Council in the news

Following a massive shake-up to the regional media landscape in 2020, the 2021/22 financial year offered up challenges and opportunities for Gladstone Regional Council to disseminate its announcements, events and achievements through news organisations. The loss of a daily newspaper (The Observer) during the previous financial year was softened somewhat by the introduction of Gladstone Today, with its first edition launching on 9 July 2021. This, however, was only a weekly newspaper, meaning Council had to strategically time when media releases were issued as to best accommodate Gladstone Today’s weekly deadline. Not all media releases could be issued within this small timeframe due to operational reasons, meaning social media was used to fill that gap. This gap also led to an opportunity for Council, and on 9 September 2021, Council started its endeavour to fill this gap with the inaugural edition of Connect launching. Connect is a one-page, fortnightly advertorial that features in Gladstone Today and Gladstone News covering Council news and initiatives. Connect is proudly produced in-house by Council’s Brand and Communications team.

2021 GLNG Mayor’s Charity Ball beneficiaries to share in over $100,000 thanks to attendee generosity

In what was described as another great success, the 2021 Santos GLNG Mayor’s Charity Ball raised a whopping $101,564.60 for four local beneficiaries. The funds raised at the event will be split evenly between Gladstone Mindcare, Nhulundu Health Service, Roseberry Qld and The Zonta Club of Gladstone. Published: 7 July 2021, The Courier Mail (The Observer).

Gladstone teenager’s legacy set to live on in a New Auckland skate park

The legacy of Cassy Jones has grown even stronger following the recent completion of the Cassy Lives Skate Park upgrade. Minor works including landscaping, seating, bins and signage have now been completed through the Queensland Government’s COVID Works for Queensland program in association with Gladstone Regional Council. Council undertook extensive community consultation prior to redesigning the skate park and offered the community a chance to vote on their favourite design. Published: 21 July 2021, 7NEWS Central Queensland.

Splash Zone has reopened with bigger rides and activities

Gladstone children have been without their beloved Splash Zone for most of the year, but now the dry spell has ended. The area has reopened with bigger rides and activities, ensuring everyone will cop a drenching. Published: 3 September 2021, 7NEWS Central Queensland.

Christmas comes early (for Miriam Vale residents)

Gladstone Regional Council is pleased to advise that water restrictions have lifted for Miriam Vale residents. Recent rainfall has led to an increase in the surface water level of Miriam Vale’s primary water source, Baffle Creek. Gladstone Region Mayor Matt Burnett said Miriam Vale residents excelled in saving water with the town quickly responding by recording low levels of usage, while weekly water meter readings kept everyone informed on their progress. Published: 9 December 2021, Gladstone Today.

Gladstone Regional Council have signed a Memorandum of Understanding regarding the Philip Street retirement village

Elderly housing is set to receive a boost following a Memorandum of Understanding being signed between Gladstone Regional Council (GRC) and Gladstone Central Committee on the Ageing (GCCOTA). The objective of the MOU is to investigate over 55s independent living and accommodation options at the Philip Street Communities and Families Precinct. Published: 14 December 2021, The Courier Mail (The Observer).

Youth council meet Mayor

Members of the 2022 Gladstone Region Youth Council gathered at Council Chambers to meet the Mayor, Councillors, CEO, General Managers and other Council employees for the first time. Gladstone Region Mayor Matt Burnett said all attending Youth Council members introduced themselves and shared their passion for wanting to join the committee. Published: 24 February 2022, Gladstone Today.

Gladstone Regional Council partners with The Next Economy to discuss Central Queensland’s energy future

Gladstone Regional Council, in partnership with The Next Economy, hosted forums to engage with key stakeholders and the community to guide future energy policy decisions. The forums explored ongoing energy security, stability and affordability; supporting local industry and workers; new infrastructure; maintaining the region’s industrial heritage; protecting land and water resources; and protecting the community. Published: 19 March 2022, The Courier Mail (The Observer).

Mayor on leave for Federal Election campaign

Cr Burnett told his fellow councillors during a council meeting that he would be taking leave from April 18, he said he would continue to work together with them in the region’s best interests. “…I’ve never taken our community for granted and I never will,” he said Published: 7 April 2022, Gladstone Today.

Local Hairdresser Completes ‘Hairdressers with Hearts’ Course

Naturally SAS’ Simone Stark is the region’s first hairdresser to complete the course, which aims to help hairdressers notice signs of domestic violence and elder abuse in their clients. “We first heard about the course through social media, and we were approached by council to take part in the course. The Gladstone Regional Council funded the course for local hairdressers and barbers,” Simone said. Published: 5 May 2022, Gladstone News.

Stage two of Gladstone Aquatic Centre Rejuvenation Project wrap up

Stage two refurbishments of the Gladstone Aquatic Centre are wrapping up as arrangements for the final phase of developments prepare to get underway. The project, which began in August 2020, has since spanned over consecutive years to avoid closure of the pool and minimise disruption to swimmers. Recent upgrades of the Aquatic Centre include a revamp of the main entrance, improved roofing structures and better public amenity facilities provided for families and disability patrons. Published: 17 May 2022, The Courier Mail (The Observer).