General News
16 August, 2020
New young business group for Mareeba
Mareeba Shire Councillor Locky Bensted has formed ‘The Young Business leaders Group of Mareeba.’
A new group of young business owners has been formed with the goal of advocating for more facilities for young families in the Mareeba Shire.
Mareeba Shire Councillor (MSC) Locky Bensted has formed ‘The Young Business leaders Group of Mareeba.’
“During my campaign for council, I found that there were no other young people running."
“I always thought that we need to have a facility for younger people who are in business to get their voices heard. The younger generation is the next group of leaders for Mareeba.”
The group is hoping to identify potential developments with a focus on parks, dining and recreation, to attract and retain young families in the Mareeba shire.
“Our group recognises the fact that for us to keep young families in town, then the township needs to offer safe and appealing facilities for young families.”
Mr Bensted said that once they have identified the opportunities, he can then take the ideas straight to council and he is also hoping that the group will be able to lobby state members for funding.
One of the ideas that the group has identified is the lakes area in Mareeba. The group wants to expand the area to include a soft play water park, bike and walking trails, and a café and BBQ area.
“Rather than people going down to Cairns, we would like people from Cairns to come up here and have a BBQ with their friends around the lakes.” Mr Bensted said
“We also think the lakes should be rebranded and have a name. We are hoping that a new name and new facilities will get rid of the old baggage that is associated with the lakes.”
In the group are tourism operators, a jeweller, a car dealer, dentist and several retailers and they are hoping to recruit more members.
Anyone up to the age of 40-ish can join by contacting Locky Bensted direct 0408 871 420
