G’Day and welcome to the mayors desk,
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The main annual events for 2018 are now over. A huge congratulations to the hard-working committees, volunteers and sponsors of The Cloncurry Show, Stockman’s Challenge, Quamby Rodeo and the Curry Merry Muster. Record crowds tell all, and hearing spectator satisfaction first hand reinforces these events as the best in the west.
The next big event is The Beat the Heat Festival. It is only two weeks away and Kasey Chambers will be the headline act. This festival is an opportunity for past ‘Currites’ to return to Cloncurry, especially those who may have missed last year’s C150 celebrations. We also plan to showcase our mining, agriculture and transport history to travelling visitors. Check out the program and mark September 5-9 in your diaries.
Planning and consultation is well underway for the upgrades at Florence Clark Park. This is an exciting project and is an important part of the plan to reinvigorate the centre of town and provide a space for our families to get out and be active together.
The council adopted the 2018/2019 budget on July 24. There is a large capital works program, based on my commitment to fix essential infrastructure. Major Expenditure on the Sewage Treatment Plant, Carl Katter bridge, Sheaffe Street and of course Florence Clark Park is planned. I’m also happy to announce the rural road budget for the shire has been tripled.
We are planning to put shade over the tennis courts if we are successful with a state government grant. This will hopefully make it more desirable to have a hit in late January when we all get inspired to be the next Rodger Federer by watching the Australian Open. I’d also like to welcome Nerissa O’Brien as the new operator of the pool.
One of my key aspirations for Cloncurry is to be the healthiest town it can possibly be. Through education and infrastructure, I have a strong vision of achieving this. We continue our support of the Flinders Medical Centre and Outreach Pharmacy, and this year I am very pleased to be bringing The Heart of Australia Truck to town. This truck will perform comprehensive cardio and additional testing.
I am continuing to push for diversification in agriculture for the area. The Dam Study has progressed to final business case stage and looks promising. I am currently working with UQ to establish Cloncurry as the hub for their efforts to create a sterile Leucaena.
