Southern Downs projects receive federal funding

Six local projects in areas from Stanthorpe to Killarney will now move forward thanks to $499,000 worth of federal funding received by Southern Downs Regional Council.
The money was provided by the Department of Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government under Round 3 of the Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program (RLCIP).
Southern Downs Regional Mayor Ron Bellingham was delighted works will start shortly on these worthy infrastructure projects, although timeframes were tight.
One hundred per cent of the projects are being funded by the RLCIP monies and under the terms of the funding agreement, work must start by the end of May and be completed by the end of this calendar year.
Slade Park on Wood Street, Warwick will be a little greener with $259,000 to extend the Warwick Effluent reuse scheme Class A recycled water pipeline from 45 Fitzroy Street to the popular cricket oval.
“This will provide an improved playing surface for community sports clubs that use Slade Park, reducing the use of potable town water for irrigation,” said manager of water and sewerage Gary Palmer.
Works include installation of about 900m of underground pipes suitable for transferring recycled water, associated valves, gasket sets, meter boxes, accessways and earthworks.
At Dalveen Hall, access for people with disabilities will be improved, thanks to a $20,000 upgrade to the toilet facilities.
Works include design and approval, demolition and construct-ion including concrete floor and plumbing, and installation of fittings to meet Australian Standards for disabled access.
Also, $70,000 has been granted for shade covers at Stanthorpe and Warwick skate parks for better sun protection, with exact locations and designs for the shade covers still under review.
“The council is now undergoing design projects for the shade covers,” parks coordinator John Newley said.
Killarney Scout building will get a much needed refurbishment with $5000 towards painting of the hall exterior, replacing windows with aluminium sliding windows, earthworks for the parade area and the replacement of sections of the front verandah decking.
In Stanthorpe, the YMCA will have an expanded gymnasium with $25,400 worth of upgrades including money to move a wall, install new electrics and lighting and install a false ceiling.
Last but not least, $119,000 has been allocated for an extension to the playing fields at CF White Oval in the Stanthorpe Sporting Complex.
The funds will be used for earthworks, including sourcing of 6000 cubic metres of material and laying 5000 square metres of turf.