COUNCIL TO BID FOR QANTAS ACADEMY
The Qantas Group recently announced the next step in the process to select the location for its new Pilot Academy, due to open its doors in 2019.
In a statement released last week, the Qantas Group has launched a formal process inviting regional cities and state governments to coordinate their responses to a proposal outlining the criteria for the location of the Academy.
Mareeba Shire Council wasted no time and tabled the bid in today’s meeting, agreeing to fund a submission to host the Academy on the Tablelands.
Deputy Mayor Councillor Alan Pedersen said Mareeba would be the perfect location for the training institution.
“We understand that Qantas is looking to base the Academy at a regional centre with an airfield, access to uncongested airspace and the infrastructure to support and accommodate up to 100 students in the first year of operation,” he said.
CARAVAN PARK TO EXPAND
The Tropical Tablelands Caravan Park in Mareeba is set for expansion after Council approved a development application to complement the existing accommodation facility.
Plans were approved to construct 22 x 1 bedroom motel style short-term accommodation units onthe existing caravan park site. The unit development will comprise of two unit blocks, containing ten units each, as well as another two standalone cabins.
Deputy Mayor Councillor Alan Pedersen said it was an exciting development for the town. “It’s great news. The development will certainly complement the existing caravan park and help strengthen Mareeba’s role as the Shire’s major regional activity area,” Cr Pedersen said.
“The additional accommodation service is needed in Mareeba and will bring a welcome economic boost to the town.
“We look forward to seeing stage one of the development commence,” he said.
MAREEBA TENNIS CLUB UPGRADE
Council today agreed to assist the Mareeba Tennis Club with a million-dollar upgrade to the popular recreational facility.
The Mareeba Tennis Club applied for assistance through Council’s Community Partnerships Program for an interest-free loan of $20,000 to undertake upgrades to the tennis courts and associated facilities.
Deputy Mayor Councillor Alan Pedersen said Council was willing to help the Club out after a recent assessment undertaken by Tennis Queensland and Tennis Australia showed the court surfaces are in a very poor condition which is preventing the Club from holding major tournaments and competitions. “Council is more than happy to assist the Club with their $1.275M proposed upgrade of the facility,” Cr Pedersen said.
“The Tennis Club is an asset to the town and it is important the facility is kept in good condition for everyone to enjoy.”
The planned upgrades are set to include the construction of new reinforced concrete bases and acrylic playing surfaces, fencing alterations, LED lighting upgrades, court furniture, on court player shade structures. In addition, the proposed makeover will include construction of mini-court, electronic booking and court gate access.’
“These upgrades will improve safety, increase participation and player development and will again allow hosting of higher level tournaments,” Cr Pedersen said.
WORKS FOR QUEENSLAND
Works commenced on the widening, overlay and resealing of Tinaroo Creek Road earlier this year and are almost complete. The seal works were carried out earlier this month with line-making expected to be completed early June. Council thanks motorists and residents for their cooperation and patience while works were carried out. This project was funded by the Queensland Government’s Works for Queensland Program