Councillor Update

Mareeba Shire Councillor Daniel (Danny) Bird

I am pleased to provide an update to residents and ratepayers on some of the latest news from Council.

Parks & Open Spaces Action Plan

Council is continuing to implement the Parks & Open Spaces Strategy and community consultation has commenced for the upcoming Bicentennial Lakes Revitalisation Project. The project will include works in the southern section, from Rankin Street to Keeble Street and in the northern section from Keeble Street towards the Granite Creek. The project will see significant earthworks in the southern section to improve the overall water flow, as well as preparing the site for an exiting new active recreational precinct and playground.

I would like to invite all residents to the on-site information sessions scheduled for April. These sessions will take place at the Lakes, and Councillors and Council Officers will be available to answer any project related questions.

Council has also issued a survey to gather input from residents on the design of the active recreation space planned for the Lakes. With a limited budget, we may not be able to do it all, but Council will use your feedback, to prioritise the elements in the play area. Visit Council’s website and search ‘Bicentennial Lakes’ for a link to the survey.

She has been the training officer for 44 groups of First Year Constables (FYCs) which is approximately 200 FYCs, with some of them still working here on the Tablelands.

Paula’s patience and understanding when dealing with FYCs over the years saw her awarded ETO of the Year in 2008.

“Sergeant Byrne always showed a high level of professionalism, she was my go-to person, always reliable, caring, and had a strong guiding influence not only me through my first year, but throughout my career over the last 14 years,” Senior Constable Aleda Day said.

Paula not only excelled in her policing career but also outside of the job, where she is one of the most respected judges and members of the Western Dressage Association of Australia.

“I hope that Paula thinks of her career as ‘the time of her life’, she is going to be sorely missed come Monday morning, but we wish her well in her next adventure, which starts tomorrow, I believe, with a long drive to pick up her new horse”, Senior Constable Day said.

Another project I am looking forward to is the opening of the new Splash Park in Mareeba.

The aquatic centre has been extended to accommodate the splash park with the installation of a new retaining wall and perimeter fence.

The project will evolve relatively quickly now that the underground works have been completed, and Council anticipates that the facility will open mid-year.

Mareeba Shire Local Tourism Organisation Think Tank

Earlier this month I joined fellow Councillors and 65 tourism stakeholders at the Mareeba Shire Local Tourism Organisation (LTO) Think Tank, facilitated by Tourism Tropical North Queensland. The meeting was a great success and provided a well needed opportunity for all of us to work together within the broader tourism network to promote our diverse Shire.

If any tourism operators or stakeholders are interested in more information, I invite you to contact the LTO Chair, Councillor Lenore Wyatt on 0447 757 336 or by email, mareebatourism@mareebachamber.com.

In closing, I would like to remind residents that my fellow Councillors and I am always available to talk to you if there is ever a Council matter you would like to discuss. I welcome your contact.

Thank you.

Councillor Danny Bird

P: 0467 304 744

E: dannyb@msc.qld.gov.au