Councillor Mark Spina 5 August

With the challenging start to the year, it is warming to see new shops opening, along with new ideas across the town.

Out of challenges, opportunities present themselves, and it is commendable that these new business owners have opened up shop at the best time of the year, when many travellers stop and sample what our great district has to offer.

We have also recently seen some business owners relocate to new locations, continuing to deliver their unique business services to the community and visitors. To existing business operators, it is also admirable, despite the challenges from the start of the year.

Our shire is known for its resilience and determination; we must continue to drive forward with positive outcomes being the goal. Whilst some buildings and shopfronts are amid restoration work or insurance repairs, there are still some businesses looking to reopen after being displaced.

Some of these businesses require particular shop requirements, with larger areas under roof. As restoration work progresses with repairs to buildings, we trust this may free up shop space for these businesses to reopen, or for more new businesses to seize the opportunity and open new shops.

Assistance for business remains in place, and if you wish to talk about what assistance is available, I would urge you to visit the Hinchinbrook Information and Referral Centre at 73–81 Lannercost Street.

On another note, I must congratulate our parks and gardens team for making the town look great. Unfortunately, there are some who don’t share the same sense of pride in our town, with some acts of senseless vandalism occurring lately. This is frustrating and takes time, effort, and money to repair.

If you happen to see any such negative activity taking place around the town, please report it to Police or to the Hinchinbrook Shire Council.

Until next time, take care and stay safe, everyone.