Items of Interest – Ordinary Council Meeting, 20 November 2024

The following items were addressed at the Ordinary Meeting of Mareeba Shire Council on Wednesday, 20 November 2024.

21 November 2024

At yesterday’s ordinary Council meeting, a contract was awarded for the upgrade of the lighting at Davies Park, Mareeba.

“Davies Park is a popular sporting facility in Mareeba that is currently used by the Mareeba Rugby League Club, Mareeba Junior Rugby League Club, Mareeba State School and the Mareeba Touch Football Association,” said Mayor Angela Toppin.

“Council recognises the importance of well-maintained sports fields to enable the community to participate in sport. These facilities promote physical activity, social interaction, a sense of community spirit and positive mental health outcomes,” explained Mayor Toppin.

The existing lighting on Field One does not currently meet the illumination requirements outlined in the Australian Standards for training and the ageing lighting has become costly for Council to maintain.

“Council is excited to announce that we have received funding under the Queensland Government’s Minor Infrastructure and Inclusive Facilities Fund towards the project, and Mareeba Shire Council is contributing the remaining funding. The contract has been awarded to I-Lec Group Pty Ltd for a total of $274,996 (excluding GST),” said Mayor Toppin.

The Queensland Government provided $172,699 (excluding GST) to Mareeba Shire Council to upgrade Davies Park Lighting on Field One, to enable Queenslanders to participate in sport and recreation activities.

The scope of work will include the supply and installation of electrical systems and lighting equipment to upgrade the existing lighting to Field One. Works will also include the design and construction of a new compliant headframe, new distribution boards, main switchboard modifications, installation of specified luminaires and general sub-circuit cabling.

“Works are scheduled to begin in the new year,” concluded Mayor Toppin.

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21 November 2024

At yesterday’s ordinary Council meeting, a contract was awarded for upgrades to the bridge crossing the Barron River on Oak Forest Road, Mona Mona.

“The bridge that crosses the Barron River on Oak Forest Road, Mona Mona, is an important piece of infrastructure that services the community of Mona Mona and provides access to nine rural properties,” said Mayor Angela Toppin.

An inspection of the bridge in 2021 identified that deck upgrades were required. The bridge is a single-lane concrete causeway that links to an ageing timber bridge structure. In its current condition, the bridge has a load-limit of five tonnes.

“Council is delighted to announce we have received $320,000 in funding under the Australian Government’s Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program (formerly the Bridges Renewal Program), in addition to $80,000 in Council funds. The contract has been awarded to Neater Constructions for a total of $450,667 (excluding GST),” said Mayor Toppin.

The works will include new steel supports, protective coating of the existing steel girders and a new timber deck, which will achieve a 44-tonne load capacity. The bridge will not be raised to a higher level as this would increase the cost significantly.

“The works will begin after the 2024/25 wet season and should take approximately six weeks to complete,” concluded Mayor Toppin.

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21 November 2024

At the November Council meeting, the minutes from the Pest Management Advisory Committee (PMAC) were presented, highlighting the work Council has undertaken over the past 12 months.

“The purpose of PMAC is to provide Council with strategic guidance on regional pest management, which includes reviewing the Mareeba Shire Community Biosecurity Plan, prioritising invasive species, sharing knowledge, and identifying funding opportunities,” said the Chair of PMAC, Mareeba Shire Councillor Ross Cardillo.

“The PMAC meeting is an excellent opportunity for stakeholders, government agencies, experts, and other local councils to collaborate and discuss biosecurity risks in our region,” added Cr Cardillo.

Council recently held an Amazon Frogbit session as part of the FNQROC Wet Tropics Biosecurity Roadshow last month, where PMAC members were invited to observe the progress of the Amazon Frogbit treatment at the northern section of Bicentennial Lakes in Mareeba.

“Amazon Frogbit is a particular concern in the Mareeba Shire. This aquatic invasive weed was likely introduced to the area from a fish tank or private pond. The floating plant smothers waterways, blocks irrigation, and reduces oxygen levels in the water, negatively impacting other animal and plant species. The challenge is that this plant is incredibly resilient and is easily carried by birds to new locations,” explained Cr Cardillo.

“Council is actively treating areas of Chinaman and Atherton Creeks, as well as the northern section of Bicentennial Lakes, to prevent its spread and is seeing success in these areas. Thankfully, there is no sign of the weed in the Mitchell River at this stage and Council regularly monitors the site,” said Cr Cardillo.

Over the past year, Council responded to 76 requests related to pest management.

It was also reported that there has been a reduction in Bellyache Bush in Koah over the past 12 months. Siam Weed has been treated in Watsonville, Petford, Mt Molloy, and Julatten, with another site in Mt Carbine still undergoing treatment.

Thunbergia sites in Kuranda and Julatten have been surveyed and mapped, with the Julatten site currently undergoing treatment. Giant Rat’s Tail Grass and Gamba Grass were also treated along the roadside throughout the Shire.

Pest management is an ongoing challenge in our region, and Mareeba Shire Council will continue its efforts to manage invasive plant and animal species to protect our environment, industries and residents,” concluded Cr Cardillo.

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21 November 2024

In yesterday’s Council meeting, Council endorsed in-kind assistance of $5,200 towards the Mareeba Rotary Club’s Carols by Candlelight event.

“In 2023, the Mareeba Rotary Club’s Carols by Candlelight was an incredible event and earlier this year was honoured with the Mareeba Shire Australia Day award for event of the year,” said Mareeba Shire Mayor Angela Toppin.

The event brought the community together to enjoy entertainment, support local businesses and light the new Christmas tree in Byrnes Street.

“Council is delighted that Mareeba Rotary will be hosting this event again. Make sure to head along from 5.30pm on Friday, 6 December in downtown Mareeba to enjoy Christmas carols, face painting, Christmas card making, Santa and the wonderful Christmas markets,” concluded Mayor Toppin.

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21 November 2024

In yesterday’s ordinary Council meeting Councillors discussed the public consultation period for the proposed Amended Local Laws.

At the Council meeting on 16 October 2024, Mareeba Shire Council resolved to propose amending a number of local laws. The public were invited to provide written submissions on the Amended Local Laws from 19 October to 15 November 2024.

Councillors yesterday approved a public consultation period extension to 5pm on Wednesday, 4 December 2024.

“The Councillors and I decided that extending the written submission period for the Amended Local Laws will give the community more time to read and consider the minor adjustments that are being proposed,” said Mareeba Shire Mayor Angela Toppin.

Local laws help communities to be better places to live by regulating certain behaviours, promoting safety, harmony and good rule in the community. The Amended Local Laws being proposed are responding to matters that have been raised in the community over the past years and in many cases are relaxing current regulations.

“I invite the community to contact any Councillor for clarification on the Amended Local Laws. There has been some confusion in the community, and we would be happy to answer any questions,” said Mayor Toppin.

Written submissions may be provided to Council in writing until 5pm Wednesday, 4 December 2024. Submissions made must state if you support or object to the proposed amendments to the local laws and to give facts and circumstances as to why you are supporting or objecting.

The proposed amendments to local laws can be viewed on Council’s website, in person at the Rankin Street Customer Service Centre or the Mareeba and Kuranda Library branches.

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