Borough invests in diverse community projects

THE Borough of Queenscliffe will spend almost $4.5 million on diverse projects in its 2021-22 budget ranging from the new boat ramp to the installation of two new electric vehicle charging stations.

The $3.605-million upgrade of the boat ramp is fully funded, while council has allocated $50,000 for the Hesse Street footpath link to the boat ramp, $70,000 for the charging stations, funding for other climate emergency responses, $156,000 for ICT upgrades, $40,000 for the Weeroona Parade toilet renewal, $20,000 for concept designs of a new bike park.

The borough will also invest in its caravan parks, as it looks forward to the return of visitors to the Bellarine in the long-term as COVID-19 is controlled and restrictions ease.

The Royal Park changing rooms upgrade, based on the tourist park masterplan, is in the budget at a cost of $300,000, while the scope and design of the Royal Park oval upgrade including fencing, irrigation and lighting is set to cost $60,000.

Borough chief executive officer Martin Gill said the pandemic had been a reminder of the importance of income from council’s caravan parks for the borough.

“Notably, council’s caravan parks are an important source of revenue that allows council to bring visitors to our community and raise funds that we can reinvest for the benefit of local residents,” Mr Gill said.

“Sharp falls in visitation to our caravan parks during the pandemic were a key contributor to last year’s deficit, while a return in tourist numbers aided significantly in achieving this year’s underlying surplus.

“Over the long-term, effective operation of these parks will remain a cornerstone of council’s finances, so council is investing $100,000 in the coming year to implement operational improvements to our tourist parks. These improvements are anticipated to generate revenues above their cost over the long term, improving their offering and providing valuable revenues for our community.”

Mayor Ross Ebbels said he believed the borough had achieved “prudent financial management and supporting communities most exposed to the crisis”.

“Looking to the long term, the changing climate is an increasing focus for local governments all over Australia, particularly following last year’s bushfires and the recent floods in New South Wales,” Cr Ebbels said.

“As council comes close to completing the development of its Climate Emergency Response Plan, this budget allocates $150,000 to invest in the first tranche of initiatives outlined in the plan including a $70,000 allocation for two electrical vehicle charging stations.

“This funding not only demonstrates our commitment to seriously responding to the climate crisis, but our commitment to following through on plans we develop alongside the community.”