Items of Interest – Ordinary Council Meeting, 19 June 2024

The following items were addressed at the Ordinary Meeting of Mareeba Shire Council on Wednesday, 19 June 2024.

REGIONAL ARTS DEVELOPMENT FUND 2024-2028 PROGRAM ADOPTED

TENDERS APPROVED FOR BUSHY CREEK, JULATTEN, AND JARAWEE ROAD, KURANDA

HIGHLIGHTS OF CAPITAL WORK PROJECTS

NEW MEMBERS APPOINTED TO THE MAREEBA MULTICULTURAL FESTIVAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE

REGIONAL ARTS DEVELOPMENT FUND 2024-2028 PROGRAM ADOPTED

19 June 2024

At this month’s Ordinary Council Meeting, Council adopted the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) 2024 – 2028 Program.

“By adopting the RADF program over the next four years in partnership with the Queensland Government, we will be supporting the rich heritage and artistic culture of Mareeba Shire whilst promoting tourism, economic development, strengthening communities and beautifying our towns,” explained Mareeba Shire Mayor Angela Toppin, Chair of the RADF Advisory Committee.

The RADF Program 2024-28 will feature three key components.

“First, it will support the delivery of the three final public artworks as part of the Public Mural Action Plan. These will be delivered in Kuranda, Julatten and Irvinebank and will complement the eight murals recently completed throughout the Shire,” said Mayor Toppin.

The RADF program will also provide opportunities for capacity building in the arts sector.

“Training workshops will be delivered annually to develop practical skills, build employment opportunities, and increase participation in arts and cultural activities for the wider community.

Finally, an annual Community Grant Round will be offered in all but the first year of the RADF program to cater to the diverse development and participation needs of artists, art groups and the community,” concluded Mayor Toppin.

Council is currently seeking feedback on the Public Mural Action Plan, have your say and complete the survey on Council’s website by Sunday, 30 June 2024.

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TENDERS APPROVED FOR BUSHY CREEK JULATTEN, AND JARAWEE ROAD KURANDA

19 June 2024

At the June 2024 Council meeting, tenders were approved for several key roads in the Shire following the damage caused from Tropical Cyclone Jasper and the flooding event in December 2023.

“The flooding that followed TC Jasper caused widespread damage throughout the Mareeba Shire, with over 245 roads requiring emergent works following this natural disaster,” explained Mareeba Shire Mayor Angela Toppin.

“One of Council’s key priorities is to restore vehicle access for the residents of five households that were impacted by Bushy Creek bridge washing away in flood waters. Council has recommended the tender be awarded to Davbridge Constructions, subject to the approval of the Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA),” said Mayor Toppin.

Council also awarded the tender for the stabilisation of Jarawee Road, Kuranda to King Concreting Pty Ltd (Alternative), subject to the approval of QRA.

“The works at Jarawee Road will repair the damage caused to the carriageway, shoulders and stormwater infrastructure,” explained Mayor Toppin.

“Undertaking the appropriate assessments in preparation for tenders can be a complex and time-consuming process and we sincerely thank residents for their patience whilst we move towards reinstating essential infrastructure throughout the Shire,” concluded Mayor Toppin.

Both projects will be delivered with assistance provided through the jointly funded Australian Government and Queensland Government Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

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

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HIGHLIGHTS OF CAPITAL WORK PROJECTS

19 June 2024

At the Ordinary Council Meeting, Council received an update on Capital Works across the Shire.

“Excitement has been building in Mareeba with the works at the southern section of the Bicentennial Lakes nearing completion,” said Mareeba Shire Mayor Angela Toppin.

“Works at the Mareeba pump track at Mason St are now complete and the kids will have a blast riding the circuit full of jumps. It will remain closed until the playground works are complete as it is still a construction site. The sand has just been placed in the playground which will feature a big flying fox, a swing set and slides featuring a hill side garden,” said Mayor Toppin.

A new toilet block has also been constructed at the site, featuring a stunning mural by Violet Shaban as part of the Regional Arts Development Fund supported by the Queensland Government and Council.

“Council is looking forward to opening this facility soon which will be enjoyed for many years by families. Stay tuned by following Council’s Facebook page or signing up to Council’s monthly e-newsletter for the date of the official opening. This project is supported by the Queensland Government and Mareeba Shire Council,” said Mayor Toppin.

“Works are well underway at Anzac Park, Kuranda. A new path will be installed to improve accessibility in the park and as well as new seating. We will also be removing low-lying branches in the park to bring in more sunlight,” explained Mayor Toppin.

Works have also been progressing well for the Mareeba Shire Water Strategy. “This strategy is part of Council’s commitment to upgrade the Mareeba Water Treatment Plant (WTP) to cater for the future growth and provide safe and reliable drinking water,” explained Mayor Toppin.

“Works have progressed well for the filtration system upgrade, with the contractor constructing new filter cell modules, installing critical pipe work and undertaking earthworks around the filtration cells. This work has been funded by the Queensland Government and Mareeba Shire Council.

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NEW MEMBERS APPOINTED TO THE MAREEBA MULTICULTURAL FESTIVAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE

19 June 2024

At the Ordinary Council Meeting held 19 June 2024, seven new members were appointed to the Mareeba Multicultural Festival (MMF) Advisory Committee.

“Community spirit is strong in the Mareeba Shire, and we were delighted to receive an overwhelming response to our call for new members to join the MMF Advisory Committee,” said Chair of the committee, Cr Mary Graham.

The event was established in 2008 to celebrate cultural diversity, highlighting some of the 75 different cultural backgrounds represented in the Shire. It is an opportunity for the community to come together and enjoy a range of delicious cultural food and incredible entertainment.

“The new members bring with them a range of skills and experience, covering a diverse range of cultural backgrounds and ages,” said Cr Graham.

The new members are Andrew Singh, Ann-Marie Keating, Dan Bird, Deanna Maich, Cr Kevin Davies, Merrilee Frankish and Wesley Stiffle.

They will be joining the existing committee members – Fatima Metou, Millabelle Krauss, Nonoa Bejramovic, Samanthia Dooley and Tuaoivasa Ngan-Woo.

“I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank the contributions of the committee members who have recently resigned from the committee – Frank Avolio, Fred Cristaldi, Iuto Patolo, Sabrina Liaver and Giuliano Cordenos whose vision brought the Festival to life,” concluded Cr Mary Graham.

The Mareeba Multicultural Festival will be held on Saturday, 31 August 2024 at Arnold Park in Mareeba and is supported by the Queensland Government and Mareeba Shire Council.

Applications are now open for stall holders and performers to take part in the Festival. Applications will close on 19 July, however we encourage everyone to sign up as soon as possible.

Visit the Mareeba Multicultural Festival website for more information.

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