Council Reshapes $3.23m Works For Queensland Program

Vince Corbett Park at Forrest Beach. Photo: Victoria Velton

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Rising construction and material costs have prompted Hinchinbrook Shire Council to reshape its $3.23 million Works for Queensland program, with several projects revised to ensure the State Government funding can still deliver benefits across the community.

The revised program, endorsed at Council’s August General Meeting, includes a new pump track, more than $1.25 million in upgrades at Forrest Beach, improvements to sporting and recreation facilities and planning work for future infrastructure.

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Some projects have been scaled back, while others will now focus on design and planning rather than construction.

Mayor Ramon Jayo said the changes were about making the most of the available funding.

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“Construction costs, material prices and project delivery costs have all increased significantly since these projects were originally developed,” Mayor Jayo said.

“Rather than pushing ahead with projects that may not be achievable within budget, Council has taken a sensible approach to make sure we continue delivering outcomes for the community while also planning for future opportunities.”

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The largest allocation is more than $1.25 million for infrastructure upgrades at Vince Corbett Park at Forrest Beach, while $606,587 has been allocated for a pump track at Merv Wacker Park.

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The program also includes improvements to the Ingham Showground car park, additional parking at Merv Wacker Park, half basketball courts in Ingham and Trebonne, and shade and site improvements at the Taylors Beach playground.

Funding will also support planning and delivery of trunk infrastructure for existing and future growth at Toobanna and around Sir Arthur Fadden Parade.

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Meanwhile, the proposed JL Kelly Theatre foyer upgrade has been removed from the program, while the first stage of the Taylors Beach Seawalk has been revised to focus on design and concept planning.

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Council said the Seawalk design needs to be reconsidered to meet current State Government environmental requirements.

Mayor Jayo said completing the design and planning work would leave Council better positioned to seek funding for construction in the future.

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“This isn’t about shelving projects. It’s about getting them shovel-ready,” he said.

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“By progressing the design and planning work now, Council will be in a much stronger position to pursue future grant funding opportunities when they become available.”

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The revised Works for Queensland program includes:

• Vince Corbett Park infrastructure upgrades, Forrest Beach

• Pump track at Merv Wacker Park

• Ingham Showground car park improvements

• Merv Wacker Park car parking improvements

• Half basketball courts in Ingham and Trebonne

• Taylors Beach playground shade covering and site improvements

• Taylors Beach Seawalk Stage 1 design

• Borello Park concept design

• Riverview Park enhancements

• Sewerage expansion planning for Toobanna and Sir Arthur Fadden Parade.

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Mayor Jayo said the program would deliver a mix of recreational improvements and infrastructure planning.

“These projects are about improving liveability, supporting families, creating new recreational opportunities and making sure we’re planning ahead for growth,” he said.

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Council will now work with the Queensland Government to finalise the amended program, with projects expected to be delivered by 30th June 2027.

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