Items of Interest – Ordinary Council Meeting, 16 April 2024

The following items were addressed at the Ordinary Meeting of Mareeba Shire Council on Tuesday, 16 April 2024.

ROAD NETWORK REPAIRS CONTINUING.. 2

USE OF COMMUNITY HALLS REMAINS STRONG.. 3

TENDER APPROVED FOR VARIOUS ROADS. 4

ROAD NETWORK REPAIRS CONTINUING

19 April 2024

At this month’s Ordinary Council Meeting, an update about Mareeba Shire’s road network was presented to Council.

The extreme wet season has impacted a large area of Mareeba Shire, with the northern and eastern parts particularly affected.

At the time the report was presented, a total of 212 roads have sustained damage, which is more than half of all roads in the Shire.

“Council’s road crew of 34 staff members have been working tirelessly with contractors to inspect damage, restore basic practical access and make emergency repairs to the road network across the Shire,” Mayor Angela Toppin explained.

“We understand the frustration of having to deal with potholes, but our crews are just as frustrated having to continue to go back to temporarily fix the same issue, until a permanent job can be done.”

“Extensive repair works, and restoration of assets is not included at this stage of the recovery. Our crews are concentrating on major damage at the moment including the necessary activities to protect eligible public assets, temporarily restore essential public services and to maintain public safety.”

“Please continue to report damage to community infrastructure, but when you do, please be kind and patient and do not take it out on our Staff, they are here to help you. If you would like to talk to someone, please come and talk to me or any of the Councillors.”

The Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA) has advised that Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements have been activated for Tropical Cyclone Jasper and the associated rainfall and flooding event. Assistance provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Due to ongoing rain and access difficulties the QRA has issued an extension of time to the Emergent and Immediate Restoration submissions for a further 90 days to 30 June 2024.

“We would like to thank the community for their patience as repairs continue across the Shire,” concluded Mayor Toppin.

Visit Council’s website for a gallery of images that shows the significant impact of this weather event.

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USE OF COMMUNITY HALLS REMAINS STRONG

19 April 2024

At this month’s Ordinary Council Meeting, it was reported that utilisation of Council’s Community Halls remains strong across almost all facilities.

Mayor Angela Toppin said, “There are many Council-managed and Community-managed halls and facilities available to hire by members of the public for a variety of purposes including weddings and receptions, exhibitions, plays and musicals, club and group meetings and cultural, religious and community events.”

“Council supports the use of community halls, land and facilities to enhance community connectedness, liveability and wellbeing in the Shire.”

“For example, in Mareeba the Sports Hall is used by various groups, including Mareeba Basketball, Rhee Taekwon-Do, and by the Z Crew to provide Zumba classes.”

Zumba instructor Debbie Ball said they have been using the hall since 2019. “At Zumba, we make exercise fun, and the hall provides a valuable space for our attendees to get their body moving in a motivating and energetic environment while socialising with friends.”

“You are guaranteed to leave with a smile on your face, so join today! Information is available on our Facebook page,” Ms Ball concluded.

“Council halls can also be managed by a community group on behalf of Council to be used community members, for example the Mutchilba, Koah, Mt Molloy and Geraghty Park Halls,” Mayor Toppin continued.

“Since this agreement has been introduced in 2017, Council has seen the re-positioning of community halls in local communities due to the in-depth knowledge of how best to manage the hall to increase usage in ways that best suit their needs.”

“There are many examples of groups that make use of this arrangement, including the Koah Sports and Social Club Inc., a volunteer-run organisation that works tirelessly to provide an amazing community experience for the residents of Koah and surrounds.”

“The club maintains the Koah Hall grounds, including the wonderful nature playground, organises community events, promotes active community engagement, and provides a home for numerous recreational classes, as well as women’s, men’s and parents’ groups, and one-off events.”

“In 2023, the Committee was successful in receiving a grant to upgrade the tennis court and to buy a new mower for the Hall Property.”

“If you are looking to hire a hall, I would like to encourage you to visit Council’s website or visit Council’s event calendar to see what is happening in your neck of the woods” Mayor Toppin concluded.

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TENDER APPROVED FOR VARIOUS ROADS

19 April 2024

At the Ordinary Council Meeting on Tuesday, 16 April 2024, Mareeba Shire Council awarded the contract for the Eastern Roads Package, Dimbulah Roads Package, Mid-Western Roads Package and Western Roads Package to the value of over fifteen million dollars.

Mayor Angela Toppin said, “The tenders approved this week relates to financial assistance from the Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA) after a natural disaster event was declared for Northern and Central Queensland Monsoon and Flooding between 20 December 2022 and 30 April 2023. Assistance provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

“Council would like to thank the State Government for the funding received and their support will be used to bring the above-mentioned roads back to pre-existing conditions and to meet current engineering standards.”

“I would like to emphasise that the work carried out under these contracts will not address the damage to infrastructure following Tropical Cyclone Jasper and the associated rainfall.”

“For Council to qualify for funding we need to follow the necessary process. ARO Industries was engaged to undertake the necessary site investigations and following their visit, approval was received for the scope of works associated with the projects, including the budget.”

“While this process can take a long time, it is in the best interest of our residents, saving our ratepayers having to foot the bill for millions of dollars.”

“As Australia’s third largest fruit producer and a producer of off-season temperate zone produce, there is a need for large volumes of freight to move from the region to southern and overseas markets.”

“Works include the reinstatement of carriageway, shoulders and associated stormwater infrastructure on various roads.”

“The condition of our roads is of utmost importance, and I look forward to the completion of these important projects,” Mayor Toppin concluded.

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