There were updates on Cloncurry Shire Council’s CEO, the airline inquiry, afterschool care, Bob McDonald funeral arrangements, the RFDS 90th birthday and many other matters at the council’s fifth community forum on Tuesday.
More than 60 community members took the opportunity to meet with councillors and managers and receive a first-hand update.
Council deputy CEO Jo Morris announced that next Thursday (March 29) would be CEO Ben Milligan’s last day after 16 months in the job.
Ms Morris praised Mr Milligan for his “steady hand” leaving council in a sound financial position and his local government and mining background had helped.
Ms Morris also said they would be doing a feasibility study into afterschool and vacation care after Easter while council was still waiting on a firm date for when the airline inquiry hearing would come to town.
Director Works and Environmental Services Brendan Pearce spoke about improvements and major projects, many with the assistance of successful State and Federal funding applications.
These projects included road renewal and resurfacing, drainage improvements and Stage 2 of the Sheaffe Street Upgrade, set to begin soon.
They also discussed further opportunities to improve pedestrian and bike access paths near Coppermine Creek, the Lookout and Chinaman Creek Dam.
Mayor Greg Campbell said drainage projects weren’t sexy to talk about, but it were essential in creating livable space if they want mining companies to build houses instead of flying staff in and out.
The Local Business Network also used the meeting to launch their new Cloncurry Gift Card.
They encouraged all local business, clubs and community groups to sign up to the program so the eftpos card can be used not just for goods, but services, entry tickets and experiences in Cloncurry.
Karen Grimm, Director Community Development team ran through several events coming up including In Conversation and Song with Christine Anu on May 12 and multiple events to celebrate the RFDS 90th Birthday from May 16-20.
These include a fleet of antique aircraft which is flying from Dubbo to Cloncurry especially for the occasion with a community breakfast for the RFDS first flight and a reenactment at Cloncurry Aiport on Thursday May 17 and a tribute concert at the Recreation Grounds on the Friday night.
Mayor Greg Campbell confirmed the funeral for former 40-year councillor Bob McDonald would take place at the Shire Hall at 1.30pm, Tuesday March 27 followed by a private family burial.
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.
