The following items were addressed at the Ordinary Meeting of Mareeba Shire Council on Wednesday, 19 February 2025.
New Dog Boarding and Training Facility Approved for Mareeba
At last week’s Ordinary Council Meeting, the development application for a new dog boarding and training facility was approved for construction at 17 Effley Street, located in Mareeba’s Industrial Estate.
“Mareeba Shire Council supports economic growth, and it will be great to have this new facility available for dog owners,” said Mareeba Shire Mayor Angela Toppin.
The facility will offer daycare and boarding services, with a maximum of 40 dogs allowed onsite. Acoustic fencing will be installed to reduce the noise impact in the industrial estate, and a car park will also be built onsite.
Specialised one-on-one training will be available for reactive and aggressive dogs, as well as for assistance dogs. Customers will also be able to purchase dog food and products at the facility.
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Approved Inspection Program for Dimbulah and Surrounds to Keep Dogs and Residents Safe
At yesterday’s ordinary Council meeting, an Approved Inspection Program was approved for Dimbulah and surrounding areas to reduce the number of wandering dogs and to ensure that dogs have been registered.
“The Approved Inspection Program will allow Council officers to check in with residents to ensure that their dogs have been registered correctly and that their beloved family pets are microchipped,” explained Mareeba Mayor Angela Toppin.
This decision was made after Council received several complaints in the Dimbulah area about wandering dogs.
“Council officers will door-knock in Dimbulah and surrounding areas to check that dogs are safely contained on properties to prevent dogs from wandering into the streets and becoming lost, injured or potentially harming other dogs and people,” said Mayor Toppin.
The program will begin in March 2025 and will run for approximately three months.
It is very important for residents to register their dogs with Council so that if they become lost and are taken to the pound, the owners will be contacted promptly. Residents also need to remember to keep their contact details up to date with Council, so they receive their renewal notices.
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Capital Works Continue Across the Shire
The January Capital Works report was noted at last week’s Council meeting, providing an update on important capital projects across Mareeba Shire.
The lighting and electrical systems upgrade in the Dimbulah Memorial Park has been completed.
“After consultation with community groups who use the park for events at night, it was identified that the park required better lighting and electrical services,” said Mareeba Shire Mayor Angela Toppin.
This project complements recently completed upgrades to the Dimbulah Memorial Park Hall, which delivered a new roof, air conditioning and solar panels to the facility.
The works at the roundabout at the intersection of Constance Street and Herberton Street recommenced in late January, following approval from Ergon to start laying electrical conduit at the site.
While wet weather has been hampering progress, footpath extensions, renewals and kerb ramps will be installed in the coming weeks as the conduit works continue.
This project is supported by the Queensland State Government, which has provided 50% funding through the Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme (TIDS).
The streetscape in Mareeba’s CBD is looking revitalised as the works for the Byrnes Street Median Safety Upgrades project are progressing well.
Seven of the eight locations are now complete with new kerbs, trees and shrubs, irrigation and mulching.
“The project has improved safety for road users by increasing visibility and also created a safer working environment for Council’s Garden and Parks team,” said Mayor Toppin.
The final stage of the project is the median strip located near the Mareeba Cairns Connection Road.
This project is fully funded by the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.
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New Chair for the Great Wheelbarrow Race Committee
At the February Council meeting, Cr Ross Cardillo was appointed to the Great Wheelbarrow Race Advisory Committee as Chair, following the recent passing of the previous Chair, Cr Kevin Davies, in January 2025.
“Cr Kevin Davies has been a part of the Great Wheelbarrow Race for many years, and I would like to sincerely thank him for his immense contributions. Cr Davies’ advocacy was a key reason the event was showcased on Sunrise last year, raising awareness for the Mareeba Shire on a national scale,” said Cr Ross Cardillo.
“The Great Wheelbarrow Race is one of our region’s biggest events, and I look forward to working with the committee and the community to help deliver this iconic race for its 22nd year,” said Cr Cardillo.
Teams follow the 140km Wheelbarrow Way through rich farmlands and wooded Savannah country, starting on Friday, 9 May 2025 in Mareeba and concluding on Sunday, 11 May 2025 in Chillagoe.
Registrations are open until Wednesday, 30 April 2025 and interested participants can learn more and register on the Great Wheelbarrow Race website.
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Disaster Recovery Projects Underway and Completed in Mareeba Shire
The January Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) report was presented at today’s Ordinary Council meeting to provide an update on disaster related projects around the Mareeba Shire.
DRFA is an arrangement between the Australian Government and Queensland Government, to cost-share financial assistance to help communities recover from eligible disasters.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Jenny McAllister said the DRFA supports communities to be better prepared for and protected from future natural disasters.
“The Albanese Government are proud to work with local councils like Mareeba Shire to deliver essential recovery projects that not only rebuild, but enhance the resilience of our communities from future extreme weather events,” Minister McAllister said.
Queensland Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy said the Crisafulli Government stood by all Queenslanders impacted by flood events and would work with all levels of government to overcome disasters.
“This disaster assistance is crucial for local councils to help support their communities to build back better and stronger,” Minister Leahy said.
“The Crisafulli Government, through the Queensland Reconstruction Authority, will continue working closely with Mareeba Shire Council and local governments across the state to deliver successful community recovery outcomes.”
“Mareeba Shire Council is very grateful to receive support from the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements to restore and improve infrastructure in our region following major weather events,” said Mareeba Shire Mayor Angela Toppin.
“With a rate-payer base of around 10,000 people, we simply could not afford to undertake these repairs without significant rate increases,” said Mayor Toppin.
In February 2022, a Low-Pressure Trough caused significant damage across the Shire, including to the Gamboola Crossing, located nearly four hours west of Mareeba.
“The 300m bridge is an important link between the Burke Developmental Road and the Peninsula Development Road. We are delighted to report that the practical completion of this $16 million project was reached in November 2024,” said Mayor Toppin.
Following that weather event, Council received joint funding to undertake the Gully Betterment program to restore and improve gully crossings throughout Mareeba Shire and this reached practical completion in December 2024, making the Shire more resilient for future events.
Council also received an update on works in relation to the damage sustained from Cyclone Jasper and the subsequent flooding event in December 2023.
The crossing at Cobra Creek on Emerald End Road, Mareeba was completely washed away during the floods, cutting off water supply and road access to over 100 properties.
Mayor Toppin explained, “the Cobra Creek crossing repairs have been extensive. Council quickly installed a temporary track and bridge, works are expected to be completed by next month.”
Multiple landslips occurred around Kuranda as a result of over two metres of rain during Jasper.
“The DRFA supported repairs at the Barron Falls Road site, with the safety guardrail being completed last month. Works are also underway at Jarawee Close, and are expected to be completed by March 2025, weather permitting,” explained Mayor Toppin.
Bushy Creek bridge on Mt Lewis Road, Julatten washed away during the floods, cutting off five properties. This bridge has now been reinstated and reopened to traffic in December 2024.
“While there has not been an activation for DRFA for the current wet season, Council will continue to work with the Queensland Reconstruction Authority to ensure that funding continues to come into our Shire to make these essential repairs for our region,” concluded Mayor Toppin.
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