Community & Business
22 March, 2024
Colourful boost for shire
THE Mareeba Shire is buzzing with projects, with council delivering a number of colourful and unique projects to Mareeba, Kuranda and Chillagoe.
Signage showcasing twisting vines and rainforest surrounds has been reinstalled throughout Kuranda.
Artist Hans Pehl has made over 100 pieces of metalwork over his 30 year career, with council working with him to repurpose his original street signs alongside the new ones.
“My artwork includes a range of bins, handrails, chairs, street bollards, street signs and native animals and insects found in Kuranda,” Hans Pehl said.
“When I was first looking for inspiration for the project, I was sitting in a local café and noticed how visitors were often in a hurry.
“It was then that I thought to create artwork that would encourage visitors to slow down and appreciate our unique ‘village in the rainforest’.”
The signs have different themes, including the capital cities of the region's largest international visitor markets, Australian capitals, and Australian tourism attractions.
“It is great to see these iconic signs back in Kuranda with a new purpose and I hope our residents and visitors will enjoy the signs for many years to come,” said Mayor Angela Toppin.
The Kuranda Skate Park is also undergoing a major upgrade, with council collaborating with TRACQS to redesign the bowl
“I am delighted to see that work is underway to upgrade the Kuranda Skate Park,” Mayor Angela Toppin said.
“The upgrading of the skate park near the amphitheatre aligns with council’s vision to enhance the Shire’s visual appeal and liveability, and to encourage active communities.
“The project is being undertaken by TRACQS with council providing reinforcing, crusher dust and temporary fencing. Council’s partnership with TRACQS provides work within our community by members from our community, a collaboration dear to my heart.
“The project should be completed by the end of April, weather depending, and I look forward to officially open the new skate park,” Mayor Toppin concluded.
The Bicentennial Lakes Revitalisation Project in Mareeba is progressing well, and work has commenced on the Mason Street playground, pump track and toilet block.
“The toilet block will be enhanced with a mural by local artist Violet Shaban that features four native bird species and four native plants that should be completed by late March,” Mayor Toppin said.
This will be the eighth mural created through Council’s Public Mural Action Plan which aims to enhance town beautification, reduce graffiti and increase cultural tourism.
The mural is funded through the Regional Arts Development Fund which is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Mareeba Shire Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.
Another project, to improve pedestrian safety at the Constance and Hastie Street intersection in Mareeba, has been practically completed.
St Thomas’ Parish School principal Paul Rayner said the new crossing would significantly improve student and carers safety on their way to school
“This redesigned pedestrian crossing at Hastie Street will ensure all school children and members of the Mareeba community can cross there in greater safety,” he said.
“The school community is proud it was able to contribute $50,000 in funding raised from managing the Mareeba Markets to the project.
Additional funds were contributed by the Queensland Government through the School Transport Infrastructure Program and Mareeba Shire Council.
