MY TOWN: We’ll be coming round to Finch Hatton

We are so excited to be coming back to the far reaches of the picturesque Pioneer Valley for our third My Town excursion to Finch Hatton.

Rae Wilson and Rae.Wilson@news.com.au

5 min read

June 4, 2021 - 4:27PM

#mymackay photograph of Finch Hatton Gorge by @foreignlandscapes. Picture: Supplied

Mackay

Don't miss out on the headlines from Mackay. Followed categories will be added to My News.

Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy.

We are so excited to be coming back to the far reaches of the picturesque Pioneer Valley for our third My Town excursion to Finch Hatton.

The area never disappoints with its not-so-secret lush rainforest, crisp air, historic landmarks, and pioneering tales.

But there is still so much more to learn which is why reporter Heidi Petith together with Mackay Regional Councillors Belinda Hassan and Justin Englert will be heading to the Criterion Hotel from 10.30am to noon on Tuesday, June 8.

The Criterion Hotel at Finch Hatton.

Heidi will meet residents, recognise unsung community heroes, uncover the quirky tales, celebrate businesses and explore issues you would like attention brought to.

My Town, an initiative of the Mercury and Mackay Regional Council, is about discovering more about our region, the people in the towns that foster deep pride for residents, the businesses that make them unique.

Daily Mercury journalist Heidi Petith. Picture: Zizi Averill

It is your chance to tell us what you think is important.

And we want to hear from you.

Email Heidi on heidi.petith@news.com.au or phone 4957 0316 to share your story.

And if you can’t make it to the Criterion Hotel on Tuesday morning but still want to get in touch, drop Heidi an email.

The My Town initiative has a reporter visiting a different town or area twice a month, and since its relaunch after Covid-19 lockdown, has visited Habana, Eimeo and Bucasia in the Northern Beaches and Eton, as well as Calen, Kuttabul and Marian.

If you have a location in mind where we should meet, email us at mackay@news.com.au

Mackay Councillor Justin Englert and Councillor Belinda Hassan at the Mayor's Charity Ball launch earlier this year. Picture: Melanie Whiting

Councillors Belinda Hassan and Justin Englert

Next week we will be at the Criterion Hotel as part of the Daily Mercury’s My Town campaign.

Council recently completed more than $1.1 million in upgrades to Gorge Rd in Finch Hatton with the help of funding through the state government’s Works for Queensland program.

This work included the installation of concrete pavement between the first and third causeways and road rehabilitation work to increase flood immunity and reduce the maintenance requirements associated with this road.

The flood wall at the Pioneer Valley Showgrounds has been brought to life with new artwork thanks to funding through council’s Activate My Place grant program. The art installation features large sepia photographs showcasing images of pioneering families and historical scenes involving the cane industry.

Construction is also expected to commence shortly on two bridge rehabilitation projects at Cattle Creek (Higham) Bridge and Kowari Rd Cattle Creek Bridge.

We are also upgrading the chlorination infrastructure at Finch Hatton Treatment Facility to improve the efficiency of the disinfection process.

Of course, everyone is extremely excited about the Pioneer Valley Mountain Bike Trails, with plenty of feedback received regarding the three proposed trailhead concepts. A local area planning framework for the Finch Hatton and Eungella townships is currently being prepared to support the implementation of these trails.

Soon, we will be offering business owners in Eungella and Finch Hatton the opportunity to participate in a business development mentoring program. This program is aimed at providing businesses with the right tools to leverage off the economic opportunity as the tourism trail product develops.

We hope to see you on Tuesday, June 8, from 10.30am to noon, to discuss these upcoming projects and discover local stories in this vibrant part of our region.

Cr Belinda Hassan and Cr Justin Englert