Community & Business
30 May, 2025
Community loans boost
THE volunteer-run FNQ Aviation Museum and Kuranda Amphitheatre have been given vital interest-free community loans to improve their environmental footprints.
Mareeba Shire Council approved $12,000 for the museum and $6,000 for the Amphitheatre, at its meeting last week, which will be used to improve energy use.
The museum, which operates as a not-for-profit company and charity, is run solely by volunteers. It will use the loan to install a 26kW solar power system at the leased premises on Braes Rd.
“I think it’s tremendous support for the aviation museum and the volunteers there,” Mayor Angela Toppin, who is a museum volunteer, said. “They don’t sleep there but my goodness they are obsessed, and they do a wonderful job there.”
The Kuranda Amphitheatre Society Inc. will use its $6,000 to undertake roof repairs in preparation for a solar power system at their leased premises, at Barron Falls Road.
“This is another very worthwhile cause,” Mayor Toppin said. “The amphitheatre is a very vibrant hub for the performing arts and cultural events and youth activities.
“They both give back to community.”
Cr Lenore Wyatt observed that the two loans would go towards both clubs becoming sustainable.
“It’s solar power. They are looking towards sustainability and want a long term in the community, and I really take my hat off to them.”
