What’s In Store For The Region This Year?

An environmental funding boost for suburbs to go green as we grow is the focus for Moreton Bay Region Council’s Division 9 2023/24 Budget. So where will we be seeing our rates dollars spent over the next 12 months in the region? Well, here's a run down, with a bit of a wrap in the box below.

The budget will see Council aim to improve the region’s recreation facilities and increase environmental investments to ensure a greener, safer, and healthier future for Moreton Bay.

Councillor Cath Tonks (Div 9) said Moreton Bay Regional Council was elevating the region’s parks and recreation spaces this financial year with further investments into wildlife safety, our sporting facilities and more.

‘The feedback we received through our Moreton Says community engagement survey was resoundingly clear; locals want to see increased environmental protections, upgrades to our parks and improved pathway connectivity.’

With this in mind, Council will be focussing budget dollars on improving roads, greening spaces, enhancing sporting and park facilities and protecting wildlife across the division. HT Ireland Reserve, Drapers Road at Eatons Hill, South Pine Road and Brendale, to name but a few, will see new and improved pathways and along roads. $2.8million has been set aside for design works and upgrades to begin at the South Pine Sports Complex. Wildlife will also rejoice at this upcoming budget as the Land Buyback for Environmental Purposes program will be expanded. Furthermore, investment for our local furry friends will be seen in the form of fauna bridges, escape poles, LED koala signage and fencing installation to help keep our wildlife and residents safe on and around local roads. Work will also begin on a Riverine Rehabilitation Project at Richards Park, Clear Mountain, that will improve this important habitat for flora and fauna, including koalas, and enrich the riverside corridor. For more about the Budget, visit www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au

Budget Highlights for Division 9

$2.8 million for upgrades to Brendale, South Pine Sports Complex including planning and design for the netball courts renewal and recreational trail construction and new amenities

$200,000 for fauna infrastructure and renewal in Warner and Joyner

$240,000 for construction and upgrade of Brendale Street Park, Bleakley Park dog off leash areas and planning and design for Boxwood Crt Park dog off-leash extension

$185,250 for the Drapers Road missing link pathway for better connection in Eatons Hill

$150,000 for construction of Eatons Hill - HT Ireland Reserve pathway project

$496,000 for the South Pine River shared pathway connection

$80,000 for a footpath renewal at Old Northern Road, Albany Creek

$50,000 for planning and design of the Albany Creek library courtyard extension

$50,000 for Stage 2 of the Master Plan Implementation of the Kumbartcho Sanctuary

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Recipe of the month

Crunchy Chickpea Pies

Serves 4 | Prep time: 5 mins | Cook time: 30 mins

Ingredients

• 1 large onion, diced

• 100g bacon, fat trimmed and diced

• 2 teaspoons classic pesto

• 1 teaspoon Korma curry paste, mild

• 400g can chickpeas, reduced salt, drained & rinsed

• 400g can diced tomatoes, salt reduced

• 1 cup cornflakes, crushed

• 1 cup cheese, reduced fat, grated

Method

PREHEAT oven to 160°C.

HEAT a frying pan with a drizzle of olive oil and fry onion and bacon for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and transfer to a large bowl.