Queensland LNP Senator James McGrath is calling on the Etheridge Shire Council to consider naming the region’s new $17.57 million dam in honour of the late Noeline Ikin, who died last month of a brain tumour.
Ms Ikin lived in Georgetown and Senator McGrath wants the council to name the proposed Charleston Dam on the Delaney River near Forsayth after her.
Senator McGrath said Ms Ikin, a former LNP candidate for the seat of Kennedy and Etheridge Shire Councillor, was a tireless and devoted advocate for North Queensland whose contribution was worthy of a permanent and prominent tribute.
“Noeline touched so many hearts, she inspired people and brought people together to work on many projects to further the cause of her region,” Senator McGrath said.
“I had the great privilege of spending many days campaigning with Noeline across the vast electorate of Kennedy over the years. She was smart, decent, alarmingly practical and gentle and her great qualities will be missed by all who knew her.”
Senator McGrath has written to the Mayor of the Etheridge Shire Council Warren Devlin asking councillors to consider his proposal to honour Ms Ikin.
“Noeline was instrumental in securing funding from the Federal Government for the construction of the new dam. This project was important to her, because it is critical for the future of this region,” he said.
“The new dam will help secure local water supplies, as well as provide opportunities for the region to pursue new and exciting tourism and recreational opportunities.
“I believe naming this facility in memory of Noeline is a fitting tribute for a gentle warrior who is one of the great unsung champions of our state.”
Derek Barry
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
