REDLANDS Coast island communities will benefit from more than $11.1 million in major infrastructure and roads spending in the 2020-21 Redland City Council budget.
Mayor Karen Williams said the allocations to projects across the Southern Moreton Bay, North Stradbroke and Coochiemudlo islands underscored council commitment to improving island infrastructure.
"And we hope this is just the start of the post-COVID investment, with council continuing to push hard for state and federal government funding assistance to bring forward shovel-ready projects for island communities," Cr Williams said.
She said projects such as the Glendale Road emergency access road on Russell Island and a range of footpath projects and road improvements were vital to the islands' futures.
Council's 2021 budget included multi-million-dollar investments in the Southern Moreton Bay Islands as part of a total $21.6 million to be spent directly on caring for Redlands Coast island communities - up $1.7 million from last year.
"Big ticket projects such as the Russell Island pontoon upgrade, which will cost $3.5 million this financial year, the Weinam Creek carpark, which will cost $3.4 million, and another $1.5 million for the islands' Green Seal program will help to significantly improve conditions for islanders," Cr Williams said.
"These three key projects are critical to improving access to and around the SMBI, with the Russell Island pontoon the start of major marine transport infrastructure renewal program which will now to be accelerated to include upgrades to the jetties, gangways and pontoons at Macleay, Lamb and Karragarra islands over three years."
One of Redlands Coast's largest-ever marine projects, this partnership with the Department of Transport and Main Roads would have significant transport, tourism and recreational benefits for the region.
Other major island projects included:
Canaipa Point Drive off-road footpath on Russell Island - $795,000
Upgrade Macleay Island Community Park - $259,000
Island waiting sheds and bus shelters upgraded - $404,000
Upgrade of Point Lookout's Headland Park on North Stradbroke Island- $1.1 million
Park and streetscape asset renewal on Coochiemudlo Island - $270,000.
