The Electoral Commission of Queensland has deferred Cloncurry Shire Council’s request for more councillors to represent he region.
The council conducted a survey in April/May last year on the question, “Do you support increasing councillor numbers from Mayor and four councillors to Mayor and six councillors”.
It said the results highlighted the community’s support for increasing the amount of elected members with 85 per cent voting ‘yes’ and 15 per cent ‘no’.
One respondent commented, “Other shires around the region have 5-6 councillors, why not Cloncurry. An extra two will counteract leave and availability for important decision-making. Difference of opinions and priorities in community needs will have a greater representation”
In a media statement on the issue, the council reported that the Local Government Minister supported one additional councillor position, however the matter had been forwarded to the Change Commission to make the final decision.
“The Change Commission has advised council that due to a heavy workload they do not have the capacity to assess electoral arrangement changes until after the 2020 elections,” it said.
Resolute Mining has announced a million ounce upgrade in ore reserves for its Ravenswood gold mine, setting it on the path to scale up expansion plans. The company has increased ore reserves at the North Queensland operation by 58 per cent to 2.7Moz and mineral resources by 24 per cent to 5.9Moz. The expanded gold inventory offers the potential to ramp up production as part of the the Rav...
Lendlease has released details of a planned $60 million redevelopment of the Cairns Central shopping centre in Far North Queensland. Construction will commence soon and is expected to be completed in late 2020, the developer said. The redevelopment will include the complete refurbishment of Myer, across a 7500sq m floorspace, and a new fresh food market hall, anchored by Woolworths. Ther...
The CFMEU has urged mineworkers to speak out about their concerns as a safety ‘reset’ kicks off across Queensland mines from today. CFMEU Mining and Energy Queensland President Stephen Smyth said the reset was a welcome response to a string of tragic fatalities and serious accidents across the industry. Starting today, every mine in Queensland is required to stop production and run t...
Queensland’s resources jobs market is outpacing job vacancies in the rest of the state’s economy at a rate of 15 to one, according to analysis from the Queensland Resources Council. The findings came in the latest QRC State of the Sector report. (Full report HERE) But the report also highlights industry executives’ concerns regarding the impact of poor or uncertain regulation on the ...
The State Government is seeking public feedback on a new model code for neighbourhood design. Planning Minister Cameron Dick said the new standards could become compulsory for new developments. Elements of the code which could become mandatory by the end of the year include: grid-like street networks with fewer cul-de-sacs footpaths complemented by street trees on both sides ...
Community members are urged to share their memorabilia to help mark the Port of Mackay’s 80th anniversary next month. North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP) chief executive officer Nicolas Fertin said some of the treasured items will be showcased as part of a commemorative exhibition at the Maritime Carnival in Old Mulherin Park. “We’ve engaged Dr Melanie Piddocke, Museum Developme...
The Australian Government has committed to delivering construction of the $195 million Stage 2 of Townsville’s Haughton water pipeline project. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack made the announcement today in a joint statement with local Federal MPs. The project was the centre of controversy earlier this month when it...
Works to recover from flood damage will make up a huge $30 million chunk of Cloncurry Shire Council’s capital works spend this financial year. The council adopted its 2019/20 budget this week, with a direct capital works budget of about $50 million including the flood damage program supported by State and Federal funding. The budget will deliver a $53,000 surplus, which the council sa...
Now
