Mayor Beresford’s March 2022 Council meeting wrap-up
The Paroo Shire Council’s March meeting was held at the Noorama Racecourse & Community Centre. On the day a working “B” was in progress towards the annual Noorama Picnic Races being held on Saturday 2 April, 2022. Council took time out from its meeting to provide local residents the opportunity to bring forward and discuss any issues they wished to raise and our thanks are extended to the Noorama community for its hospitality.
Yapunyah Lodge Survey
Council recently conducted a survey with the community on the immediate and future requirement of Yapunyah Lodge for aged/disabled care accommodation. Council will now be contacting those respondents who indicated they require the use of Yapunyah Lodge either now or in the near future, so more detailed information on the needs of the community is available. This data is required to gauge the level of immediate need for aged/disabled care accommodation and the support required to meet that need.
Eulo Flood Boat Channel
Recently Council staff met with representatives of the Department of Transport and Main Roads and Eulo SES regarding the Eulo Flood Boat Channel project. This project was to improve access and deepen/widen the channel to enable the flood boat to be utilised when the Paroo River height at Eulo reaches 0.6m. At present the flood boat is not able to be used until the river height reaches 0.9m.
A subsequent report to Council referred to several regulatory requirements needed in connection with this project. It is estimated these requirements could take considerable time to complete and the cost involved could be greater than the physical work. The Council therefore decided to cease work on this project.
Sale of Surplus Vehicles & Equipment
A few vehicles and some equipment surplus to requirements will be offered for sale by online auction. Notices with details of the auction will be posted on Council’s website, Facebook page and advertised in the local newspaper. One of the vehicles to be offered is a 1976 Ford LTD hearse which may be of interest to classic car buffs. This vehicle may be offered through a separate auction house which specialises in classic vehicles.
Cunnamulla Racecourse Improvements
Support in principle was given to the Cunnamulla District Diggers Race Club to proceed with removal and demolition of the Jockey Amenities and Steward facilities at the Cunnamulla Racecourse, the existing facilities not being of an adequate standard. This decision will allow the Club to receive additional funding from Racing Queensland towards upgrading the Stewards Room, Jockey Rooms and Secretary’s office. The Race Club together with Council will also support this project financially which aligns with the Council’s upgrading program for public infrastructure.
River Lights Festival
A Steering Committee has been formed and met recently to discuss the River Lights Festival to be held in 2023. A lead-up event will be held this year on Saturday 23 April with lantern making workshops for the whole community held prior to the date. A program for the day’s events will be finalised shortly and distributed via the usual media channels.
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For more information:
Cr Suzette Beresford, suzette.beresford@paroo.qld.gov.au, 0427 551 191
or Kelly Schmidt, kelly.schmidt@paroo.qld.gov.au, 0472 870 774