New course for local pooches

A NEW agility course has been installed at the Mareeba Dog Park thanks to the help of the Mareeba Men’s Shed.

Mareeba Shire Council had the idea to install the equipment at the park last year and approached the Men’s Shed for assistance.

Member of the Shed and engineer by trade, Roland Hill, designed the equipment which is now available for pooches of all shapes and sizes to enjoy.

“We considered various types of materials to manufacture the equipment, but in the end, we decided to use steel and decking boards to build equipment that is durable and will withstand the elements,” Mr Hill said.

“I have never done anything like this before, and I thoroughly enjoyed being involved in this project. The equipment was built by a handful of us, with welders doing a wonderful job in completing the steel frames and the rest of the team working on manufacturing and installing the wooden decking boards.”

Mayor Angela Toppin thanked the Mareeba Men’s Shed for designing and building the installed items.

“On behalf of council, I would like to thank the Men’s Shed for working on this project, and listening to the positive feedback received to date, I know this park will bring many happy moments for dogs and their owners,” she said.

School holidays end 40km/h zones return

POLICE are reminding motorists to re-familiarise themselves with the school zones and school zone times in their local areas with kids returning to school on Monday.

Parents and caregivers are asked to please follow signage around their local schools and ensure they are parking in the correct zones and not causing congestion by double parking or overstaying stated wait times in school collection zones.

Cairns District Crime Prevention Unit acting sergeant Heidi Marek is imploring drivers to be safe and aware around school zones.

“Please help ensure the safety of our younger members of the community by slowing down and taking extra care in the school zones,” she said.

Sgt Marek has also issued a warning to people who are returning to the region from holiday and are travelling to “take their time” and “don’t take any unnecessary risks”.

“Please ensure you plan adequate rest breaks, drive to the conditions and adhere to posted speed limits,” she said.