Mayor’s View – 30th October, 2008
Update on capital works issues in the Cassowary Coast Region
Setting aside the renewal of Innisfail’s Water Treatment and Sewerage Plants, the number one priority may soon become Innisfail’s Jubilee Bridge. The suggestion of using the existing bridge for pedestrian traffic only is attractive, but unfortunately unlikely to be practical.
The bridge is collapsing under its own weight and any reduction in load bearing may extend its life only for a short time.
The sinking of a couple of pylons is now extending to others and the repair bill is likely to be uneconomic – too expensive for the benefit gained – meaning that complete replacement could be the only option.
Given the present offer of a one third contribution of the replacement cost from the state government, a bill in the order of $14 million could become the responsibility of CCRC Ratepayers.
All efforts to this point in time to fund the Multi Purpose Centre in Tully have been unsuccessful given the decision of the federal government to withdraw $700,000 of previously promised funding.
The necessary community contribution of $200,000 is unlikely to now extend to $900,000.
Approaches to the community have not yet been made, a definite decision to commence being a prerequisite to serious fundraising.
I have always supported improved facilities for Tully High School.
My concerns have been the relative contributions from the levels of government.
In the last six months the CCRC has continued to try to achieve this facility, within financial constraints.
The federal government decision to withdraw its funding, if finally confirmed, will make the project extremely unlikely.
This is indeed unfortunate for the school and the wider community.
It is all the more unfortunate given the increased rates charges that are likely to be levied in the south to equate rates for similar properties in the north and in the south.
An MPC for Tully would deliver a tangible benefit for additional rates. Alternative capital works, for example sealed roads, may be able to be offered as a compromise to southern ratepayers, if the MPC does in fact not proceed.
As a reaction to worldwide economic turmoil, the federal government is looking to fund major infrastructure works across Australia.
Sewerage and water treatment projects are unfortunately ineligible, as the infrastructure projects funded need to be ones that directly boost capacity for long term economic developments.
Major transport works, including utilising the natural advantages of Mourilyan harbour and the Palmerston highway, may however provide valuable opportunities for our region.
A meeting of 17 regional mayors in Townsville last week supported such works.
Work is progressing on planning for the tertiary sewerage plant for the Cardwell Township.
Council’s contribution is approximately $6million, which is beyond our means, but this sum should be able to be borrowed and the loan serviced.
The first earthworks for the new Innisfail State High School have commenced. Council is negotiating for sewerage connection in 2010.
There is understandable community concern regarding the state government’s requirement for temporary fencing along the Johnstone River Corso, while vegetation is established.
Council will have an input where possible and recognises and understands residents’ concerns regarding visual amenity and access to river frontages.
Mission Beach is the only community of its size in Queensland with no pool, while providing a disproportionately high share of the region’s rate income relative to its population.
This issue should be addressed.
There is no shortage of projects with merit and council will continue to attempt to priositise across the region within the limits of the resources available.