Council jack high on bowls buy

MAREEBA Shire Council is to take over a bowls club and create a community services hub, including a library.

Mayor Tom Gilmore said the council would acquire the Mareeba and Memorial Bowls Club land facilities on Anzac Avenue to develop a hub for community services and activities, including sport and recreation and a library.

He said it was an exciting venture but would depend upon funding before the development could proceed to the next stage.

“Various components will need to be costed for a grant application and fall within the affordability range of council,” Cr Gilmore said.

The proposed development would include modifications to the main building to cater for community services, events and training activities, a space for community events and recreational activities and provide space for a modern multifaceted library service plus the construction of a new clubhouse and synthetic covered bowling green.

Councillor Gilmore said the council recognised that the size of the current library facilities at Mareeba were insufficient to meet the growing demand from community.

“Council has been considering alternative options for this service for quite some time,” he said.

“But until now we have not been able to find anything that is suitable and affordable.”