New works for Mareeba

SARAH NICHOLSON infrastructure initiatives right across the region.

Major infrastructure projects include the upgrade of the John Doyle Bridge and the Cedric Davies Hub at Mareeba, the Mareeba and Dimbulah swimming pools, Barang Street Pump Station upgrade, Mareeba Industrial Park Expansion, Mareeba Airport Upgrade and the sealing of some Ootann Road sections.

Cr Toppin said that, as a small regional council, Mareeba relied heavily on government grants and assistance.

“Mareeba Shire residents benefit greatly from the grants council receives,” she said.

“Chillagoe has been under water restrictions the whole time I’ve been on council.

“The quality of the water has always been a concern and we were able to secure grants for the water reservoir that will make so much difference for that community.

“People in suburban Mareeba will also benefit from projects like the John Doyle bridge and we’re maintaining projects in Kuranda funded through the Kuranda Infrastructure Advisory Committee.

“Kuranda is a big worry for us because of the downturn in tourism but the Barron River Walking Trail and signage through the town are projects happening to be in place when tourism reboots.”

The council received $1.5 million for solar energy initiatives with Cr Topping adding the project would result in significant savings.

“We want to lead by example when it comes to renewable energy and we’ve been fortunate in picking up grants so the residents are not playing,” she said.

“We’ve had solar in (the council chambers) building for at least three years and the cost saving has been pheromonal, so we’re looking at expanding to other infrastructure where the cost of electricity is a big issue like waste treatment plants and swimming pools,” Cr Toppin said.