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Items of Interest: Council Meeting – Wednesday 18 July 2018

By July 18, 2018July 30th, 2018No Comments

BICENTENNIAL LAKES VISION

Earlier this year, a draft master plan of the Bicentennial Lakes revitalisation was presented to the community for consideration and feedback was given from local residents and organisations. Today, the master plan was formally adopted by Council and the projected was put forward for future budget consideration.

Mayor Tom Gilmore said the Bicentennial Lakes has the potential to be a key focal area and visitor attraction for Mareeba.

“After receiving feedback from the community, it was made quite clear that locals want to see the revitalisation of Bicentennial Lakes become a more user-friendly space for recreation and fitness,” he said.

“It won’t happen overnight, a project of this scale will take several years to deliver. However the Council and the community now have a clear vision to restore the Lakes back to a picturesque parkland for families and tourists to enjoy.”

Cr Gilmore said that while there is no funding has been allocated in this year’s budget for the project, Council is actively seeking suitable grant opportunities and is encouraging local community organisations to get involved.

“We are inviting local service groups to get involved, take ownership and contribute to the beautification of the Lakes,” he said.

“It will all be part of a jigsaw puzzle. Whatever these service groups wish to do, whether they want to create a garden, put in a BBQ, a playground or seating, will be designed to fit in with the master plan.”

Cr Gilmore said this project has been on the table since the 1980’s and he was excited to see the master plan adopted by Council today.

“It’s been a long and complex process. A number of local service groups including Mareeba Lions Club, Rotary, Bendigo Bank and the Chamber of Commerce all got together and initiated the project over several years and I am delighted to be where we are today.

“The potential is only limited by your imagination,” Cr Gilmore concluded.

 

 

BEEF ROAD FUNDING

Almost $6 million worth of works to progressively seal sections of Ootann Road are well underway, with stage one almost complete.

Package 1 of the project which is funded under the Northern Australia Beef Roads Program includes the extension and widening of the existing causeway at the Sandy Tate River by 37m followed by 1.36km of 9m wide two coat bitumen sealed road.

Councillor Gilmore recently visited the site on Ootann Road and was delighted to see the works being carried out.

“The upgrade will improve access to and from the region, generating immediate productivity efficiencies for agriculture, beef, mining and tourism industries and their suppliers,” he said.

“I am very pleased the Government has recognised the importance of the need to seal the missing links of the Ootann Road.

“As a small regional Council, we rely heavily on Government grants and assistance. We are extremely grateful to the Commonwealth for their funding commitment and I also thank the Queensland Government for their assistance,” Cr Gilmore concluded.

Package two is scheduled to be carried out early next year.

 

THERWINE STREET REDEVELOPMENT TO BEGIN

JMAC Constructions will begin works on the long-awaited redevelopment of Therwine Street in Kuranda this Monday (23 July 2018).

Mayor Tom Gilmore said the project would improve the streetscape and correct footpath deficiencies that have manifested over time as the village has evolved as a tourist destination andvisitor numbers increased. “The project forms part of Council’s ongoing commitment tosystematically upgrade infrastructure to adequately service visitor demand and enhance Kuranda’sappeal as a world-class tourist destination,” he said.

Construction will commence on the lower Therwine Street, with works expected to continue for a period of 12 weeks, weather dependent. At this time, works on upper Therwine Street are anticipated to commence in mid/late October 2018.

Council appreciates the patience and ongoing support of businesses, residents and visitors in delivering the exciting project.