Her Excellency Governor Jeannette Young PSM was presented with a gift by Cherbourg Mayor Elvie Sandow to mark her official opening of Cherbourg’s new multi-million dollar water project

June 2, 2022

Cherbourg played host to a special Vice-Regal visit on Wednesday to celebrate the opening of major upgrades to the community’s water treatment plant.

Her Excellency Governor Jeannette Young PSM officially opened two 2ML concrete reservoirs and associated upgrades in a ceremony which included prayers, singing, dancing and a free community barbecue.

The event was compered by retired colonel David McGuire, the managing director of Gripfast Consulting which managed the water treatment plant project.

Cherbourg Council’s Corporate Services Manager Sam Murray said the planning for the upgrade began in 2016.

However, during early stages of the scoping, it became apparent one of the existing water reservoirs was in a very poor state of repair, while the other was not in use.

Extra funds were sought from the State Government with the help of Cherbourg’s “Government Champion” Clare O’Connor.

“A new project to replace the reservoirs with concrete tanks was scoped, approved, funded and tendered in record time,” manager Murray said.

“This component of the project has been completed in 12 months despite fires, floods and COVID lockdowns.

“The two 2ML concrete reservoirs before us will ensure that Cherbourg has access to a safe and reliable water supply for decades to come.”

Mayor Elvie Sandow said the upgrades had been “a long time coming” for the community “but we got there!”

She thanked Ms O’Connor for her help but also the staff of Cherbourg Council and CEO Chatur Zala for making the project happen.

Ms O’Connor said access to clean, good quality drinking water was a human right.

“In fact, it’s a prerequisite for every other human right,” she said.

This was echoed by Governor Young who stressed the enhanced facility would continue to improve the health outcomes of the Cherbourg community.

“I am in awe with what you have achieved,” she said.

Her Excellency was presented with a bunch of flowers when she arrived at the Cherbourg Council Chambers
Cherbourg State School captains Rhonicha Watcho and Antwone Alberts with principal Boyd Mclean … the captains welcomed the Governor to Cherbourg
Governor Young poses with the Wakka Wakka Gubbi Dancers after their performance
South Burnett Mayor Brett Otto, Governor Young, Cherbourg Mayor Elvie Sandow, and Cherbourg’s “Government Champion”, the Director-General of the Department of Communities, Housing and Digital Economy Clare O’Connor
Director-General O’Connor was presented with a gift from Mayor Sandow to mark the occasion
Robert “Rocko” Langton provided some live music to warm everyone up before the formal proceedings
Wakka Wakka Elder Eric Law and his wife Aunty Shirley … Uncle Eric welcomed the visitors to country
Gripfast Consulting managing director David McGuire compered proceedings … Gripfast were project managers
Mayor Elvie Sandow and CASC Corporate Services Manager Sam Murray spoke at the opening
Governor Young and Mayor Sandow unveiled the plaque after the Governor’s opening speech
Council workers Lizzie O’Chin and Jackson Cobbo, who were a key part of the project, were presented with commemorative caps
Aunty Belita Wragge was presented with a small commemorative gift … her late husband Les worked at the water plant for many years
Cr Jane Erkens (SBRC), Cr Bronwyn Murray (CASC) and Cr Kathy Duff (SBRC)
Acting Inspector Brett Everest, Cr Leighton Costello (CASC), Cr Scott Henschen (SBRC), Deputy Mayor Tom Langton (CASC), Cr Danita Potter (SBRC), Deputy Mayor Gavin Jones (SBRC) and Cr Fred Cobbo (CASC) with Cherbourg resident Lawrence Dalton, front
The plaque acknowledges the funding which made the project possible
This is what the fuss was all about … the two new 2ML reservoirs
The Governor’s Lexus limousine cut quite a dash as it passed through the South Burnett on its way to Cherbourg

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The Wakka Wakka Gubbi troupe performed a series of dances at the opening ceremony:

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The Governor also visited Cherbourg State School, the Material Recovery Facility, Cherbourg Hospital and Cherbourg Community Health during her visit.

Governor Young, the former Queensland Chief Health Officer, has promised to visit all Queensland hospitals during her term as Governor.

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