Gold Coast Council budget 2020: Funding for community groups and giant Palm Beach Aquatic Centre
Millions of dollars will be poured into fast-tracking major infrastructure projects by the Council in today’s budget in a bid to revive the Gold Coast’s devastated economy.
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MILLIONS of dollars will be poured into fast-tracking major infrastructure projects by the Council in today’s budget in a bid to revive the Gold Coast’s devastated economy.
Mayor Tom Tate will this morning bring down his $1.7 billion ‘roads to recovery’ budget aimed at creating jobs and providing relief to community groups left devastated by the COVID pandemic.
Big ticket items which will form the heart of the budget include:
● A freeze on rates and charges at 2019 levels, the first in the Gold Coast’s history.
● A $500,000 community hardship grants program.
● A recovery fund for Gold Coast sports clubs
● Significant investment in infrastructure, including the first $2.2 million of the $50 million redevelopment and modernisation of the Palm Beach Aquatic Centre.
Cr Tate said providing funding relief was a key plank of the budget.
“We know many of these groups have struggled to stay afloat during this period and we know this will get them up and running much quicker,” he said.
“We recognise these services provide lifelines to Gold Coasters and I would encourage groups to visit our website and apply as soon as possible.
“Our sporting groups will also have access to a significant recovery fund, something we all acknowledge is vital for a connected and vibrant community.”
The hardship fund will deliver one-off cash grants of up to $5000 for groups which deliver essential services to vulnerable residents and have faced devastating shortfalls in funding during the pandemic.
The Palm Beach development is one of several projects which have been fast-tracked to create an immediate economic injection.
It is a big win for area councillor Daphne McDonald who has long lobbied for the project to proceed after securing funding for a masterplan several years ago.
The Bulletin understands funding will also be set aside for the next stage of the Home of the Arts (HOTA) at Evandale and for a business case into the Gold Coast light rail’s Burleigh to border extension.
“This budget has been one of the toughest budgets I have ever worked on,” he said.
“It has been a true balancing act with a focus on protecting livelihoods and lifestyle during these unprecedented times.
“It’s a ‘Roads to Recovery’ budget and I am very proud of what our hard work has achieved.
“Our focus on roads, transport and infrastructure hasn’t changed and neither has our focus on rates.”
The Council slashed a range of fees and charges in March at the height of the pandemic as part of a $3 million initial package.
Roadside dining charges, commercial rents in city owned properties and film application fees were waived until June 30.
The future of these charges will also be revealed this morning.
Gold Coast business leaders say they want to see the council provide funding relief for struggling small businesses.
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