Media Release Mayor Beresford’s April Council Meeting Wrap-up

CCEC Meeting Rooms

The April Council meeting was held at Yowah which provided the opportunity for members of the community who attended the meeting to have a say in the naming of one of the four CCEC meeting rooms. Council is looking at using names of native flora or fauna to identify each of the rooms, however, following discussions yesterday the first room has been named the “Opal Room” in honour of the beautiful gemstone found at Yowah. It was also decided that the other three towns in the Paroo Shire would be given the same opportunity to submit a suitable name, preferably a native plant, animal, bird or product that is relevant to that town.

Yapunyah Lodge

An Expression of Interest has been advertised to gauge the availability in the market of aged care accommodation service providers who would be interested in managing Yapunyah Lodge. The Lodge has been closed following the withdrawal of Churches of Christ who had been providing the service for many years. A new aged care accommodation wing has been established at the Cunnamulla Hospital containing four self-contained aged care units which are all occupied. There is a need to provide further units and the outcome of this EOI will form part of any future discussion.

Council Works

Whilst the rain during March was welcomed by everyone, it caused a break in the flood damage roadworks currently being undertaken throughout the Shire, however Council crews were re-assigned to other maintenance work and a great deal was accomplished in the way of cleaning up areas, mowing, guide post and sign replacement and so on until roadworks resumed in early April. A further three road flood damage packages have been offered by way of tender and awarded to local contractors. The roadwork covers various roads in the south-east, south-west and north-west quadrants of the Shire.

Plant Replacement

Council has recently taken delivery of two new items of plant, a Caterpillar Multi Tyre Roller and a Caterpillar 150 Motor Grader. Delivery of the new machinery was carried out by Hastings Deering who provided training for the operators as part of the handover process. The new machines will go into operation straight away on the extensive roadworks program Council is currently undertaking.

Paroo Shire Passport

Whilst not part of this month’s meeting, I’d like to include news of the Paroo Shire Passport. The passport has been developed as part of the Regional Partnerships Project and a Paroo Shire Passport will be provided to all new residents of the Shire. The passport, which looks like an international travel passport, contains a welcome message from the Mayor, directions on how to download the community directory app, Council contacts plus contacts for emergency & essentials, health & social services, education, childcare & early childhood, sports & recreation clubs, community groups, business directory, map and an events calendar for 2021. It is a novel idea that will be of great assistance to all new residents.

For more information:

Cr Suzette Beresford | suzette.beresford@paroo.qld.gov.au | 0427 551 191