THE Southern Downs Regional Council has welcomed $1.2 million in funding through the State Government’s Local Government Grants and Subsidies Program.
The first grant of $840,000 as part of a total project cost of $2.1 million is for the widening and improvement of Kenilworth Street in Warwick.
A council spokeswoman said the project aimed to bring Kenilworth Street “up to a standard that will accommodate road trains and will allow for an increased level of subdivision to occur”.
“The upgrade of Kenilworth Street to accommodate road trains and heavier vehicles will allow for Grove Juice to continue with its proposed redevelopment of the Warwick facility, which will see an investment of $16 million in the new building and plant,” the spokeswoman said.
“The upgraded Grove facility will employ at least 35 people and there will be a number of indirect jobs created through the construction of the facility and the ongoing maintenance of the facility through local suppliers and contractors.
“Additionally the upgrade of Kenilworth Street will also support developments occurring at the Axis industrial estate which recently changed ownership, as well as existing businesses along the street.”
A second grant of $360,000, for a total project cost of $690,000 is for the development of the Rogers Street car park in Stanthorpe.
“Apart from a few shopping centres, Stanthorpe has a lack of off-road CBD parking,” the spokeswoman said.
“Council owns 3100 square metres of land suitable for car parking in Rogers Street which connects to Maryland Street via Fromes Lane.
This new car park will be an integral part of the proposed Stanthorpe Streetscape within Maryland Street, the purpose of which is designed to stimulate economic activity within the town.
“An allowance to upgrade stormwater infrastructure has also been allocated.
“This will alleviate flood inundation for retailers in the Stanthorpe CBD and the proposed carpark will provide an additional 80 car parks within the CBD.”
