Councillor Column

With Councillor Michelle Wright

Hi all,

I was going to wish our amazing community a Happy New Year but wow, I blinked, and we are already in the middle of February!

As this is my first Councillor column, I'd like to thank Whitsunday Life for allowing space each week. It's a good opportunity to inform our Whitsunday community of relevant topics and good outcomes.

A quick update of the Ted Cunningham Bridge at Bowen River where late last year the approaches washed away.

As Divisional Councillor, I've got to meet and know the families in this community over the last few years and the current situation is very disappointing.

I would like to thank the residents who attended the Bowen River community meeting last week attended by myself, Mayor Hall and Council officers.

It was an opportunity for everyone to ask questions and Council to listen to the local resident’s feedback. A step in the right direction and we are pushing to rectify this situation and exploring options to reinstate the bridge as soon as possible.

On a positive note, some of the projects underway for 2023 include, Collinsville Main Street upgrade, the sealing of the Collinsville airstrip (currently gravel) and researching a suitable design for a new Pump /BMX track to be built at Darcy Munro Park Collinsville.

Bowen's projects include the upcoming Richmond Road Floodway project to create a higher resilience during the wet season, upgrading and renewing the Edgecombe Heights walking track at Horseshoe Bay, creating a masterplan for Muller’s Lagoon and a bus shelter for the Gumlu State School.

Plenty of other projects in the pipeline this year will also see an increase in community meetings which will be well advertised to give residents a chance to attend and have their say.

The first community meeting in Division 4 to specifically discuss rural roads will be held at the Collinsville Community Centre on February 24 at 10.30am.

Looking forward to the busy year ahead and working with you.

Cheers

Michelle

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