REVITALISATION projects in Lowood and Kilcoy and new sporting fields and amenities in Ipswich received the green light today with more than $19.8 million in funding announced under the Liveability Fund.
Four projects in the Ipswich and Somerset regions will be jointly funded by the Federal and State Government and Ipswich and Somerset Councils in the first tranche of projects funded under the SEQ Liveability Fund. This is one of the commitments delivered under the $1.8 billion SEQ City Deal, a partnership between the Australian and Queensland governments and Council of Mayors (SEQ) to generate long-lasting benefits for the fast-growing region.
Funding for a second tranche of projects currently undergoing detailed assessment is expected to be announced in the coming months.
Member for Blair Shayne Neumann said the announcement gave the green light for four projects in Blair with the Federal and State Governments committed to jointly funding more than $8.9 million for Redbank Plains Recreation Reserve, more than $5.5 million for the Tivoli Sports Complex, $830,000 for Stage 1 of the Kilcoy Streetscape Revitalisation project and $830,000 for Stage 1 of the Lowood Futures Strategy.
Ipswich City Council will also contribute a further $3.64 million to the upgrades at Redbank Plains Recreation Reserve and Tivoli Sports Complex.
“This is chance to make our region an even better place to live and work,” Mr Neumann said.
“The Albanese Labor Government is committed to making sure our investments leave a real legacy for the community.
“This is one of the fastest growing regions in Queensland and this funding will support important community infrastructure, so we can maintain our enviable lifestyle into the future.
“We already know Ipswich, the Somerset region and Karana Downs are wonderful places to live, and with three levels of government working well together, they will only get better.”
Two additional full size rectangular playing fields with lighting and irrigation will be developed at the Redbank Plains Recreation Reserve. Enhancements also include adding back netting, additional parking for ease of access, new footpaths connecting amenities and fields and the provision for future development of inclusive clubhouse and change room facilities.
The Tivoli Sports Complex will be expanded to introduce a new full-size rectangular field and training field with back netting, toilet amenities, an internal road and car park, footpath connections and associated civil works.
Stage 1 of the Kilcoy Streetscape Revitalisation involves streetscape improvements to the Eastern Gateway to Kilcoy and includes construction of a carpark, associated landscaping, a new gazebo and picnic seating. The project aims to create a gateway arrival experience for the town which will attract locals and visitors alike.
Under Stage 1 of the Lowood Futures Strategy the project will create improved access to public open spaces through the relocation of the town’s central carpark in preparation of a Green Botanic Core which will enhance the town centre and provide improved access to Brisbane Valley Rail Trail. The project will provide a central space for the community to meet and promote community pride in the centre.
