April 26, 2019 - Council news briefs

Legislation changes, safety concerns, vandalism and costs lead to pool closure:

Changes to the National Industry Guidelines for Safe Pool Operations, increasing vandalism and unsupervised use of the recreational pool at Warrina Lakes Botanical Gardens in Innisfail at night by children and intoxicated users have forced the Cassowary Coast Regional Council’s decision to close the facility. The small pool has limited opening hours from September to May and there has been a decrease in use. Council was told at Wednesday’s local government meeting that new safety guidelines developed by the Royal Life Saving Society Australia under the National Aquatic Industry Safety Committee would come into effect on September 1. Required changes include greater lifeguard presence and capability, and with timely access to a defibrillator, oxygen resuscitator and spinal board, none of which is presently available at Warrina Lakes. The new standards would require an upgrade to fencing, quoted at $21,000, purchase of additional safety equipment ($10,000), and hiring additional staff or engaging external lifeguards at a cost of around $58,000 annually.  Council officers have consulted local Disability Support Groups and medical specialists to ensure availability of adequate resources and equipment for all members of the community at the town’s existing aquatic facility, Innisfail Pool. Warrina Lakes Pool will continue to operate until May 31 and will be decommissioned during the winter closure prior to the new guidelines coming into effect. Council also resolved to instruct the Chief Executive Officer to investigate possible sources of funding for a splash pad facility at the Lakes along with community consultation with the most affected groups. 

Cassowary Coast Regional Council meeting dates:

The last two Cassowary Coast Regional Council local government meetings for the current financial year will be held in the Cardwelll Community Hall (May 23) and  Kurrimine Beach Hall (June 27). At this week’s Council meeting in Innisfail, Council adopted the meeting schedule for July to November. These will be held in Mission Beach  on July 25, Innisfail on August 22, Tully on September 26, Innisfail on October 24 and Tully on November 28. Council’s monthly committee meetings will alternate between Tully and Innisfail, starting in Tully on July 11 and then August 8, September 12, October 10 and November 14. Meeting dates and venues are published on Council’s website www.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au

Four projects receive Cassowary Coast RADF grants:

Cassoway Coast Regional Council has approved Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) expenditure of $21,981 for four projects as part of its commitment to strengthen cultural tourism and enhance the cultural and social fabric of the region. Successful applicants were: Threads Fibre and Textile Arts Group which will engage renowned textile artist Aukje Bonnstra to deliver workshops for arts practitioners as part of the Threads Celebration of Fibre and Textile Art Exhibition; filmmaker Juergen Freund to film and edit an audio-visual presentation showcasing the Mission Beach region using the local children’s song Mission Beach Naturally – A Magic Place; Mission Beach Community Arts Centre (Mission Arts) to engage consultant Stephen Clarke to work with the centre’s executive and members, local organisations and the community to review its 2010 strategic business plan and develop in consultation a three-to-five year business plan to guide the successful enterprise; and Cardwell UFO Festival Inc. to engage local artists to facilitate lantern-making workshops and signature piece lantern making for the Milky Way parade at this year’s Cardwell UFO Festival.  The Regional Arts Development Fund is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Cassowary Coast Regional Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland. Council Community Development Officer Kath Hansen said RADF funding was based on the premise of a “contribution” by the applicants in terms of in-kind and other support, with the total value of approved projects in this round being $96,153. Assessments are made by the Cassowary Coast RADF Committee based on community benefit and the degree to which the application satisfied RADF guidelines. END