Livingstone Shire Council Endorses Priority Projects for 2024 State Election

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Published
9th July 2024

Livingstone Shire Council’s Infrastructure Standing Committee resolved to officially endorse three major projects as priority advocacy items for the upcoming 2024 State Government election. These projects, carefully selected to foster regional prosperity, are in alignment with the strategic goals outlined in the Livingstone Community Plan Towards 2050.

In preparation for the State election, three priority projects (one State and two council-led) have been identified as the preferred game-changing priority projects likely to be supported with funding – Great Keppel Island, Investment in Critical Trunk Road Infrastructure and Yeppoon Aquatic Centre Stage 1 and 2.

Further information on the three priority projects is as follows:

  1. Commit to continued funding support to deliver the Great Keppel Island (Woppa) Concept Master Plan priorities being a wastewater treatment plant, new public amenities, arrivals hub and safe, all-visitor access (jetty and/or barge ramp):
  • Council is seeking funding commitment to ensure fast-tracked delivery of the committed $30 million plus more to deliver common-user infrastructure to attract investment in the island. Council is currently leading the project to build a Wastewater Treatment Plant and amenities in partnership with the State. Further funding is required for the arrival hub and to deliver safer and more weather-resilient maritime access to enhance accessibility and arrival and departure experiences.
  1. Investment in critical trunk road infrastructure to unlock and underpin future residential housing development areas:
  • Like all regional coastal areas, Livingstone has seen unprecedented population growth post-Covid.  Development has not kept up with growth, resulting in a need to bring forward significant investment in critical trunk road infrastructure to unlock and enable future residential housing to keep up with demand.
  1. Yeppoon Aquatic Centre Stage 1 and 2:
  • There is $13 million in Federal funding already committed for Stage 1 of the Yeppoon Aquatic Centre, Council is seeking a commitment of a further $10 million to enable additional enhancements. These additional funds will also contribute to Stage 2 upgrades, which include additional shade over the 50-metre pool, construction of a new learn-to-swim pool and additional car parking.

Councillor Glenda Mather expressed her strong support for these projects.

“Council-led advocacy to the state government is vital for securing essential funding towards local projects and influencing decision-making to drive change,” Councillor Mather said.

“These initiatives are not only vital for our infrastructure and community development but also for ensuring that Livingstone remains a vibrant and sustainable place to live.

“The Great Keppel Island project, in particular, will be a game-changer for tourism and local investment.”

Councillor Rhodes Watson also highlighted the importance of these projects.

“Having clear advocacy priorities assists effective lobbying to State government representatives for the investment needed to make the projects a reality,” Councillor Watson said.

“Securing funding for these priorities will address critical needs in our community.

“The investment in road infrastructure is essential for our growing population, and completing the Yeppoon Aquatic Centre will provide significant long-term benefits for residents.

“We are committed to advocating for these projects to ensure they become a reality.”