One Coast, Cassowary Coast
August 27, 2021
REOPENED AFTER RIVERBANK REPAIRS From page 1
Bowls are rolling down the green and the rinks are once again full at the Innisfail Bowls Club with 20 August 2021 marking the official re-opening of the Bowls Club and completion of the Johnstone River Stabilisation Infrastructure Construction Project. The reopening of the Innisfail Bowls Club was a momentous occasion, celebrated by Bowls Club Members, Local Government, State Government, Federal Government and the community. Following damage sustained during the North and Far North Monsoon Trough in 2019, Cassowary Coast Regional Council and the Innisfail Bowls Club secured $1.2 million through the joint Commonwealth-State funded Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA). The project was managed
by Council and undertaken by Mager Construction as well as a number of local subcontractors. The project involved the stabilisation of an eroding section of the river bank through construction of an 85 metre long mass wall. The works also necessitated the replacement of the bowling green, associated fencing, shed, carpark and shade structures with seating. The re-opening celebrated the preservation of the Innisfail Bowls Club and a reminder of the asset’s important role in the community with both a social focus and its work in various not for profits, charities and community groups. Cassowary Coast Regional Council Mayor Mark Nolan who holds the portfolio of Major Projects said he was very pleased that Innisfail Bowls Club and Council had taken the initiative and worked with the Australian and Queensland Governments to secure fund-
Want to know more? WITH a wealth of knowledge and talents under their belts, our Councillors have a strong passion to support our communities and as a team they endeavour to make the people of the Cassowary Coast proud of Council’s achievements. Cassowary Coast Regional Council Mayor Mark Nolan said our Councillors are committed to making the best decisions for our region and they value effective communication. “One of the challenges for all levels of government is how to ensure that different, and often competing, interests are recognised, addressed and responded to. This is particularly relevant for local government which regards itself as being closest to ‘the community’. “Good conduct in local government means that councillors should act with integrity and impartiality and very rarely, this means that Councillors will be unable to talk or meet on certain
ing for this important project and fix this critical issue. “It is great to see the bowls rolling down the green again. I would like to take the opportunity to thank the Federal and State Governments for their assistance with the project and look forward to the Innisfail Bowls Club playing an important role in the Cassowary Coast community for another 100 years and beyond,” Councillor Mark Nolan said. Member for Hill Shane Knuth who was in attendance at the reopening event shared how impressed he was with the final finish of the river wall reinforcements which was a far better outcome to the alternative of having to move the club. “I’ve seen the improvements and what a wonderful asset this will continue to be for the community,” Mr Knuth said. “Full credit to the Innisfail Bowls Club in their never give up approach and persistent lobbying.
The opening ceremony ribbon cutting with bowls club members Diana O’Brian and Alf Strano, Cassowary Coast Regional Council Mayor Mark Nolan, Shane Knuth MP and the Honourable Curtis Pitt. “I was very pleased to be able to work with the bowls Club, Cassowary Coast Regional Council, and State Government to see this project come into fruition.” said Mr Knuth. Alf Strano, President of the Innisfail Bowls Club said “The Innisfail Bowls Club will cel-
ebrate its centenary in 2023 and has a number of events planned, all of which can progress now that we have addressed the riverbank erosion issue. It’s a great day for the club and the committee and I would like to thank all of those which have been involved in the project.”
Repairs to the riverbank were jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) through the Community Assets Repair Program.
Connect with your local Councillor topics but majority of the time, Councillors are able and more than willing to meet with members of the community.” Councillor Trudy Tschui said getting in touch with your Councillor is easier than you think. Councillors are eager to meet with their constituents. There are several ways to communicate with your Councillor: meeting with them in-person, talking to them on the telephone, and writing an email or letter. All of our contact information is listed on the Cassowary Coast Council website.” Councillor Teresa Millwood said through ‘Catch Up With Your Councillor’ sessions, Council welcomes individuals, community groups and organisations to meet with Council to propose initiatives, projects or to provide further information regarding community issues. Councillor Barry Barnes added that sessions are primarily held at Council libraries and are advertised in the libraries and on our Facebook pages. Bookings are essential and the great team at the
Libraries are happy to assist. Councillor Jeff Baines said meeting with constituents was one of the favourite parts of his role as Councillor and would always be happy to sit down and have a chat. “Just give me a call and we will arrange a time to meet.” Councillor Nick Pervan echoed these sentiments and said he would always try to make himself available to meet with residents as connecting and listening about the topics that matter to the community is the most important part of his role as Councillor. Councillor Renee McLeod said she was looking forward to settling into her new role and organising her own ‘Catch Up With Your Councillor’ sessions but in the meantime residents are welcome to call her on her mobile. Councillor contact details can be found on Council’s website at www.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/our-council/councillors. Alternatively, residents can call Council on 1300 763 903.
