Council Budget funds sustainable environmental program
Burdekin Shire Council’s 2023/24 Budget funds a sustainable environmental through ongoing initiatives.
“To ensure Council meets its environmental obligations, $680,000 has been allocated to current and legacy landfill sites and transfer stations," Burdekin Shire Mayor Lyn McLaughlin said.
“Out of this amount, $250,000 has been designated for the creation and implementation of drainage infrastructure to mitigate stormwater effects on the Kirknie Landfill sites and $200,000 allocated to carry out remediation projects aimed at addressing potential environmental and human health hazards associated with legacy landfill sites.
“The 2023/24 Budget allocated $25,000 for aerial spraying for vector control which allows Council to continue its interest in public health in reducing the impact of salt marsh mosquitoes.
“State Government Funding has also allowed for Council to continue with the illegal dumping prevention strategy by implementing measures to educate the community, enforce regulations, and provide proper waste management infrastructure.
“These strategies aim to discourage illegal dumping and ensure responsible waste disposal practices.
“Council adopted the Dune Management Strategy which aims to undertake crucial restoration activities in the Wunjunga/Beachmount.”
Council is committed to safeguarding environmentally sensitive areas and has partnered with NQ Dry Tropics to deliver the $85,000 Dune Restoration Project, with $75,000 funding from Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) for the Coastal Hazard Adaption Program (QCoast2100), to carry out activities such as planting native vegetation, erosion control measures, and habitat restoration for native wildlife.
“The Council's Environmental Levy Program continues to promote sustainable practices in areas such as energy efficiency, waste minimisation, and water efficiency by allocating funds to projects that benefit both the environment and the local community,” Cr McLaughlin said.
“The funds generated through the levy can be utilised by community organisations for the preservation or remediation of environmentally important areas.”
To access the Burdekin Shire Council 2023/24 Budget document, visit bit.ly/BDKBudget