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COUNCIL
CONNECTION
GLADSTONE REGIONAL COUNCIL NEWSLETTER
December 2016 - January 2017
ISSUE 75
INSIDE
4 5 6 7
SUNfest school Countdown on for Australia Day fun day Collect your free
holiday program pumptrack completion and award ceremony emergency wallet
Mayor's Message
Reflecting on an eventful year as we look forward to 2017
As the New Year draws of entries, most of which were from our
near, it is fitting to reflect region. The Awards' exhibition is open until
on 2016 and some of its December 8 at the Gladstone Regional Art
highlights. Gallery & Museum.
For me, one of Council's Council actively supported a multitude of
most important other community events this year, and the
achievements was the launch of the hugely popular Mount Larcom
adoption of its Local Farmers' Market is an example of that.
Cover Preference Policy, to Another is the revamp of the City Farmers
The newly redeveloped Alf Larson/ Lions Park in help local suppliers compete for Council
Miriam Vale has been popular with the kids since
Market, which brings alive Gladstone's CBD
its official opening on Saturday, November 19. contracts. every second and fourth Saturday each month.
Page 3
Another favourite milestone was the In fact, the revitalisation of the city centre is
redevelopment of Alf Larson/Lions Park. Its set to accelerate with this year's development
state-of-the-art playground, attractive picnic of the Jumpstart Our City Heart draft strategy
Council Connection areas and parking for motorhomes and - a culmination of our community's ideas and
This newsletter is produced every two caravans is drawing tourists off the Bruce visions of a thriving Gladstone CBD. We aim
months by Gladstone Regional Council Highway into Miriam Vale and providing the to finalise the strategy by early next year.
to inform residents about Council events, town's residents with a place to recreate. Another important service launched this year
activities, services and projects. It is But wheels aren't tourists' only method of was our Regional Libraries' Out and About Van
printed on 60% recycled paper. visiting our region. Since P&O Cruises' maiden to Wartburg, Rosedale and the Boyne Valley,
Delivery voyage to Gladstone in March, more than ensuring cultural resources are available to our
Council Connection is delivered directly 10,000 passengers have enjoyed the Feast on more isolated communities.
into all residential letterboxes by Australia East events, toured our region's attractions, It has also been a busy year of major works
Post as 'unaddressed mail' and is also sampled businesses' offerings or taken in our with the new Miriam Vale Water Treatment
available for viewing or downloading scenery. Council is proud to support GAPDL Plant, and Chapman Drive works now
from Council’s website at www. and GPC in this initiative. complete and the construction of a pump track
gladstone.qld.gov.au Our most famous visitors this year were at Memorial Park, Gladstone and CQ Driver
arguably the 2016 Queensland State of Education Facility at Benaraby begun.
Cost
Council Connection is automatically Origin team. Thousands of people lined As this year draws to a close, I feel proud
delivered free of charge to households Goondoon Street to welcome the Maroons of these and many other achievements and
in the Gladstone Region who have a and I wouldn't be surprised if our enthusiasm honoured to be a part of the Gladstone
residential letterbox. The cost of printing inspired their series victory. Region's fantastic, active community.
and distributing the newsletter is 48.6 While our community loves its sport, we also On behalf of my fellow Councillors and
cents per household per edition. clearly have a healthy appreciation for the arts. Council Officers, I wish residents, visitors and
The 41st Rio Tinto Martin Hanson Memorial their families a very Merry Christmas and
Art Awards 2016 received a record number happy New Year and a prosperous 2017.
Wishing all Gladstone Region residents and their families a safe and happy festive season are our Councillors (back from left) PJ Sobhanian, Kahn
Goodluck, Peter Masters, Cindi Bush, (front) Glenn Churchill, Rick Hansen, Mayor Matt Burnett, Desley O'Grady and Deputy Mayor Chris Trevor.
n e c t
on
Gladstone Regional Council
PO Box 29, Gladstone Qld 4680
C WITH COUNCIL
www.gladstonerc.qld.gov.au/econnect @GladstoneRegionalCouncil
Phone: 4970 0700 Fax: 4975 8500
Email: info@gladstonerc.qld.gov.au www.gladstone.qld.gov.au
@GladstoneRegionalCouncil @GladRegCnl
The new, modern playground and
facilities at Miriam Vale's Alf Larson/
Lions Park are now open to residents
and travellers.
Miriam Vale's Alf Larson/ Lions Park unveiled to community
The Gladstone Region community turned the parklands. which will encourage travellers off the
out in large numbers to help celebrate the Children were spoilt for fun, not only Bruce Highway.
official opening of Alf Larson/ Lions Park in with the modern playground, but also an To help attract tourists, new billboard
Miriam Vale on Saturday, November 19. abundance of free bouncy balls and yo-yos. signage has been erected on the highway
The newly redeveloped site was unveiled The family friendly precinct enables locals to the north and south of Miriam Vale.
by Gladstone Region Mayor Matt Burnett and visitors to enjoy a modern playground The project has been well received by the
and fellow Councillors. with shaded areas and new picnic shelters. Gladstone Region community and Council
Community members enjoyed a refreshing There is also a new parking area specifically hopes the park will continue to be a major
morning tea before taking a stroll around designed for motorhomes and caravans attraction.
Improved water quality
just days away for Miriam Vale residents
The new Miriam Vale Water Pre-commissioning activities to prepare
Treatment Plant is just days away from the plant for operation began in mid-
undergoing a trial operation ahead of its November when it was put through
commissioning this month. a progressive regime of checking and
testing of equipment and proving the
The five-day operational trial is
operational function, reliability and
scheduled to start on November 30
performance of the facility.
and, pending favourable results, Miriam
Vale residents will soon enjoy improved This follows the recent testing and
water quality courtesy of the $2.2 commissioning of the chemical dosing Local contractors
million facility. system and two clear water tanks and
Built on the site of its predecessor, the
a process water tank, the installation wanted on Council's
and commissioning of clear water,
new plant contains superior treatment
processes to the one it has replaced,
supernatant and backwash pumps and vendor register
air compressors, and the connection of
targeting specific water issues. piping between the pre-treatment tanks. Contractors from within the Gladstone
The new plant will improve water The project, which started on June 13, Region are invited to increase their visibility
quality for the township by removing 2016, received 50 per cent of eligible to Council's purchasing staff by registering
iron, manganese and algae by-products project cost to a maximum of $1.59m on the new VendorPanel Marketplace
from the raw water it sources, as well in State Government assistance over system.
as reducing turbidity levels during and the 2015-16 and 2016-17
following wet weather. financial years. The online portal enables Council's
This is in addition to conducting This project is proudly funded by purchasers to search a list of registered
conventional water treatment plant the Queensland Government's local contractors and request quotes for
processes. Building our Regions program. goods and services to the value of up to
$200,000.
The system provides local contractors with
improved access to Council opportunities,
while improving purchasing governance
and transparency within Council.
To register your business visit www.
gladstone.qld.gov.au/TendersContracts
Page 3
Aspiring performers can take
part in a two day dance
performance workshop as one
of the SUNfest 2017 activities.
Variety of SUNfest activities to keep participants entertained
Gladstone Region residents aged 11-17 designed as multi-day events. surfing and stand up paddle boarding.
have 70 youth holiday activities to choose
Some of the new workshop additions Tickets will be on sale from 9am on
from in the SUNfest 2017 program.
to the SUNfest 2017 program include Wednesday, November 30 and are
Events and activities will be held from cupcake decorating, balloon twisting, available online, over the phone, or in
January 8-20 and range from sport and archery, embroidery, kitchen science and person.
outdoor activities to art and craft, dance, drones and electronics.
For more details on ticket purchasing
music, theatre, cooking and more.
Popular events on offer again include an options and to access the SUNfest 2017
Several events and activities are free and adventure day, go karts, laser skirmish, program visit www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/
run for a few hours, while others are paintball, indoor rock climbing, kayaking, sunfest.
Waste transfer facilities
provide free household
disposal services
Have you got too much general or recycled
waste to fit in your wheelie bin?
Or perhaps you forgot to put your wheelie
bin out for kerbside collection?
If so, there's no need to wait until the next
weekly or fortnightly service.
Gladstone Region residents can dispose
of 240 litres (the regular wheelie bin size)
Take care when parking around school zones of household general waste (red or green
lidded bins) or recycled waste (yellow
Are your actions in and around school being situated between another lidded bins) at Council transfer stations and
zones putting people's lives at risk? parked vehicle and the centre of Benaraby Landfill free of charge.
Council's Parking Compliance Officers the road. The acceptance of recycling bins is contingent
have noticed an increase in dangerous upon them containing recyclable items only.
• On a bicycle path, footpath, shared
parking behaviour in and around local path or dividing strip, or a nature Transfer stations are located in Gladstone,
school zones and are urging motorists strip adjacent to a length of road in Calliope, Mount Larcom, Yarwun, Nagoorin,
to be careful. a built-up area. There are very few Bororen, Baffle Creek, Rosedale, Turkey
There are significant fines that could be exemptions in relation to this. Beach and Agnes Water, in addition to
incurred if motorists continue to take Benaraby Landfill.
All of these offences can result in a $60
risks. Motorists must not stop in the fine. Residents are also reminded that Agnes
following situations: Water Transfer Station operating hours have
For more information or to report been extended to 8am to noon Monday
• On the side of the road marked a parking incident phone Council's to Friday and 8am-4pm on Saturday and
with a continuous yellow line.
Regulatory Services Section on 4977 Sunday.
• On a road if it results in the vehicle 6821.
Page 4
Fun to fill Boyne World Trail Civil Engineer Daniel Snelgrove
Tannum Community (left) is pictured with Councillor Glenn
Churchill and World Trail Director Dylan
Centre halls during Jeffries looking over the plans in the early
stages of the pumptrack construction.
tree decorating
afternoon
Are you ready to pump the track?
The countdown is on for the completion budget," Mr Jeffries said.
of the much-anticipated pumptrack at "Both Council and the community should
Memorial Park, Gladstone. be commended for their forward thinking
Construction began on October 28 and proactive approach to providing a
and the Gladstone Region community unique community space for residents and
has since watched on in excitement as visitors alike."
Australia's largest pumptrack reaches
fruition. Contractors are currently laying asphalt
and installing above ground drainage
The pumptrack, positioned parallel to before landscaping works can commence.
the existing skate park, will feature an
asphalt surface, directional hubs and shade A pumptrack test rider from Sydney-based
shelters as well as a north and east entry company Dirtz has also been on hand to
Boyne Library's Christmas Tree Decorating test each section of the track to ensure it
Extravaganza will feature activities, afternoon and exit upon completion.
meets Australian standards.
tea and a special visit from Santa. Director of World Trail, the pump track
principle contractor, Dylan Jeffries, said The facility is expected to be finished by
Christmas fun will fill the Boyne Island the company was extremely excited to be mid-December, weather permitting, in
Library on Wednesday, November involved in the construction of Australia's time for the Christmas school holidays.
30 for the 15th annual Christmas Tree largest asphalt pump track. This will be the perfect holiday activity
Decorating Extravaganza. "We have assembled a team of suitably for youth of all ages and abilities with
qualified local contractors which forms access to any form of transport that is not
Children will be able to make a variety
up to 80 per cent of the total project motorised (bikes, scooters, skates etc.).
of Christmas decorations and place them
on the Christmas tree in the foyer of the
Boyne Tannum Library and Community
Centre.
The Christmas Tree Decorating
Extravaganza grows in popularity each
year and more than 200 youngsters are
expected to attend the free event from
3.30pm to 4.30pm.
A recently installed
Entertainment will include performances bus shelter on
by the St Francis Choir and Boyne Island Dalrymple Drive.
State School Instrumental Group.
There will also be a
special visit from Santa
followed by afternoon Bus stops and shelters rolled out throughout region
tea. Residents may have noticed new bus stops and comfort. The bus service network,
Enquiries can be and shelters throughout Gladstone city and incorporating school and urban services, is
directed to the Boyne new bus set down areas on Round Hill for use by all Gladstone Region residents.
Tannum Road at Agnes Water. Council is committed to increasing the
Community Gladstone Regional Council works in comfort of residents and visitors who
Centre on conjunction with the Department of travel via bus, and the provision of
4971 9700. Transport and Main Roads to ensure a concreted areas at lesser used stops and
consistent approach to the public transport shelters at more frequently used locations
infrastructure and routes, providing quality is part of an ongoing program to improve
customer access, convenience, safety bus stop facilities throughout the region.
Page 5
All residents are invited to attend
Council's free Australia Day Awards
2017 and Citizenship Ceremony on
January 25.
Celebrate with Australia Day Award winners, nominees and new citizens
Winners of Council's Australia Day Awards A Citizenship Ceremony will be followed The public event is an opportunity to
2017 will celebrate their new titles with by the announcement and presentation of congratulate the region's Australia Day
hundreds of residents at the Gladstone Australia Day Awards. Award nominees and winners and share
Entertainment Convention Centre on the There are eight award categories including light refreshments and a piece of the
eve of Australia Day. Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of Australia Day 2017 cake.
the Year, Arts & Culture Award, Senior
The Australia Day Awards and Citizenship Sportsperson Award, Young Sportsperson Residents interested in attending the event
Ceremony is Council's major civic function Award, Sports Official Award, Community should RSVP by January 6 to Tennille
of the year and all residents are invited to Volunteer Award and Community Event or Dykstra at tennilled@gladstonerc.qld.gov.
attend the free event from 6pm. Initiative Award. au or phone 4976 6912.
Pest
Market stalls will line Tannum Sands'
management
Millennium Esplanade for Council's Australia
Day Family Fun Day on January 26.
focus
Council's Pest Management Section is keen
to help landholders combat the aggressive
pest giant rat's tail grass (GRT).
Native to Africa, GRT is a long, upright
grass that forms large tussocks. It can
reduce pasture productivity and significantly
degrade natural areas of land.
GRT is currently present throughout the
region, with scattered to heavy infestations
recorded in most localities.
Celebrate Australia Day at free Council fun day To assist landholders, Council's Pest
Management Section provides a number
Relax on the Millennium Esplanade at Market stalls will operate and food will
of resources including:
Tannum Sands and enjoy Australia Day be available for purchase from various
celebrations at Council's major Australia vendors. • Free property pest management
Day event on January 26. planning;
There will also be free children's rides,
Council's Australia Day Family Fun Day • Taskforce Herbicide Subsidy Scheme;
free face painting and a sausage sizzle
festivities will unfold from 3pm to 7pm, and
finishing with a fireworks display. offering 1000 free sausages.
• Weed spraying hire equipment.
The day will be acknowledged with an Residents can relax with entertainment by
official Australia Day flag raising ceremony, the Gladstone Municipal Band, Billy T & For more information phone Council's
including the national anthem. the Dampers and Easy Tigers. Regulatory Services Division on 4977
6821.
Page 6
Collect your free
emergency wallet
In an evacuation it is imperative to have
important documents – like insurance and
banking records – on hand.
Collect your free, waterproof document
wallet from any Regional Library or
Council Customer Contact Counter and
use it to store important records in your
evacuation kit, ready to grab and go in an
emergency.
You can further ensure your household is
ready for emergencies by completing the
household emergency plan template on
the front of the wallet.
President BITS Saints AFC Inc Andrew McMahon, Development Officer AFL Capricornia Scott Smithwick, On the back of the wallet is a list of
Councillor PJ Sobhanian, BITS Saints Project Coordinator Judy Mountjoy and Central and North QLD, QLD recommended documents and files to
Cricket Regional Development Manager Tony Hampson enjoy the new lighting. enclose, including: insurance papers;
wills and enduring power of attorney
Council grant brightens the way for documents; house deeds; mortgage
and banking documents; birth and
Aussie rules and cricket marriage certificates; photos of your
household members and pets (should
Council has helped illuminate the Boyne The upgrade of the field lighting at you be separated); and a digital back up of
Island Tannum Sands (BITS) oval providing Jacaranda Drive, Boyne Island was computer files.
a $100,000 sport and recreation grant to part of the club's master plan for facility Also available for collection is Council's
contribute to an upgrade of lighting. development. 'Ready?' guide to preparing for natural
BITS Saints Australian Rules Football Club The club received further funding disasters and emergencies.
Inc was awarded Council's 2015-16 Facility assistance from AFL Queensland An online version can be downloaded via
Assistance Grant Program - Strategic and Queensland Cricket which each Council's website at www.gladstone.qld.
committed $30,000 to the project. gov.au/emergencies
Projects.
Club lighting project coordinator Judy The free emergency wallets and 'Ready?'
These grants support the development
Mountjoy said lighting would improve guides are available thanks to the
of new infrastructure and/or significant training and playing conditions and
upgrades of existing sport and recreation Queensland Government's RACQ Get
encourage growth in Aussie rules and Ready Queensland grants program.
facilities within the Gladstone Region. cricket.
As part of the grant conditions, BITS Saints She said club members could now
were required to make at least a 20 per train or play matches after sunset under Collect your free emergency wallet and
cent financial contribution to the total improved lighting which would also enable 'Ready?' guide from any library in the region.
project. community events to be held at night.
Relief for ratepayers
experiencing financial hardship
Council's new Financial Hardship Policy outside the usual instalment terms and
provides relief to residential ratepayers conditions.
who demonstrate they are unable to
make rates payments due to a loss The policy doesn't remove a person's
suffered. responsibility to pay their rates, but
aims to relieve immediate pressures for
The policy applies to people who people who are in financial distress due
would be unable to meet basic to events outside their control.
requirements such as food, clothing,
medicine, accommodation and children's Ratepayers seeking support should
education, if they made rates instalments first read the Financial Hardship Policy
for their principal place of residence. and self-assess their eligibility, before
To be eligible, applicants must have less sending a written request that addresses
than two weeks' worth of available funds the policy's guidelines to the CEO of
and the application must be in relation to Council.
a property that is solely their home. To access the policy visit Council's
Under the policy, Council can grant website via www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/
relief by setting up a rates payment plan policies
Page 7
Festive season
operating hours
The operating hours of Council
services and facilities over the festive
season are outlined below. Council
information can be sourced at any time
from its website via www.gladstone.
qld.gov.au.
The electrical upgrade to the Boyne
Waste collection services Island Waste Water Treatment
Waste collection services will operate Plant is nearing completion.
as normal during the Christmas and
New Year period, including Christmas
Day and all public holidays.
Boyne Island plant upgrade improves area's waste
Landfills and waste transfer
stations water efficiency
On Christmas Day, Benaraby Landfill
will open from 7am until 3pm and The $1.26 million Boyne Island Waste switchboard and new overhead electricity
all waste transfer stations will close. Water Treatment Plant electrical upgrade is cables.
Otherwise, operating hours will in the final stages of construction.
continue as normal. This supply feeds the new electrical
The upgrade is modernising the facility's switchroom, complete with motor control
Animal Pound Facility electrical systems to improve efficiency, centre which supplies power to all plant
The animal pound facility closes lower energy costs and provide greater loads.
on public holidays and weekends process control and monitoring ability at
The previous on line motor starters have
however will operate all other days the plant.
been replaced by variable speed drives
over the festive season between 3pm At more than 20 years old, and with which allow the speed of motors to be
and 6pm. some equipment approaching 30 years controlled, thereby reducing electrical
of operation, the plant was in need of an demand.
Tondoon Botanic Gardens upgrade to ensure it remained efficient for
The Gardens will close on Christmas New electrical cabling, flow meters and
many years to come.
Day. Every other day the Gardens will instrumentation have been installed to
open, but the visitor centre will be Started in February, 2016, the project is maintain the reliability and integrity of
unmanned. Savour the Flavour Café due for completion in mid-December the new system, adding to the overall
will close on Christmas eve, Christmas and includes the supply of a new main efficiency of the upgraded plant.
Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day.
Cemeteries Council meetings 2017
Council's cemeteries will be closed to
services between Christmas Day and The first Council General Meeting and Standing Committee meetings in 2017 will be
January 2, inclusive. Visitor access to held as follows:
cemeteries will remain as normal. 9am, Tues, Jan 17 General Meeting
Pools 9am, Tues, Jan 24 Finance and Corporate Governance Committee; followed
The Gladstone Aquatic Centre and by Environment and Community Committee
Mount Larcom Pool are now operated 9am, Tues, Feb 14 Planning and Development Committee; followed by
by Lane 4 Aquatics. For more Commercial Services Committee; followed by Works and
information visit www.lane4aquatics. Traffic Committee
com.au
From these dates forward, General Meetings and Standing Committee meetings will be
Other Council facilities held as follows:
Most of Council's centres will close First and third Tues of General Meeting
from close-of-business on December each month, 9am
23 and reopen on January 3.
This includes all administration offices, Second Tues of each Planning and Development Committee at 9am; followed by
rural transaction centres and our month Commercial Services Committee; followed by Works and
Regional Libraries. It also includes Traffic Committee
the Boyne Tannum Community Fourth Tues of each Finance and Corporate Governance Committee at 9am;
Centre, Community Advisory Service, month followed by Environment and Community Committee
Gladstone Entertainment Centre and
Gladstone Regional Art Gallery and All meetings are open to the public and are conducted in the Council Chambers at 101
Museum. Goondoon Street, Gladstone. Recommendations from Standing Committees go to
General Meetings for a final decision. Meeting schedules, agendas and minutes can be
viewed at www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/councilmeetings
Page 8
Mayor's Carols to sing in the festive season
'Tis the season The 2016 Santos GLNG Mayor's Carols appearance from the big man himself ...
by Candlelight presented by 4CC are fast Santa Claus!
to be bitten approaching and everyone is invited! The 2016 Santos GLNG Mayor's Carols
The popular community event will be by Candlelight presented by 4CC is a free
Gladstone Region residents are
hosted on Friday, December 2, at the event with food and beverages available to
encouraged to prepare their home against
Gladstone Marina Parklands. purchase.
mosquitos infestation this wet season.
Gladstone Region residents will again Parking is available for just a gold coin
Mosquito numbers increase after a wet gather to celebrate the spirit of Christmas donation to the Navy Cadets.
weather event with standing water with a few new surprises to make this
providing a perfect breeding site. This Pre-entertainment starts at
annual family friendly night bigger and 5.10pm with the Carols by
maximises the chance of residents being better than ever!
bitten and contracting a mosquito-borne Candlelight program being
disease. School groups will sing much-loved conducted from 6.30pm
carols on an evening that will also feature to 8.30pm, followed by
Mosquito breeding sites can be eliminated fireworks, giveaways including children's fireworks at 8.40pm.
by removing the following from around bicycles, a special guest singer and an
the household, or ensuring they are kept
dry.
• Pot plant bases (inside and outside)
• Tyres
• Tarpaulins
• Palm fronds
• Buckets
• Tin cans and plastic containers
• Boats
• Coconut shells
• Roof gutters (if blocked by leaf debris).
Rainwater tanks can also be a potential
breeding site for mosquitoes. The risk can
be reduced by:
• Checking the mosquito screens
and flap valves on rainwater tanks,
particularly in ground tanks, to ensure
that the screens and flap valves are still
in place; and Split your rates into manageable portions
• Making any necessary repairs.
There are several simple steps that can be Council offers the ability to pay off Advance payments can be made in
taken to reduce the risk of mosquito bites. your rate bills in advance, to help you person at Council offices, via BPAY, by
These include: meet discount deadlines and lessen the mail or online via www.gladstone.qld.gov.
pressure of a lump sum bill. au/OnlineServices.
• Applying insect repellent whenever
mosquitoes are present; You can make an early rates payment Regular advance payments can be
at any opportune time – such as after scheduled with your bank or through a
• Wearing long, loose, light-coloured receiving a tax return – or schedule direct debit arrangement with Council.
clothing; smaller, regular advance payments.
• Using flying insect spray to kill any You can request a refund of payments at
mosquitoes indoors; Advance payments are deducted from any time, providing your account remains
February's half-yearly water notice and in credit.
• Using mosquito coils or plug-in then August's rate notice.
insecticide mats indoors; and To seek assistance with advance
• Repairing defective insect screens. A 10 per cent discount will be applied payments, phone Council's Rates Section
to your August rate notice (including on 4970 0700. To view the full list of
For more information phone Council's payments already made) if your remaining payment options visit www.gladstone.qld.
Regulatory Services Division on 4977 dues are paid in full within 30 days of the gov.au/PaymentOptions
6821. notice's issue date.
Page 9
Community choir, Gladstone Company
Don’t let an animal
of Voices, entertain for passers-by at the
Gladstone City Farmers Market.
become an unwanted
pet this Christmas
Are you thinking of getting a loved one a pet
for Christmas?
Council is urging residents to consider
carefully this festive season that pet
ownership requires responsibility and
commitment.
Residents should refrain from giving an
animal unless the recipient agrees to the
arrangement before purchasing.
Responsible pet ownership extends to
ensuring pets are registered annually with
Council.
Under Queensland law all pet dogs and
Local performers can add to cats are required to be registered and
microchipped when purchased or given
City Farmers Market atmosphere away.
Details of microchipped animals are
The search is on for local performers The community has turned out in force
recorded on a national registry database
to add to the Gladstone City Farmers to support the markets, making the providing a greater chance for lost pets to
Market atmosphere. Entertainment Precinct on Goondoon be reunited with their owners.
Street and Library Square a bustling hive
A free arts and performance space is Not everyone is aware of these
of activity from 7am to noon. responsibilities and buying a pet for
available at every market for individuals,
groups or schools to showcase arts and Food vendors have reported strong sales someone can significantly alter lives.
talents, recreational activities or interests. and record sell outs with the relaxed, Failure to consider
urban vibe appealing to the crowds and these responsibilities
The Library Square stage provides a
young families. could contribute
relaxed setting for performers to have fun to the number of
and have a go. The next City Farmers Market will be unwanted pets at the
held on December 10. pound or in animal
The markets are held on the second and
shelters, or result
fourth Saturday of each month and are Stallholders and performance space in animals being
growing in strength, attracting more fresh information can be accessed at www. euthanised.
produce suppliers at each market. gladecc.com.au/city-farmers-markets/
Going away for the festive season?
If you will be away from home over be taken out and brought back in
the Christmas/New Year period, to your property within 24 hours
don't forget to check off these of your kerbside collection.
important tasks before you leave. • Arrange for your mail and 'junk'
• Remove rubbish from your mail to be collected. If you have
yard, trim overhanging branches a 'no unaddressed mail' sign on
and ensure loose items are your letterbox, you can also
secured. It is the storm and arrange for Australia Post to hold
cyclone season and these items your addressed mail until your
could cause damage to your return.
or your neighbours' properties • Ensure your pets are well looked
in severe weather. Domestic after, with sufficient company,
waste disposals are free (within food, water and shelter.
reasonable limits).
• Ask a trustworthy neighbour to
• If you live in or near bushland, keep an eye on your property
clear a fire break around your while you are away and provide
home and ensure flammable them with your contact details.
materials are removed from Arrange for a friend or neighbour to take out
After that, your only remaining tasks and bring in your wheelie bins, if you will be
your yard and gutters.
are to have a wonderful holiday and away over the festive period.
• Arrange for your wheelie bin/s to travel safely.
Page 10Careful planning and
teamwork lead to
mission accomplished
for Water Services
Council's Water Services section proved
the value of teamwork when tackling a
complex cut-in to a major sewer rising
main at the Gladstone Wastewater
Treatment Plant.
Members of Waste Services' Network,
The footpath along Captain Cook Drive Process and Project units worked together
at Agnes Water has been extended to plan and conduct the six-hour operation
to replace asbestos pipe and install a
600mm isolation valve to a major sewer
Captain Cook Drive footpath rising main.
extension completed The procedure will enable upgrade
works to be conducted at Council's S01
Agnes Water residents and visitors to the Council's Budget 2016-17 also includes pump station on Cemetery Road, West
popular tourist township can now get the establishment of a pedestrian link Gladstone in order for it to meet future
about on foot with additional ease following between the Agnes Water urban area demands.
the extension of the pedestrian footpath and the township's community centre via
The operation was completed without
along Captain Cook Drive. the construction of a 235-metre long,
incident, enabling the city's sewerage
$200,000 footpath linking with the existing
The project, completed in early service to be maintained despite most of
Springs Road path.
November, extended the existing footpath its major sewer pump stations having to be
to the Discovery Drive intersection at Also earmarked for completion this financial temporarily taken offline.
Points North, further enhancing pedestrian year is a footpath linking the Discovery
Shutting down of the stations enabled the
mobility within the township. Coast Christian College to Round Hill Road
safe isolation of the pipe being worked
in Agnes Water, to be jointly funded by the
This is in line with Council's commitment to on but also meant the task had to be
college and Council, and the designing of
expand the network of footpaths in Agnes completed within a strict timeframe due to
a footpath extending along Captain Cook
the limited storage capacity available at the
Water and Seventeen Seventy during the Drive from the Seventeen Seventy Marina
smaller shutdown pump stations.
course of the 2016-17 financial year. to the Council depot.
Any complications to the process may
have resulted in sewerage overflow into
Remedial works program for the environment
flood prone roads well under way Planning was key to the successful
outcome with many Gladstone residents
Council's remedial works program a new concrete batter protecting against unaware that most of the city's major
for gravel roads is drawing closer to road washout on Gentle Annie Road, sewer pump stations had been taken
completion with much of the work Ambrose, and new floodways across offline while the task was completed from
already finished. creeks and gullies on Cattle Creek Road, late at night on September 14, through to
Raglan. the early hours of September 15.
The works, to be completed under the
Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery The provision of new concrete slab and Water Services hosted several planning
Arrangements program, are designed batter protection at two culvert crossing workshops with members of the
to improve the flood resilience of gravel sites on Mt Larcom Bracewell Road, in construction team and operations staff to
roads that have proved vulnerable to Ambrose and Bracewell, is well under identify risks associated with the works and
flooding during past wet weather events. way and due for completion soon. to ensure that suitable mitigation measures
and contingencies were put in place.
The construction of concrete batters, The program will then advance to five
slabs, floodways and drainage to stabilise sites on Norton Road, Boyne Valley, as The various teams were also assigned
roads and prevent washouts has been well as a Davis Road site at East End, all milestone times in which to achieve stages
completed at five sites on Tableland of which will start in December and are of the project which was scheduled to
Road at Wooderson and Diglum, as well due for completion in January. coincide with the typical 'low flow' period
as two sites on Bindawalla Road, Diglum during the night.
The flood resilience project is jointly
and another on Marsh Road in the
funded by the Commonwealth and Monitoring of the pump station levels and
Boyne Valley.
Queensland governments under the the use of vacuum trucks throughout the
Additional works on Bindawalla Road Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery duration of the works meant available
will be completed in December, as will Arrangements. storage was also optimised.
Page 11Thought provoking exhibitions
on display at Gallery & Museum
Visitors to the Gallery & Museum can soon Appropriate/Not Appropriate is an
gain an understanding of post-World War II exhibition by two regional artists on display
life in Australia's migrant hostels. from December 17 to February 25.
A touring photographic exhibition, Appropriate or not appropriate?
developed by the National Archives of Perception or misconception?
Australia, provides a vivid look at this time This exhibition contains the works of one
in the nation's history. Indigenous artist and one non-Indigenous
artist; both considering contemporary
A Place to Call Home? Migrant hostel issues from new perspectives, using images
memories will be on display from
December 16 to February 1.
and text.
Number of residents
Questions are posed and ideals are
The exhibition combines recollections of examined in the forum of traditional assisted by free Tax
life and the good and bad tales associated
with migrant hostels.
works, digital prints, video works,
installation, paintings and drawings.
Help assistance doubles
The project has been assisted by the A Place to Call Home? Migrant hostel Tax Help volunteers have lodged twice
Australian Government through the memories, Dec 16 - Feb 1 as many tax returns for Gladstone Region
Ministry for the Arts' Visions of Australia residents compared to last year.
APPROPRIATE / NOT APPROPRIATE, Dec
program. 17 - Feb 25 This year nearly 150 tax returns were
submitted between July 22 and October
31.
A migrant family enters their new home at The Tax Help program was facilitated by
Maribyrnong, Victoria, 1965. Council's Community Advisory Service,
on behalf of the Australian Taxation Office
(ATO).
Regional residents with basic tax
requirements who earn $50,000 or
less per annum were eligible for free tax
assistance.
Council is appreciative of our local
volunteers, trained by the ATO, who
worked around their home and family life
to provide the confidential tax service.
Bindi Waugh, Volunteers stated they had enjoyed
CHOOSE – WHY participating in the program and look
2016, ink on paper. forward to assisting again.
The bitumen seal on Racecourse Road
BRIEFLY
has been extended by more than 1km. Free waste disposal
Charges do not apply to dispose of these
sorted domestic waste items: Scrap metal,
whitegoods, green waste, electronic waste,
batteries, car batteries, oils, clean fill, LPG
gas cylinders, clean timber and up to 240L
(a wheelie bin) of recyclables and general
waste.
Tangler bins only for fishing waste
The specially designed
Tangler bins located at
Racecourse Road project gallops to a fast finish boat ramps and key
fishing spots throughout
Works extending the sealed section extended the sealing from Oaky Creek to Gladstone are only
of Racecourse Road in Calliope were beyond the entrance to Liz Cunningham to be used for fishing
completed on October 24. Park. waste like old line and
tackle. All other rubbish
The $515,000 project, completed with In total a nine metre wide bitumen seal
should be disposed of in general waste
the assistance of the Federal Government was extended 1.07km to complete the bins.
Roads to Recovery Programme funds, six-week-long project.
Page 12Latrobe Street footpath project BRIEFLY
enhances pedestrian safety Home library celebrates 20 years
The Gladstone
Region's Home
Library Service
celebrated its 20th
anniversary this
year. The service
provides assistance
to thousands of
residents in Gladstone, Boyne Island,
Tannum Sands and Calliope unable to
visit a regional library due to medical,
physical or other reasons.
Planning scheme open to feedback
The proposed first major amendment
to the Gladstone Region Planning
Scheme is open to public consultation
until January 20. The amendment aims
Council completed its Latrobe Street footpath project
to remove red tape, further control
on October 20, creating a continuous concrete path to
residential supply and streamline
enhance safety for Tannum Sands State School students
application processes. To view the
and other pedestrians.
amendment visit www.gladstone.qld.
gov.au/have-your-say or your nearest
Council Customer Service Centre.
Important information when selling a house
Regional and rural road resurfacing
One of the most important steps when Some have been required to spend their The resealing of
deciding to sell a house, arguably before savings or borrow from family to pay 41 regional and
even listing with an agent, is to contact the deficit or to pay mortgage insurance
rural roads within
your bank and find out the payout figure costs (due to the drop in value of the
the southern and
for your mortgage. remaining property). Some just cannot
western areas of
settle and risk damages claims from the
It is certainly essential, before you sign a the region was
buyers.
sale contract, to check the sale price will completed in
be enough to pay the amount required It is always advisable to have your November. The
by the bank in return for release of the solicitor check the contract before you $1 million works were conducted in
mortgage, plus the agent's commission sign it. Iveragh, Bororen, Lowmead, Berajondo,
and advertising fees, and sale costs. Rosedale, Mount Maria, Euleilah, Baffle
Your solicitor can then advise you as to
You also need to make allowance for any special conditions which might be Creek, Deepwater, Captain Creek,
adjustments for rates, water charges and able to be inserted in the contract to Miriam Vale, Boyne Valley, Diglum,
other outgoings on the property. protect you. Tableland, Calliope, Beecher, Yarwun
and Mount Larcom.
If you are selling due to financial Unfortunately, many people sign without
difficulties you may have rates arrears advice so the solicitor does not even CQ Driver Education Centre
which have to be paid on settlement. see the contract until after it is signed, by
Benaraby will soon be the home of one
This is equally important if you are selling which time it is too late.
of Queensland's major driver training
one of two or more properties. Most solicitors will include pre-signing facilities. Construction of the $1.2 million
Generally mortgages are collateral review of the contract as part of their Central Queensland Driver Education
across properties and the sale of one overall fee for the conveyance. Centre has started and is expected to
property (even if the sale price is enough be completed by the end of 2017. The
to pay out the loan and sale costs on project received funding from Council,
the property being sold) will trigger the Australian Government and the
a requirement for revaluation of the Calliope district branch of Bendigo Bank.
remaining properties to ensure that the
loan to value ratio for the remaining Road safety campaign
property or properties and mortgage still The Gladstone Community Council will soon trial the Little Blue
meets bank guidelines. Legal Program is a free service Dinosaur Foundation's 'Holiday
funded by Legal Aid Queensland, Campaign', aimed at improving road
With the downturn in property prices in
delivered by Farnsworth Legal, safety in areas that experience surges of
Gladstone many sellers who have not
and proudly supported by the traffic during holiday periods. Signage,
done these pre-contract checks have
Gladstone Regional Council. portraying the foundation's campaign
found themselves in the position of being
in breach of contract, as they cannot Appointments can be made by phoning messages, will be erected in Agnes
settle due to the bank not providing a the Community Advisory Service on Water, Boyne Island and Tannum Sands
release of mortgage. 4976 6300. for the Christmas/New Year period.
Page 13BRIEFLY
Council praised for superb facilities
The following is
a direct extract
from a customer
compliment: "We
recently travelled
from Hervey Bay
to Airlie Beach and
your region including
Gladstone, Boyne Island, Tannum Sands
and Lake Awoonga had superb facilities
that were clean and well maintained.
They well and truly surpassed all the
other regions we visited. As a council
you are obviously spending funds to
encourage tourism to all your areas. Important festive food preparation tips
We were highly impressed and will
encourage our family and friends to visit Food poisoning is common, yet distressing, never on the bench top, unless the
your areas." especially around the festive season. manufacturer recommends that you
do so;
People are more likely to suffer food
Grant to assist tennis courts poisoning at Christmas because the • If you are going to defrost a large
The Gladstone Tennis and Squash weather is hot, fridges are overloaded and turkey remember it will take several
Association has received a $100,000 hosts are cooking for more people than days to defrost in the fridge. Always
Gladstone Regional Council Sport they are accustomed to. make sure that it is thoroughly
& Recreation grant to refurbish two defrosted in the centre before cooking;
The symptoms of food poisoning may vary
deteriorated tennis courts. The
depending on the type of bacteria, but can • Before preparing foods, and between
association submitted an extensive and
include the following: handling raw meat or raw chicken,
thorough application that demonstrated
how the refurbishment can expand • Nausea wash hands thoroughly with soap and
its current fixtures program, increase warm water and dry thoroughly;
• Stomach cramps
membership, and improve its ability to • Your Christmas ham will keep for
• Diarrhoea
host high level tournaments. several weeks with proper handling
• Vomiting
by removing it from its plastic wrap,
Record Garage Sale Trail • Fever covering with a clean cloth so it doesn’t
A record number of • Headaches dry out, and following any instructions
80 sellers took part on the packaging;
However, by following a few simple rules
in this year's Garage
and using common sense, residents can • Never store leftovers on the kitchen
Sale Trail across the
ensure they, and their guests, do not get bench, and use all refrigerated leftovers
region. Thousands
food poisoning. within two to three days; and
of residents followed
the trail of registered Christmas food safety tips: • Before preparing food for Christmas
garage sales held ensure there is enough room in the
• Avoid keeping food in the temperature
by households and community groups, fridge to keep cold food at or less than
danger zones, between 5-60 degrees
diverting reusable items from landfill
Celsius, where food poisoning bacteria five degrees Celsius.
and connecting with their community
grow best;
members along the way. For more food safety tips download a copy
• Ready to eat food should always be of Council's Food Poisoning factsheet via
Free workshop for sporting clubs defrosted in the fridge or microwave, www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/fact-sheets
A free workshop to provide finance-
related tips to sport and recreation
committee members was hosted South Trees inlet upgrade
in November as part of the Club
Administration Seminar program. Two lifts waste water treatment efficiency
other workshops tailored to sporting Council's drive to continually improve the The upgrade was part of Council's
groups will be delivered in 2017 through efficiency of its waste treatment service objective to improve the inlet's hydraulic
a partnership between Council and the
has been further realised following the performance and screening capture
Queensland Government.
completion of the South Trees Waste efficiency, thereby reducing the need for
View your rates history online Water Treatment Plant Inlet upgrade. operator maintenance at the site.
Become a registered user of Council's The project, which was completed in The project also featured the extension
new Online Services platform to view November, consisted of the installation of the inlet channel and the raising of the
your history of Gladstone Region of new step screen equipment which will inlet structure's wall height in order to
rate charges, payments and property automate the inlet works and increase the increase its hydraulic capacity.
valuation summaries. Visit www. facility's efficiency.
gladstone.qld.gov.au/OnlineServices
Page 14Community CALENDAR
ALL MONTHS (except for festive season closure)
Every Fri Baby Bounce 11am Gladstone Library 4976 6400
Story Time: Held regularly at all libraries. www.gladstonelibraries.qld.gov.au or 4970 0700.
NOVEMBER
Nov 28 - Dec 8 Art awards exhibition Gallery & Museum 4976 6766
Nov 28 - Dec 16 Letter collection by Santa's Elves All Libraries
Nov 29 Kids' Happy Hour Mt Larcom Library 4975 1205
Nov 30 SUNFest tickets available GECC 4972 2822
Nov 30 Annual Christmas Tree Decorating Boyne Island Library 4971 9700
Extravaganza 3.30 - 4.30pm
DECEMBER
Christmas Craft: Gladstone Library, Dec 13 & 20, 9.30 - 11.30am; Calliope Library, Dec
14, 9.30 - 11.30am; Agnes Water Library, Dec 14, 10.30am - 12pm; Mt Larcom Library,
Dec 15 & 22; Boyne Island Library, Dec 15, 9.30 - 11.30am
Dec 1 - Jan 16 Summer Reading Club All Libraries 4970 0700
Kerb and channel work has made
Dec 2 Mayor's Carols by Candlelight Marina Parklands 4970 0300
Blomfield Street safer for pedestrians.
Dec 4 Christmas Street Party Library Square 4972 2822
Dec 5, 8 Tech Savvy Seniors Workshop - Gladstone Library 4976 6400
social media 9.30 - 11.30am Blomfield Street
Dec 6 Morning Melodies, $15, 10am GECC 4972 2822 works remove
Dec 7 Playtime 9-11am Calliope Library 4975 8105
troublesome trip
Dec 12, 14 Tech Savvy Seniors Workshop Gladstone Library 4976 6400
9.30 - 11.30am (please book) hazard
Dec 13 Ozobots and Cubelets 9.30am - Gladstone Library 4976 6400
12pm (bookings required) Kerb and channel replacement work
not only has the western side of
Dec 13 Junior Library Christmas Party Miriam Vale Library 4974 6241 Miriam Vale's Blomfield Street looking
Dec 15 & 22 Code Club 3 - 5pm (pls book) Gladstone Library 4976 6400 smarter, it has made it safer for
pedestrians as well.
Dec 16 - Feb 1 A Place to Call Home? Migrant Gallery & Museum 4976 6766
Hostel Memories The replacement works were
Dec 17 - Feb 25 Appropriate / No appropriate Gallery & Museum 4976 6766 conducted in order to negate the
hazardous situation in which there
Dec 18 Christmas in the City (pls book) GECC 4972 2822 had been a height variance of 15cm-
JANUARY 30cm between the road level and
the kerb and channel invert on the
Craft: Gladstone Library, Jan 10 & 17, 9.30-11.30am; Calliope Library, Jan 18, 9.30- western side of Blomfield Street
11.30am; Agnes Water Library, Jan 18, 10.30am-12pm extending from South Street to
Jan 4 mBot workshop (9+yrs) 9.30am - Gladstone Library 4976 6400 Dougall Street intersections.
12pm (bookings required)
The previous double kerb
Jan 5, 12,19 Code Club 3 - 5pm (pls book) Gladstone Library 4976 6400 arrangement, an unusual
Jan 5, 12, 19 Summer Reading Club Mt Larcom Library 4975 1205 configuration that proved a hazard,
has tripped up pedestrians in the past.
Jan 8 - 20 Sunfest youth holiday program Various venues 4972 2822
Jan 10 Squishy Circuits 9.30 - 11.30am Calliope Library 4975 8105 However, the raising of the kerb and
(bookings required) road level, coupled with the widening
of the footpath, has made traversing
Jan 11 Robotics workshop (pls book), craft Agnes Water Library 4902 1501 from road to footpath and vice versa
Jan 11 Heroes & Villains craft 9.30-11.30am Calliope Library 4975 8105 a less problematic task.
Jan 17 mBot workshop 9.30-11.30am Calliope Library 4975 8105 Council thanks Miriam Vale residents
(bookings required) and its business community for
Jan 18 Ozobots 9.30-11.30am (pls book) Calliope Library 4975 8105 their patience while the two-month
project was in progress, requiring
Jan 19 Games & Cubelets 9.30-11.30am Boyne Island Library 4971 9700 several parking bays to be unavailable
Jan 25 Toddler Time Boyne Island Library 4971 9700 at various times.
Page 152017
Youth Holiday
Program
8-20 January, 2017
Tickets on sale from
9am Wednesday, November 30
Book online at www.gladecc.com.au
Ticket Enquiries 4972 2822
R A L
Celebrate I
AUST Family A
You are invited to the
D ay Fun Day
FREE
EVENT
Australia
Awards Day
2017 at the
Millennium Esplan
ade, Ta
January 26 - 3pm nnum Sands
to 7pm
Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre Official Australia D
Goondoon Street, Gladstone ay flag raising cere
Market stalls, Food mony,
to be held on vendors, Entertain
Free children's rid ment,
Wednesday, January 25 at 6pm es, Free face paintin
1000 free sausages g,
RSVP by January 6 to Tennille Dykstra at , Fireworks
tennilled@gladstonerc.qld.gov.au or 4976 6912You can also read
