Environmental and Community Services - Budget

Council’s ongoing commitment to the provision of community development initiatives and environmental services is reflected in this year’s budget.

Environmental and Community Services portfolio chair Cr Bill Cahill said council would continue to support eight community development staff working at the ‘coal face’ of local communities throughout the region.

“We look forward to the release later this year of our redeveloped Regional Community Directory. As its name suggests, this directory will provide up-to-date information to help people across the region access specific government and community resources.

“Funding for specific celebration events such as Seniors Week, Disability Week and Refugee Week will continue in recognition of these special groups in the community.

“In August/September council will release a volunteer management manual and systems to help those community groups who rely on volunteers to help deliver their services.

“Council’s successful series of nine workshops for residents aged over 50 will finish in August. Facilitated by Lifeline Community Development Worker Cath Leask, these grassroots workshops focused on the issues faced by older residents across the region.

“The workshops sought to develop regional solutions to local concerns. Outcomes from the workshops will help guide council decisions concerning this age group in the future,” Cr Cahill said.

“The Regional Safety and Community Access Advisory Committee and sub-committees are being formed to engage the broader community and provide council with advice on matters of physical, social and cultural access and community safety.

“There are plans to establish a Regional Youth Advisory Committee and Toowoomba Youth Action Team to provide a conduit to council from the region’s youth.

“The successful Eidecan Festival will be held again in December this year with council support of $8,000. This event has provided young local bands an opportunity to showcase their talents and has proved to be a launching pad for some bands to bigger and better things.

“Council has again allocated $41,000 in the budget to support the PCYC Bicycle Safety Awareness program. This bike education training program at Groom Park in Toowoomba is open to primary school children across the region to educate them in safe bicycle skills on public roads.”

Cr Cahill said council’s regional Multicultural Development Officer would continue to support the many multicultural groups across the region by providing information and advice.

“We have again committed $10,000 to the successful Toowoomba Languages and Cultural Festival celebrating its fourth event this year. This event continues to provide an opportunity for rich cultural exchange and community pride.

“Not-for-profit community organisations will continue to benefit from council’s contribution of almost $27,000 to the Community Support Scheme whereby eligible community groups can apply for inkind assistance.

“Council has allocated over $37,000 to the Empire Theatre community access grants which will help facilitate the enjoyment and fostering of arts across the region.

“Council will also continue to support the successful Crimestoppers program with a $5,363 contribution.

“On a greener note, free plant giveaways from council nurseries will continue this financial year at a cost to council of $127,000. These giveaways contribute to making our region a greener place to live.”

In the environmental health area, council has allocated a further $50,000 to complete background studies in preparation for a regional waste strategy. This strategy will bring consistency into standards of waste collection and disposal across the region.

“Council has also allocated $40,000 to audit refuse collection contracts in Toowoomba to ensure compliance and to formulate a framework for future contracts.

“In addition, $60,000 will be spent on a new waste disposal trench at Greenmount Waste Management Centre and $50,000 on replacing equipment at Toowoomba Waste Management Centre.”

Cr Cahill said council had made a budget commitment to addressing parking issues in Toowoomba’s CBD.

“Parking overstay devices are to be trialled in the CBD. This trial will inform our parking strategy in the future.

New State Government legislation covering animal management has made it compulsory for pet owners to register all cats and dogs (apart from working dogs).

“As a result, $50,000 has been allocated to improve animal holding facilities in the region.”