Moreton Bay City Council is to spend $3 million on community halls including upgraded air conditioning, lighting and solar systems.
Mayor Peter Flannery says that the public visits these halls more than 500,000 times a year to attend meetings, sports classes, take part in craft activities or attend celebrations.
“These upgrades mean our halls will be cooler and more accessible for everyone, all year round, particularly in our hot months,” he says.
“I’m pleased to see upgrades completed at the Narangba and Beachmere halls, and look forward to seeing Burpengary, Morayfield and Strathpine halls finalised.
“These are vital hubs for our communities, and these upgrades will ensure they continue to thrive for years to come,” he says.
HALLS TARGETED FOR WORK
The target halls for funded work (include completed ones) are:
- Narangba Community Centre: new air-conditioning and solar power system.
- Beachmere Hub: new air-conditioning system and acoustic panels.
- Burpengary Hall: new car park lighting.
- Strathpine Community Centre: new air-conditioning system.
- Morayfield Hall: new air-conditioning and solar power system.
Councillor Mark Booth says the work done to the Narangba centre, Burpengary Hall and Beachmere Hub upgrades came from residents’ feedback.
“The air conditioning and solar upgrades make a huge difference for everyone using the Narangba Community Centre, especially for classes during the warmer months.
“It’s all about making the space more comfortable and welcoming,” Cr Booth says.
“New lighting across the Burpengary Community Hall carpark means both hall users and the neighbouring rugby league clubhouse members can now walk more safely to their cars after dark — a small change that makes a big difference to our community safety.”
He also thanked the Beachmere Area Network Group for contributing towards the upgrade of the hub which means it can be used in cooler comfort.
“Beachmere locals love getting involved in community life, and now groups like the bowls club and U3A can do it in air-conditioned comfort,” he says.
Cr Jim Moloney says a new cooling system for Strathpine Community Centre will make it “more inviting than ever”.
“Many local groups call this space home so having reliable air conditioning means they and everyone else can enjoy their activities in the Strathpine centre all year round,” he says.
Cr Tony Latter says it is a first for the Morayfield hall to have air-conditioning for the first time in its history.
“The Morayfield hall hosts everything from annual shows and community events to classes, but it’s never had air-conditioning.
“I’m thrilled we have delivered this upgrade so residents can enjoy the space in comfort for years to come.”
LAKES PRECINCT TENDER AWARDED
Meanwhile, council says it has awarded a $6m contract for civil and landscape works at the Lakes Precinct development at Moreton Bay Central (formerly The Mill).
Waterside space, walking paths and lakeside facilities will be built to provide a green space for visitors to the adjacent Moreton Bay Indoor Sports Centre during the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.
Planned works for the site include:
- A 74-car park for the precinct and Mill Waterpark.
- Picnic shelters (with solar barbecue) and landscape spaces.
- A new lakefront with 3km of concrete paved walking track.
- Directional and information signs about site history and local animals and plants.
Mayor Flannery says the new precinct will be “a world class green space for residents and visitors to enjoy”.
Cr Moloney claims the new green space will prove to be “inclusive” for families, friends and groups.
The project is one of five that is part of a $45.53m SEQ City Deal Liveability Fund; under this fund, council, state and federal governments will share equally in funding shovel-ready projects.
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