Moving around our region efficiently and sustainably as our population continues to grow is essential if we are to maintain the liveability and productivity of our region.
Sunshine Coast Council has released its 2018/19 Transport Levy Annual Report, which gives a snapshot of the combined efforts of council’s work and achievements to ensure the community gets the best integrated transport network possible.
Transport Portfolio Councillor Rick Baberowski said the Transport Levy helped council to plan for the future transport needs of the Sunshine Coast and assisted council in improving transport across the region.
“2018-2019 was a busy year for council,” Cr Baberowski said.
“In December 2018, council adopted the Sunshine Coast Integrated Transport Strategy, which outlines a transport system for the region that enhances connectivity, economic viability and maintains the region’s liveability and environment.
“Council also delivered a strategic business case for a new mass transit system to cater for the public transport needs of our growing region.
“While council is not responsible for many aspects of the transport system, such as public transport, it is willing to strengthen partnerships or be a catalyst for improvement and innovation where it can benefit the community and contribute towards enhancing the sustainability of the region.
“One example of how council does this is through the Kenilworth Community Transport Service trial, which was launched in June 2019.
“The transport service provides an affordable, reliable and accessible community transport to the Kenilworth residents who have limited transport options.”
Cr Baberowski said in 2018-2019 a significant portion of the Transport Levy funding was allocated to the Transport Futures Fund which now totalled just over $12 million.
“This funding, which would not be available otherwise, will help to facilitate projects and initiatives aimed at achieving major, long term, multi-modal infrastructure outcomes,” Cr Baberowski said.
