Council looking ahead
BALONNE: The start of the new year brings with it exciting prospects for the Balonne Shire Council, with several big projects kicking off in 2018.
Balonne mayor Richard Marsh said 2016 had brought a lot of changes to the council that were adopted throughout the past 12 months.
“We appointed a new CEO and there were some staff changes – through no intent on our part – that have been to our advantage,” he said.
“That’s given us an opportunity to bring a different outlook and evaluate change.”
Cr Marsh said customer service and community safety had become a top priority for the council.
“In western areas there have been difficulties with ice and other drugs and we tend to be closer to the action than in cities.
“We’re taking steps to improve that through CCTV, better lighting and other strategies,” he said.
Cr Marsh said the council was heavily reliant on grant funding.
“It has been forthcoming and we hope it continues to be,” he said.
Cr Marsh said revaluations and water buybacks had been ongoing challenges the council was continuing to work on this year.
In 2018 Cr Marsh said Works for Queensland funding would assist in the
$750,000 installation of thermal hot springs in St George.
“We’re looking to build ourselves onto the route between the Lightning Ridge and Mitchell hot springs to attract tourists and hold them for another
day or two,” he said.
Other works for 2018 include:
$150,000 for the Rowden Park grandstand
$70,000 to improve and upgrade CCTV
$40,000 for Bollon showgrounds.