Items of Interest – Ordinary Council Meeting, 18 September 2024
Mareeba Shire Council 18 Sep 2024

The following items were addressed at the Ordinary Meeting of Mareeba Shire Council on Wednesday, 18 September 2024.

 

COUNCIL ENDORSES UPDATED LOCAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT PLAN.. 2

COMPOSTING WORKSHOPS FOR RESIDENTS. 3

DISCOUNTED GREEN WASTE DAYS. 4

COUNCIL ENDORSES UPDATED LOCAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT PLAN

18 September 2024

At the Ordinary Council Meeting on Wednesday, 18 September 2024, Council endorsed the updated Mareeba Local Disaster Management Plan (LDMP), providing a critical framework for multiagency response and recovery operations during disaster events.

Mayor Toppin said, “The LDMP is an overarching document that outlines the structure, management arrangements, and governance provisions necessary for effective disaster management within our Shire.”

“The plan provides a framework for a multiagency response, and it is an important tool in how we can prepare ourselves and how we respond to disasters or serious events.”

“The LDMP is reviewed regularly and kept up to date with any changes in legislation, and in August 2024 the Mareeba Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) conducted a comprehensive review of the Plan, incorporating valuable feedback from key stakeholders to ensure the plan reflects best practices in disaster management.”

“During today’s meeting it was acknowledged that community safety is everyone’s responsibility, and I would like to remind residents to play their part by developing their own emergency plan. This will ensure that you and your family are well prepared for any disaster should it arise.”

“To assist with your preparations, the Councillors and I are pleased to announce that we have teamed up with Get Ready Queensland for a free family event at the Mareeba Drive In as part of Get Ready Week on Thursday, 10 October 2024 from 5pm – 9pm.”

“This unique event will provide valuable information on disaster readiness, with local emergency services on hand to share insights and practical tips to keep your family safe.”

You can look forward to:

Kids’ activities and interactive displays from 5pm ‘Stories of Jasper’ Documentary starting at 7pm Free movie screening of IF (Rated PG) at approximately 7:25pm Food available from Mareeba Drive In Exciting giveaways

“Do not miss this fantastic opportunity to enjoy a fun-filled night out with your family and the community while learning how to stay safe and be prepared,” Mayor Angela Toppin concluded.

Register online by clicking here. For further information, please contact Council on 1300 308 461 or send an email to [email protected].

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 COMPOSTING WORKSHOPS FOR RESIDENTS

18 September 2024

Mareeba Shire Council is pleased to announce free composting workshops designed to make household composting simple and accessible for everyone are coming up in October and November.

“Led by expert facilitator Jaide Stronggrove, these workshops will teach attendees how to transform their food and garden waste into nutrient-rich compost, benefiting both their gardens and the environment,” Mayor Angela Toppin said.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to learn practical skills that can help reduce household waste and create a more sustainable community. Whether you are a gardening enthusiast or just looking to reduce your environmental footprint, these workshops are perfect for all skill levels.”

“Residents can choose to attend any of the three workshops scheduled to take place on Saturdays from 1:30pm to 3:30pm.”

Workshop venues and dates:

Koah Hall on 12 October 2024 Sports Hall, Arnold Park, Mareeba on 26 October 2024 Mutchilba Community Centre on 2 November 2024

The following topics will be covered during the workshop:

The benefits of composting for your garden and the environment Different composting methods How to set up your own composting system What materials to compost and how to balance the mix Troubleshooting common composting issues

“Bookings are essential, please visit Free Composting Workshops – Mareeba Shire Council (msc.qld.gov.au) to book online or contact Mareeba Shire Council on 1300 308 461,” Mayor Toppin concluded.

DISCOUNTED GREEN WASTE DAYS

18 September 2024

As part of Council’s ongoing efforts to provide sustainable services to our ratepayers, Council will be offering Discounted Green Waste Days.

Why the change?

Mayor Toppin explains, “Free Green Waste Days were only taken up by a small number of residents, with 84% of our community not utilising the Free Green Waste Days”.

“By introducing Discounted Green Waste Days, we continue to offer support to our residents who most need the service, while ensuring the program’s long-term viability.”

“If Council decided to continue with the Free Green Waste Days, an increase of $14 per ratepayer would need to be added to the Waste Facilities Charge to cover the increase in costs.”

“The decision to move to Discounted Green Waste Days is important in demonstrating Council’s commitment to providing sustainable waste management solutions.”

What to Expect?

Affordable Disposal: On designated discounted days, Mareeba Shire residents will be able to dispose of their green waste at a significantly reduced rate (50%).

Residents will pay $5 per load and not the normal $10 per load. This ensures that the service remains accessible to all while helping Council to manage the costs effectively.

Affordable Services: For Free Green Waste Days to continue, Council would need to increase the Waste Facility Charge by an additional $14 per annum. The transitioning to Discounted Days will ensure that the residents who use the service, have an opportunity to access the discounted waste charges on these days.

Council will host two (2) Discount Green Waste weekends per financial year, scheduled before and after the wet season to assist residents with preparation and recovery:

Mareeba, Kuranda, Dimbulah, and Julatten Transfer Stations:

Saturday, 7 December 2024 and Sunday, 8 December 2024 Saturday, 5 April 2025 and Sunday, 6 April 2025

Almaden, Irvinebank, and Mt Molloy Transfer Stations:

Saturday, 7 December 2024 and Tuesday, 10 December 2024 Saturday, 5 April 2025 and Tuesday, 8 April 2025

Mt Carbine Transfer Station:

Thursday, 5 December 2024 and Sunday, 8 December 2024 Thursday, 3 April 2025 and Sunday, 6 April 2025

Mutchilba Transfer Station:

Wednesday, 4 December 2024 and Saturday, 7 December 2024 Wednesday, 2 April 2025 and Saturday, 5 April 2025

Chillagoe Transfer Station:

Thursday, 5 December 2024 and Saturday, 7 December 2024 Thursday, 3 April 2025 and Saturday, 5 April 2025

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