Mayor Beresford’s September Council Meeting Wrap-up

Media Release

Mayor Beresford’s September Council Meeting Wrap-up

This month Council travelled to Wyandra to hold the monthly Council meeting. Our thanks go to members of the community who came along and took the opportunity to interact with Councillors and Executive Staff. This year’s budget has $100,000 allocated to continue the signage and beautification program for the town and also has provision for building a skate park, something the students of Wyandra had requested.

Plant Replacement Program – Tenders were considered for two new pieces of plant under the approved plant replacement budget. Council adopted to accept the tender for one Caterpillar 150M Motor Grader from Hastings Deering and accept the trade-in offered for our currently owned Komatsu Grader. One truck-mounted Street Sweeper was also accepted for purchase and will be procured through Mike Trace Engineering.

Tourism – The Visitor Information Centre has worked closely with the organisers of the Qld. Outback Geocaching Muster 2021 held in the Paroo Shire over the previous week. About 85 keen geocachers participated in the muster travelling throughout the Shire whilst searching for hidden caches. As a memento of their visit and to show their appreciation of the assistance they received, the group planted 40 young trees near the Bushlands on the eastern entrance to Cunnamulla.

Childcare Centre – Arrangements have been finalised for management of the Cunnamulla Childcare Centre and Kindergarten to be transferred from Churches of Christ to FGP Moreton. The changeover will occur at the beginning of October and there should be no disruption to the services already provided. Council’s thanks are extended to Churches of Christ for the service they have provided to the community for many years. At the same time we extend a warm welcome to FGP Moreton and look forward to having them become a part of our community.

Regional Telecommunications Review 2021 – Every three years an independent review is carried out into telecommunication services in regional, rural and remote parts of Australia. Council resolved to forward a submission to the review committee identifying the issues of inadequacy within the Paroo Shire and the telecommunication services that are required now and into the future in order to maximise the opportunities to prosper and grow.

Annual Financial Statements – Council’s Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 30th June 2021 have been finalised and were tabled at the meeting where the Mayor and CEO signed off on the statements. The financial results for the year show an improvement in the Council’s sustainability; a welcome outcome achieved through a lot of effort over the past twelve months. The statements are available to the public on the Council’s website as part of the supplementary agenda part 2 for the September meeting.

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