Items of Interest – Council Meeting 15 February 2023

LATM PLAN ADOPTED FOLLOWING COMMUNITY CONSULTATION

At the Ordinary Council Meeting on Wednesday, 15 February 2023, Mareeba Shire Council adopted the draft Local Area Traffic Management (LATM) Plan for the Anzac Avenue precinct.

Mayor Toppin explains, “Council introduced a new LATM model to deal with traffic management issues across the Shire in June 2022.”

“This process is a way to investigate traffic issues in local streets, through targeted community consultation with the aim of developing a prioritised work plan to address these issues.”

The LATM process considers the road hierarchy, community input and any relevant issues to establish a broader outcome with community ownership.

“Our growing population has led to an increase in vehicle volumes, and when our roads reach capacity or become congested, drivers tend to turn to the local road network to avoid this congestion.”

“Ultimately, the resulting traffic issues can become more difficult and expensive to address than the original problem.”

The consultation process included a community survey to identify traffic issues, and to ask for feedback on the developed traffic proposals. Following the survey, a ’Local Resident Traffic Working Group’, comprising of community volunteers and Council officers was established.

As Chair of the Local Resident Traffic Working Group, Councillor Davies explains, “The group was appointed to assist with local knowledge and to provide feedback in the development of traffic management plans for the area.”

“The draft LATM Plan outlines findings of the engagement process and includes recommendations to Council for upgrades and treatments required in the precinct.”

“I would like to thank the working group for their local knowledge and advice to Council.”

“The Plan that was adopted by Council will assist with prioritising work required in the Anzac Avenue precinct based on which project will have the most impact on addressing current traffic problems.”

“The LATM process commenced after the 2022/23 budget allocation, and Council Officers will now investigate, scope, and cost the suggested priority projects, for future consideration and approval by Council,” Mayor Angela Toppin concluded.

COUNCIL PROJECTS ON TRACK

Mareeba Shire Council is making significant progress towards the completion of various projects across the Shire.

Mareeba Shire Council Mayor, Angela Toppin said that a major project is currently underway to upgrade the Granite Creek Pump Station in Mareeba. “The project to replace the ageing infrastructure is required to cater for our growing community well into the future.”

Mayor Angela Toppin explains, “The installation of the external pipe work and flow meter has been completed and the internal protective coating has been applied..”

Recent wet weather has seen Council’s work crews deployed to sites across the Shire for unplanned repairs.

“Council’s work crews have been undertaking emergent work on several roads requiring repairs following heavy rainfall throughout January 2023.”

“Disaster assistance under Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) has been activated in the Shire following extreme monsoonal rainfall and flooding across Northern and Central Queensland in December 2022 and January 2023.”

“Council is grateful for the disaster funding received, and I would like to thank residents for their patience and understanding while Council responds to customer requests across our vast road network. I also encourage residents to report any new damage to Council.”

PARKS & OPEN SPACES PROJECTS CONTINUE

The Splash Park in Mareeba is progressing well, with preliminary site clearing work continuing in spite of the recent wet weather.

“Council identified the Mareeba Sports and Aquatic Centre as the ideal location for the park to allow for the lowest ongoing operational expense to the community and an integrated pool experience.”

“By leveraging the existing children’s pool and 50m pool, the Splash Park will provide an immersive experience to residents and visitors alike,” Mayor Toppin explained. “This will be a further enhancement to the Shire’s liveability.”

“While the wet weather has delayed the project to a small degree, Council is still on track for the park to open mid-2023. The site clearing work and construction of the foundation will continue as soon as the site becomes less waterlogged.”

“Another project, to upgrade the Bicentennial Lakes in Mareeba is also scheduled for completion in 2023.”

“Council has received draft design sketches that will be used as part of a community engagement process which will take place in the coming months.”

“The upgrade to the park will contribute to building a safe, connected and liveable community and construction is planned to commence from mid-2023.”

“Council looks forward to the completion of this important project,” Mayor Angela Toppin concluded.

BUY BACK SHOP ADDS VALUE

Since opening in August 2022, the Buy Back Shop, at the Mareeba Resource Recovery Centre, continues to add value to the community one valuable item at a time.

Councillor Lenore Wyatt, who is a passionate supporter of living sustainably, has been proactive in advocating for a Buy Back Shop since 2017.

“We are excited about the positive feedback we have received from community members since opening the Shop last year. From bicycles to fishing gear, crockery, tables and chairs, valuable items have been diverted from landfill and rehomed with great success.”

“The Buy Back Shop represents another major step towards embedding the circular economy in Mareeba and Council will continue to investigate future opportunities in this space,” Cr Wyatt said.

“If you have never been to the Shop, I invite you to come and grab a bargain,” Cr Wyatt concluded.

The Buy Back Shop, located at the Mareeba Resource Recovery Centre, is open to the public every Saturday from 10am to 1pm.

NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR THE GREAT WHEELBARROW RACE

Nominations are open for the Mareeba & Dimbulah Community Bank Great Wheelbarrow Race 2023.

“Having raised over $2 million since inception, I look forward to being back on the road to celebrate the race’s twentieth anniversary year in 2023,” Councillor Locky Bensted said.

“This race is not about what position you come in, it is about being part of an exciting and unique event that supports many small communities.”

“With Bendigo Bank back on board this year, we look forward to bringing this much needed event to some of our smaller towns across the Shire.”

The race kicks off on Friday, 12 May 2023 in Mareeba and will conclude on Sunday, 14 May 2023 in Chillagoe.

Mareeba Shire Council and the Great Wheelbarrow Race Advisory Committee are encouraging potential teams to get behind this iconic event in 2023.

“If you’ve ever thought about nominating, now is the time to give it a go!”

“This truly is an incredible event. The teams look forward to the Friday night where they are treated to the incredible community spirit in Dimbulah and the unbeatable country hospitality in Almaden on the Saturday night. These nights are great fun, and provide a significant boost to our smaller communities,” Cr Bensted concluded.

Visit www.greatwheelbarrowrace.com for more information and to register.

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