Part of my role is getting out and about across our region, which encompasses just on 7000 square kilometres and 2200 kilometres of Council controlled roads.  While ‘out and about’, it is always pleasing to see so many locals and visitors alike enjoying the facilities provided and maintained by Gympie Regional Council. 

Whether it be the new parks at Tin Can Bay, Rainbow Beach, Lower Wonga, Imbil or the refurbished parks at Lake Alford and Amamoor, it is pleasing to see these community assets well used and enjoyed. 

The river walk in Gympie has been an outstanding success and I would encourage any resident who hasn’t been able to enjoy this new asset to give it a go over the Easter long weekend. 

Excellent visitor numbers are also being seen at the Rattler with many services now requiring pre-booking to get a seat and experience a true and authentic historic train ride.  

Council is also responsible for providing funding for events right across our region such as tonight’s Easter on Mary. This is an event which would not happen without a strong partnership between Council and the Mary Street traders and such a good way for locals to support our local businesses while enjoying a great night catching up with friends.

The inaugural Imbil Easter Carnival will also be held on Saturday with wide ranging activities for all the family to enjoy. Again, thanks must go to the Mary Valley Chamber of Commerce for their initiative and dedication to see this event come to fruition. 

We are all very fortunate to call the Gympie region home and this is evident by the number of visitors we are seeing coming to explore our ‘backyard’.

Happy Easter from Gympie Regional Council and please stay safe if you’re travelling over the long weekend.

Mayor Mick Curran