Council to Reinvest Byfield Footpath Funding to Community Projects

Published on 23 April 2026

Livingstone Shire Council is providing an important update to the Byfield community regarding the planned Byfield Footpath project.

Following consultation with a community reference group during 2021 and 2022, Council committed to progressing Stage 2 of the Byfield Footpath, connecting the Byfield State School to Raspberry Creek and the Library.

Detailed design for the project has now been completed, and approval from the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads is expected shortly, with construction previously anticipated to commence in June 2026.

However, a comprehensive construction cost estimate has identified a significant increase in project costs. While $320,000 has been allocated in Council’s current budget, the most recent estimate indicates the project would cost approximately $615,000 to deliver.

Following consideration of available options, Council has resolved not to proceed with the footpath project as currently designed, and instead to return to the wider Byfield community for further consultation on how the allocated $320,000 may be better invested to meet current community priorities.

Council acknowledges this outcome may be disappointing for some, however Mayor Adam Belot said Council remains committed to delivering meaningful infrastructure that supports the Byfield community within the current budget allocation.

“Council appreciates the community’s engagement with this project and the local input that helped shape its design,” Mayor Belot said.

“Unfortunately, like many local government projects across the country, this project has been significantly impacted by escalating construction costs.

“It is important that we take a step back and ensure the funding currently available delivers the greatest possible benefit to the Byfield community as a whole.”

Mayor Belot said Council also recognised the strong and ongoing community use of the Raspberry Creek Homestead, which continues to serve as an important hub for local gatherings, events and day‑to‑day community connection.

“The Homestead plays a vital role in bringing the Byfield community together,” Mayor Belot said.

“There may be real opportunities to enhance this space for community use, whether that be playground equipment, undercover BBQ areas, or other improvements, depending entirely on what the community believes would provide the greatest benefit.”

This consultation will not be limited to a small reference group and will seek community input on realistic and achievable alternative projects, including but not limited to:

• Playground equipment or other community assets within the Raspberry Creek Homestead precinct
• Improvements that support community gatherings and use of public spaces, such as undercover facilities
• Parking improvements
• Other locally identified priorities that can be delivered within the available budget

Mayor Belot said the focus would be on identifying projects that are practical, achievable and able to be delivered in the shortest possible timeframes, depending on their complexity.

“This approach gives the community a renewed and broader voice in determining where this funding can have the most meaningful and immediate impact,” Mayor Belot said.

“We want to work closely with residents to identify solutions that strengthen community use, improve amenity and deliver lasting value, while remaining financially responsible.”

Council will soon commence community engagement and will keep residents informed about consultation opportunities and next steps.

Council thanks the Byfield community for its ongoing engagement and constructive feedback and looks forward to working together to determine the best way forward.