Council seeks appropriate funding for linkage

Council has voted today to seek further funding from the State Government to construct a road linking Allambie Lane to Shetland Place in Kelso.

Divisional Councillor Kristian Price said Council was not willing to impose further costs on ratepayers by undertaking the construction of a road expected to cost at least $6 million more than the department of Transport and Main Roads allocated.

“The Member for Thuringowa, Aaron Harper MP presented to Council today for the construction of a road linking Shetland Place to Allambie Lane in order to alleviate congestion caused by the State Government’s upgrade of Riverway Drive Stage Two,” Cr Price said.

“While we’re appreciative of the $8 million, it falls short of what is required to do the job.”

A Council report highlighted the project would cost significantly more than the $8 million allocated by the Department of Main Roads.

“As a Council we have just handed down a budget focused on responsible financial management, the reality is - this is money we don’t have, and the extra funds needed to construct the road would come at a significant cost to ratepayers,” he said.

“If the State Government require this contingency while delivering the Riverway Drive upgrade, they need to come to the table with the additional funds if this project is to go ahead.

“The construction of this road should not come at a cost to ratepayers, alternatively if the State don’t foot the bill, that funding should be spent on Townsville projects and we’ll be making sure as a Council we advocate to have the $8 million reallocated to ensure it stays in Townsville and can be spent appropriately.”