City needs spruce- up
MAYOR Jenny Hill, while you gallivant through China or south to the NRL grand final, the foundation of administration in Townsville appears severely neglected.
Our city is suffering, our crime is out of control, our unemployment and underemployment remains high.
A council may not be there to solve crime, however, it has a big role to play in improved environmental design to light areas seen as crime hot spots, close laneways not required or gate access ways during late- night hours to deter crime.
I drove into the city on Sunday morning and parking was a shambles with reduced parking and thoroughfares inhibited through many roadworks.
I think it was a poor decision to commit the $ 86 million to put a road back through the mall but nonetheless we did it.
We, however, continue with closing Flinders St to host a Sunday market.
Our standing council began talking about improving and consolidating markets more than a year ago.
I met with several people I knew who were visiting Townsville with their children, in part to embrace the grand final atmosphere and also to enjoy the leisure Townsville has to offer.
These visitors were disappointed to find the Rockpool closed due to algal bloom.
Improving the allure and aesthetic appeal of our Rockpool by modifying it to a clear saltwater chlorinated lagoon, not dissimilar to what exists in Airlie Beach or Cairns, could improve functionality and patronage. It would also reduce the need for emptying and cleaning the Rockpool from fortnightly to three monthly.
With one of the visiting families, my son and I attended the Museum of North Queensland. We had to drive around in circles to find an actual carpark, noting many cars were parked in no parking areas or loading zones.
When walking the hot walk from the car to the museum, I noticed a young family, a pregnant woman, a partner pushing a pram with a young child, approach Flinders St.
The family had to stand there and not only give way to the traffic but guess about the oncoming and low visible vehicles.
I have personally spoken to aldermen previously and the Bulletin has in the past superimposed a pedestrian crossing to the museum to provide for safety, family and pedestrian friendly access to our museum.
Jenny, to properly market what we have, we need to more strategically package what we have and work to achieving Townsville’s status where our residents deserve it to be. STEVEN ISLES, Bushland Beach.