Councillor Stephen Tancred agreed that sustaining the lower rating would have long-term effects on the business. (Grove Juice) employ 50 people here and another 100 or so in Brisbane. They source fruit from the Southern Downs and all over Australia, he said. They value add and it s a valuable industry and this council was instrumental in getting them to come to Warwick. He said the move could lead to fewer children drinking the beverage and in turn, lower production rates. In the long-term, children might drink less fruit juice and tuckshops might stock less of it, he said. There might be adverse health outcomes but also it may impact on employment in the Southern Downs if there s less fruit juice produced because there s less demand.
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The development boom that swept through the Southern Downs in 2020 only looks to be ramping up this year, with new proposals flooding in each week.
Whether it’s a new industrial or hospitality business or a spate of potential accommodation hot spots, towns from Warwick to the Granite Belt could be set to benefit.
Find our top five picks for the most exciting developments in the pipeline right now below: Proposed site for Budget Steel Warwick at the corner of Project and Enterprise Sts. Picture: SDRC
BUDGET STEEL WARWICK
A site at the corner of Project and Enterprise Sts in Warwick’s industrial area could soon be home to an extension of a mainstay metalworking business.
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Controversial upgrades to the Warwick velodrome worth more than $200,000 are set to get under way within the next fortnight.
The $219,000 project will see the track resealed and lighting system overhauled.
Funded by the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, the renovations are expected to begin on February 23.
A Southern Downs Regional Council spokeswoman said the velodrome would be closed for five days during construction.
“These works signal very clearly that (SDRC) is committed to upgrading its infrastructure and creating new outdoor spaces for everyone to enjoy,” the spokeswoman said.
“We envisage that these necessary works will be warmly received by the sporting community and may even appeal to the emerging rollerskaters in Warwick.
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Jumpers and Jazz in July, a new Warwick Chamber of Commerce event, and more are set to receive a slice of $150,000 in government funding as part of a new events initiative.
Jointly funded by Southern Downs Regional Council by the State and Federal Governments, the first round of the Local Events Funding Program will see $151,907 into funnelled into 10 regional events.
Councillor Marco Gliori said he was impressed by all potential recipients.
“The council received a large number of applications, which is encouraging as it speaks of the high level of business confidence in the region,” Cr Gliori said.
According to Southern Downs Mayor Vic Pennisi, investors are “knocking on our door” to build in the region and an influx of Warwick construction could be proof.
With a variety of council, commercial and educational sites on the way, we’ve listed 10 of the biggest projects to look out for that will shape 2021 and beyond.
A massive Stanthorpe Regional Art Gallery upgrade will get underway this year after a contentious council vote.
Narrowly voted in this January, the $4 million improvement would see a significant build-out on the northern and eastern sides of the existing gallery and the eastern side of the existing library.