Thursday, August 24, 2023

Issue:

Mackay and Whitsunday Life

Councillor Column with Councillor Michelle Wright

Councillors have had a busy few months with budget discussions and we are united in delivering a balanced Budget that continues to deliver key services and projects that enhance the liveability of our region.

An example of these projects that we are currently undertaking or have completed from the previous budget are the completion of the Richmond Road culvert upgrade and the Scottville Road widening and reseal plus a new footpath and pedestrian bridge.

These projects will improve safety for our residents and improve connectivity by filling another gap in the road network.

The community consultation for the Mullers Lagoon Parkland Masterplan has finished and all the feedback is currently being collated and a summary done of all ideas which will be communicated back to all residents who gave input and left contact details.

It was exciting to also work collaboratively with Bowen State High School recently and give the whole school an update at assembly of Council activities and gain face-to-face feedback from the students on the Mullers lagoon and other community projects.

It is important we also include the youth of today to gain their opinions on future projects.

At the most recent Community Catch-up in Mt Coolon, one of the questions was about the Telstra upgrade on the Mt Coolon communication tower.

Telstra have advised that the upgrade will take place before the end of this financial year. I would like to thank the Mt Coolon residents who attended and raised some valid points and concerns.

The next community consultation is at the Collinsville Community Centre, on Wednesday 21st June 10am to 12pm.

Council is also working hard behind the scenes to deliver an outcome on the Ted Cunningham Bridge issue and have it reopened as soon as possible before the next wet season.

In the meantime, the lower-level bridge is operational, and Council will supply additional staff to ensure that access for traffic to the popular Bowen River Rodeo will not be an issue.

In other news