COUNCIL TO SAVE ENERGY
Council decided to install two Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems for the administration buildings in Rankin Street and Kowa Street Mareeba to help reduce costs.
The project was put to tender by the Council in December 2016 and was later awarded to Solgen Energy Pty Ltd who have been responsible for the design, supply and installation of the energy saving systems.
Mayor Tom Gilmore said that since de-amalgamation in 2014, Council has focussed on cost savings to build a sustainable future for the Council. “The turn around on this investment is first class,” Cr Gilmore said.
“The net savings beyond the initial outlay is very significant for ratepayers.”
Based on Ergon’s current pricing and factoring upkeep on the system into the future, the savings estimated for Council’s yearly electricity expenditure would be $38,000. This would result in the costs of the system being recovered over 3.5 years for Rankin Street and 3.1 years for Kowa Street. Thereafter a saving of at least $38,000 per year would be made off Council’s electricity bills.
Works are expected to be completed at both facilities by the end of this month.
BUILDING APPROVALS ON THE RISE
It was noted at this month’s Council meeting that there has been a positive increase in building approvals. There have been 82 approvals granted in this quarter compared to 76 for the same time last year, and a significant increase in the number of dwelling applications saw the value of building work rise by $1.9M to $10,601,616.90 for the quarter.
COMMUNITY FUNDING
Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) – Community Grants Approval
Mareeba Shire Council announced the successful RADF applicants for the Community Grant Round of the RADF 2016/17 Strategy.
Mayor Tom Gilmore said the funding is an ongoing partnership between the State Government and the Mareeba Shire Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.
“There has been significant interest within the community around activities of this nature,” Cr Gilmore said.
“Council is very pleased with the direction RADF is heading and taking a balanced approach to catering to the needs of artists, but also broadening the reach of RADF to include cultural heritage and historical projects, which has resonated with the community.
“This is evident by the number of quality applications received leading to the community grants program being heavily oversubscribed to the tune of $85,000.”
After a recommendation given by the RADF Advisory Committee, Council agreed that $38,560 will be allocated to the following seven projects.
- Ngoonbi Community Services Indigenous Corporation – Keeping Culture Strong – Youth Cultural Camp – $5,000
- Rebecca Koller – Kuranda Roller Door Project – $4,000
- Arts in Mind – Arts in Mind Stage 1 – $7,860
- Mareeba Heritage Centre Inc. – Heritage Multicultural Exhibition – $6,800
- Julatten and Molloy Association of Ratepayers and Residents (JAMARR) – Mt Molloy and Julatten Story Tree – $7,000
- Mareeba Arts Society – Mareeba Arts Society Community Mural – $1,900
- Kuranda Media Association – Arts and Heritage Outdoor Spaces Place-making Plan – $6,000
“These seven recipients have projects which are all certainly worthy of our support and we look forward to seeing the final results,” Cr Gilmore said.
“I would also like to thank the RADF Committee and staff who work hard behind the scenes assessing these applications and putting forward the recommendations to Council.”
Queensland Premier and Arts Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk said the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) delivered on the Queensland Government’s commitment to foster diverse and inclusive communities, grow strong regions and provide training, education, and employment opportunities for Queenslanders.
“The Queensland Government is contributing $2.08 million to leverage up to $1.92 million from local councils resulting in up to $4 million available to support arts and cultural activities throughout the state in 2016–17,” said the Premier.
“This funding promotes the role and value of arts, culture and heritage as key drivers of inclusive communities and strong regions and ensures Queenslanders can engage with arts locally,” she said.
“Each year around 500,000 people are involved in RADF projects as practitioners, participants or audience members.”
CAPITAL WORKS
Geraghty Park Playground Upgrade, Julatten: Geraghty Park playground has been closed for some time due to deteriorated play equipment and softfall. Work commenced mid-March to remove some large trees, upgrade or refurbish the play equipment and install new softfall. Swing seats will be installed in April and RISE will be sanding and painting the play equipment and installing a new balance beam at a later date as part of a Work for the Dole initiative.
Ray Road, Mareeba: Works commenced late February on the upgrading of 2.89km of Ray Road. The project involves the widening of the existing formation and seal to 9m and the extension of existing culverts. The final sealing works and the installation of road furniture have been completed and line markings will be applied later this month after the bitumen has had a chance to cure. Applying line markings too early may lead to major discolouration.
Works for Queensland: The following projects were recently completed under the State Government’s Works for Queensland Program.
Downs Street, Mareeba: Works commenced in early March at Downs Street, Mareeba. The project included the widening and sealing of the road to the existing kerb and channel between Lawson and Mason Street and Lawson and James Street, repair of existing driveways and the replacement of approximately 10m of failed kerb and channel.
Lawson Street, Mareeba: Works commenced in early March at Lawson Street, Mareeba. The project included the widening and sealing of the road to the existing kerb and channel on the western side of Lawson Street between Downs and Lyons Street. Car parking line markings will be installed before the end of April.
Egan Street, Mareeba: Works commenced mid-March at Egan Street, Mareeba. The project included the widening and sealing of the road to the existing kerb and channel on the western side of Egan Street.
Bailey Street, Mareeba: Works commenced mid-March at Bailey Street/Martin Avenue, Mareeba. Works included the widening and sealing of the road on the southern side of Bailey Street and the eastern side of Martin Avenue. The pavement and seal on the western side of the Bailey/Martin corner was also widened to allow safe cornering. Line markings will be installed before the end of April. This project was completed later than expected due to wet weather but remained within budget.
Mayor Tom Gilmore expressed his appreciation for this funding of $3.8M from the State Government. “This funding has allowed us to deliver a range of projects for the benefit of our community that where previously out of reach because of lack of funds, as well as creating jobs for Queensland,” Cr Gilmore said.