As another bustling term for Mayor Lyn McLaughlin comes to a close, I had the pleasure of speaking with her on the year that was, and the future plans for the Burdekin region as we move into a new year.
Mayor McLaughlin reflects on her past year with great appreciation and gratitude as she was able to experience it in good health, surrounded by the strength of her dear friends, and family. Additionally, she believes all the major achievements of the Burdekin community would not have come to fruition if not for everyone working together, and Lyn expressed gratitude for all the opportunities that arose for the Burdekin Shire Council in 2023.
“We’ve got a wonderful community, so much is achieved by other people, and it’s so good to recognise what everyone else does and contributes, both in the Burdekin as well as council,” expressed Mayor McLaughlin.
Particularly, Mayor McLaughlin celebrates one major achievement for the Burdekin region; the $44.88 million Water Treatment Plant for Ayr, as granted by the Palaszczuk Government.
The funding stands as the largest grant the Burdekin has received and will allow the 5-year plan for the Water Treatment Plant to come to fruition in 2025.
“This was a major grant, the largest grant we have ever achieved in the shire, and a major accomplishment for our community,” expressed Mayor McLaughlin.
In addition, Mayor McLaughlin celebrates the commencement of the industrial estate expansion.
“These are two big projects that have been in the pipeline for many years, and to have them started was just outstanding,” she said Mayor McLaughlin.
Mayor McLaughlin believes that although 2023 did not see the completion of the Burdekin’s major projects, she celebrates the finalisation of the Ayr Waterpark, the construction of the new entry to the Ayr Pool and the overall contribution these aspects have made to the youth in the community. Lyn explained the true success of these achievements is due to the Burdekin Shire Council’s strategic planning previously solidified in earlier years, assuring the most beneficial outcomes are produced when applying for and receiving government funding and grants.
Mayor McLaughlin expressed, it’s due to these plans being implemented years in advance, that discussions have begun into the establishment of a youth precent in the area; an idea not yet presented for community consultation. Additionally, strategic planning has been carried out in the areas of road reconstruction, economic development, the renewal of the region’s tourism plan, as well as in the interest of the Ayr Showgrounds.
“It is really important to have a big picture and then work at each project within that,” explained Mayor Mclaughlin.
“There’s always room for improvement, and there’s lots of things we want to do.”
In the interest of completing her term with no distractions, Mayor McLaughlin was not willing to disclose if she will be running in the upcoming election, and explained the community should expect an answer the week of the 29 January.
Standing L-R John Furnell, Terry Brennan, Max Musumeci, Michael Detenon and John Bonanno. Sitting L-R Kaylee Boccalatte, Lyn McLaughlin and Sue Perry
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