Hello and welcome.

The new Council are settling in well and the last few months have been full of introductions and getting our heads around Council’s plans and policies.

We are all very committed to our community and looking forward to future planning for Litchfield.

We have had some big works projects taking place over the last few months and more in the months ahead. The Mango Strategic Roads project is getting closer to being finalised with three of the four roads complete. Kentish Road works have commenced and it is anticipated that these will be finalised mid-2022.

Virginia Road is now complete with a new reseal on a section of the pavement that was failing. The road was closed for a period of approximately three weeks which allowed the works to be completed quickly and efficiently.

The Federally funded Black Spot project on Power Road is continuing, with completion expected end of December 2021, weather permitting. The widening of the floodway will provide a safer drive for commuters and residents on this road.

Building plans are underway for the new multi-purpose community building to be erected on the Council office land at 7 Bees Creek, Freds Pass. This building will provide a meeting, events, conference, and activities space available to community organisations, businesses, and individuals, as well as being the new Council Chambers. This building is expected to be complete mid-2022.

There are some great Council activities in the new year, our annual Australia Day Event. This is a free, fun day packed full of exciting things for the whole family, including free bacon and egg breakfast cooked by Rotary Club Litchfield/Palmerston, jumping castles, face painting, fun run and of course the awarding of the 2022 Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year and Community Event of the Year. Of course there will be the famous Australia shaped lamington made by the Lions Club of Litchfield. Be sure to pencil this into your diary.

Then there is the Litchfield Art Exhibition 2022. We are calling for nominations now for artists. The Exhibition is held on the first weekend in March and it is a great way of showcasing our talented, local artists. Check out the website and Facebook for details on how to enter the Exhibition.

Our community newsletter is now out. Click here to have a read and learn all about your new Councillors and upcoming works.

I would like to wish you all a very safe and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. I look forward to keeping in touch in the new year and reporting on many more projects that we are working on as part of this year’s Municipal Plan.

Stay safe.

Doug Barden 
Mayor