Two Questions in This week’s commonly asked question:
Q - What is the current Status of the major Capital Projects Planned for Division 1 this financial year 2022-2023? and - What is being done about the Water Lettuce in the Lagoon at MPB?
I, like everyone else get very impatient and frustrated as to how long things take to get done and how long it takes to deliver projects and infrastructure for the Region. But things are happening and are planned to be done.
Below is an update on where we are currently at with a few of the major projects happening in Division 1:
MPB Master Plan Works - Considering that the very first Community Consultation meeting to develop the Concept plan for the MPB Master Plan was held on the 8th of September 2020 and here we are only 2 years in with a completed design ticked off by the Community ready to go to tender and Stages 1a & 2 funded to be built in this financial year, I think that is pretty good going.
Other areas, ie Burnett Heads and Elliott Heads had their Master Plans shelved for many years before they could become a reality. The tender for the MPB Master plan work is expected to be issued at the end of October with tender assessment expected to be completed before the end of the year. This will be a Design & Construct contract based on the current plans, so they will complete the design early next year and likely start construction around April 2023.
The Surf Club have an approved DA and plans and have received funding so the progress on this matter is completely in their hands ie Surf Lifesaving Qld.
MPB Dog Off-Leash Park - As previously advised, we have struggled to get contractors to quote for the fencing jobs. We have just recently been able to secure 3 quotes and we have commenced advanced discussions with 2 suppliers regarding the work. It is anticipated that we will award a contract/s within the next few weeks and we will provide an update at that time on the possible timing and extent of works that we can achieve within budget.
Pink House Re-roofing - This project was bundled up with 2 other roofing jobs, including the MPB Community Hall roof replacement, in the hope that we may attract interest in a greater value package for suppliers. Tenders close next week.
Avondale Recreation Park Amenities - Playground equipment has been upgraded and unfortunately the tender process for the amenities block was unsuccessful, so Council staff will now construct it after they have completed other committed projects. The design is currently underway for the effluent disposal area and it is anticipated that construction will commence in the new calendar year.
Booyan Road Upgrade - The Booyan Rd project is currently in design. Tenders for construction will be invited in a few weeks with the intention that a tender can be awarded prior to Christmas. Weather will have an impact on timing of commencement of work in the new year.
Water Lettuce in Lagoon MPB - Regarding the water lettuce, I know it’s a disgrace and an eyesore and has everyone concerned, but it is not for the want of trying. BRC has been spraying the water lettuce and have applied for the use of the Weevil. We are trying to find the most cost-effective way to eradicate this weed and if all else fails we will bring in a harvester, however even with this method there still needs to be an ancillary control ie poison/weevil to kill what the harvester leaves, otherwise it will just grow back. I will keep you posted on what is planned.
I have been provided with the following response below from BRC staff as to what is currently being done to eradicate the water lettuce from the Lagoon at Moore Park Beach -
“Just an update on the proposed action that will be implemented to remove the water lettuce from the Lagoon at Moore Park, cool temperatures over winter has limited the uptake of herbicides which were applied earlier to the infestation, as the weather warms up during September further treatment will be implemented around mid-September which will reduce the majority of the infestation after which time Council is hoping to have access to a biological agent a weevil (Neohydromonus affinis). It is hoped the weevil will provide long term control of the infestation in the future. The weevil however is also more active during the warmer months which is why it hasn’t been introduced earlier.”
Be sure to keep an eye out for next weeks, “The Weekly Q.”
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