Items of Interest – Ordinary Council Meeting, 17 July 2024

The following items were addressed at the Ordinary Meeting of Mareeba Shire Council on Wednesday, 17 July 2024.

BALANCED BUDGET FOCUSED ON COUNCIL’S CORPORATE PLAN.. 2

COUNCIL SECURES GRANT FOR LIGHTING UP KURANDA.. 4

NEW FOOTPATH AND PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE AT GRANITE CREEK NEAR EALES PARK, MAREEBA.. 5

COUNCIL CONTIUNES TO SUPPORT SAVANNAH IN THE ROUND.. 6

BALANCED BUDGET FOCUSED ON COUNCIL’S CORPORATE PLAN

Mareeba Shire Council’s 2024/25 Annual Budget was handed down at a Special Council Meeting today.

Mareeba Shire Council Mayor Angela Toppin is optimistic about the projects and community support Council will be delivering, noting that the budget is conservative, reflecting the current economic conditions we are all faced with.

Mayor Toppin said, “I am proud to present a balanced budget for 2024/25 that delivers on each of our Corporate Plan strategic priorities – Financial Sustainability; Community; Transport and Council Infrastructure; Economy and Environment; and Governance.”

“Council is not immune to cost increases and we have made the difficult decision to raise the average residential general rates by $104 a year, which is $2 per week. This increase is to ensure that services are maintained, and community assets are kept to an acceptable standard. We will continue to do what we can to minimise the financial pressures that are impacting our community.”

CAPITAL WORKS PROGRAM TOTALING $24.6 MILLION

“Council will spend $24.6m on capital works in 2024/25, with Transport Infrastructure, including road and bridge works, remaining our biggest expenditure area at $8.5m.”

“This spend does not include the large amount that will be required to repair the significant damage caused by Tropical Cyclone Jasper and the rain event that followed, as most of these costs are borne by the State and Federal Governments through Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.”

“We are committed to Water and Wastewater capital renewals and upgrades and this year more than $12m has been committed to water and wastewater. Additionally, our parks and open spaces will see $531k spent on projects this financial year.”

CONTINUED COMMITMENT TO SUPPORTING OUR COMMUNITY

“Council is proud to provide more than $2.84m in community support including:

NEW PAYMENT PORTAL TO HELP RESIDENTS MANAGE THEIR RATES BILL

“I am excited about the launch of a new payment portal to assist ratepayers with the managing of their six-monthly rates bill,” Mayor Toppin continued.

“Council strongly encourages ratepayers to use the new Flexipay option which will allow ratepayers to set up a direct debit payment arrangement at intervals of either weekly, fortnightly or monthly.”

“Council will not be charging interest on these approved arrangements for current outstanding rates and charges. For those ratepayers that pay their rates by the due date, the 10% prompt payment discount for general rates will be applied.”

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF FUNDING RECEIVED

“With a relatively low ratepayer base, Mareeba Shire relies on the State and Federal governments for grant funding, and I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the funding that has been received in recent years.”

“In particular, the State Government’s Works for Queensland grant, the Federal Local Roads and Community Infrastructure grant and jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, which have allowed us to deliver a range of projects and repairs.”

CONCLUSION

“To conclude, I would like to pass on my sincere thanks to my fellow Councillors, the CEO and Council officers for working together to manage costs and implement efficiencies.”

“The Councillors and I know that the decisions we made today have a direct impact on the sustainability of the Shire in the future. Together, we have developed a responsible and sustainable budget which contributes to our Council vision – ‘A growing, confident and sustainable Shire’,” Mayor Toppin concluded.

COUNCIL SECURES GRANT FOR LIGHTING UP KURANDA

Mareeba Shire Council is delighted to announce it has been awarded a grant from the Queensland Government’s Building Bush Tourism Fund to support the ‘Lighting Up Kuranda’ project.

This project, with a total project cost of over $930,000, will see improved street lighting, planter box landscaping and footpath accessibility upgrades in the main streets of Kuranda.

Mayor Angela Toppin expressed her enthusiasm for the project’s potential impact.

“Securing this grant is a fantastic win for Kuranda and we would like to thank the Department of Tourism and Sport for providing $200,000 towards the project.”

The improvements will not only make our Village in the Rainforest safer and more accessible but will also stimulate economic activity and enhance the overall visitor experience. We look forward to the improvements in Kuranda, one of the most vibrant and attractive destinations in our Shire.”

“Council completed community consultation for enhancements to Coondoo Street in 2021 and Council would like to thank residents and business owners for their valuable inputs regarding the project.”

“The construction date and programming of works will be finalised following the signing of the funding agreement,” Mayor Toppin concluded.

For further information about the ‘Lighting Up Kuranda’ project, please visit Council’s website.

NEW FOOTPATH AND PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE AT GRANITE CREEK NEAR EALES PARK, MAREEBA

Mareeba Shire Council is pleased to announce the completion of an asphalt pathway and pedestrian bridge at Granite Creek, near Eales Park, Mareeba.

Mayor Angela Toppin said, “This significant project, necessitated by the damaged caused by Cyclone Jasper and the associated rainfall, underscores Council’s commitment to enhancing community infrastructure and ensuring public safety.”

“The repair works involved the restoration of the pathways leading to the pedestrian bridge and the replacement of the bridge deck. The replacement of the deck and concrete approaches will make the bridge more resilient to withstand future weather events.”

Mayor Toppin expressed pride in the completion of the work. “We understand the importance of these pathways for our residents, and we are committed to improving our local infrastructure to maintain safety standards for walkers and cyclists.”

“I would like to thank our residents for their understanding and patience while the project was underway. The new and improved footpath and pedestrian bridge are now open and ready for use, providing a safer and more enjoyable experience for all,” Mayor Toppin concluded.

COUNCIL CONTIUNES TO SUPPORT SAVANNAH IN THE ROUND

Mareeba Shire Council is proud to announce its continued support for the annual Savannah in the Round festival through the Community Partnership Program with a $5000 cash donation.

“The Savannah in the Round Festival is a premier event that showcases an impressive lineup of international and Australian country, pop, roots and rock artists, as well as Indigenous dance, storytelling, cultural displays and workshops,” said Mayor Angela Toppin.

Sound Australia CEO, James Dein, thanked Council for their support. “The Mareeba Shire Council has been a sponsor of Savannah in the Round since our first festival in 2021.”

“We’ve always been made to feel very welcome in this community and we’re very grateful to the Mareeba Council and thank them for their ongoing support,” Mr Dein added.

“An exit tourism survey from last year’s event stated that Savannah in the Round generated $5.5 million in overnight visitor expenditure in the TTNQ Region and more than 23,000 visitor nights last year – a feat that we achieved with the help of Mareeba Shire Council.”

“Almost 50% of visitors that travel to this event are from outside the region, and they come from every state in Australia,” Mr Dein concluded.

Mayor Toppin echoed Mr Dein’s statement. “The festival continues to attract a diverse demographic and contributes to the economy in the Shire. We truly reap the benefits of the festival long after it concludes.”

“I have heard from visitors who experience this part of the country for the first time when joining the festival, and then you will see them coming back again and again. It truly is such a fantastic way to showcase the natural attractions, lovely weather and climate that we are known for.”

“As Mayor of Mareeba Shire Council, I would like to acknowledge the significant efforts of the organisers, volunteers, members of the community and businesses who make this great event possible.”

“I would like to encourage locals to come out and support this wonderful event hosted in our backyard. Whether you join for the live music or for the delectable food on offer, the weekend promises to be filled with entertainment, community spirit, and cherished memories.”

“I wish Sound Australia all the best for their upcoming event. For further information and a program of events, please visit Savannah in the Round’s official website,” Mayor Toppin concluded.

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