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In Focus, 25 September 2014
Dear reader, welcome to the latest edition of In Focus, full of news, events and opportunities from your council.
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Mayor's Message
Cairns has been in the world spotlight during the past week, thanks to the hosting of the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors' Meeting at the weekend.
I'm pleased to say I have received overwhelmingly positive feedback from delegates, including Treasurer Joe Hockey.
I must take this opportunity to thank all Cairns residents for helping to make this event successful. It is the people who makes a place what it is and we have wonderful people here in Cairns.
Last week I had the pleasure of jointly hosting the Future of Tropical Economies Conference.
With James Cook University Vice Chancellor Sandra Harding, I welcomed some of the most informed and influential minds in their fields to Cairns to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the world's tropical zones.
I look forward to following the progress of various projects and strategies with a view to re-convening in around two years' time.
Mayor Bob Manning
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Cultural Diversity Awards
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The inaugural Cultural Diversity Awards were held on the 24 September 2014.
These awards recognise efforts within the community that promote multiculturalism and raise awareness of the benefits of culture diversity.
Prahlad Dahal was presented with the Outstanding Volunteer/Individual Award. While Cairns State High School received the Business or Community Organisation or Cultural Group Award
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Library lights up
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Cairns City Library has become an after-dark attraction, thanks to the installation of new coloured feature lighting, which can display the heritage building in a variety of colours.
One of the key features is the ability to select appropriate lighting features to reflect a theme and the building is being lit gold in recognition of the "Going Gold in September" initiative to raise awareness of childhood cancer.
Beyond September, the lighting will be set to change colour at regular intervals, with a full spectrum available.
The feature lighting will take effect nightly from 7pm until dawn.
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Best tasting water
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A taste test of Far North Queensland water has confirmed that Mirriwinni residents are drinking the best.
At today’s Water and Waste Committee meeting, Councillors were invited to sample a glass of Mirriwinni water for themselves (see attached photos).
Mirriwinni was selected as the FNQ winner in the Orica Australia Best of the Best Queensland Water Taste Test, beating samples from five other local government areas.
As one of six regional finalists, Mirriwinni’s water will be in the running for the state title at next month’s Institute of Public Works Engineers Queensland State Conference.
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Ride2Work Day
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Cairns Regional Council will be holding a free breakfast for bicycle commuters taking part in Ride2Work Day on 15 October.
Join fellow cyclists at the Western Events Lawn on the Cairns Esplanade from 6am to 9am.
For those who would like some company during their commute, "cycle trains" will be operating throughout the region. Check Council's website for route details closer to the event.
To register for Ride2Work Day, visit the Bicycle Network website.
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Welcome for babies
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Registrations are now open for the 2014 Baby Welcome ceremony.
Each year, Cairns Regional Council welcomes new babies to the region with the Baby Welcome and Family Expo.
This year's event will be held on Sunday 2 November and families with new babies born between October 2013 and October 2014 can register to have their baby welcomed to the city in a formal ceremony that will be held down on the Esplanade next to Muddy's Playground.
The event is for all the family, with lots of fun for the older kids as well as mum and dad.
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Lake's lucky lady
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Congratulations to the winner of the Get Lucky on Lake compeition, Isabella Dean.
Ms Dean scored a brand new Holden Cruze, a years' worth of petrol, tourist experiences and thousands of dollars in shopping vouchers at this month's Party on Lake.
Second prize was won by Barry Wright of Cairns and Michelle Gilmore of Redlynch picked up the third major prize.
The competition attracted more than 140,000 entries, which were placed in a giant ball for the major draw.
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Seawall enters stage 3
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Construction on Stage 3 of the Machans Beach seawall will start before the end of the year.
Council has awarded the construction contract to JDS Group Pty Ltd for $4.3 million.
Council resolved in July to fast-track stage 3 of the project to make best use of resources and storage facilities, as well as providing cost savings.
Stage 3 will comprise the final 400m section of rockwall, to be constructed at the southern end of Machans Beach.
The total project includes 1.3km of new seawall, replacing an aging structure that has become unstable over time. Completion is expected mid-2015.
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Royalties fund application
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Three projects will be submitted for possible State Government funding through the Royalties for the Regions program.
The Tobruk Memorial Pool redevelopment, Shields Street Heart project and Redlynch Road Connection have been identified as priority projects meeting the criteria for the funding round.
Council has already committed significant funds to all three projects.
Applications for funding close this Friday and successful projects will be announced in December.
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