Residents group says council is neglecting Caloundra
MORE was being spent by Sunshine Coast Council on capital works in one Maroochydore street than has been allocated within the boundaries of the old Caloundra City, according to a ratepayer group.
Sunshine Coast Council's 2015-16 budget runs to $588m of which $183m has been committed to new roads, paths and bridges including the $11.9m spend on the upgrade of Evans St on the edge of the Maroochydore business district.
Residents Association South Sunshine Coast says the money for that single project exceeded the combined allocations for all projects within the area of the former Caloundra City Council.
"The ratepayers of Caloundra and its surrounding areas are not enjoying the financial and other benefits which were claimed would follow amalgamation," the association wrote in its newsletter.
Caloundra councillor Tim Dwyer said something had to be done to revive the region's principal activity centre in Maroochydore. He said at amalgamation Maroochy Shire had been in an ordinary financial situation.
"They had been saving money and not spending for the future," Cr Dwyer said.
"We can't be Maroochy-centric. We have to get the PAC up, but Caloundra is important as the southern activity centre.
"Funding for Caloundra over the course of a five to 10 year cycle must ensure it doesn't languish.
"We are behind on roads in division two. They're the worst I've seen them in a decade."
Reader poll
Do you believe Caloundra is missing out on major projects?
This poll ended on 31 August 2015.
Current Results
Yes, Caloundra is looking tired and never gets its share
72%
No, just look at Bulcock Esplanade
23%
I'm not sure
3%
This is not a scientific poll. The results reflect only the opinions of those who chose to participate.
MAJOR PROJECTS
To be funded by $183 million allocation:
- $11.9 million - Evans Street, Maroochydore
- $3.2 million - Sunshine Coast Aerospace Precinct
- $2.7 million - Caloundra streetscaping (Bulcock Street and surrounds)
- $2.6 million - Minyama to Mooloolaba cycleway
- $2.4 million - Sippy Creek animal pound
- 2.3 million - Upgrade North Arm- Yandina Creek road.
- $1.4 million - Replace bridge on Eumundi Range Road
- $1.2 million - Goshawk Boulevard, Sippy Downs
- $1.2 million - Glenview Road realignment and rehabilitation
- $1.2 million - Replace bridge on Hodgens Road
- $900,000 - Roys Road Depot Construction
- $900,000 - David Low Way - Pedestrian bridge over Eudlo Creek
- $770,000 - Maroochy Junior Rugby League Facility
- $695,000 - Maroochydore Beach Foreshore development
- $650,000 - Coolum Sports Complex
- $600,000 - Widen Storrs Road, Peachester
- $600,000 - Seal part of Delicia Road, Mapleton
- $550,000 - Caloundra Headland Foreshore Park
- 455,000 - Buderim Village Park landscaping
- $403,000 - Alexandra Headlands Foreshore Park
