February 3, 2015
South Burnett Mayor Wayne Kratzmann expressed concern today about the future of several regional projects in the wake of Saturday’s State election.
While the final outcome seems unlikely to be decided for several days, the Mayor is worried a change of government could see a number of significant local projects axed or shelved.
They include the $2 million Kingaroy-Kilkivan Rail Trail and the planned $1.5 million upgrade to the Kingaroy-Barkers Creek / Clark and Swendson Road intersection near Swickers, both of which were going to be funded from LNP Government’s “Royalties For Regions” program.
A $450,000 contribution to the Murgon Swimming Pool’s $1.1 million upgrade from the “Get Playing Plus” grants program could also be in doubt.
So could planned multi-million dollar upgrades to the Kingaroy and Nanango police stations and court houses, along with a proposal to build a new Kingaroy Hospital.
The Mayor said today while he was happy to work with any State Government, he was worried an incoming ALP government might cancel one or more of the projects.
“The South Burnett has been on a bit of a roll in the last couple of years thanks to the State Government’s support,” he said.
“The government recognised that our infrastructure was coming to the end of its working life and pitched in to help.
“It would be heartbreaking to see any of these projects cancelled or deferred.”
The Mayor said he was hopeful the government would continue with the projects, regardless of which party ultimately took power.
They were all needed to grow the local economy and ensure South Burnett residents had access to the same level of services many other Queenslanders already enjoyed.
“Council simply doesn’t have the resources to undertake them without assistance,” he said.
Don’t count the chickens before they have hatched !