Mayor’s Column: Longreach Leader - 26 February 2021
Another two weeks have passed and it was great to see the region busy over the weekend. The rugby nines and the Queensland Country Women’s Association Conference were both very successful events and between them they brought a lot of people to the region.
You may have heard that we sustained some damage to one of the minor tributary weirs on the Thomson River in Longreach. We started repairs but had to suspend work due to bad weather. We were back on site first thing Saturday and our dedicated crews and contractors were working together all weekend on the temporary repairs. I’d like to thank everybody involved – it’s been a good result – and I’m pleased to report there was no threat to the Longreach water supply at any time. We’re still closely monitoring the situation though and will commence further works in due course.
I’d also like to thank everyone who came to our Public Information Session on Saturday where we presented the draft Thomson River Master Plan for public comment. If, like me, you missed the presentation you can view the recording on our website by visiting longreach.qld.gov.au/riverplan. While you’re there, you can download the draft document and learn how to have your say before the public comment period closes on 15 March.
The Thomson River Master Plan lays out our community’s vision for a river precinct that meets the needs of locals and visitors alike. One that is active and alive, pristine and protected, recreational and restorative. A destination of choice that draws people from all walks of life to enjoy an unrivalled outback lifestyle.
The plan is a long term vision for the future of our Thomson River precinct that will take many years and significant investment, both public and private, to realise. Council is taking the first step, in consultation with the community, by preparing the master plan. Then, once a final draft is adopted in April, the work of attracting government and private investment will begin.
Our community expect us to plan for the sustainability of our region in a fiscally responsible manner. Council will seek funding from state and federal governments, as well as private sector and philanthropic organisations, to deliver the initiatives outlined in the plan.
In other words Council is committed to realising the vision, but will not go it alone. We will only achieve the master plan’s goals in partnership with stakeholders that can support the sustainable development of a dynamic river precinct that lives up to community expectations.
The plan is something our community can be proud of. The community has contributed to its development at every stage, and your input will continue to be crucial as the project progresses further. It will be the work of current and future generations to deliver on the concepts laid out in its pages.
Before I go, it’s worth noting that rates notices were issued last week. Please keep an eye out for them and don’t hesitate to get in touch with Council immediately should they not arrive. Make sure you qualify for your 10% discount by paying before 26 March – you can pay online by visiting longreach.qld.gov.au/rates, and that’s also where you can find out about applying for a payment plan.
Until next time, if you want to know anything at all, contact Council directly on (07) 4658 4111 (24hrs), or email assist@longreach.qld.gov.au. You can also find email and direct phone numbers for me and each of my fellow Councillors on our website at longreach.qld.gov.au/elected-members.