New councillors Lesa Whittaker and Kristi Chapple joined councillors Kylie Wright, John Tucker, Barry LeFevre, deputy mayor John McGiveron, and mayor Mick Tucker at Monday’s meeting.

Cr Wright put forward four notices of motion. One was to introduce a street library at Four Mile Creek.

The community had approached Cr Wright about the project, which would be introduced at the town’s village green “so that people could go down there, they can relax, read a book.”

The street library passed unanimously.

Cr Wright also said the community had questioned why there was no fencing around the Scamander playground.

“We have fences around most of our parks,” she said. “I think it’s a safety issue.”

Cr Barry LeFevre said it had been discussed earlier in the year.

Cr Mick Tucker said it had not gone ahead due to the potential for the fence to be washed away during flooding to the area.

“If it’s washed away every second year, it would be very costly,” said Cr LeFevre.

Cr Wright said she was more concerned about a life being lost than the cost of replacing the fence.

The council voted unanimously to make a report on the issue.

Councillors voted for the St Helens Hospital Auxiliary to do a trial takeover of the St Marys Tip Shop.

Cr McGiveron said it was “a no brainer”.

Cr Wright said she had been doing volunteer shifts at the St Helens Tip Shop.

“It’s just phenomenal,” she said. “I’m happy to go up there and volunteer if they need it.”

Councillors also discussed the uses for Georges Bay, following calls from a swimming group for a pontoon in the bay, and the safety issues that could arise with swimmers and motorised watercraft in the same area.

Community services manager Chris Hughes recommended the council define areas for specific purposes.

She said an option was to put a barrier around the swimming area.

Cr LeFevre said he agreed with the intent, but thought the discussion was taking place years too early.

Cr Tucker said the council could be proactive about the situation, and consultation needed to take place with the community.

General manager John Brown said the matter would be discussed as part of the St Helens Township Plan.

Ms Hughes’ recommendation was passed unanimously.