I was very pleased with the responses received to my article earlier this month concerning Council’s capital works programme, as it shows there is a growing interest in Council activities and programmes proposed for our community.
As I indicated, a wealth of information regarding Council activity is available to the public monthly via the General Meeting agenda, and I urge you to read the same.
We are endeavouring to get more detail out there with a view to enhancing community knowledge and participation, and to ensure transparency of operations remains paramount.
After a dreadfully lengthy period of negotiations with insurers, the contract for project management of the JL Kelly Theatre and Hinchinbrook Aquatic Centre works has now been awarded.
The next step is to release the tender for the repair works to the market, which will occur shortly.
I am not in a position to say how long the repairs will take, as that will depend upon the availability of tradies and other skilled staff, materials, and the supply of furnishings and equipment.
We should be in a position to give you a better idea once the tender has been awarded.
Repair works at the Hinchinbrook Visitor Information Centre are still ongoing, with the rear section of the Centre remaining closed to the public. Visitor access is currently limited to the front reception area only.
Council’s $3.23 million Works for Queensland 2024–2027 Program includes 13 projects scheduled for delivery in 2026–2027, with commencement dependent on the availability of both human and material resources.
A variation to the program was recently approved by the Queensland Government, and the projects are as follows:
These projects are funded by the Queensland Government in partnership with Council.
Here’s a simple explanation of the sewer pipe project along Townsville Road.
Council’s job is to build the main sewer pipes and a pump station (commonly known as trunk infrastructure) for future housing developments to connect to.
This work is only about putting in that main backbone for the future. It is not about running sewerage into existing neighbourhoods or building internal sewerage for proposed developments.
The works on Townsville Road and Sir Arthur Fadden Parade are simply setting up the trunk infrastructure we will need down the track.
This project forms part of Council and the Queensland Government’s Residential Activation Fund, supporting future flood‑resilient housing opportunities and recognising the benefits of more resilient land for long‑term planning.
This is a positive project for the Shire. It helps us get ready for future homes, supports housing demand, and strengthens essential services.
Most importantly:
In short:
As you are aware, delays in skilled and professional labour are currently being experienced right across the board, and Council is not immune to such problems. I will keep you updated on delivery as and when details steadily emerge.
A number of issues pertaining to the Bruce Highway corridor were also raised, and such matters will be referred to the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads for its attention.
There seems to be a little confusion regarding actual responsibility for various assets, particularly those owned, managed, or shared between State and Local Governments, so I will endeavour to clarify such roles in a future article.
A number of new matters were raised which are not presently on Council’s radar. Investigations will be undertaken for future planning purposes, and I stress — for planning purposes.
Whilst Council welcomes your views and ideas, we must all bear in mind that due to finite resources, not everything can be achieved, nor can everything be done at once.
Everything costs money, and that money, in the main comes from you, our ratepayers. It is an extremely important function of Council to balance the expectations of the community with the reality of community affordability, and that’s why realistic service levels are so crucial.
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