Mayor Beresford’s June Council Meeting Wrap-up

Hot Springs & Riverwalk

The consultative technical group developing the design of the Hot Springs & Riverwalk project has altered the design of the Wellness Centre structure so that it will now sit above the existing levy bank behind the Visitor Information Centre and the Hot Spring pools will be raised out of flood level. This will overcome the need to disturb the integrity of the levy bank and the installation of a flood gate. The design is currently being costed, when this work is complete, it will be presented for final public consultation before progressing to the next stage. It is expected the next round of public consultation will occur early to mid July, the date and times will be advertised and posted on the Council’s website and social media channels.

Balonne Highway

A report on the need to upgrade the Balonne Highway from Cunnamulla to the Shire boundary was presented to this week’s Council meeting. Council adopted the recommendation to bring the issue of economic and safety upgrades of the road to the attention of both State and Commonwealth local members of Parliament as well as the Department of Transport and Main Roads requesting consideration be given to including upgrading of the road in regional planning.

Works Completed

As we approach the end of the 2020/2021 financial year, several projects are reaching completion, some of those projects include:

• Cunnamulla Swimming Pool upgrade – relining the main pool and wading pool.
• Roadworks under the Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme to the Jobs Gate Road and the Eulo-Toompine Road
• Watson Street upgrade between Louise and Emma Streets – sealing of this section of road to be completed within the next two weeks.
• Shire Hall courtyard upgrade – removal of lawn, drainage improvement and resurfacing the area with more suitable materials.
• Water meter installation upgrade
• REPA flood damage roadworks for 2019
• Cunnamulla Cemetery toilet facility

Wild Dog Control

In conjunction with the Paroo Wild Dog Committee, the Council facilitated a recent baiting campaign as part of the Shire’s strategy to decrease the number of wild dogs. The campaign ran to schedule with both ground and aerial baiting being undertaken. A total of 13,318kgs of dog baits and 100kgs of pig baits were distributed with 78 properties participating. New information signs for the upcoming baiting program were erected at all the entrances to the Paroo Shire to inform visitors and locals of the campaign as well as print advertisements, website and Facebook posts.

Angel Flight

Representatives of the not-for-profit organisation Angel Flight met with the Paroo Shire Council this week and presented a video on the work they undertake assisting patients from regional areas to attend medical appointments. The service is carried out by a team of volunteer pilots, many of them experienced commercial pilots, they are assisted by a team of voluntary drivers who collect patients from the airport and drive them to and from their appointments. Anyone wishing to contact Angel Flight for more information can do so through their website.