliffe said the positive effects will be felt almost immediately.

 “The Unite and Recover Community Stimulus Package will help our councils build new and upgraded infrastructure and give their communities’ economies a boost,” he said.

“From Noosa to the Gold Coast and from Toowoomba to Moreton Bay, councils estimate more than 1500 jobs will be created or supported through 63 projects for the communities.

“This is a fantastic result for our most densely populated region, which has felt the effects of the pandemic more than anywhere else in Queensland through the forced closure of businesses and borders.

“Our councils have also been doing it tough with the closure of services, provision of community support concessions and reduced revenue, including rates and charges revenue, all while leading their communities.

“This program is allowing the councils to fast-track new infrastructure and community assets, and in doing so, helping to get the communities back on their feet faster.”

The councils eligible for Unite and Recover Community Stimulus Package funding are Brisbane City, Gold Coast City, Ipswich City, Lockyer Valley Regional, Logan City, Moreton Bay Regional, Noosa Shire, Redland City, Scenic Rim Regional, Somerset Regional, Sunshine Coast Regional and Toowoomba Regional Councils.

For more information: www.dlgrma.qld.gov.au/unite-and-recover

Ipswich City Council

• Small Creek Naturalisation- returning concrete lined creek to natural condition, including pathway, viewing spaces and bikeway connections. $1.554 million and estimated to create or support 8 jobs.
• Ipswich Civic Centre Façade upgrade- upgrades and improvements to the façade of the Civic Centre. $350,000 and estimated to create or support 3 jobs.
• Andre Ripoll Park Remote Control Car Dragstrip upgrade- resurfacing of the bitumen drag strip and other improvements to improve the facility. $50,000 and estimated to create or support one job.
• Queens Park Croquet Club shelter- reconstruction of the existing shelters and retaining walls at the club. $46,000 and estimated to create or support one job.
• Sutton Park Skatebowl and associated works- refurbishments and upgrades to skate bowl including new skating facility, shade structures and seating areas. State contribution of $1.23 million and estimated to create or support 6 jobs.
• Harding’s Paddock Community Hut Stage 1- construction of Council operated hut that will include meeting space, and information about walking trails and local Aboriginal history in the area. State contribution of $640,000 and estimated to create or support 5 jobs.

Scenic Rim Regional Council

• Footpath Connections- new and improved footpath connections in multiple locations across the region. $805,000 and estimated to create or support 31 jobs.
• Public Amenity Upgrade and Replacement- Upgraded or replacement public amenities at six locations across the region. $1.195 million and estimates to create or support 52 jobs.
• Lake Moogerah Caravan Park Facilities Upgrades- upgraded water supply, effluent disposal, improved roads and paths and new amenities blocks to a large tourist facility. A state contribution of $2.028 million and is estimated to create or support 63 jobs.

ENDS