Thank you Chair
I rise to speak about the achievements of the Schrinner Council Administration in the Pullenvale Ward during the past 12 months.
In doing so, I want to say it is an honour and privilege to be part of a team that is delivering key infrastructure and projects across all of Brisbane during what has been a difficult and challenging 12 months.
This administration understands the importance of delivering key projects, while at the same time being responsible in how it spends ratepayers’ money.
Its even more important going forward, how we showcase Brisbane to the world ahead of us most likely hosting the 2032 Olympic Games.
Before listing highlights for the Ward, I want to thank the Lord Mayor for his favourable consideration of my budget requests. I understand that he has an entire city to consider but my community appreciates everything he has done to ensure the western suburbs remain an in-demand, safe place to live and raise a family.
My big three ticket items in last year’s budget have all been delivered.
The first was an allocation of $2.6 million to address a long standing Brisbane River erosion problems impacting properties of residents at Illawong Way, Karana Downs. My concern was that if this had been delayed by another 12 months, a number of properties would have been lost forever.
The second was the implementation of a trial Personalised Public Transport service for Bellbowrie and Moggill residents.
Third was the commitment of more than half a million dollars to address the worst section of busy Kenmore Road. There is still more to go but this was a great start.
Probably the most popular was the delivery of the learn to ride bike facility at Kangaroo Gully Road park. The new facilities at Considen Place Park have not been far behind.
More than $5 million was spent on enhancements at the Mt. Coot-tha and the Botanic Gardens.
I committed $150,000 from my Suburban Enhancement Fund to progress our election commitment to deliver a new skatebowl at Booker Park Place Bellbowrie.
A further $150,000 was spent on the delivery of new kerbing and channelling and parking to help improve safety around the Pullenvale State School.
While on the subject of road safety, in conjunction with my colleague, Cr. Mackay, we listened to our shared community and delivered a speed reduction to 50kpm on Chapel Hill Road.
More than $2.2 million has been spent on resurfacing 25 local roads in the Pullenvale Ward.
The Community Garden and composting hub at Karana Downs, to which I committed $50,000 will be officially opened next month, much to the delight of that community.
Lighting is being installed at the Bellbowrie Dog Off Leash Park this month while users at the Merri Merri DOLA appreciate their new, modern shelter.
I know the Moggill Girl Guides are overjoyed with the work Council has undertaken to repair their hut and fix drainage issues there.
And more than $90,000 in the Lord Mayor’s COVID grant funding was approved for 11 local community and sporting groups at a time when they needed it most.
And Council continued to support events and the facilities at the Brookfield Showgrounds during the year.
Which is the perfect segue to remind the Chamber that the best little show in Brisbane returns bigger and better in 2021. The 110th Brookfield Show will be held from 14th to 16th May and I encourage all Councillors to come along and experience this unique event.
Thank you.