Clean- up drive at ‘ forgotten suburb’
FOR the past two- and- a- half years, Bob McNevin, 66, has been volunteering to maintain the area surrounding his home.
Mr McNevin has taken matters into his own hands because he thinks the suburb is being neglected.
“When you drive into Bushland Beach, all you see is weeds. The place has turned into an absolute mess,” he said.
Concerned locals have taken to creating the Bushland Beach action group on Facebook where they discuss the feeling the suburb has been ignored.
“I care about all of the area and its beautification,” Mr McNevin said.
“Do a comparison between Bushland Beach or Idalia, and you’ll see the difference.
“We put in an application to have some work done, before Christmas … those requests still haven’t been acted on.”
Mr McNevin clears an area which would cover about 16 homes and said the growth from the drains posed a health risk.
“It’s terrible … when the wet weather is here have a mosquito infestation,” he said.
Mayor Jenny Hill said the council had recognised the issue and committed more funds for maintenance.
Cr Hill said newer suburbs of Townsville had irrigation included into their plans by developers, while older suburbs such as Bushland Beach did not.
Mr McNevin said he was frustrated at the amount of time it has taken to get tangible results, but concedes one of the council staff members has been effective and “marvellous”.