It has been less than a month since they were sworn in but Etheridge Shire’s new-look Council is already hard at work with four important actions mooted at the first general meeting recently.

 

Mayor Will Attwood said the new team were eager to get started and begin making a difference within the community.

 

Actions moved at the inaugural general meeting include:

• Gilbert River Development – Cr Ian Tinknell will contact all the residents along the Gilbert River and arrange a stakeholders meeting in Georgetown on June 12, 2012 at 9am.  Peter Gilbey will also be at that meeting to hear growers concerns and to assist moving the project forward.  All residents are welcome to attend this meeting and learn how the project is developing.

• Oak Park Bridge – Cr Pauline Royse has arranged a meeting of the Oak Park residents at Oak Park Race Club on June 6, 2012. A presentation of the varying options for a bridge at Oak Park will be made to assist in the decision making process.

 

• Enterprise Bargaining – Cr Trevor Arnett was appointed as the responsible person to liaise with the AWU. A meeting has been scheduled for May 30, 2012 and is to be attended by Mayor Will Attwood, Cr Arnett and a Council executive. Through the meeting, the Councillors aim to set the foundation for wage negotiations for all Council staff.

 

• Rubbish Disposal and Georgetown Landfill – The relocation of the rubbish tip was discussed, with frustrations relating to environmental conditions noted. Cr Warren Bethel is to assist Council officers to complete this project as soon as possible.

 

Cr Attwood said the new Councillors had each been given a portfolio, which would ensure an even split of tasks across the whole Council.

 

“By doing this, it means that the Councillors will be more knowledgeable in a specific area, and also means residents know who is the best person to approach should they wish to discuss a specific issue,” Cr Attwood said.

 

“Every one of the Councillors is keen to jump in and make progress in their specific portfolio. It is a way of ensuring every responsibility is taken to the highest level.”

 

The Councillor’s portfolios include:

Mayor Cr Will Attwood        Budget

Deputy Mayor Cr Ian Tincknell             Infrastructure

Councillors Cr Pauline Royes        Business Activity

                                Cr Trevor Arnett        Engineering

                                Cr Warren Bethel        Personnel

 

Cr Attwood said he was proud of the progress already made during the first meeting and ensured residents that the standard would continue.

 

“I intend to be a 24/7 Mayor. During weekdays between 8am and 5pm you will find me at the Shire office and outside these hours I will always answer my mobile,” he said.

“If you have an issue or are just in town, come in to the office and see me.”

 

Cr Attwood also reminded residents they were invited to attend general meetings which were held every third Wednesday of the month.

 

For more information please contact Cr Will Attwood on 0458 621 233.