Naturally Beautiful Hughenden

The town of Hughenden in Flinders Shire has been named Queensland's Tidiest Town for 2017 by environmental movement, Keep Queensland Beautiful.

Keep Queensland Beautiful's programs motivate people to enhance the quality of their local environment through personal initiative and community action.

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Our flagship program; Tidy Towns, aims to recognise and reward work occuring in towns across the Sunshine State.

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The announcement was made by Keep Queensland Beautiful CEO, Mr David Curtin today, where he congratulated Flinders Shire Council Mayor Jane McNamara on the successful win.

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"Hughenden's submission was outstanding across all key focus areas. Our tidy towns judges were extremely impressed by the sheer number of projects undertaken in the outback town." Curtin said.

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"Projects like the Good Neighbour Program provide an innovative solution to what is otherwise a challenging task. This easy-to-follow program now provides a template for other Councils to replicate in regions that are also finding it difficult to tackle their noxious weed infestations.

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"The Hughenden community should be proud that their Council is leading the way."

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Mayor Jane McNamara, upon hearing of the prestigious title win was extremely proud of of the efforts of so many people in her community. 

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"I would like to firstly thank all of the community members and Council staff who have contributed to the wonderful town of Hughenden and the Flinders Shire.

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"It was more than a decade ago that Hughenden won the award for the Friendliest Town and as a community with a "Can Do" attitude, we have kept building on the fabric of our town.

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"This now completes the trifecta for The Dinosaur Trail, as the two other centres of Richmond and Winton have been winners of this prestigious award in the past." 

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Mayor McNamara said that "Tourism makes all communities take more pride in their environment and community and the attractions that they present.

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"We love our Shire and community. We have so much to offer. From the amazing Porcupine Gorge, access to four National Parks and our many community events and sports.

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"After having had many years of drought, being awarded Queensland's Tidiest Town is a positive boost for our community. Congratulations to all of those who have contributed to our success in winning this year." said proud Mayor, Cr. Jane McNamara.

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With a population of just 1,151 people, Hughenden are rewarded for kicking above their weight, achieving a 4-star rating in the Queensland Tidy Towns accreditation program.

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Some projects that contributed towards a successful win include;

• Good Neighbour Program,

• Development of Flinders Shire Council Art and Cultural Plan 2017 - 2022,

• Public Art (Station Signs and Brandings, Wildflower Awning Panels),

• Porcupine Gorge National Park - EcoTourism feasibility study and business plan,

• The forthcoming appointment of a Historical Coordinator to digitise, catalogue and preserve local historical collections,

• Mount Walker interpretation signage and future development works,

• Shearing the Stragglers live demonstrations and displays,

• Partnerships with Australia's Dinosaur Trail and Overlander's Way,

• Hughenden Walking and Cemetery Tours,

• Flinders Discovery Centre.

The winning town receives a marketing campaign thanks to sponsor Dimension 8 Marketing, including a mobile billboard and social media advertising campaign that commenced today.

The Queensland Tidy Towns Accreditation program better reflects the comprehensive approach that has been a part of the Tidy Towns ethos for many years. Accreditation provides participating towns with a 1 to 5 star rating, based on progress in key focus areas; Environmental Innovation and Protection, Heritage and Culture, Community Spirit, Litter Action, Resource Recovery, Waste Management, Water Conservation and Energy Efficiency.