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Items of Interest: Council Meeting – 20 December 2017

By December 20, 2017August 13th, 2018No Comments

SHOPPING CENTRE GETS THE GREEN LIGHT

Council today approved a development application for a new shopping centre to be constructed in Mareeba’s CBD. The proposed development on Byrnes Street includes a 2,800m² supermarket, speciality retail shops and an outdoor dining area.

Mayor Tom Gilmore said Council welcomed the proposal. “We applaud the developer’s confidence in the town and decision to lodge an application for the development,” Cr Gilmore said.

“We certainly look forward to seeing it proceeding as a new shopping centre which will no doubt generate further jobs and business opportunities for the Shire.

“I am delighted to see the town continue to grow and Council will work with the developer to see this project come to fruition in the near future,” he said.

 

NEW CARWASH FOR MAREEBA

A car wash is set to be built on Byrnes Street Mareeba after Council approved the development application today.

Despite some concerns about noise and increased traffic in the area, Mayor Tom Gilmore said the development would generate a most welcome economic boost to the town and provide new services for the community and travelling public.

“The car wash will not only be popular with residents, but also to those passing through the town,” Cr Gilmore said.

“Mareeba has a wonderful reputation with the travelling public and this new facility will provide them with an additional service which they may have travelled elsewhere for.”

The proposed development will include two self-serve wash bays, two automatic wash bays, one super wash bay (for larger vehicles like motorhomes/caravans), four vacuum bays, two dog wash bays plus associated storage, operation and toilet facilities.

In a letter of support, Chamber of Commerce President Joe Moro said the Chamber supports the proposal and are confident that the development will result in the delivery of quality and increased services to the community.

 

SECOND SOLAR FARM APPROVED

Mareeba Shire is leading the way in renewable energy after an application for a second solar farm was approved today.

Tilt Renewables Australia PTY LTD applied to construct a 75 MW solar farm at Cane Road, Mareeba.

The renewable energy farm will include approximately 200,000 solar PV panels, which is expected to provide enough clean energy to power 21,000 homes and save 100,000 tonnes of annual greenhouse gas emissions over the 25-year life of the facility.

Mayor Tom Gilmore said these kinds of significant investments in the community come from investors who are confident in the way in which Council conducts its affairs and reinforces the positive direction in which the Shire is heading.

 

CAPITAL WORKS

Oak Forest Road, Kuranda – Formation Rehabilitation Widen and Seal: Construction work started in late October at the Oak Forest Road, Kuranda. The works included the widening and overlay of the existing pavement and seal to a width of 7.5m between the intersection of Oak Forest Road/Buchan Street and the intersection Oak Forest Road/Green Forest Road. Works were completed earlier this month and line marking will be installed in the new year.

Replace Footbridge Bicentennial Lakes, Mareeba: During November the footbridge at the Granite Creek end of the Bicentennial Lakes that had previously been closed due to disrepair was replaced.

Byrnes Street Stormwater Upgrade: The upgrading of the underground stormwater network in front of My Mareeba Dentist in Byrnes Street was completed in early December. Works included the installation of 123 linear metres of reinforced concrete box culverts, kerb and cast insitu inlet pits and the reinstatement of pavement and footpath tiles. Council appreciated the patience and cooperation of business owners, motorists and pedestrians while this critical project was being carried out.

 

REVITALISATION OF THE BICENTENNIAL LAKES

Mareeba residents will soon be able to have their say about the Bicentennial Lakes redevelopment. Council today adopted a draft concept drawing of the Bicentennial Lakes masterplan for community consultation.

Mayor Tom Gilmore is excited about the revitalisation and tabled his appreciation to the community groups involved in creating the concept drawings.

“The Bicentennial Lakes has the potential to be a key focal area and visitor attraction for Mareeba,” Cr Gilmore said.

“The Lakes have been identified by community groups as a facility that will support our growing and diverse population and enable safe, active, healthy and vibrant lifestyles for all residents and visitors.

“I am simply thrilled that we are now able to restore the Lakes back to a picturesque parkland for families and tourists to enjoy,” he said.

The parkland will be designed to be a premium open space to provide opportunities for sport and recreation activities, weddings, markets, festivals and other events.

The drawings will be released for public consultation early next year.