MAREEBA CBD WATER MAIN UPGRADE
Council today awarded a tender to begin the critical water infrastructure project on Byrnes Street, Mareeba.
Last year, the Queensland Government announced a funding boost of almost $1.5 million for installation of a new water main on Byrnes Street, Mareeba from Rankin Street to Lloyd Street.
The tender was awarded to local company FGF Developments and is scheduled to begin later next month with completion due by early December.
Mayor Tom Gilmore said the upgrade would allow for business growth to meet the increasing demand for goods and services in Mareeba. “The existing pipeline in has been in place for many years, and Council believes that it is imperative that it be replaced as not only is it struggling to meet current demand, but due to the fact it 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.
The infrastructure upgrade which has been labelled critical will cost $2.5 million and will be funded by Mareeba Shire Council and the Queensland Government.
Minister for Local Government Stirling Hinchliffe congratulated the Mareeba Shire Council on the important upgrade that will cater for future growth in the region.
“This critical water main will give local businesses and households increased water security which is vital to the local economy,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
“It will also create and support local jobs.”
“The project includes approximately 900 metres of new PVC water main and water service connections to all existing customers located between Rankin Street and Lloyd Street,” Cr Gilmore said.
Councillor Gilmore said projects of great scale such as this would simply not be possible without support from the State Government. “Grants such as this that are being made by the Queensland Government that make these critical projects of pipeline maintenance and upgrades possible without making a serious burden on ratepayers,” he concluded.
LOCAL LAWS ADOPTED
At today’s meeting, Council adopted a number of local and subordinate local laws including Administration, Animal Management, Community and Environmental Management and Parking overriding the existing Local Laws.
Legislation which was previously enforced by the Queensland Government for Waste Management was also adopted by Council, under a new Local Law.
Mayor Tom Gilmore said the adoption of the new Local Law is a process of governance that all local Councils must implement.
WORKS FOR QUEENSLAND
A number of projects are underway across the Shire under the Queensland Government’s Works for Queensland Program. Mayor Tom Gilmore again expressed his appreciation to the State for their contribution and allowing these projects to come to fruition.
- Hodzic Road, Biboohra: Works on the extension of the Hodzic Road causeway are now complete. The project included extending the northern end of the existing causeway by 10m and the southern end by 70m.
- Clacherty Road, Julatten: The installation of a new concrete causeway at Clacherty Road, Julatten was completed last month.
- Tinaroo Creek Road, Mareeba: Upgrades on Tinaroo Creek Road are now complete. Works included widening and resealing sections of the road and associated kerb and channel work.
- Mareeba Swimming Pool: Works are progressing well on the upgrades of the administration and kiosk facilities at the Mareeba Swimming Pool. The refurbishment project is scheduled to be finished in early August.
KURANDA INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN
Following recent ministerial approval Council, today approved an amended Kuranda Township Masterplan. The plan includes a number of projects which will be carried out to enhance and maintain the character of the Village and conserve the natural environment while providing the necessary infrastructure to cater for the needs and demands of increased visitor numbers and the community.
The $1.3M redevelopment of Therwine Street is part of the masterplan which is designed to enhance the amenity of the Village and improve safety for motorists and pedestrians.
Mareeba Shire Mayor Tom Gilmore said 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.
“There has been significant consultation with a broad range of stakeholders, including visitors and Kuranda business owners in the lead up to the development of the plan which includes the re- development of Therwine Street and other projects,” he said.
Over $4 million will be spent in Kuranda over the next two years which will include the construction of walking tracks to the Barron Falls, the installation of new wayfinding signage, improvements to information technology, Centenary Park toilet block refurbishment and street furniture restoration.
LATE FEE FOR LIBRARIES
Mareeba Shire Library Services has introduced a late fee for those who don’t return their resources on time.
Mayor Tom Gilmore said residents would have to pay an overdue fee of $5 for resources that are not renewed or returned within three weeks of the due date. “Council decided to introduce the small fee to encourage residents to be more diligent and return their items on time, so that others have more time to enjoy the shared resources,” Cr Gilmore said.