Engineering projects spread across Toowoomba Regional Council

Toowoomba Regional Council’s 2008-09 budget allocates $29.3 million for new engineering works and projects that will promote growth and development across the local authority.

Council will carry over works valued around $25.1m from last year.

 Engineering Services portfolio spokesperson Cr Carol Taylor said funds would ensure council continued to improve infrastructure and enhance facilities for all motorists and pedestrians.

“Engineering projects are core local government responsibilities and Toowoomba Regional Council has worked hard to ensure the needs of the amalgamated authority area are properly serviced,” she said.

“These fundamental projects set a platform for long-term planning for our region.

“Council’s commitment to improving and upgrading roads is highlighted by a $20m maintenance budget.”  

Cr Taylor said $13.5m would be spent on road construction works across the region with an additional $5.4m for gravel re-sheeting, re-sealing and asphalt overlay works.

“Council has set aside $3m for new stormwater drainage works,” she said.

“Drainage operations valued at $5.4m will be undertaken and $1.1m will be spent on bikeways and footpath construction to encourage more active pursuits for recreation and work commuters.”

Cr Taylor said more than $750,000 would be spent on the first stage of preparation works for lengthening the Toowoomba aerodrome runway and taxiways.  An additional $1m has been marked for maintenance works and annual operating costs.

Cr Taylor said major projects planned for the coming year included:
•    $270,000 for Millmerran business district improvements
•    $288,000 for Pittsworth business district improvements
•    $800,000 for Stage 2 of the GlenKerr Industrial Estate at Highfields
•    $600,000 for pool upgrade works at Yarraman, Toowoomba and Oakey
•    $640,000 for Stage 2 of the Kearneys Spring carpark in Toowoomba
•    $220,000 for Stage 3 roadworks at Eton Vale Road, Greenmount
•    $669,000 for works at Boundary Street south, Toowoomba
•    $493,000 to upgrade the Taylor/West streets intersection (Toowoomba)
•    $218,000 for upgrade work on the Cecil Plains to Moonie road
•    $389,000 for roadworks on the Oakey-Kelvinaugh Road
•    $3 million to complete the Crows Nest Community Centre (Community Hub)
•    $385,000 for upgrading rural roads at Clifton
Cr Taylor said funding also covered council’s program of ongoing road and drainage repairs across the region.