Mount Louisa project is off and running

TOWNSVILLE CITY Council is on a winner with its proposal to turn Mount Louisa into a recreational precinct.

A post on the Townsville Bulletin’s Facebook page on the weekend, promoting a story on the proposal, attracted a huge reaction with the large majority of comments fully supportive of the idea.

The general consensus of opinion was that it was a great idea that respondents would love to use.

The plan would see tracks built on the hill which would cater for walkers and cyclists.

Off- leash areas for dogs would also be incorporated in the project.

The proposal would open up another, free exercise option for Townsville residents who live away from the vicinity of Castle Hill, which is a hotspot for many of the city’s active population.

It would also take some of the pressure off Castle Hill, which Mayor Jenny Hill says is being loved to death.

Council will seek community input on the proposal before, hopefully, pushing ahead.

There is not doubt the plan will be met with unanimous approval in the community. The only stumbling block to getting the project under way will be satisfying the requests of the varied users.

Council should be mindful of pushing forward with the project and avoid getting bogged down with the community consultation process.

While this is a process that has to be undertaken, the time frames need to be brief, especially for a project which has such widespread support.

Let’s hope in one to two years time Mount Louisa’s recreational precinct is up and running and not stalled by the bureaucratic process.

Winton sets example to all

WINTON’S community spirit has to be admired.

While many outback towns continue to struggle for survival, Winton has gone on the front foot to ensure it has a future.

A focus on attracting tourists for several unique events it hosts and the continuing growth of the nearby Age of Dinosaurs museum means the small community is taking its future in its own hands.

More benefits will flow next year when the new Waltzing Matilda centre opens.

Winton’s can- do attitude serves as a template for other struggling communities looking to reinvent themselves in the wake of downturns in industries they have traditionally relied on.