General News
22 July, 2020
MSC makes raft of decisions.
On July 15, The Mareeba Shire Council (MSC) met for their monthly council meeting making a raft of decisions in the hope of kick-starting some new projects post in the shire.
On Wednesday, July 15, The Mareeba Shire Council (MSC) made a raft of decisions during their monthly meeting in the hope of kick-starting some new projects post COVID-19.
Crystalbrook Lodge developers made an application to the MSC to change internal road surfaces at their soon to be built lodge.
The project, which is currently being built at Crystalbrook Station near Chillagoe, was given the initial go-ahead in May.
At the council meeting, the developer asked for a change to road surfaces because they were keen to feature materials on the internal roads and carparks that were more sympathetic with the remote location.
“The applicant requests internal driveways remain dirt in keeping with the outback character sought for the development,” the council document stated.
Mareeba Mayor Angela Toppin said the developer wanted to “go with gravel driveways to fit with the area”.
The change was approved unanimously by council.
Croft developments made an application for a material change of use for land at 2-18 Haren Street Mareeba to build an aged care facility with 120 beds.
Mareeba Shire Mayor Angela Toppin supported the development saying there was a demand for an additional aged care facility in the Shire. “I welcome this development with open arms given Mareeba has an ageing population with limited residential health care residential options close to home,” she said.
“The development will boost the local economy and create job opportunities for nursing staff, cleaners, cooks and other care staff to gain employment when the facility is operating.”
The proposed development will include 120 rooms across five-wings, several communal lounges, activity rooms and dining areas in addition to doctor and nursing facilities, a library, hairdresser, café and chapel, two kitchens, office spaces and meeting rooms.
Angela Toppin said it’s something that is very exciting and overdue for the shire. “Attracting more aged care facilities to our shire is a top priority.” The developers will now need to submit building plans. The motion was passed unanimously.
Council also passed a motion that will give residents an extension to pay their rates until December 31 with no legal action being taken for non-payment until next year.
“This is an extension for people who are struggling by giving them another 6 months to pay.” Mayor Toppin said.
Council has also agreed to start taking submissions about building a new cemetery for the residents of Kuranda as the current cemetery would likely be filled within the next few years.
According to council’s agenda:
“The recommendation is that Council seeks submissions from the community for consideration at a future meeting of Council before a final decision is made.
To; (a) Endorse the Koah Site as the future Cemetery for the internment of residents of Kuranda and the surrounding area, and (b) Approve development of the Koah Cemetery Masterplan for consideration at future Council Meeting.
Located at 1300 Kennedy Highway, Kuranda, the Kuranda Cemetery is sited on a 5.3-acre parcel of land. Bounded by the railway to the North, Kennedy Highway to the East and rainforest South and West, no further option for expansion exists outside the parcel.
The next MSC meeting is due to happen on Wednesday, August 19.
