Gympie council budget: where $157m is being spent in region

Gympie Regional Council’s budget may not have any iconic “splash” items, but there’s still plenty of projects promised to be delivered

Water, waste and roads are again a major focus of Gympiue Regional Council’s $157.66 million budget, which includes $40 million in capital works.

Water services, roads and parks are among the big winners in this year’s $157 million budget which includes a $40.07 million capital works program.

More than $48 million will be spent on fixing and upgrading basic services including water ($1.61 million), road repairs ($10.98 million), bridges ($6.23 million) parks ($4.14 million) and waste services ($10.48 million).

The long-expected overhaul of Gympie’s Civic Centre remains on the menu including $1.5 million to upgrades its electrical and technical facilities, $180,000 to replace the roof and $176,000 for heating, airconditioning and ventilation upgrades.

Gympie council budget capital works

The time frame for these repairs is unknown as the centre will be serving as a state government Covid vaccination hub until October.

Another $2.5 million has been earmarked for the construction of the Gympie Waste Transfer Station at Monkland, while the bridge on Tandur Rd will be getting replaced to the tune of $3.5 million.

Other projects include $1.2 million to continue to continue revitalising Tin Can Bay’s Esplanade, $1 million to further upgrade Rammut Rd, and $1 million to widen McIntosh Creek Road.

Google maps image Gympie Civic Centre

The council is also setting aside $360,000 for community grants, including $175,000 specifically for environmental projects.

Community halls will be getting a touch of love too, with works scheduled for the halls at Lower Wonga, Kandanga, Amamoor, Long Flat, and Kybong.

A number of parks will also be getting upgrades including Albert Park, Echelon Park, Wes Mitchell Park, Phil Rodgers Park and Lions Park; the council will be replacing several shelters across these parks.

The region’s CCTV system is also getting a $500,000 overhaul.

A large chunk of the budget will go into the cost of running the council.

This includes expected spends of $38.39 million on employee costs, $36.2 million for materials and services and $24.17 million for depreciation costs.