Items of Interest – Council Meeting 17 August 2022

At the Ordinary Council meeting on Wednesday, 17 August 2022, Mareeba Shire Council awarded the contract for the design and construct of the Mareeba Amaroo Eastern Catchment Play Equipment and associated works to Moduplay Pty Ltd for the fixed price amount of $270,000.00 (excl. GST).

The park will be located on the corner of Karobean Drive and Hastie Road, Mareeba and is designed for young families and teenagers to enjoy.

Mareeba Shire Council Mayor, Angela Toppin, is delighted to progress this project.

“The ‘continuous themed’ play area will incorporate interactive play equipment to tie into the central play feature which is expected to be a domed climbing frame,” Mayor Angela Toppin explained.

“What is more, the park will be shaded and include rubberised soft-fall, as well as seating, tables, a picnic shelter and lighting.”

“Council received six tenders for consideration, and I would like to congratulate Moduplay Pty Ltd for being awarded the contract. Their design had special charm due to layout, presentation and the potential to appeal to a broader cross-section of children, across a wider age range.”

“The playground will be constructed on an underdeveloped greenfield site, and is the first step in a redesign of the entire location. The park will be further developed in the future when funds become available.”

“I know the play equipment will be well received by our growing community and I look forward to the creation of an overall Master Plan for the park in the long-term,” Mayor Angela Toppin concluded.

Images gallery: Tender Awarded for Amaroo Eastern Catchment Play Equipment – Mareeba Shire Council (msc.qld.gov.au) 

Mareeba Shire Council has awarded the design and construct tender for the Kuranda Centenary Park Play Equipment project on Wednesday, 17 August 2022.

“Council is pleased to award the tender to Moduplay Pty Ltd. The awarded tender is not only aesthetically appealing, but also value for money with Moduplay achieving a significant cost saving by being awarded both the Kuranda Centenary Park and the Mareeba Amaroo Park projects,” Mareeba Shire Council Mayor, Angela Toppin, said.

“The tender includes the addition of new play equipment, lighting for night-time use, shelter, seating and tables, and the removal of the existing equipment and shade sail. The new equipment will be built to last, being suitable for Kuranda’s climate.”

“The existing shade sail and play equipment will be salvaged and assessed for potential use elsewhere.

“I am delighted to know that the shade sail and play equipment will be re-purposed,” Mayor Angela Toppin said. “This is another example where Council has looked to the circular economy for ways to reuse materials for as long as possible, and reduce valuable items going to landfill.”

“The community can look forward to a revamped park by the end of 2022,” Mayor Angela Toppin concluded.

Images gallery: Tender Awarded for the Kuranda Centenary Park Play Equipment – Mareeba Shire Council (msc.qld.gov.au) 

Mareeba Shire Council is making notable progress towards the completion of capital projects throughout the Shire.

“Council’s Capital Works program is focussed on renewing and upgrading Council infrastructure, in a cost-effective manner, to ensure a sustainable future,” Mayor Angela Toppin said.

One project to upgrade the Davies Creek Road Bridge from timber deck to concrete deck was completed in July 2022.

Mayor Toppin said, “The bridge replacement was Funded by the Australian Government’s Bridges Renewal Program and the concrete deck and kerb units were fabricated by Council’s Bridge Crew at Council’s Kowa Street depot.”

“Council’s Bridge Crew re-established at Davies Creek Bridge on Kanervo Road in early July to continue construction of the bridge. The existing timber bridge deck has been demolished and the installation of pier extension reinforcing is complete and preparation for abutment renewal works has commenced.” Emergency repair works have been completed on the Burke Developmental Road between Trimble’s Crossing and the boundary of Mareeba Shire Council and Carpentaria Shire Council.

Mayor Toppin explains, “The extended wet season meant that the height of the Mitchell River at Trimble’s Crossing was too high for Council staff to cross safely. The height of the river finally receded to an acceptable level in early June.”

“The maintenance grading crew can now proceed with the annual maintenance grade through to the Shire boundary.”

Moreover, vegetation growth has started to slow down due to the cooler and drier weather.

“The reduction in vegetation growth means the Parks and Gardens team can reduce the frequency of mowing, brush cutting and slashing across the shire. In July, the Parks and Gardens team used this time to prepare the gardens in Byrnes Street and to prepare the gardens at the Cedric Davies Hub for spring,” Mayor Angela Toppin concluded.

At the Ordinary Council Meeting on Wednesday, 17 August 2022, Councillors were informed of land inspections that were carried out in the month of July.

Mayor Angela Toppin explains, “Inspections were carried out on Parthenium Weed, Siam Weed and Jatropha Weed.”

“Council has developed specific Biosecurity Action Plans for each of these weeds which are classed as Restricted Matter under the Queensland Biosecurity Act.”

Parthenium weed is an annual herb with a deep tap root and an erect stem that becomes woody with age. Juvenile plants are formed from a rosette on the ground. As it matures, the plant develops many branches in its top half and may eventually reach a height of two metres.

“Parthenium Weed inspections were carried out at twelve sites and the landholders are complying with their biosecurity obligation.”

“Furthermore, Council’s annual Siam Weed survey and treatment at Sandy Creek, which feeds into Rifle Creek in Mt Molloy, has been completed. I am delighted to hear that a substantial reduction in Siam Weed plants has occurred in this area. What is more, Council Officers were successful in treating all known sites before plants were able to flower and seed.”

Council Officers have continued work in Emu Creek, Petford to eradicate the two Jatropha Species, Belly ache and Physic nut, as well as rubber vine.

“I invite community members to visit Council’s website to know their biosecurity obligation with the aim of identification, removal and eradication of invasive plants and animals. Council’s Community Biosecurity Plan can be accessed here,” Mayor Angela Toppin concluded.