Council Connections - Mayor's Message 3 June 2020

Great news for our Hinchinbrook Businesses from the Premier on Sunday regarding the lifting of restrictions about travel and allowable customer numbers in premises. I am sure that you have all seen the most recent roadmap, but if not visit www.covid19.qld.gov.au.

But please remember that it is imperative we continue to abide by the social distancing and proper hygiene requirements. Please remember that if you are sick or are showing any respiratory or other COVID-19 symptoms stay home – make arrangements for immediate testing.

We need to remain vigilant against the virus. Testing is available by presenting at the Ingham Hospital Emergency Services entrance (at rear of Hospital) and following instruction of staff on duty. Testing is free and remains a major precaution against community transmission according to Queensland Health Authorities.

As we begin to move around and visit friends and family more, I encourage you to support our locally owned businesses. It is now more important than ever to shop, eat and stay locally to show our support to the businesses that are the backbone of our community. Plan your next little getaway right here in Hinchinbrook and get a taste of what we have to offer the world!

Additional Facilities set to reopen

Additional Council facilities, including the TYTO Regional Art Gallery and Halifax Sub Branch Library will reopen to the public from Monday 8 June 2020 in accordance with Stage Two of relaxations on restrictions under the Queensland State Government COVIDSafe three step roadmap.

The Halifax Sub Branch Library located at Macrossan Street, Halifax will reopen at 1.00pm Monday 8 June 2020 for the purpose of facilitating Library loans and returns, as well as limited public computer use. There will be a limit of five patrons at any one time allowed inside the Library.

The Hinchinbrook Visitor Information Centre will remain closed to enable completion of necessary maintenance works.

Herbert and Cartwright Streets Footpath Upgrade

Works will commence in the coming weeks, weather permitting, to upgrade the footpath on Cartwright and Herbert Street and will be carried out by local contactor Michael Bartolini Concreting.

The works, which form part of the Footpath Rehabilitation Program and the Kerb and Channel Rehabilitation Program, are designed to replace deteriorated and unsafe sections of concrete footpath with exposed aggregate concrete. 

Youth Development Advisory Committee

Council recently resolved to approve the formation of a Youth Development Advisory Committee which, once formed will provide advice to Council on the development of Council’s Youth Development Strategy and ongoing strategic issues relevant to the youth of Hinchinbrook.

Bridge Replacement, Lannercost Extension Road

Council has commenced work to replace the bridge, located on Lannercost Extension Road, which is the first bridge from Ingham-Abergowrie Road intersection.

The new bridge will be upgraded to a two lane bridge and will be lifted approximately two metres to facilitate improved accessibility for Lannercost residents during flood periods.
A detour, adjacent to the construction will be in place during the works.

Council understands the importance of this road to the community, particularly during cane harvesting season and is working closely with the local contractor to ensure completion as soon as possible, weather permitting.

Community News

It was very sad to hear that publication of the Herbert River Express is to cease. Regrettably promises to maintain the publication online do not address the needs of the many elderly in our community that do not have the means or the ability to be digitally connected, or the needs of the people who simply like and enjoy their local news in hard copy.

I have commenced discussions with the Townsville Bulletin as to options on how hard copy district news can continue to be provided in paper format through the Townsville Bulletin.

A question for you: would you prefer the district news printed daily in the Townsville Bulletin for daily reading or would you prefer a district section appearing once or twice a week on a specified day?

To provide your feedback, please contact Council on 4776 4600 or visit Council’s Lannercost Street Office, the Hinchinbrook Shire Library or Halifax Sub Branch Library. Alternatively, feedback can be provided via Council’s website Public Consultation page.

Feedback must be provided by 5.00pm Wednesday 17 June 2020.

The views of our elderly in particular would be appreciated so if you have elderly parents, relatives, friends or neighbours, please pass this message on and relay their preferences to Council on their behalf.

We can only try.

Need to print the Council Connections page? Click on the link below for the printable version. 

COUNCIL CONNECTIONS -  3 June 2020