
DETAILS: Council votes to clear Balonne River of debris
Recreational users of the Balonne River in Surat will rejoice after Maranoa council voted unanimously to remove the debris in and around the river, making it safer for skiers.
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After receiving feedback from the Surat community, councillor Joh Hancock brought to council's attention the need to tidy up the Balonne river, saying it's an asset to not only the community but the region and tourists.
In the council meeting on February 10 in Injune, the motion Debris Removal - In and along Balonne River Surat was supported by all nine councillors and a report will be brought to a future meeting about removing debris between Fisherman's Park and the Weir.
Councillor Hancock said the issue has been on the radar for some time and the overgrown trees make it dangerous for skiers.
"I have been approached from key members of the community who use the area for recreational use - skiing and fishing and it is concerning that trees are falling into the river," Cr Hancock said.
"The river is a beautiful place, we love it, but it's also where tourists come and it's concerning how over grown it is."
Comparing to similar issues in Mitchell, Cr John Birkett said when things are let go too long then boats are turned away from pulling up on the river, therefore the local community loses tourism dollars.
"I know fisherman's like the trees but skiers and recreational people, don't … I think it's a great thing to clear out the waterways for recreational use," Cr Birkett said.
You can watch and listen council discuss this motion HERE.
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