Mareeba Shire Council’s Annual Report 2021/22 was tabled at the Ordinary Council Meeting on Wednesday, 26 October 2022.
The report highlights Council’s key achievements in delivering services to the Mareeba Shire over the past 12 months.
Mayor Angela Toppin is pleased to report on the achievements seen this year. “We can report on significant achievements this financial year, despite ongoing economic challenges faced by Local Governments, businesses, and communities across Australia following the global pandemic.”
“Despite the challenges, Council has maintained a focus on delivering affordable, quality services for our community by bringing down a balanced budget which is within the means of the ratepayers, and which remains true to our long-term financial plan.”
Mayor Toppin said she was proud that Mareeba Shire continues to grow. “The Shire has continued to keep pace with the rest of Queensland after being named as one of the top 10 fastest growing Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Queensland in 2019/20.”
During the previous financial year, Council’s capital program expended more than $20 million across the Shire.
“Projects include the replacement of the Granite Creek Sewer Pump Station, upgrading of the transport infrastructure network and major projects, including the upgrade to Chillagoe’s critical water infrastructure.”
“The water infrastructure works in Chillagoe allowed Council to lift Level 3 water restrictions that have been in place since 2017,” Mayor Toppin said.
“I am extremely grateful to the State and Federal Government for their continued support allowing Council to enhance the liveability for residents across the Shire.”
Another highlight was the release of the Parks and Open Spaces strategy and Action Plan, following community consultation in 2020. “The action plan represents a record spend on parks and open spaces to improve access to quality parks, without any additional cost to ratepayers.”
The annual report also focusses on Council’s continued efforts to advocate on the most crucial issues impacting our communities. “These issues include community safety, reliable road transport networks, water security and economic recovery following the pandemic. While local governments have limited powers to deliver services which can impact these issues, we will continue to advocate fiercely for our communities,” Mayor Toppin stated.
“We will continue to deliver on our vision, ‘A growing, confident and sustainable Shire’. Our reputation as a high performing Council is a result of the efforts of Councillors and Council Staff and I would like to sincerely thank them all,” Mayor Toppin concluded.