Council Connections - 9 June 2021

Dutton Street Bridge, Australian Italian Festival, COVID-19 Vaccinations and Charlotte’s Web

Dutton Street Bridge

The Federal Government has agreed to fund the construction of a crossing over Palm Creek along the Dutton Street road alignment as part of its flood resilience strategy for the Ingham township.

The bridge will be built at a height of approximately 2.5 meters over the current street alignment. This height commensurates with the high bank adjacent the Ingham Hospital. 

The purpose of the bridge is to improve connectivity within Ingham which is cut in two by floodwater when the river levels reach 12.44 meters at the Ingham Pump Station.

This connection is critical for a number of reasons including disaster management agency resourcing. At present, agencies including Queensland Police, Queensland Ambulance, Fire and Rescue and the SES are required to pre deploy resources on both sides of Palm Creek prior to flooding which is quite taxing on resources.

It has also been a long standing concern that two of Ingham’s three aged care facilities are actually located on the opposite side of Palm Creek to the Ingham Hospital which proves difficult for patient transfer in times of flood.

The bridge will not provide total flood immunity as it will not be passable once flood waters submerge McIlwraith Street, Ingham.

However, to put that into perspective, since the year 2000 access through Herbert Street has been prevented a total of nine times whilst trafficability on McIlwraith Street has only been interrupted by flood water on one occasion.

Council thanks the Federal Government for its support of the construction and acknowledges the contribution of the Queensland State Government for funding the designs and plans for the bridge following a commitment by the Premier Anna Palaszczuk on her visit to Ingham during the 2018 flood events.

Australian Italian Festival

The Australian Italian Festival is a key economic driver for our district and brings visitors to the Shire from across the country and internationally, providing us with an opportunity to celebrate our rich Italian history and culture.

It was great to see the community get behind the events, and enjoy the festivities throughout the week.

Council has received very positive feedback from visitors to Ingham during the annual Australian Italian Festival. Visitors reported that they had a wonderful experience throughout Hinchinbrook whilst visiting for the Festival.

The feedback is a credit to our town, our retailers and the organisers of the Festival. Congratulations on a job well done, we look forward to another.

COVID-19 Vaccination

Queensland Health informs that persons aged 40 to 49 can now receive the COVID-19 vaccination (Phizer) at the Ingham Hospital on Tuesday 15 June 2021.

Bookings can be made online at www.vaccinebookings.health.qld.gov.au/registerforvaccination/.

Canegrowers Herbert River Radio

Whether you are in the office, on the road, or in the tractor, you can listen to a great mix of music, local news and information via the Canegrowers Herbert River Website. 

For further information or to tune in, please visit www.herbertrivercanegrowers.com.au and click the Canegrowers Herbert River Radio button on the homepage.

Charlotte’s Web

 Council presents Charlotte’s Web by RAVA Productions.

 The funny and touching story is set to delight children these school holidays in Ingham at the TYTO Amphitheatre 10.30am to 11.30am Saturday 10 July 2021.

Charlotte’s Web stage production captures young hearts and inspires imaginations.

The enchanting story carries timely messages about valuing friendship, loyalty, accepting differences and living a full life.

Charlotte’s Web is a heart warming children’s fable adapted by Joseph Robinette from the classic book by E.B. White.

The RAVA Production is directed by Alison Vallette and produced by Ruth Atkinson.

The much loved classic tale tells the story of hero Wilbur the Pig and his relationships and triumphs meeting his friends Charlotte the Spider, Fern and farmyard characters Templeton the Rat, Sheep, Goose and Gander.

For further information or to RSVP please contact Council on 4776 4600 or email council@hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au.

$25,000 Monster Raffle Business Winners

Council would like to thank and recognise the businesses who provide exceptional customer service and participated in the $25,000 Monster Raffle initiative. 

The Hinchinbrook business who sold the winning entry in each tier was also rewarded with prize monies to be spent in the Shire.

First prize was awarded $500 to Ingham Sportspower. Second price was awarded $250 to Barnes Sewing Centre and finally, Third prize was awarded $125 to Ingham Garden and Gifts.

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COUNCIL CONNECTIONS - 9 June 2021