South Burnett draft community plans reveal push for regional growth and infrastructure upgrades

More retail trading hours, tourism, and infrastructure upgrades are on the table in the council’s new draft community plans. DETAILS

Seven-day trading in Kingaroy, better mobile and internet connectivity and more things to do for young people have been identified as some of the most important issues residents care about across the region.

Seven day trading in Kingaroy, better mobile and internet connectivity and more things to do for young people have been identified as some of the most important issues residents care about across the region.

The South Burnett Regional Council have released the first draft of their community plans, which identified key priorities for each town and village in the area and will help inform how the Council should allocate resources and plan for long-term development.

One of the most controversial long term ambitions for Kingaroy, the largest town and business hub of the region, was to implement seven-day trading for retailers in town.

“ … Making Kingaroy the urban centre of the South Burnett and providing opportunities for working families to do their shopping, additional work hours for workers and open shops for travellers and tourism,” the draft plan read.

Sunday trading has been a topic of discussion in the region for many years, with conversations about the perceived need regularly appearing in community Facebook groups.

A post from February garnered hundreds of reactions, with residents split.

“I agree, 7 day trading would be fantastic, particularly for people who work shift work and have trouble making it during current hours,” Elli said.

“A big no from me. Sunday is a day for families and sport,” Carl said.

“Country towns don’t need it. If you feel that you can’t survive with shops closed on Sunday, take a leisurely drive to Toowoomba or Morayfield.”

The draft plans outlined several key steps towards becoming a ‘regional city,’ including long-term goals of increasing housing, upgrading sewer systems and water distribution, and carrying out significant improvements to the Kingaroy Airport.

To boost tourism, the draft plans included renovating and refurbishing the Bjelke-Petersen Dam and Boondooma Dam campsites, developing a large truck stop near Wondai, and creating new museums and art galleries.

According to the meeting agenda, the plans are “living documents” that will be regularly reviewed and “reflect the changing aspirations of our community”.

Other significant objectives across the region included refurbishment of the Coolabunia saleyards, improving street lighting and installing CCTV in Murgon town centre, and supporting the need for permanent local police in Hivesville.

The plans were developed with community consultation through town meetings, and written feedback collected online and in person.

According to the meeting agenda, the plans are “living documents” that will be regularly reviewed and “reflect the changing aspirations of our community”.

The final drafts of the plans are expected to be presented at the August council meeting.

The full draft plans were published in the June meeting agenda and can be viewed on the council website.