Mayor Beresford’s June Council meeting wrap-up
Hot Springs & Riverwalk Project
Expressions of Interest have closed for architectural services to design the Hot Springs and Riverwalk Project in Cunnamulla. Council was very pleased with the response of 34 applications which will be shortlisted for consideration at the next Council meeting. The shortlisted firms will then proceed to the second stage of developing a suitable project design. Once a preliminary design is selected, Council will then enter into public consultation with the community to finalise the design before proceeding to construction.
John Kerr Park Upgrade
Councillors took time during the meeting to visit John Kerr Park and confirm siting of the new changerooms. The new building will be located on the sealed section at the southern end of the grounds. D J Buckley Builders expect to commence work on construction of the building in July. Completion of the changerooms will complete the current upgrade project for the park.
Flood Damage to Roads
Council roads experienced a significant amount of flood damage during February this year. Details of the damage sustained is being collected and submitted to the Qld. Reconstruction Authority for funding to re-instate the roads. The first approval of $2.8M has just been received for work on the Bluegrass and Thurulagoonia Roads and this work will commence in the new financial year.
Economic Development
The Economic Development Advisory Committee has been re-established for the 2020/2021 year. EDAC consists of community members who have expressed an interest in being appointed to the committee, together with the Council’s Economic Development Officer, an Executive Officer and one or two Councillors. The Committee will work towards providing strategic direction on economic development initiatives for our Shire. Community members for the next twelve months are Ethan Capewell, Judy Roberts, Karen Ticehurst, Merry Higgins, Doug Faircloth and Paul McCarthy.
Cunnamulla Town Common
It has been decided to re-open the Cunnamulla Town Common for agistment. Council had previously closed the Town Common in October, 2018 due to ongoing drought conditions. With rain earlier this year, the Common now has reasonable pasture coverage allowing its use once again.
Bushlands
The Council is currently working in conjunction with RESQ to deliver training for four participants in the field of horticulture/landscaping. Council is providing supervision for the team who are learning as they work on site to complete a number of improvements to the Bushlands.