Cassowary Coast Community Connect #32 04 November 2022

One Coast - Cassowary Coast

NOV 04, 2022

COMMUNITY CONNECT

IT’S THE SEASON FOR GIVING CASSOWARY COAST CHRISTMAS APPEAL

Mayor Mark Nolan encourages the community to donate at Council Customer Service Centres

FOR over 30 years Cassowary Coast Regional Council, with the generous assistance of locals across the region, have dug deep and shown overwhelming support for families and individuals in need by donating to the annual Christmas Appeal.

The 2022 Cassowary Coast Christmas Appeal is now open and Mayor Mark Nolan encourages the community to spread the Christmas spirit in a way our locals know best, by giving back to our community.

“Council is helping to facilitate the fundraising of Christmas donations on behalf of community groups who offer support and wonderful services for our community year-round.

“The compassion and Christmas spirit of businesses and individuals across the Cassowary Coast ensures everyone in our community is taken care of this Christmas. This is not just for the families in need but as importantly, it is also a time to show-

case and appreciate the hardworking charities who contribute to our community.

“We invite you to donate money, gifts or toys for both adults and children – or even gift vouchers – to help our vulnerable people and spread cheer.

“Toy and gift donations can be dropped to Council Customer Service Centres – Innisfail Shire Hall, Tully Civic Centre and Cardwell Library.

“For just $2, people can buy a golden star from Council Customer Service Centres at Innisfail Shire Hall, Tully Civic Centre and Cardwell Library.

“These stars are then hung on our Council Christmas Tree to celebrate the contribution made.

Donations over $200 will be recognised with a gift box placed under the tree and will also be publicly acknowledged by Council through local media.

“100% of funds raised go towards assisting individuals, families and children in our region. The

local charities we partner with, will distribute the funds to residents identified as needing a helping hand this Christmas.

“The festive season is a time to bring everybody together and highlights our collective strength and resilience as a community. The Christmas Appeal is an initiative which supports this strength.” said Councillor Nolan.

Donations can be made by EFTPOS to Cassowary Coast Regional Council BSB 064818 Account number 00090047 with reference XMASAPP- (donors name). Donations can also be over the phone via EFTPOS to Council’s Customer Service Centres at 1300 763 903. Donations in the form of gifts, vouchers or toys will be collected at Council Customer Service Centres.

Local businesses - keep an eye on your mailbox for more information on how you can get involved.

For information on ways to donate visit: yoursay.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/Christmas-Appeal for more information

WH AT’ S ON Now Open - Australia Day nominations Nominate a local hero this Australia Day via: www.yoursay.casssowarycoast.qld.gov.au/Australia-Day

Cassowary Coast Libraries Program Bookings for programs are essential and can be made via: www.cassowarycoast.com.au/libraries

Now Open – Cassowary Coast Christmas Appeal To find out more about the appeal and how to donate, please visit: www.yoursay.casssowarycoast.qld.gov.au/Christmas-Appeal

Scrabble Morning – Tully Library Tuesday 8 November at 9:30am. No experience required.

Thursday 24 November – Ordinary Council Meeting – 9:00am Submit a public question or view current and future live streams via www.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/council-meetings Sunday 4 December – Festival of the Small Halls – 3:30pm Tickets are $25 available online via festivalofsmallhalls.com

Cheryl Bigger Art Exhibition – Mission Beach Library Exhibition running until 11 November.

Children’s Morning – Cardwell Library Thursday 17 November from 10am. Stories singing and activities for ages 0-5.

ELVIS – Monthly Movie – Innisfail Library 17 November 2:00pm or 18 November 10:00am.

V i s i t C o u c i l s w e b s i t e c a s s o w a r y c o a s t . q l d . g o v. a u / e v e n t s f o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n .

www.cairnslocalnews.com.au

Cairns Local News, Friday, November 04, 2022 PAGE 13

One Coast - Cassowary Coast

NOV 04, 2022

COUNCIL TACKLES CLIMATE 21 ROADS TO BE RESEALED CHANGE AT A LOCAL LEVEL ACROSS THE CASSOWARY COAST CASSOWARY Coast Regional Council has been included in a new report showcasing the proactive initiatives local councils are taking to reduce climate change impacts within the Great Barrier Reef region.

The Reef Guardian Councils Climate change snapshot highlights Councilled actions such as developing policies and strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, changing street lighting to LED and installing solar panels on Council buildings of which we currently have 970 kilowatts installed.

Many of these climate change initiatives deliver a triple bottom-line benefit to communities – social, environmental and financial.

Environmental Portfolio Holder Jeff Baines said Cassowary Coast Regional Council has been an active Reef Guardian Council, delivering initiatives focused on waste education and recycling, a compost bin rebate program, solar power installation on Council’s major buildings and community tree giveaways.

“Councils play a significant role in how their communities interact with and protect the Reef, through planning and policy, effective management of water, waste and land, and community education.

“Council continues to provide advice and support through Council nursery outlets, and conducts two free tree giveaway events each year,” Councillor Baines said.

“This initiative aims to increase native species numbers and in turn sequester carbon through revegetation.”

Cassowary Coast Regional Council is one of 19 councils in the Reef Guardian Councils program, a collaborative stewardship

LEFT: Councillor Jeff Baines proudly showcasing the Reef Guardian Councils Climate change initiaves snapshot 2022

arrangement between local governments in the Great Barrier Reef catchment and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority CEO Josh Thomas said climate change is the greatest threat to the Great Barrier Reef and coral reefs worldwide.

“The Reef Authority’s climate change position statement emphasises that only the strongest and fastest possible actions to decrease global greenhouse gas emissions will reduce the risks and limit the impacts of climate change on the

CASSOWARY Coast Regional Council is resealing 21 roads across the region, thanks to more than $998, 000 invested by Council as part of the Regional Reseal Program 2022/23.

Deputy Mayor and Asset Sustainability Portfolio Holder Barry Barnes said Council are committed to investing in the maintenance of our Local Roads and delivering on key projects within 2022/23 program.

“As part of Stage One of the Community Voice Action Plan, it has been Council’s goal to reseal 15 kilometres of our road network across the region in the first half of this financial year.

“Thanks to good weather, Contractors have been able

to reseal 15 out of the 21 roads highlighted, with the remaining roads scheduled for completion in mid-November.

“Council Asset Inspectors undertake regular inspections of Council’s sealed and unsealed road network and based on the condition of the road, determine the reseal priorities for the year ahead.

“Council undertakes resealing to improve the waterproof barrier, reduce the risk of pavement failure and improve the surface texture (skid resistance) enhancing safety.

“Being proactive in this program ensures the sealed road network remains in a good state and extends

the life of the existing road pavement,” said Councillor Barnes.

Already, Council has resealed the nominated sections of roads including Acacia Close, Amanda Crescent, Thurles Street, Plumb Street, Tully Gorge Road, Monash Street, Chauvel Street, Carmel Street, Bartle Street, Benwell Street, Oak Street, Beech Street, Batchelor Street, Bella Vista Avenue, and Ash Street.

The sections of roads which are scheduled for completion in mid-November, weather permitting, include New Harbourline Road, Etty Bay Road, Lawrence Road, Couche Street, Eslick Street and Eubenangee Road.

Reef,” Mr Thomas said.

“Climate change is a global issue, requiring a global response, however, local and regional approaches are central to protecting and managing the Great Barrier Reef, and we applaud the efforts our Reef Guardian Council partners are taking to accelerate actions to decrease emissions.”

The Reef Guardian Councils Climate change snapshot can be viewed online at www2.gbrmpa.gov.au/ourwork/programs-and-projects/ reef-guardian-councils or click https://bit.ly/3zFIFnKin our online edition.

UPCOMING COUNCILLOR INFORMATION SESSIONS

DID you know your Councillor is available to meet and discuss matters that are important to you?

All Councillors are available upon appointment and can be contacted by phone or email.

Alternatively, if you would prefer a casual chat, you can drop into one of the below sessions – no appointments required: • Councillor Renee McLeod - 18 November 2022 - 10:00am – 2:00pm - Australian Sugar Heritage Centre.

• Councillor Trudy Tschui - 28 November 2022 - 12:30pm – 2:00pm - Mission Beach Library - 28 November 2022 - 3:00pm - 4:30pm - Kurrimine Beach Progress Hall.

• Councillor Nick Pervan - contact any time.

• Councillor Barry Barnes - contact any time.

• Councillor Teresa Millwood - contact any time.

• Councillor Jeff Baines - contact any time.

• Mayor Mark Nolan - contact any time.

To find more information on your Councillor and their contact details visit: www.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/councillors.

PAGE 14 Cairns Local News, Friday, November 04, 2022

www.cairnslocalnews.com.au

One Coast - Cassowary Coast

NOV 04, 2022

CASSOWARY COAST

ANNUAL REPORT 2021/22

THE Cassowary Coast Regional Council Annual Report 2021/22 was endorsed at the October Local Government Meeting and is now available to view online.

In a joint message, Mayor Mark Nolan and CEO Andrew Graffen said the Annual Report presents an opportunity for Council and the community to stop, reflect and celebrate the achievements of the prior 12 months.

“In 2021/22, there was a strong focus on putting businesses and our community first.

“Council signed the State Government’s Small Business Friendly Charter to strengthen Council’s continued commitment to support and encourage growth amongst our region’s small businesses.

“Council also committed funding to ensure the delivery of key events including Red Bull Defiance, Tropical Art Deco Festival, Cardwell UFO Festival, and the Innisfail and Tully District Shows which all saw strong attendance from locals and visitors alike, resulting in an economic boost to local businesses and operators.

“To ensure strong alignment between our community’s aspirations and priorities, and Council’s activities and services, Council embarked on our largest-ever community engagement project - the 2022 Cassowary Coast Community Scorecard.

“Council has listened to the community voice and developed an action plan to address the six priority goals of the community.

These include: • • • • • •

Roads, Footpaths and Cycleways Health and Community Services Economic Development and Jobs Council’s Leadership Youth Services Community Safety and Crime

In addition, the Annual Report highlights the organisation’s $32.5 million investment in capital works, including $11.7 million spent on road upgrades and renewal, drainage and bridges, completion of Stage One of the Mission Beach Town Centre Revitalisation Project and continued investment into water and sewerage infrastructure.

Alongside a detailed recap of Council’s strategic highlights, the Annual Report also provides a snapshot of the works undertaken by team members on a day-to-day basis to serve the community.

Highlights from the 2021/22 financial year included: • • • •

26,000 tons of waste processed; 4,000 customer requests resolved; 245 Planning Application decided; Water services provided to 13,300 properties; • 99,900 visits to regional aquatic facilities; • 124,600 library books loaned; and • 160 bridges maintained.

The 2021/22 financial year saw Council achieve a net result of $8.5 million and an operating surplus of $174,000. Council’s financial position continues to be sustainable.

The Annual Report includes the Annual Financial Statements, which received an unmodified opinion following an audit by the Queensland Audit Office.

To read the report in full visit: www.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/our-council/publications/annual-report

CLEANER ROAD RUN-OFF PROJECT CASSOWARY Coast Regional Council is proudly supporting the Great Barrier Reef Cleaner Road Run-off project as part of the Reef Councils’ Rescue Plan.

The project seeks to improve water quality outcomes for the Reef by managing the impact of sediment run-off from Council’s unsealed roads across Queensland.

Environmental Portfolio Holder Councillor Jeff Baines said fine sediments are one of the three greatest water quality risks to the Reef, reducing available light to seagrass beds and inshore coral reefs.

“Council is working in

partnership with LGAQ and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation to identify innovative designs, maintenance and management practices for the 518 kilometres of unsealed roads in our region.

“Council has a study site at Granadilla Road, El Arish that is currently piloting several innovative management practices to reduce sediment run-off from our roads.

“This ten-kilometre stretch along Granadilla Road provides a good representation of roads across Council’s unsealed road network and will help make an informed decision on how Council manages

www.cairnslocalnews.com.au

unsealed roads across the region in the future,” Councillor Baines said.

“Currently installed at the site is a live monitoring rainfall station and water logging equipment which supports the collection of data to model flows and velocities in the drain profiles.

“By being part of the Cleaner Road Run-off program, Cassowary Coast Regional Council is paving the way in identifying new designs and management practices that can be implemented right across Queensland,” Councillor Baines said.

“This could include a strong case for sealing

some of our network, noting that the Federal Governments has in the most recent budget made a $1.2 billion commitment to the protection and restoration of the Great Barrier Reef.”

All equipment has been installed at the trial location of Granadilla Road and the project will run until June 2024 with data continuing to be collected during this timeframe.

Council will continue to provide updates as they occur.

LEFT: Councillor Jeff Baines visiting Cleaner Roads Runoff Site on Grandilla Road

Cairns Local News, Friday, November 04, 2022 PAGE 15

One Coast - Cassowary Coast

MTH DD, 2022

BROWSE, BORROW, ENJOY IN 25 LANGUAGES OF EBOOKS

DID you know that Cassowary Coast Libraries has access to eBooks and eAudiobooks in 25 languages other that English? All you need to access this free resource is a Cassowary Coast library membership to login and get started.

This easy to use online platform, has compatibility with most devices which makes it simple to access your favourite LOTE stories and audiobooks anytime, anywhere.

Visit cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/library online resources

NATIONAL RECYCLING WEEK 7 – 13 NOVEMBER 2022

YOU’RE invited to celebrate recycling in a way that’s meaningful to you. By sharing a post on social media, brushing up on local recycling knowledge, discovering ways to cut down on waste or challenging yourself to recycle one more waste product, it’s all about celebrating the important role recycling plays in our lives.

In the Cassowary Coast Region, more than 20 waste products can be recycled through Council’s recycling program. Last financial year 34% of total waste received at our Transfer Stations were recycled. Aiming to double that by 2025, means the whole community has to play a part in sorting and recycling their waste. To discover items that can be recycled at Council Waste Transfer Stations visit: www.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/recycling-transfer-stations

K E Y Cassowary Coast Regional Council Contact 1300 763 903 Visit our website www.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au Write: Please address all correspondence to: Andrew Graffen, Chief Executive Officer PO Box 887 Innisfail, QLD 4860 Email: enquiries@cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au

C O N T A C T S

Visit Council Cassowary Coast Regional Council has three Customer Service Centres across the region.

Specially trained staff can provide information and advice on topics including: ● local laws and compliance ● rates enquiries ● account payments (EFTPOS facilities available) ● animal registration.

PAGE 16 Cairns Local News, Friday, November 04, 2022

Customer Service Centres and Opening Hours Innisfail Shire Hall 70 Rankin St. Innisfail Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm Wednesday 9:30am - 4:30pm Tully Tully Civic Centre, 38-40 Bryant St. Tully Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm Wednesday 9:30am - 4:30pm Cardwell Cardwell Library, 4 Balliol St. Cardwell Monday - Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm

Cassowary Coast Libraries comprises of four branches located at Cardwell, Innisfail, Tully and Mission Beach. For locations, opening times or general enquiries, please call 1300 366 616 or visit www.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/libraries Waste Transfer Stations locations and opening hours can be found by visiting: www.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/transfer-stations Community Connect is a publication of the Cassowary Coast Regional Council. Supplied by Council and published within the Cairns Local News newspaper. All enquiries regarding content contained within this publication should be directed to Council.

www.cairnslocalnews.com.au