NEW MOTORHOME PARK FOR TRAVELLING PUBLIC
Councillors today endorsed a development application for a new motorhome park at Biboohra. The proposal will provide an opportunity for self-contained motor homes and caravans alike to make short-term stays at a property along the Barron River.
The facility will include up to 40 motorhome sites and will operate during the peak tourist season from May to October each year.
The developer said that the proposed facility is in response to the increasing demand from self-sufficient travellers and affordable overnight parking.
Mayor Tom Gilmore welcomed the new development saying Mareeba is becoming one of the region’s most visited destinations. “Each year, hundreds of tourists travel north to escape the southern winter chill, providing a welcome economic boost for local businesses,” Cr Gilmore said.
“Not only do we have the opportunity to showcase our beautiful part of the world, but we also welcome the economic benefits, with an increase in trade for many businesses and tourist attractions across the Shire.
“Mareeba has a great reputation with the travelling public, and we welcome them with open arms.”
APPROVED FURNITURE ON BYRNES
Council will allow approved furniture to be placed on Byrnes Street, Mareeba footpath at no cost to the business owner after a policy change made by Council today.
An application will need to be made to Council and business owners will have to follow guidelines before an approval is given. The approved furniture will include two chairs and a small table (no larger than 50cm diameter).
Mayor Tom Gilmore hopes this policy change will bring more life and social interaction to the street.
“We encourage all business owners, not just food outlets but retail and professional services business owners to take advantage of this initiative by putting out a table and chairs for the comfort and convenience of residents and visitors to the town,” Cr Gilmore said.
RESPONSIBLE PET OWNERSHIP
Council encourages responsible pet ownership by assisting the Friends of the Animals organisation with a de-sexing program in an effort to reduce the number of unwanted dogs and puppies found wandering at large each year.
To support their program, Council today voted to donate $4,000 to the local organisation to assist with the de-sexing program.
Mayor Tom Gilmore explained that in some situations, owners cannot afford to de-sex their dogs. “To encourage responsible pet ownership Council is more than happy to support the Friends of the Animals with this initiative,” Cr Gilmore said.
Residents wanting to know more about the de-sexing program should contact the Friends of the Animals on 4092 3060.
WORKS FOR QUEENSLAND PROGRAM
Earlier this year, Mareeba Shire Council received a $3.8M cash boost from the Queensland Government under the State’s 2016-17 Works for Queensland program (W4Q).
The Works for Queensland program supports regional Councils to undertake job-creating maintenance and minor infrastructure projects. Over the past nine months, Council has completed many projects across the Shire.
“These projects would not have been possible to achieve without the Government’s generous support,” Cr Gilmore said.
“Regional Councils such as ours are heavily dependent on grants and subsidies to bolster our capacity to provide a high level of service across all areas of the Shire.
“The recognition by the Queensland Government is deeply appreciated, and we are moving very quickly indeed to add these projects into our works program, so we maximise the benefit in job creation and create convenience to the community.”
Twenty projects have now been completed across the Shire, ahead of schedule – under the State program.
Highlights:
- Both the Mareeba Leagues Club and Mareeba Library have been fitted with new air-conditioning systems just in time for the summer months.
- Refurbishments to the Mareeba Swimming Pool change rooms were also completed last month. Stage two of the renovations, funded by round two of the W4Q program, is expected to start early next year and will include the refurbishment of the administration building.
- A new Columbarium Wall at Dimbulah Cemetery was installed earlier this year. A toilet facility will also be installed as part of the next round of W4Q funding.
- Sewer upgrade on Hastie Road, Mareeba.
- Kuranda Amphitheatre access upgrade included improvements to the car park and internal access road to provide all weather access.
- Seven bridges across the Shire have been upgraded or replaced.
CAPITAL WORKS
Rob Veivers Drive Upgrade, Kuranda: Works commenced at Rob Veivers Drive, Kuranda in early August. The project scope included the widening of the existing road formation along Rob Veivers Drive, the installation of kerb and channel and the rehabilitation of existing failed pavement sections. Works were completed on time and within budget.
Herberton Street, Mareeba – Footpath Upgrade: Construction of a new concrete footpath in Herberton Street was completed last month making access easier for pedestrians. A 73m concrete footpath was installed between the pedestrian crossing west of Egan Street and the Walsh and Herberton Streets intersection including a culvert crossover at the intersection of Constance and Herberton Streets.
Oak Forest Road, Kuranda – rehabilitation project: Construction work started in late October at the Oak Forest Road, Kuranda to upgrade the road. The project includes the widening and overlay of the existing pavement and seal to a width of 7.5m between the intersection of Oak Forest Road and Buchan Streets and the intersection Oak Forest Road/Green Forest Road. Works are scheduled for sealing in late November.
Gibbons Lane, Mareeba – Water Main Upgrade: Council’s water reticulation team has completed the water main upgrade on Gibbons Lane.
BYRNES STREET WATER MAIN UPGRADE
Council today committed funding to upgrade critical infrastructure in Mareeba’s main business hub.
Last month Council received a grant from the Queensland Government for installation of a new water main on Byrnes Street, Mareeba from Rankin Street to Lloyd Street. Under the Local Government Grants and Subsidy Program, Council will receive a subsidy of 60% of the project costs, and will need to fund the remaining 40%.
Without a secure water supply to the Mareeba CBD, the community would be unsustainable particularly due to the potential impacts on the businesses and services in the CBD, to their employees and their customers.
Mayor Tom Gilmore said the upgrade would allow for future sustainable business growth to meet the increasing demand for goods and services not only in Mareeba, but the wider Mareeba Shire and rural and remote communities. “The pipeline in question has been in place for many years, and Council believes that it is imperative that it be replaced due to the fact that its usage is reaching the end of its life and may fracture which would cause serious property damage and disruption to businesses in Mareeba’s main street,” he said.
CHANGE OF MEETING DATES:
Council will hold its January 2018 Ordinary Council meeting on Wednesday 24 January 2018, and the October 2018 Ordinary Council meeting on Wednesday 24 October 2018.