Minute with the Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort 4 August

If you haven’t caught up on the news, I’m very pleased to share that Council has been successful in securing funding through Round 1 of the Queensland Government’s Residential Activation Fund.This funding will allow us to develop detailed design plans, so we are “construction ready” when future funding opportunities arise.A key feature of the plan is a new road connection from Craig Street through to Chippendale Street. This will create another vital route in and out of town, easing pressure on existing roads, improving accessibility, and opening the way for future residential growth. Importantly, it will also give emergency services an additional access point, strengthening community safety and resilience.The road will directly link with Beach Road, ensuring critical connections for water, sewerage, and other essential infrastructure. This integration supports not only new residential development but also the delivery of long-term services for our community.The ultimate goal of this project is to enable faster construction of new homes, improve housing options, and increase housing supply across the Shire. The Burdekin Housing Activation Planning Project is expected to unlock 296 new dwellings, with the potential for up to 356 new homes to be delivered, compared to just 60 without this support.This project is about future-proofing our rural community, rebuilding our population, and strengthening our local economy, something I campaigned strongly for at the local election. Thanks to the Queensland Government’s recognition of the needs of regional communities, we are now making real progress.On a community note, this week’s Burdekin Community Association 50 Year Anniversary Client Luncheon was a great event, bringing together our residents for a wonderful day of connection and celebration.And of course, the Burdekin Water Festival continues to shine this weekend as one of our region’s great traditions. Congratulations to the newly crowned Queens, and I encourage everyone to come along to the Street Parade this weekend for an afternoon of colour, entertainment, and family fun.Should you wish to reach out, don’t hesitate to contact me directly by phone at 0447 150 582, or feel free to send an email to mayor@burdekin.qld.gov.au.