Peregian Springs News July 2022

BUDGET OFFERS HOPE

SUNSHINE COAST COUNCIL’S $847 MILLION 2022/2023 BUDGET WAS PASSED THROUGH COUNCIL UNOPPOSED ON JUNE 23, BRINGING WITH IT GOOD NEWS FOR A NUMBER OF PROJECTS IN DIVISION 9.

Councillor Maria Suarez said spending in the northern end of the Division would bring benefits for locals and visitors alike.

“Coolum locals and visitors can make use of the new $350,000 amenities block planned for Jack Morgan Park and practise their ball skills on a new half-court basketball court in Lions-Norrie Job Park,” Cr Suarez said. “Lovers of our coastal pathway

will be pleased that design will start on a 232m missing link along David Low Way, Coolum Beach, and it should be easier to exit the Coolum Sports Complex with an upgrade to the intersection onto David Low Way.

“Toddler energy will have another outlet with a new extension to the playground at Peregian Breeze.

“Whether walking or riding, plans are progressing for a new pathway along Emu Mountain Road, between Old Emu Road and David Low Way, to make the trip between Peregian Breeze and the beach safer for pedestrians and cyclists.”

Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson said a decade of prudent fiscal had provided the foundations for a budget focused squarely on delivering a stronger, better and sustainable region.

“Despite the challenges our region has faced over the last few years, our council is forecast to achieve a strong $31.8 million operating result this year,” Mayor Jamieson said.

“This enables us to re-double our efforts to provide the services our community requires as well as continue to invest in the infrastructure and facilities that enhance the liveability and prosperity of one of the fastest growing regions in the country.”

Rates will rise off the back of increased land valuations, however Mayor Jamieson said Council had worked to limit the impact.

“While council is required, by law, to use

the State Government’s valuation figures to calculate the general rate, we have made adjustments to our rating categories to mitigate the full impact of the valuation increase,” Mayor Jamieson said.

“We know that the State Government valuation increases have ranged from 9.5 to 80.7 per cent, however with what council has done in this budget, the rate increase will generally not be anywhere near those percentages.

“The majority of the principal place of residence properties – around 60 per cent of all residential properties – will see a 5 per cent or $63.50 increase in their general rate.

“When taking into account the general waste and recycling bin collection services and the environment, transport and heritage levies, the bottom-line increase for the majority of principal place of residence properties

will be 4.84 per cent. Furthermore, anyone experiencing financial hardship can contact council before their rates are due and arrange a payment-by-instalments agreement over a six-month period, without interest being charged.”

Key projects funded in Coolum, Peregian

Springs and Peregian Breeze include:

• Coolum Sports Complex Intersection, Coolum Beach $700,000 (with Qld Govt)

• Jack Morgan Park New Amenities, Coolum Beach $350,000

• Coolum Aquatic Centre - Lighting Renewal, Coolum Beach $250,000; Equipotential Bonding, $200,000

• Coolum Esplanade Irrigation Project, Coolum Beach $194,666

• Emu Mountain Road Pathway Construction, Coolum Beach $100,000

• Tickle Park Coolum Beach additional shade to playground $80,000

• Jones Parade Coolum Beach – Pathway construction $76,000

• Peach Tree Park Peregian Springs - Install shade over playground $45,000

• Norrie Job Park, Coolum Beach design for pump track $40,000

• Replace Fence Coolum Beach Holiday Park, Coolum Beach $30,000

• Lions-Norrie Job Park Landscape, Coolum Beach $25,000

• Peregian Breeze Park playground shade extension $15,000

• Lowes Lookout Pathway, Coolum $24,000

• Wilkinson Park Vehicle Control, Coolum Beach $10,000

• Eagleford Court Park Bollards, Peregian Springs $10,000

• Hakea Way Park Bollard Renewal, Peregian Springs $10,000

• Design of Thomson Place Park, Peregian Springs $1,000

• Jack Morgan Park - Park bench $7,000

For a full list and more details see www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/budget.