Council Connections - Mayor's Message 31 July 2019

Halifax Bay Huts

Council’s formal submission to the State Government to allow for the huts in Halifax Bay to remain has been rejected. The State Government has also rejected a community petition facilitated and lodged by our State MP Nick Dametto.

Council’s request for consideration to allow tenure for the huts was based on huts being in existence for the best part of 50 years (over 100 in one circumstance) and the strong historical and cultural association with the Hinchinbrook district and its people. Generations of locals have enjoyed this manner of camping activity, allowing children recreational opportunities in a safe environment away from illicit social influences of modern society, and within a life skills learning environment. The children of our district lack recreational opportunities otherwise available in the larger more populated centres, and the camping / fishing lifestyle has historically, and continues to compensate for such void.

The huts have been a major part of the lives of this community for a very long time, and these factors should be taken into account. Whilst it may be the case that current legislation prohibits co-existence, as previously referred to, the Government does have the ability to change legislation to enable the co-existence of the sites concerned. If you are concerned about the loss of this recreational ability in our community, then I urge you to write to the State Government expressing your disappointment at changes to legislation affecting our lifestyle opportunities.

Hinchinbrook Business Awards

The inaugural Hinchinbrook Business Awards were held last week and I would like to congratulate all the award winners. That is a fantastic achievement and well deserved. I also congratulate all nominees. In my mind, acknowledgement by your peers of your worthiness by nomination is a significant acknowledgement.

You all do very well in the service you provide and you are a distinct credit to our community. Thank you for doing what you do for the benefit of our community.

I would like to thank the Hinchinbrook Chamber of Commerce for this wonderful initiative which, judging from the attendance, has kindled a lot of interest and has been well received by our business community.

National Tree Day

Last week the community celebrated National Tree Planting Day and whether you planted a tree with your school, community group or volunteered at Council event, I commend you on your commitment to caring for our unique environment.

National Tree Planting Day has been a great opportunity to reflect on the importance of nature in our daily lives, whilst inspiring, educating and recruiting Australians to create future generations of committed environmental custodians.

Canberra – TEL Delegation

This week I will be in Canberra as part of the Northern Regions Mayor’s delegation. Whilst I do not enjoy the cold, frosty environment that Canberra is, I do appreciate the opportunity to take our cause and aspirations direct to the policy makers. Council’s priorities for the Federal Government remain for assistance with infrastructure to facilitate diversification of our economy. Council’s priorities may be found on Council’s website, Federal Government Priorities page.

Vandalised Building Wrap

I have to say that I was absolutely gutted to hear that our district promotional wrap on the old Barra building has been vandalised.

The intent of the wrap was to provide a little aesthetic décor to an eyesore, whilst promoting some worthy attractions of our district in a very prominent location.

It is obvious that the perpetrants have no regard for our district and we should treat them with similar callousness once identified.
If you have any information that may assist in identifying the culprits then please contact PoliceLink on 13 14 44.

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Council Connections - 31 July 2019