Thursday, April 23, 2020

Deputy Mayor elected at unprecedented meeting

Cr Karen May was elected Deputy Mayor at the first meeting of the new Mackay Regional Council yesterday (Wednesday, April 22).

She has more than 16 years of experience in local government, including as former Sarina Shire Mayor, and topped the poll for councillors at the past two Mackay Regional Council elections (2016 and 2020).

Coronavirus social distancing requirements meant the meeting of the new council was held in a different setting at the MECC.

WATCH THE VIDEO > Mayor Greg Williamson gives an overview of the meeting.

Council expands Stay Home, Stay Connected

Council’s Stay Home, Stay Connected digital hub is continuing to grow with exciting new content added this week.

New content includes free access to Niche Academy, a portal that offers dozens of free tutorials on everything from downloading an eBook to using social media platforms and computer programs.

There’s also a new one-on-one study assistance service and several fun art projects.
New content from our Libraries team, like Baby Bounce, Toddler Time, Story Time and STEAM Club, is also added weekly.

Check it out

Anzac Day goes digital

Residents are being asked to pay their respects from the comfort of their own home this Anzac Day. Anzac Day services across the country have been cancelled in line with the Australian Government’s COVID-19 public health directive relating to public gatherings.

Mayor Greg Williamson said council would share a special Anzac Day video on social media as our region’s Anzac Day commemoration.

The video will include many of the elements of the normal Anzac service as well as a short message from local icon and Victoria Cross recipient Keith Payne VC AM.

More details

Popular boat ramps upgraded

Upgrade works are scheduled to take place at Victor Creek boat ramp and Campwin Beach boat ramp this week.

Campwin Beach ramp will be closed this Saturday and Sunday (April 25 to 26). Victor Creek ramp will experience some lane closures during the week but will reopen fully from Saturday (April 25).

The works will include the repair of the floating walkway at Victor Creek, a design/rebuild of the existing boat ramp at Campwin Beach and car park expansions at both ramps.

Construction work at both ramps is set to take place from mid-May to September 2020.
Campwin Beach ramp will close during this period, while Victor Creek ramp will remain open with some traffic disruptions.

Community funding on offer

Council has $280,000 in community grant funding available for organisations, clubs and community groups looking to tackle projects during the COVID-19 closures.

There are different grant categories, ranging between (up to) $1500 and $30,000. These grants cover everything from small equipment purchases to infrastructure upgrades. Funds are also available to assist with events, however, any organisation that does secure funding for an event will be required to return those funds should the event not go ahead.

Applications are open and close on Friday, May 1.

More information

Harbour Road shared path on track

The fine weather across the region has the Harbour Road shared path project progressing well.

Just over 65 per cent of the Harbour Road section and 75 per cent of Ron Searle Drive has now been concreted, representing two kilometres altogether.

The truss bridge has been successfully installed during night works and works are continuing on drainage, retaining walls and elevated boardwalks.

The project, funded by the Department of Transport and Main Roads with contributions from Mackay Regional Council, is on track to be complete by the end of June 2020.

Stay up-to-date

Your councillors are:
Mayor Greg Williamson, Deputy Mayor Karen May, Cr Martin Bella, Cr Laurence Bonaventura, Cr Justin Englert, Cr Michelle Green, Cr Belinda Hassan, Cr Alison Jones, Cr Fran Mann, Cr Russell Seymour and Cr Pauline Townsend.

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Mackay Regional Council · Gordon Street · Mackay, QLD 4740 · Australia