General News
21 February, 2024
Toppin to lead shire for four more years
MAREEBA’S Mayor Angela Toppin will have four more years in the top seat after no one nominated to run against her at the 16 March local government election.
While Mayor Toppin acknowledges she is “not foolish enough” to believe she can keep everyone happy all the time, she stands by her council’s record over the past four years despite constant challenges.
“It is a privilege to have led a very stable and focussed council over the past four years,” she said.
“We navigated challenging and unprecedented times with Covid, lockdowns, travel restrictions and the complete closure of our international tourism market, and this new term has its own challenges with historical rainfalls and flooding, ageing infrastructure and decreased state and federal funding to local governments.
“I look forward to working with the elected councillors to achieve a financially stable council prepared for the future.
“As Mayor, I will continue to aim for ‘making a difference’ and improving liveability throughout the shire.”
Mayor Toppin rates the shire’s financial performance as one of the highlights of the past four years and one that is critical going forward, as well as a number of other projects that have progressed significantly and advocacy efforts by the council on issues like crime.
“It’s rewarding to know that we are not only accomplishing goals and projects that are good for our community but we have an eye to securing the future, with sound strategies and planning,” she said.
“Progress with the Parks and Open Space Strategy throughout the shire has been a worthy accomplishment - this goes a long way towards making our shire more liveable and supports improved property values.
“The progress with the Water and Sewerage Strategy to replace ageing infrastructure throughout the shire is rewarding - this is what a good and responsible council must do.”
She said council’s advocacy on crime had led to seven additional police officers being appointed, a Youth Justice Office established in Mareeba to assist with youth crime, and the establishment of a Collaboration for Community Safety Working Group to ensure all inter-agencies were working together.
“I am also proud of the Council’s Public Art Mural Program which was adopted in 2022 which will deliver 11 mural projects across the shire and this will contribute to a public art trail throughout the shire and enhance tourism experiences for locals, visitors and travellers,” she said.
“I am proud that we are funding a wonderful variety of art, cultural and heritages outcomes through our Regional Arts Development Grant Funding.”
When asked what her top priorities would be in the next term of office, Mayor Toppin said it would be a continuation of the work being done in upgrading infrastructure, progressing the Parks and Open Space Strategy and advocacy for the town on crime and other issues.
“It is also going to be very important to improve our transport network and ensure financial stability is sustained and improved,” she added.
