WATER RESTRICTIONS LIFTED
With Tinaroo Dam now over 70% capacity, Council today moved to lift water restrictions across the Shire except for Chillagoe which remains on Level 3 restrictions.
Mayor Tom Gilmore said Level 1 water restrictions were introduced in July 2017 for residents connected to the town’s water network in Mareeba, Kuranda and Dimbulah after an extended dry period. “The water storage level in Tinaroo Dam has risen to 74% following recent rainfall events and is now at an adequate level to give surety of supply, and as such water restrictions are no-longer required,” Cr Gilmore said.
Chillagoe residents will remain on Level 3 water restrictions until catchment has received sufficient rainfall to improve the water aquifer.
Although the Chillagoe Township is fed from three bores, the water supply is at a critically low level. “The water aquifer has not risen to acceptable levels to provide enough confidence to cease or lift water restrictions at Chillagoe at this time,” Cr Gilmore said.
BRIDGE IMPROVES ACCESS
Bridge renewal works are complete at Leadingham Creek, Dimbulah. The old bridge was demolished and replaced with a new concrete structure providing better accessibility for residents. This project is partially funded by the Department of Transport and Main Roads Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme (TIDS) with the balance of funding by Mareeba Shire Council.
WORKS FOR QUEENSLAND
Council continues to carry out projects under the second round of the Queensland Government’s Works for Queensland Program.
Mayor Tom Gilmore expressed his gratitude towards the Queensland Government. “These projects would not have been possible to achieve without the Government’s generous support,” Cr Gilmore said.
“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.”
Tinaroo Creek Road, Mareeba: Works commenced on the widening, overlay and resealing of Tinaroo Creek Road earlier this year and are progressing well. The project which is funded by the Queensland Government’s Works for Queensland Program is expected to be completed by June 2018.
Royes Street, Mareeba: Works being carried out on Royes Street have been postponed until mid-year due to wet weather. The project funded by the Queensland Government’s Works for Queensland Program commenced in early February 2018. Works will include the widening of the existing seal to the existing kerb and channel along Royes and Carroll Streets, the replacement of existing length of kerb and channel and the upgrade of property access driveways at various locations.
REGULATORY FEES AND CHARGES
Council today adopted a new set of fees for Animal Management, Environmental Health and Local Law activities.
Mayor Tom Gilmore said there was a slight increase in the cost recovery fees, calculated by the actual costs to provide the necessary services to the community. “The Animal Management Act includes a dog de-sexing incentive to encourage pet owners to get their dog de-sexed,” Cr Gilmore said.
“All dogs in Queensland and must be registered, and the registration fee for de-sexed animals is significantly lower to encourage de-sexing.”
The new set of fees and charges will come into effect 1 April 2018.
CEMETERIES FEES AND CHARGES
In preparation for the 2018-19 budget, Council today adopted an updated Schedule of Fees and Charges for cemeteries.
Mayor Tom Gilmore said while Council generally applies a cost-recovery model, charges are discounted wherever possible, to keep costs within this area affordable.
“The hire fees for the shade shelter has decreased considerably, as we are now going to replace the large and cumbersome shelters at the Mareeba New Cemetery with pop up gazebos, saving both time and money,” he said.
As the Kuranda Cemetery is almost at capacity, Council decided today that no future reservations will be accepted. The only exception will be a request for an adjoining plot at the time of an interment occurring. Mayor Tom Gilmore said the reason for this change is that there are a limited number of plots available at the Kuranda cemetery.