Items of Interest – Wednesday 17 April 2019

TAKING THE LEAD

A report tabled at this month’s Council meeting indicates residents are taking the lead when it comes to pet ownership. The number of animals impounded, and infringement notices issued has dropped significantly compared to this time last year.

Mayor Tom Gilmore said it was pleasing to see residents doing the right thing. “Council takes responsible pet ownership seriously and it is very reassuring indeed to see residents are complying with the regulations and duties of owning a dog,” Cr Gilmore said.

“Council has made the registration fee for a de-sexed dog just $20 for the year to encourage residents to do the right thing and register their dogs.

“A reminder that by law, all dogs in Queensland must be registered. Dogs must remain on a lead when outside their secure environment and not be wandering at large.”

COMMUNITY ART, CULTURE AND HERITAGE

Council has announced the successful applicants of the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) community grant round for 2018-19. Eleven projects will be funded under the RADF strategy to support art, heritage and cultural projects across the Shire.

Queensland Arts Minister Leeanne Enoch said investing in creative and cultural experiences through the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) strengthened regional communities, boosted cultural tourism, and enhanced the quality of life in rural and remote towns and cities.

“RADF is a unique partnership between the Queensland Government and Mareeba Shire Council to support local talent, unite communities and celebrate the arts across the state.

“The Queensland Government, through Arts Queensland, is contributing $2.08 million in 2018-19 in partnership with 58 councils statewide to help deliver cultural experiences which align with local priorities,” Ms Enoch said.

Chair of the RADF Advisory committee Councillor Angela Toppin congratulated the following successful applicants.

Youth Link Kuranda -Youth Cre8 Pride Music Productions. Youth Link Kuranda will implement a musical school holiday program to engage at-risk young people in Kuranda. Caroline Lieber -Arts in the Park Community Mural, Mareeba. Local artist Caroline Lieber will complete a mosaic art work that incorporates panels created by the community at the 2018 Mareeba Arts in the Park. Mt Molloy State School -Growing our Community -Sculptural Installations. Mt Molloy State School students, community members and local ceramist will create three large, mixed media sculptural installations depicting the school’s kitchen garden program, local history and local environment. Centre for Australasian Theatre -#SUP? Performance Lab (Julatten). The Centre for Australasian Theatre will deliver theatre workshops for young people to explore and build awareness of their life and future. Kuranda ArtsCo-operative -Artist Promotional Videos. A series of video vignettes will be produced featuring 16 Kuranda artists discussing and demonstrating their artistic techniques. Mareeba Military Muster Organising Group -Mareeba Military Muster. In 2019 the Mareeba Military Muster will feature additional and unique military vehicles and equipment. Mareeba Historic Society -Mareeba History through Film and Voice. This project will allow the Mareeba Historical Society to preserve local historical records into the future. Chillagoe Alliance -Remembrance Cove. Working with RISE and local historians the Chillagoe Alliance will create five historical storyboards that remember and honour the efforts of Chillagoe residents who served in various conflicts. Frances Every -Speewah Roscommon Park Mural. A mural depicting local fauna will be painted onto Roscommon Park fence with participation of community members, school students, teachers and local artist. Walter Brim -CIAF Art Exhibit. Emerging Aboriginal artist Walter Brim will create new works to be exhibited at 2019 Cairns Indigenous Art Fair. Gecko Productions -Kurandascope II. Kurandascope II will document the development of Kuranda through the stories of long-term residents. NEW FOOD OUTLET FOR MAREEBA

Council approved a development application which would see the expansion of Mareeba’s Mobil service station to include a new fast food restaurant. The proposed development on the corner of Byrnes and Herberton Streets will involve the demolition of the existing Mobil service station as well as the demolition of the existing house on the adjoining property to make room for the new service station and fast food restaurant.

TRAVELLING LIBRARY LOVERS

Visitors to the Mareeba Shire will have better access to the range of resources available at libraries while staying in the Shire. Council adopted the schedule of library fees and charges for the next financial year and significantly reduced the visitor membership fee to $20.00 to encourage visitors to utilise the library services. Visitor membership is available to anyone who lives outside Queensland wanting to join a local library while staying in the Shire for work or holiday.