RV dump site ditched
Council drops plans after residents speak out
A RECREATIONAL Vehicle (RV) toilet dump site on Mareeba’s James St has been removed after outcries from ratepayers close to the area.
The decision came after Mareeba Mayor Tom Gilmore allegedly received death threats last month.
A man was arrested and is in custody, waiting to appear in Mareeba Magistrates Court.
There is no suggestion the change was made because of the alleged threats.
James St resident Kelly Brown said the original site was too close to a walking track used by children.
“Something like that in a residential area has an effect on property prices,” she said.
“Some of the concerns of residents were environment health. My biggest concern was the lack of consultation from council about putting a facility like that there.
“Residents on James St are all ratepayers and we should all have a say.”
Ms Brown said she contacted the council with concerns but it was only after residents spoke out that they were really heard. “It has turned out really well in the end but they shouldn’t have wasted ratepayers’ money,” she said.
Cook MP Billy Gordon said some residents’ concerns were environmental issues and property depreciation.
He said he had spoken to James St residents about their concerns. Mareeba Shire Council did not say why the site was cancelled. It is now concentrating on existing sites at Davies Park and the Rodeo grounds.