Council Connection August 2011

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Councilconnection

AUGUST 2011 - ISSUE 36

GLADSTONE REGIONAL COUNCIL COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER

Gladstone Regional Council Phone 497 0 0700 Fax 4975 8500 Email info@gladstonerc.qld.gov.au

GLNG program helps residents find a home

Gladstone Region residents who meet eligibility criteria are welcome to apply for assistance through the GLNG Housing Program.

The two-year $800,000 program, which was announced in June, is the result of a partnership between GLNG and Gladstone Regional Council and is delivered by Council's Community Advisory Service.

Council's Community Services portfolio spokesperson Councillor Maxine Brushe said the program was a vital component in Council's efforts to help residents combat the Gladstone Region's growing housing shortage.

"The program consists of community housing and rent supplement components with categories for families with a gross household income between $55,000-$80,000, seniors in receipt of a Centrelink

Health Care Card and young people aged below 25," Cr Brushe said.

"The program provides assistance through the provision of head leased houses or financial support through rental supplements to eligible residents experiencing housing stress.

"Significant movement in the rental housing market has placed stress on the household budget for many residents and Council's partnership with GLNG is designed to help community members adapt to the requirements of the new market.

"Essentially, we are giving people the chance to stay on their own feet during this difficult time."

- To see the eligibility criteria, please visit Council's website at www. gladstone.qld.gov.au and follow the link under 'Community Support'.

NAIDOC week celebrations take centre stage

Mayor Gail Sellers (right) and Melody Ingra with children who took part in the NAIDOC Week march from Anzac Park and along Goondoon Street.

NAIDOC Week took centre-stage in Gladstone from July 3 to 9 under the 2011 theme "Change: the next step is ours".

NAIDOC Week (National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee) is held annually throughout Australia to raise awareness in the wider community of the status and treatment of indigenous Australians.

Mayor Gail Sellers and her fellow Councillors took part in a range of activities during the week of celebration, including a community breakfast; a flag raising ceremony in front of Council's Goondoon Street administration centre; Arts NAIDOC at the Gladstone Art Gallery and Museum; and the NAIDOC march at the end of the week.

In a speech at Arts NAIDOC, the Mayor

discussed the appropriateness of this year's theme and about the importance of the community working as partners "side by side".

The Mayor also spoke about such partnerships at the flag raising ceremony and then presented a review of the week's festivities during Council's July 19 meeting.

AUGUST2011 IN THIS ISSUE

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Mayor's Message

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Rates discount deadline

NAIDOC art competition winners - see page 11.

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Seniors Week 2011 Program

Visit Council’s Website - www.gladstone.qld.gov.au

7-10 Budget Overview

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Calliope Wastewater

e g a s s e M s ' r o y a The M

Region. ny changes to our Gladstone d in of traffic being experience n affected is the amount bee has ich wh as are ny One of the ma the Gladstone city area. but it is something with a shock to some residents as e com has e um vol ffic The increased tra which we have to cope. lead to more congestion to find work it will inevitably ion reg our in ive arr ple As even more peo ns. on our roads and intersectio sels on the harbour also ds with the number of ves roa our to d fine con not Traffic escalation is on the increase.

I ask everyone to help ditions have changed and con ffic tra t tha lity rea remaining patient We are faced with the as smooth as possible by ons diti con d nge cha se the make the adaptation to ys. on our roads and water wa r and residents must location in the city are ove ry eve m fro ve dri s ute The days of being five min vel accordingly. adapt their approach to tra g enough time to before departing, allowin ad ahe n pla uld sho nts , and consider if As with any journey, reside d works and other delays roa ble ssi po for s nce wa travel, including making allo tion. alternative routes are an op t and make sure those changes. Be patien to pt ada to us to up is it tination safely.

Our city has changed and ter ways, all reach our des wa and ds roa of rs use ow that we, along with our fell - Mayor

bringing ma Rapid population growth is

Gail Sellers

Council Contacts 101 Goondoon Street, Gladstone Qld 4680 PO Box 29, Gladstone DC Qld 4680 Email: info@gladstonerc.qld.gov.au

find work it will inevitably lead to more congestion on our roads and intersections.

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Main Phone: 4970 0700 A/Hrs Emergency Phone: 4979 1134 Main Fax: 4975 8500

All mail to: PO Box 29 Gladstone DC Qld 4680

Gladstone Office

As even more people “arrive in our region to

Calliope Office

5 Don Cameron Drive, Calliope Qld 4680 PO Box 29, Gladstone DC Qld 4680 Email: info@gladstonerc.qld.gov.au

Miriam Vale Office

36 Roe Street, Miriam Vale Qld 4677 PO Box 29, Gladstone DC Qld 4680 Email: info@gladstonerc.qld.gov.au

FACILITIES

FACILITIES (Cont.)

FACILITIES (Cont.)

LIBRARIES

Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum Cnr Goondoon & Bramston Sts Gladstone Qld 4680 Telephone: (07) 4976 6766

Discovery Coast Community Care 36 Roe Street, Miriam Vale 4677

Agnes Water Rural Transaction Centre 3 Captain Cook Drive, Agnes Water Qld 4677 Telephone: (07) 4902 1515

Agnes Water Library 3 Captain Cook Drive, Agnes Water Qld 4677 Telephone (07) 4902 1501

Gladstone Entertainment Centre 58 Goondoon Street, Gladstone Qld 4680 Telephone: (07) 4972 2822 Community Advisory Service 142 Goondoon St, Gladstone Qld 4680 Telephone: (07) 4976 6300 Discovery Coast Community Health Service Rafting Ground Road, Agnes Water 4677 Telephone: (07) 4902 1100

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Tondoon Botanic Gardens Glenlyon Road, Gladstone Qld 4680 Telephone: (07) 4971 4444 Boyne Tannum Community Centre & Library Cnr Wyndham and Hayes Ave, Boyne Island Qld 4680 Telephone: (07) 4971 9700 Mt Larcom Rural Transaction Centre/ Library 47 Raglan St, Mount Larcom Qld 4695 Telephone: (07) 4975 1205

GLADSTONE REGIONAL COUNCIL

AQUATIC CENTRES Gladstone Aquatic Centre 60 Tank Street, Gladstone Qld 4680 Telephone: (07) 4972 6822 Calliope Pool Stirrat Street, Calliope Phone: (07) 4975 6455 Mount Larcom Pool Narrows Road, Mt Larcom Phone: (07) 4975 1185

Gladstone City Library 39 Goondoon Street, Gladstone Qld 4680 Telephone: (07) 4976 6400 Calliope Library 5 Don Cameron Drive, Calliope Qld 4680 Telephone: (07) 4975 8105 Miriam Vale Library 34 Roe Street, Miriam Vale Qld 4677 Telephone: (07) 4974 6241

10% rates discount deadline Sept 9 Council reminds residents to be on the look out for their annual rates notices and take advantage of the 10 per cent discount period available until September 9.

A five per cent discount applies from September 10 to October 11.

Property owners who experience difficulty meeting their rate payments should contact Council immediately after receiving their notices to ensure a payment agreement can be negotiated.

To access Council's instalment payment scheme, ratepayers simply fill out the form on the back on their rates notice and return it to their local Council office.

Ratepayers should also be aware that their water rates for the previous six months are also included in their rates figures.

Several payment methods are available to property owners including BPAY, POSTbillpay, in person at Council offices, by mail or by credit card.

Ratepayers are advised to make BPAY or POSTbillpay payments at least two days prior to the discount deadline to ensure Council receives the payment in time.

More details about payment options are included on the back of rates notices.

This year's rates notices are accompanied by an information booklet detailing important rates information including a 2011-2012 Guide to the Budget, Council expenditure and water and pensioner rebates.

For more information or assistance with your rates notice, contact Council on 4976 6999 or visit Council's website at www.gladstone.qld.gov. au

Botanic to Bridge support Put on those running shoes and register to race in this year's Gladstone Ports Corporation's 2011 Botanic to Bridge (B2B) on August 14.

Living Expo, to be held in conjunction with the B2B at the Marina Parklands on race day from 8am to noon.

The second annual event has the backing of Gladstone Regional Council which provided $10,000 support for the event as part of Council's commitment to the Healthy Active Gladstone Region (HAGR) initiative.

Active Ambassadors are volunteers interested and committed to making the Gladstone Region a healthy and active place.

As a bonus, the HAGR Active Ambassadors will also be available to field questions about the program and their involvement during the Healthy

To find out more, visit the Healthy Active Gladstone Region section of Council's website under 'Community Support' at www.gladstone. qld.gov.au

Briefly Council meetings

Did you know that residents are welcome to view Gladstone Regional Council’s meetings which are held at the Gladstone Administration Centre boardroom, 101 Goondoon Street from 9.00am on the first and third Tuesday of the month?

Upcoming meetings are August 2 and 16. September dates are the 6 and 20. The meeting agenda and minutes of each meeting can be accessed via Council’s website at www.gladstone. qld.gov.au and following the 'Meetings and Minutes' tab under 'Quick Links' on the home page.

Change of address Do you know that you can notify several Council services of your change of residential and/ or mailing address by filling out just one form? Council cannot change addresses over the phone, but you can get the form by visiting our website at www. gladstone.qld.gov.au and clicking on the 'About Council', then 'Finance' and choose the 'Change of Address Form'.

Road reports Don’t forget to log on to Council’s website at www.gladstone.qld. gov.au if you want to find out the latest road condition reports. If you come across flood water or would like to report road conditions for uploading to the site, please phone our Call Centre 24 hours a day on 4979 1134 or our administration centres.

Garden "Inspired" duo

Gladstone Port Corporation's CEO Leo Zussino, pictured with Mayor Gail Sellers, is all smiles after receiving $10,000 sponsorship from Gladstone Regional Council for the 2011 Botanic to Bridge Fun Run.

Husband and wife team John and Rosemary Anderson will showcase their "Inspired" exhibition at the Gladstone Tondoon Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre throughout August. The inspiration for "Inspired", a collection of paintings, poetry and sculpture, is Tondoon's own Japanese Tea Garden which symbolises the unique and enduring Sister City partnership between Gladstone and Japan's Saiki City.

GLADSTONE REGIONAL COUNCIL

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Briefly

Gladstone Regional Council Noxious Weeds Officer Rob Teakle demonstrates a gas splatter gun used for Lantana control.

Welcome morning tea The upcoming Welcome to Gladstone Morning Tea will be held at Tondoon Botanic Gardens on August 4 and then again on September 1 between 10am and noon. This initiative aims to provide residents with an opportunity to meet new people and local service providers. For further information please contact either Andrea or Luis on 4976 6300.

Access services at BTCC Residents living or visiting the Boyne Island and Tannum Sands communities can take advantage of the services offered at the Boyne Tannum Community Centre and Library. Located at the corner of Wyndham and Hayes Avenues, the BTCC offers access to Centrelink via a fax, free public access computers seven days a week and access to most other Council services via the customer service counter. Phone 4971 9700.

Lost and found pets Have you lost or found a pet? Did you know that you can register your lost or found pet at Council’s website free of charge? Simply visit www.gladstone.qld.gov. au and follow the 'Animals and environment' link from the home page.

Free Tai Chi & Qigong in park Healthy Active Gladstone Region welcomes its latest Active Ambassadors Angela and Barbara to the team. Angela and Barbara are offering free Tai Chi and Qigong on the last Sunday of each month from 8:30am at Lions Park in Gladstone.

They have developed a gentle but effective program for both the body and mind to improve general fitness and wellbeing while enjoying an appreciation for the outdoors and the beauty of nature. To express your interest in attending, or for more information, please phone 4979 3050.

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Spray equipment available to stop noxious weeds in their tracks Council’s Rural Lands Protection Department can help halt the progress of noxious weeds with spray equipment available for hire.

Council’s offices at Calliope and Miriam Vale can supply various spray units to combat declared noxious weed infestations on regional properties.

A $50 refundable bond deposit is required when booking equipment with a completed refund form required for a bond refund on return of gear.

Hire payment is also needed before equipment is released with costs ranging from $5-$25 per day depending on the type of gear required.

Rural Lands Protection staff are able to assist with advice and preparation of control plans to assist land managers control declared pest species.

Equipment bookings and a time arranged to collect gear from the relevant centre can be made by phone.

When gear is collected, a Council noxious weeds officer will run through equipment operating and cleaning procedures.

Council’s Calliope office has available four gas

powered splatter guns (backpack, gas cylinder and holster), a twin reel QUIK SPRAY unit and a single reel Silvan spray unit, both are slip on units able to be mounted on the back of a vehicle.

The Miriam Vale office has for hire one gas powered splatter gun, two single reel QUIK SPRAY units, one mounted in a trailer, one slip on and two wick wipers (similar looking to a slasher with rope soaked in chemical that touches the top of weeds).

A single reel Silvan trailer mounted spray unit can be hired at Mt Larcom Produce, phone 4975 1111.

Common declared pest plants within the Region include: Weedy sporobolus species – Giant Rat’s Tail grass, American Rat’s Tail grass, Giant Parramatta grass, Parramatta grass; Parthenium weed; Mother of Millions, Rubber Vine; Groundsel Bush; Prickly acacia; Salvinia and Hymenachne.

Pest facts sheets for weeds can be downloaded from the Department of Primary Industry website www.dpi.qld.gov.au For more information phone Council’s Rural Lands Protection Department on 4970 0700.

Tax Help Program for low income earners Gladstone Regional Council Community Advisory Service is again facilitating the Tax Help Program.

Tax Help is a volunteer program to assist people on a low income with their tax returns. To be eligible you must have an income under $50,000 increasing by $2,500 per dependent child.

Last year 302 tax returns were completed by our volunteers free of charge for residents of the Gladstone Region.

All volunteers are fully trained and accredited by the Australian Tax Office and can assist with simple tax returns, non-lodgement forms and

GLADSTONE REGIONAL COUNCIL

Education Tax Refunds.

"Many parents of school aged children or independent students undertaking secondary studies may not realise they are eligible to claim" said Tax Help volunteer Gale Patrick.

The service is also offered at the Discovery Coast Community Health Service Agnes Water and Miriam Vale.

Appointments are essential and can be made by phoning the Community Advisory Service on 4976 6300 or the Discovery Coast Community Health Service on 4902 1125.

What's in a name?

Council needs to formally name three parklands at South End, Curtis Island, and wants your help.

Parks and Recreation portfolio spokesperson Councillor Graham McDonald said Council had recently received a number of requests from the community to name park areas at South End. "Currently, some park areas have names known locally by the residents but there is no formal signage in these parks," Cr McDonald said.

The park areas to be named include the ferry entrance, the picnic shelter and playground area on the ocean side and the area currently known to locals as Golding Park on the harbour side opposite residences.

"Council considered the suggestions received and short-listed the names in accordance with our Park Naming Policy," Cr McDonald said.

"Golding Park has been earmarked to retain the name as locals know it, but Council wishes to ascertain whether residents agree.

"We are now keen to hear the community's views on the proposed names and urge residents to vote for their preferred name choice."

form via Council's website www.gladstone.qld. gov.au and follow the 'Have Your Say' link on the home page.

Home Library Services

Park Area 2

The Gladstone City Library provides a Home Library Service to residents of Gladstone and the township areas of Boyne Island, Tannum Sands and Calliope. The Home Library Service caters to the needs of residents who are unable to visit the library due to medical, physical, or other special reasons. For more information or to determine whether or not you might be eligible for this service, please contact Gladstone City Library on 4976 6400.

• Landfall Park

Update pet details

Responses can also be emailed to consultation@ gladstonerc.qld.gov.au or phone Council on 4977 6899.

Council is seeking one nomination for park areas 1 and 2 and whether residents agree on the suggested name for park area 3 as listed below: Park Area 1

(playground and adjacent park area on ocean front)

• Mia Park or Mia Place • Frank and Francie Hart Park

(ferry entrance)

• Welcome Park • Anchor Point • Janson Park • Anchor Park

Traditionally, parks are named for their locality or in honour of significant people from the local area.

Park Area 3

Residents are asked to lodge feedback before Friday, September 2, by completing an online

• Golding Park

(opposite residences on harbour side)

Ecofest song sales help hairy-nosed wombats Council’s Ecofest has taken a step further in promoting environmental awareness.

Gladstone Regional Council is asking residents to keep their pet ownership details up to date to ensure pets can be reunited in the event they stray. Council also reminds pet owners they are obliged under Queensland legislation to complete a 'change to pet ownership' form if they sell or give away an animal.

Phone 4976 6972 for further information or visit Council's website at www.gladstone.qld. gov.au

Funding submission Do you need assistance with putting together a funding submission for your not-for-profit community group? Gladstone Regional Council's Community Development Officer is available to help. Contact Andrea Hughes on 4976 6358 or email andreah@gladstonerc.qld.gov.au

The event brought together two groups, who are now eagerly working together, to raise funds to avert a Queensland wombat species from extinction.

The Chick Peas, Tracey Smith and Lucy Boyd, have released for sale their song inspired by Ecofest ‘Is There A Better Way’.

The duo has teamed up with Australia Animal Care and Education’s (AACE) Tina Janssen who runs a captive breeding centre at Marlborough.

The Chick Peas, Tracey Smith and Lucy Boyd, are selling their Ecofest song "Is There A Better Way" to help the plight of the Northern Hairy-Nosed Wombat.

Ms Janssen has appealed for assistance to fund research into the reproductive biology of hairy-nosed wombats and an artificial insemination program.

Ms Smith said the opportunity to assist AACE was too strong to resist.

Northern hairy-nosed wombats are an endangered species in Queensland with only 115

Briefly

animals remaining.

“All proceeds from the $5 sale of the CD will go to the centre to assist the wombats,” she said.

The song, written by Lucy,

appeals to all ages and words encourage listeners to be aware of their actions and considerate of the environment.

The CD single is available at Tondoon Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre, The Feed Barn and Elders Real Estate, Gladstone.

Website for volunteers Gladstone Region Volunteering is an online volunteer recruitment website that links residents to organisations in need of volunteers. Residents can search what volunteer positions are available or nominate themselves for future roles by visiting Council's website www. gladstone.qld.gov.au and follow the volunteering link under 'Community Support'.

GLADSTONE REGIONAL COUNCIL

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Seniors Week 2011

Program of events 22nd - 28th August

For ages 55+

Monday 22nd August

Wednesday 25th August

Thursday 25th August

Friday 26th August

Seniors on the Sea ‘Coffee Cruise’ with morning tea & harbour commentary.

10.40am - 1pm Bookings essential Phone: 4976 6300 Cost $10 per person

Evenglow Sponsored by Orica 9am - 1pm Senior Citizens Centre Phone: 4972 4465 Free

Seniors Health & Wellbeing Workshop Wellbeing workshop, low impact exercise session and healthy morning tea.

Community Hub, 6 Buller St, Gladstone Bookings essential Phone: 4976 6300 Free

Mayor’s Morning Tea & Travel Expo Enjoy a free morning tea, entertainment and learn more about your travel options.

10am - 1pm Senior Citizens Centre Bookings Phone 4972 4465 Free

Seniors Get Informed Range of informative education sessions.

Community Advisory Service 142 Goondoon Street, Gladstone Bookings required Phone: 4976 6300 Tuesday 23rd August Morning Melodies ‘The Tenterfield Saddler’ Tribute performance & morning tea.

10am - Gladstone Entertainment Centre Bookings essential Phone: 4972 2822 Transport Bookings for Discovery Coast Phone: 4902 1100 $10 per person

(discounted for Seniors Week)

Seniors Week Dinner Presented by South Gladstone Rotary PCYC, Yarroon Street, Gladstone 5.30-8.30pm Bookings essential Phone: 4972 4465 Free

Healthy Active Seniors Ten Pin Bowling 1pm, Gladstone Ten Pin Bowl Bookings essential Phone: 4976 6300 $5 per person Seniors in the Gardens Tour, Morning Tea & Guest Speaker. Tondoon Botanic Gardens 9.30am - 12 midday Bookings Essential Phone: 4971 4444 Tour and Lunch Free Old Botanical Nursery Tour and Lunch - Agnes Water Pick ups from Agnes Water, Baffle Creek, Miriam Vale Bookings essential Phone: 4902 1100 Free Seniors on the Web Internet Workshop 1pm - 3pm Gladstone City Library Bookings essential Phone: 4976 6400 Participants must have previous experience using a mouse.

Free

Healthy Active Seniors Lawn Bowls & Golf Carnival Venue to be advised.

Registration Phone: 4976 6300 Croquet Golf Gladstone Croquet Club, Glenlyon Road.

Register names Phone: 4976 6300 Free Game and Sausage Sizzle Seniors on the Web Internet Workshop.

10am - midday Boyne Island Library Bookings essential Phone: 4976 6400 Participants must have previous experience using a mouse.

Free

Healthy Active Seniors Tranquility Walk Guided walking tour of historical sites in the Miriam Vale area & Morning Tea 9.30am - midday Pick ups from Agnes Water, Baffle Creek, Miriam Vale Bookings essential Phone: 4902 1100 Free Senior’s at the Movies Horrible Bosses 1.30pm - 3.30pm Gladstone Cinemas Bookings essential Phone: 4976 6300 Free & Complimentary Tea/ Coffee Saturday 27th August Seniors in the Valley Devonshire morning tea & entertainment 10am - midday, Discovery Centre, Ubobo Bookings essential Phone: 4976 6300 Free Greet & Meet the Men’s Shed Team Details to be announced Sunday 28th August Seniors at the Markets Free entry, Cuppa & Cake.

Calliope Historical Village Bookings essential Phone: 4976 6300 Music in the Gardens Tondoon Botanic Gardens.

Midday - 4pm Phone: 4971 4444 Free

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For further information contact Andrea on 4976 6358

GLADSTONE REGIONAL COUNCIL

Budget

2011-2012

Unexpected wet weather impacts on infrastructure works Infrastructure works spending in Council’s 2011/12 Budget will be similar to last financial year while operational and maintenance expenditure on its roads increases by $3 million.

Overall, Infrastructure Services was allotted $92.4 million in this year’s Budget on July 5 for roads, water and sewerage with a significant portion of this funding to complete delayed projects carried over to the 2011/12 operational program.

Unexpected wet weather during 2010/11 caused delay to a significant number of Council’s planned capital works projects across the Region.

Council’s Infrastructure Services portfolio spokesperson Councillor Matt Burnett said the scope of works in the Budget also comprised a significant number of projects in addition to those from 2010/11.

“Council has handed down a very sensible, conservative Budget in relation to infrastructure, with consideration to deliver previous scheduled projects,” Cr Burnett said.

He said Council’s ability to deliver vital infrastructure components to meet anticipated regional growth was a major consideration.

“It is essential our infrastructure foundation is adequate to support and sustain anticipated growth across our region,” Cr Burnett said.

“Council is also extremely conscious of

Infrastructure Services portfolio spokesperson Cr Matt Burnett stands near light installations at the intersection of Kirkwood and Glenlyon Road.

the importance of maintaining assets to an acceptable level.

“Our immediate vision is for the provision

and maintenance of road, footpath, drainage, water and sewerage networks at a costefficient and high standard.”

KEY HIGHLIGHTS • $30m allocation (including $25m LNG • $3.7m for the Dixon Drive extension. funding) for the provision of a sewer service to LNG projects on Curtis Island. • $2.2m for the Port Curtis Way/Power Station intersection upgrade on behalf • $10.2m towards the finalisation of the of Department of Transport and Main Agnes Water Integrated Water Scheme.

Roads.

• $8m Flood Restoration Works on behalf • $1m for stormwater drainage network of the Department of Transport and and sewer main inspection video filming.

Main Roads.

• $235,000 for Miriam Vale Water • $6.6m for the Kirkwood Road/ Treatment plant design and preliminary Gladstone-Benaraby Road intersection works. upgrade on behalf of Department of Transport and Main Roads.

Natural disaster coordination rates highly in Finance budget The Finance directorate is responsible for the management of Council’s financial support services including rating operations, payroll, purchasing and supply, management and financial reporting, financial project delivery, accounts payable and general financial services to Council.

As an adjunct to these essential internal services to the organisation, this directorate also provides for Council’s Disaster Management planning, and emergency response as well as volunteer emergency services support.

Finance portfolio Councillor Lyn Paton said Council had allocated funds at a level consistent with the previous year for the continuation of its Disaster Management Program, including financial support for the State Emergency Services and Rural Fire Operations.

She said a highlight of this program for 2011-2012 was a commitment to fund a proposed upgrade of the Flood Warning Network in the Boyne River and Baffle Creek catchments.

"We only have to see the events of late December last year and January this year to realise how important it is that we ensure our residents and visitors are made aware of flooding as it occurs, so they can plan their trips safely through the region," Cr Paton said.

"The southern part of the region, in particular, is prone to rapid flooding and this proposal will help us monitor and document flood issues as they change."

Cr Paton said some additional resources may be required this financial year for disaster coordination but a final decision would not be made until the findings of the Flood Commission of Inquiry are released and assessed.

Director of Finance Mark Holmes, Finance portfolio spokesperson Cr Lyn Paton and GAWB Acting CEO Gary Larsen discuss the ALERT system.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS • $705,000 for Council's pensioner rebate on general rates.

• $450,000 towards the installation and upgrading of a flood warning network in the Boyne River and Baffle Creek.

• $290,000 for the continued support of the SES and Rural Fire operations at levels consistent with 2010-2011, along with a $20,000 commitment to support the local rescue helicopter service.

• Differential rating system reviewed with more categories included.

Budget

2011-2012

Programs enrich community and cultural life of the region Gladstone Regional Council is targeting the lifestyle of residents and attractiveness of the region to visitors by allocating a further $11.09 million to community and cultural programs across the region in its 2011-12 Budget.

Through its Community Services Directorate, Council offers a wide variety of facilities and services in public libraries, visual and performing arts, museums and community events. The Directorate also provides a range of community support programs in human and social services.

Community Services portfolio spokesperson Councillor Maxine Brushe emphasised the importance of maintaining lifestyle for residents, particularly during a period of growth.

“Gladstone Region is blessed with economic and employment opportunity, but it still needs to be a place that people want to live and call home,” Cr Brushe said.

“It is for this reason that Council continues to invest in important cultural facilities such as our public library network, Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum and Gladstone Entertainment Centre.

Cr Brushe also pointed out the considerable investment to be made in partnership with the Federal and State Government and local companies to assist people in need; with some $4.83 million in joint funding allocated for a range of human and social services in 201112.

Council will also continue its partnership with local community event organisers, Gladstone Festivals and Events, to deliver its major community events program in 2011-2012, including Ecofest, Australia Day celebrations and SUNfest.

Cr Maxine Brushe and Gladstone Festival and Events’ Kathy Andrew look forward to another busy year of delivering community events.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS • $1.8m for the performing arts, including operation of the Gladstone Entertainment Centre.

• $3.26m operating costs and purchase of new equipment for Gladstone Regional Libraries.

• $2m to progress Stage 1 of the Philip Street precinct.

• $1.04m for the Discovery Coast Community Health Service (including $821,000 Federal Government grants).

• $670,000 for the GLNG housing program (fully funded by GLNG).

Information technology rates highly in Budget commitment A significant commitment has been made towards information technology projects in Council’s 2011-2012 Budget.

Council has committed funds to install a Storage Area Network (SAN) to enhance IT security, availability and flexibility.

When combined with a next generation computing platform, the SAN will provide a greener IT solution.

The SAN, once fully implemented, among other daily operational benefits, will allow Council to operate in the event of a complete site failure, if one of the two key offices at Gladstone and Calliope were to go offline.

It will also provide more efficient management of data storage options for the organisation, rather than the current tape-based storage system.

Corporate and Business Services portfolio spokesperson Councillor Rick Hansen said Council had also backed the completion of the Gladstone-Calliope fibre optic link in 20112012 to enhance capacity on the network and link in more facilities.

“We’ve also entered into an agreement with Gladstone Area Water Board that will provide it with a fibre optic link to the water treatment plant in Gladstone and give us more capacity to link in other facilities,” Cr Hansen said.

“One of the big ticket items that residents will be interested in is our move towards providing a mapping system that can be accessed from people’s homes via the internet.

“We are currently working on developing our Exponare mapping system into a format that people will be able to use easily from home to see things such as flood and storm surge history and risks at their properties; their waste collection days; contours; aerial photographs and water and sewer connection information.”

Cr Hansen said the program had the potential to be used as an education tool in relation to the new planning scheme as well as linking in with Council’s HAP program to provide details of developments earmarked for the region.

Cr Rick Hansen is looking forward to the ugprading and extension of Council's CCTV network. More than $250,000 was allocated in this year's Budget for the project.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS • $4m to develop a residential development at Tannum Sands.

• $267,000 (including $160,000 carried over from last year) for CCTV upgrade and expansion.

• $210,000 for consultants to conduct visual and structured inspections of sealed roads; a ground penetrating radar survey of roads; and asset valuations as part of Council’s asset management program.

• $150,000 for the completion of the Gladstone-Calliope fibre optic link.

• Implementation of a Storage Area Network to enhance Council's IT security, availability and flexibility.

Budget

2011-2012

Council to focus on maintenance in parks and recreation budget Parks, gardens and recreation initiatives were highlighted in Council's Budget 2011-12 with $18.61 million assigned.

Gladstone Regional Council's Parks and Recreation portfolio spokesperson Councillor Graham McDonald said the region's high industrial growth would impact on Council's provision of parks, sporting and leisure facilities and funds were allocated to ensure the needs of the community were met.

Significant expenditure from Council will go towards the Boyne Tannum Sports Park development to the amount of $2.35 million, pending the sale of land at the previous Boyne Island Tannum Sands Country Club.

"The majority of capital projects included in the Parks and Recreation budget are either carryover items or have been directed towards the upgrading of existing facilities," Cr McDonald said.

"Council is committed to enhancing parks, sporting and recreation facilities for residents by improving existing infrastructure and building upon a wide range of programs already on offer.

A critical initiative that continued to be supported this financial year is the lifeguard service at Tannum Sands and Agnes Water,

administered by Surf Life Saving Queensland, with a further $44,000 set aside to extend the service at Agnes Water.

Other winners would be residents utilising Wyndham Park at Boyne Island and Friend and Barney Point Parks at Barney Point in Gladstone after funding was allocated towards installing a new playground at Wyndham Park and progressing the enhancement of facilities at Barney Point.

Cr McDonald said families with children would also benefit from the construction of a new playground at Kathleen Shanahan Park off Glenlyon Road in Gladstone and stage one of Gladstone's Memorial Park development.

Cr Graham McDonald and Director Environment and Recreation Leisa Dowling look over plans adopted in the budget with members of the Parks and Recreation team.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS • $1.5m (carry over from previous budget) for new pool filter and interactive children's water play park at the Gladstone Aquatic Centre.

• $472,000 towards the progression of Stage One of the Memorial Park development in Gladstone.

• $320,000 for Stages One (a) and (b) of a new cemetery at Calliope.

• $250,000 for the development of park and playground at Kathleen Shanahan Park.

• $122,000 for the concept design of parkland and construction of a new playground at Wyndham Park, Boyne Island.

• $197,000 towards the design and construction of Stage One Barney Point Redevelopment.

Budget provides for finalisation of airport work Gladstone Regional Council has carried forward $6.13 million from the 2010-2011 budget to finalise the Gladstone Airport Projects, which include the terminal and runway upgrades and installation of an Instrument Landing System.

Airport portfolio spokesperson Councillor Clyde Cameron said Council was looking forward to the completion of the ambitious project.

"We are now seeing the benefits of our decision to progress this significant project with a new airline and rapidly increasing passenger numbers," Cr Cameron said.

"We now have state-of-the-art facilities that are capable of accommodati9ng anticipated growth well into the future."

Cr Cameron said the completion of the installation of the $10.5 million Instrument Landing System (ILS), with funding from LNG proponents, this financial year would have significant benefits for aircraft operating at Gladstone.

"This project will enhance safety and allow aircraft to land in periods of low visibility, which is a win-win situation for the airport and passengers."

To accommodate future increases in passenger numbers, Council will also re-position and extend the baggage carousel at the airport to reduce congestion in the baggage collection area.

“The existing carousel will be lengthened as far as possible along the northern facing wall.

This will provide more space for arriving passengers and offer greater access to the carousel belt," he said.

Cr Cameron said the Qantas lounge and the anti-pass back facility will be finalised this year, as well the completion of the widening of the runway that commenced early in 2011 as a result of new Civil Aviation Safety Authority changes announced in December 2010.

Apprentice Airport Lighting and Technical Officer Alby Eckell runs through the plans for the Instrument Landing System with Cr Clyde Cameron at Gladstone Airport.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS • $6.13m to finalise the Gladstone Airport Reconstruction Project, including terminal building work; installation of an instrument landing system; re-positioning and extending the baggage carousel and the installation of new chairs in the departures lounge.

Budget

2011-2012

Council keen to improve cost effectiveness of waste transfer stations Cost recovery for regional waste transfer stations is a key element for the Environment and Regulation department for Gladstone Regional Council's Budget 2011-2012.

In keeping with Council's overall Budget, Environment and Regulation will focus on providing responsible service within its means, with a modest increase lifting its operational budget to a little over $5.1 million.

Environment and Regulation portfolio spokesperson Councillor Col Chapman said transfer stations continue to run at a loss, but steps would be taken in Budget 2011-2012 to stem the losses.

"In accordance with the recommendations of Council's Mead Organisational Review Final Report, a service review project will be conducted in the 2011-2012 financial year to develop strategies for achieving full cost recovery for transfer stations," Cr Chapman said.

"The concern, as highlighted in the review report, was that the operating costs at the region's 10 transfer stations are not being recovered from users.

"As a result, Council will pay closer scrutiny to the usage rates of the region's transfer stations which will provide us with a greater knowledge of where expenditure can be reduced.

"It may be that the use of some smaller stations, though convenient to nearby residents, can no longer be justified when based on the operation costs."

Cr Chapman was pleased to announce that the cost to ratepayers for the two-bin waste removal system would remain unchanged in 20112012.

Manager Sustainability and Waste Management Charlie Sotiris and Environment and Regulation portfolio spokesperson Cr Col Chapman are pleased that ratepayers will not pay more for their two-bin waste collection system in 2011-2012.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS • • • • • • •

$7m for waste management across the region. $1.6m Benaraby Landfill expansion. $1.2m Rural Lands Protection (declared pest control). $1m for Local Laws (animal control). $300,000 for environmental protection initiatives. $230,000 for mosquito control. $75,000 for the immunisation program.

User-pays philosophy drives planning fee increases Council will strive to balance the budget within the Statutory Planning area by increasing fees and charges significantly in 2011-2012 in order to reduce the cost burden on Council from $1.5 million in 2010-2011 to $78,000 this financial year.

Based on a recommendation of the Mead Organisational Review Report, Council has opted to work towards greater cost recovery by increasing fees substantially in 20112012.

Building and plumbing application fees will increase by about 20 per cent; operational works by 10 per cent and planning increases will be between 20 and 25 per cent.

These increases, when combined with an expected increase in development activity rates, are expected to achieve greater cost recovery in order to balance the budget.

Planning and Development portfolio spokesperson Councillor Craig Butler said Council believed the fee increases were the best option for ensuring future financial sustainability of Council.

The second option explored involved decreasing services, which Cr Butler said was not viable in a rapidly growing region.

“This decision is based on a user-pays principle and is the fairest and most equitable way of reducing costs to Council.”

The Strategic Planning area of the Development Services directorate, meanwhile, will focus on three key components in 2011-2012.

Thirty per cent of the program’s projected expenses for 2011-2012 relate solely to costs associated with external consultation fees for the preparation of a new land-use planning scheme for the region.

Cr Craig Butler holds the Mead Organisational Review Report that recommended Council increase Statutory Planning fees and charges to ensure financial sustainability of the organisation.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS • Application fee increases to reduce statutory planning deficit from $1.5 million in 20102011 to an expected $78,000 in 2011-2012.

• Progression of a new land use planning scheme for the region including $1.3m to conduct modelling of all of Council's major infrastructure networks; $100,000 for Priority Infrastructure Plans; and $385,000 for a series of studies.

• Operational expenditure to continue advocating for the community's interests to be taken into account in relation to projects of state significance (eg. - LNG projects).

Clinic Dates for August 2011

sport and recreation

SERVICE

VENUE

DAYS

Council funding programs opening soon

Child Health Nurse

Agnes Water

Wednesday and Thursday

Miriam Vale

August 17

Community Nurse

Agnes Water

Please contact clinic on 4902 1100

Counselling Services

Agnes Water

Please phone for appointment

Rosedale

August 16

Miriam Vale

August 17

The 2011/2012 Gladstone Regional Council sport and recreation funding programs are due to open on Monday, August 22, 2011.

The program, which includes the Facility Assistance Grant Program (FAGP) and the Club Development Grant (CDG), has supported the development of a wide range of much needed projects for sport and active recreation organisations across the region over the past four years.

The CDG funds small projects such as equipment purchases, training and education programs for committees, officials and players, and preparing planning documents. The maximum amount available for CDG projects is $1,200, with applicants required to contribute at least 20% of the total project costs. To be eligible organisations must not have received a CDG from Council in 2010.

The FAGP is for larger infrastructure-type works over $2,500.

Projects eligible under this program would include: • New amenities; • Upgrades to existing buildings and playing surfaces; • Lights, shade, storage etc: • Large items of equipment As with the CDG, eligible applicants must contribute at least 20% of the total project costs, however in certain circumstances this contribution can be reduced to 10%. Applications for projects that are consistent with Council's open space and recreation plans will be well regarded. Prospective applicants are encouraged to make an appointment to discuss their planned project with Council officers well before submitting an application.

Detailed guidelines for both programs will be available for download from Council's website www.gladstonerc.qld.gov.au after the opening date. The closing date for applications to both programs is October 7, 2011. For further information on Council's funding programs or assistance with preparing an application, please contact the Sport & Recreation Section on 4977 6899.

Turkey Beach August 2 and 19 Dietician

Agnes Water

August 9

Baffle Creek

August 2

Miriam Vale

August 23

Family Support Worker

Agnes Water

Monday to Friday

Podiatrist

Miriam Vale

August 3

Rosedale/ Baffle Creek

August 17

Agnes Water

August 18

Agnes Water

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday

Baffle Creek

August 4 & 18

Miriam Vale

August 11 & 25

Agnes Water

Health Talk Aug 11 & 18

Baffle Creek

Health Talk Aug 2 & 16

Lowmead

Health Talk Aug 15

Lowmead

Clinic August 1

Miriam Vale

Health Talk Aug 3 & 17

Rosedale

Health Talk Aug 2 & 16

Physiotherapist

Seniors Nurse

Community Intra/Agency Meeting Wednesday August 31, 9.30 am Please phone 4902 1100 for an appointment for these services

NAIDOC art winners

Organisers were thrilled with the response to the 2011 Celebrate NAIDOC Week Primary School Art Competition conducted by the Gladstone Regional Art Gallery and Museum.

More than 300 entries received from across the Gladstone region with the winners announced during the annual Arts NAIDOC celebrations at the Gallery and Museum on July 4.

The winners: Section One (Prep to Year 3): First prize: Lilly Gibson (Central) - We are all Friends, Second Prize: Nigel Humes (Central) - Family time, Third Prize: Layne Schroder (St Stephens) - Snakes.

Highly Commended: Paige Browne (St Stephens) - A Koala Aboriginal Dot Painting, Mack Thorley (Miriam Vale) - Animals & People, Methila Navaratna (St Francis) - Untitled Section Two (Year 4 to Year 7): First prize: Monika Faerber (Kin Kora) - Dreamtime, Second Prize: Jayden Barnsley (Kin Kora) - Celebrating NAIDOC Week Yesterday and Today, Third prize: Dylan Emmerton (South) - Change: the next step is ours.

Highly Commended: Alanah Pusnik (Tannum Sands) - Change: the next step is ours, Cody Guymer (Miriam Vale) - Emu Parade, Carly Blackman (Miriam Vale) - Nature Around the Rock

New online grant application process Council is pleased to announce that for the first time, applications to both the CDG and FAGP can be fully completed and submitted directly online.

Applicants may access the online application forms direct from Council's website. The interactive, user-friendly "SmartyGrants" software allows applicants to save, edit, print and share their submissions, as well as attach all the required supporting information.

Further information on using the SmartyGrants system will be provided at an Information Session at Council's Environment & Recreation Office, 109 Goondoon St, Gladstone. Details of the Session are yet to be confirmed but it is expected to be held in late August. Clubs who are intending to submit an application to either or both programs are encouraged to attend.

Reminder: Applications for Council's Regional Sport & Recreation Event Grant Program for 2011/2012 close Monday, August 8.

GLADSTONE REGIONAL COUNCIL

11

Glenlyon Road Pedestrian Bridge

Kirkwood Rd Stage 3

Project cost

$600,000

Project cost

$23.5 Million

Commencement date

May 2011

Commencement date

December 2009

Project stages

• Site establishment • Bridge foundations and abutment • Bridge steel construction • Placement of bridge • Site remediation and commissioning

Project stages

Current project status

• Site establishment 90% complete complete • Bridge foundations and abutment 40% • Steel construction 10% complete

Current status Works scheduled this month

Duration

Possible disruptions

• Completion of bridge foundations and abutment • Bridge steel construction work • Bridge installation

15 days

6 hour road closure

Anticipated project completion date

August 30, 2011

10 days 2 days

k)

$1.66 million (equal share funding betwe en Gladstone Regional Council and the Federal and State Governments) June 2011

Commencement date Project stages

Works scheduled this month

• Planning (finalised) • Permits and applications (finalised) • Funding application and approval (finali

12

• Site establishment of detention basin

Works scheduled this month

Duration

• Site establishment • Tree removal • Stripping of topsoil • Excavation

8 days 6 days 8 days 8 days

Anticipated project completion date

Approximately January 2012

Possible disruptions

GLADSTONE REGIONAL COUNCIL

Possible disruptions Traffic management at Glenlyon/ Kirkwood Road Intersection.

July 2011

e roads

Project cost

$1.2 Million

Commencement date

Recommenced June 16, 2011

Project stages

g chainage • Installation and upgrading of existin es servic of • Relocation Road formation • Widening of existing Calliope River

• Construction of service roads Road • Pavement overlay of Calliope River and service roads Road River pe Callio of seal en • Bitum • Installation of street lighting • Installation of street furniture

• Construction work to commence (Augu st 2011 weather permitting) • Finalisation - Approximately 13 weeks after work commences (weather permitting)

Duration

Calliope River Road widening & servic

sed) • Preliminary community consultation (finalised) • Consideration of community input (finali sed) • Redesign of basin to accommodate community needs (finalised) • Landscape Design (finalised)

Current project status

Portion A is approximately 95% comp lete.

Portion B is approximately 70% complete.

Portion C is approximately 80% comp lete.

Portion A - guideposts and complete linemarking.

Portion B - kerb work, seal, guardrails, light poles and asphalt.

Portion C - permanent wall, services installation and associated works.

Anticipated project completion date

Tigalee Creek (Kathleen Shanahan Par Project cost

Construction of Stage 3 of the Kirkwood Road project will complete the link from the Gladstone-B enaraby Road to the Dawson Highway and is designed as a heavy traffic route bypassing existing urban routes through the centre of Gladstone.

Portion A comprises the longest sectio n of the project commencing just east of Glenlyon Road intersection and finishing just short of the North Coast Railway overpass.

Portion B comprises the work on Glenly on Road starts near St Stephen's school and continues south through the Kirkwood Road intersection for a short distance.

Portion C is the remaining section of Kirkw ood Road which will ultimately complete the connection to Gladstone Benaraby Road. Timing will coincide with the construction of the intersection works.

• Drainage 90% complete complete • Calliope River Road widening 75% Duration Possible disruptions Works scheduled this month Single lane closures 5 days • Completion of drainage ures struct Single lane closures • Completion of Calliope River 5 days ing widen Road Power disruptions 2 days • Ergon Services alterations Residential entry/exit restrictions days 15 n ructio const road e • Servic Single lane closures days 6 lt aspha and seal en • Bitum Nil days 8 g lightin • Street 2011 mber Septe t Anticipated projec completion date

Current project status

Wastewater plant for Calliope Council’s $4.5 million upgraded Wastewater Treatment Plant will deliver benefits for the township and the environment.

Work on the plant augmentation has now finished.

Infrastructure Services portfolio spokesperson Councillor Matt Burnett said the upgrade would triple the previous treatment plant capacity, operate with increased process and environmental efficiency and reduce odour.

He said the upgraded plant, off Stowe Road adjacent to Calliope Golf Course, would provide a vital, improved service.

“This new infrastructure is a vital component to cater for the township’s future growth,” Cr Burnett said.

“The upgrade was deemed essential for the Calliope township as the previous wastewater treatment plant was operating at

capacity."

He said tripling of the plant’s capacity was just one of the many benefits provided by the project.

“The augmentation will increase the wastewater treatment capacity in the township from 2000 to 6000 people,” he said.

“Development in Calliope will be greater, with more sewerage infrastructure capacity and a brighter environmental outcome, with better quality water discharged for use at the Calliope Golf Course.”

Cr Burnett said the project included the construction of inlet works, two secondary clarifiers, associated pipe work and a new electrical system.

“The treatment plant design features a continuous aeration process which offered numerous advantages over the old system,” he said.

Kirkwood Benaraby Rd Intersection Project cost

$3.5 Million

Commencement date

June 2011

Project stages

Current status

Stages 1 & 2: • Preparation and construction of a formed intersection with traffic lights at the intersection of Kirkwood Road Stage 3 and Benaraby Road, including pre-loading of adjacent mudflats and road widening.

Stages 1 & 2: • Preliminary work under way.

Works scheduled this month • Traffic Management Plan implementation • Construction of sediment and erosion controls (Bund Walls) • Screening of rock filtration materials • Removal/Demolition of culver ts • Supply and installation of culver ts • Road excavation • Placement of rock filled drainage layer

Anticipated project completion date

Duration Ongoing 2 weeks 2 days 4 days

Possible disruptions Minor delays to Kirkwood-Benaraby Road (both directions) near Kirkwood intersection. Reduced speed conditions to 40km/h during daylight construction (Mon to Sat) and 60km/h at all other times during the 12 month construction period.

Scheduled Infrastructure Works PROJECT

SCOPE OF WORKS

DATE

Lowmead Road, Lowmead

Upgrading of existing gravel surface to an eight metre wide bitumen seal for 1km north adjoining the existing seal.

August

Calliope River Widening, drainage and Road, Yarwun intersection improvements to continue.

September

Harvey Road, Extension of existing car park to August Gladstone service Junior Rugby League and Touch Football fields to continue.

Tableland Road, Berajondo

Removal of two pipe culverts and August replaced with box culverts.

Glenlyon Road, Gladstone

Installation of new pedestrian bridge over Moura rail crossing.

September

Agnes Water WWTP

Construction of access road including installation of drainage structures.

October

Tigalee Creek, Gladstone

Construction of Detention Basin.

November

* Estimated completion date only and subject to favourable weather conditions.

y

Agnes Water Integrated Water Strateg Project cost

$41 million

Commencement date

June 2010

Project stages

• Agnes Water Desalination Plant teen Seventy • Water and Sewerage Services Seven Plant ent Treatm Water • Agnes Waste

Current project status

ation works • Agnes Water Desalination Plant - Found ss Tanks completed and Desalination Plant, Proce and piping and Process Pumps installed. Mechanical Electrical materials delivered and work progressing. for pump works commenced early July. Excavation commenced well and associated rock removal works late June. teen Seventy • Water and Sewerage Services Seven and - water and sewerage network completed uly construction of Reser voir started mid-J

10 days 4 weeks 4 weeks

May 2012

Works scheduled this month

Duration

Anticipated project completion date

April 2012

Possible disruptions

GLADSTONE REGIONAL COUNCIL

13

arts, culture & ente Gladstone Regional Ar t Gallery & Museum

Cnr Goondoon & Bramston Sts, Gladstone.

Ph: 4976 6766

n On & Off The Road Now until September 10 Renowned Cairns born artist Ian Smith presents On and Off the Road at the Gladstone Regional Art Gallery and Museum from July 29 to September 10.

These works explore his fascination with the imagery and experiences of being on the road, in particular the many trips that he has undertaken within Queensland between Cairns and Brisbane and beyond. The exhibition features 39 of Smith's remarkable paintings in addition to an accompanying short film by director Alex Chomicz. Ian Smith On and Off the Road is toured by the Gold Coast City Gallery and assisted

by Arts Queensland and the Heiser Gallery.

n Intercity Images Throughout August 2011 The Intercity images: Saiki and Gladstone Photographic Exchange is an annual cultural exchange celebrating Gladstone's Sister City relationship with Saiki City, Japan. Now into its ninth year, the exchange gives amateur and professional photographers of all ages, the opportunity to capture the essence of Central Queensland's characters, lifestyle and environment and to exhibit their work at the Gallery/Museum and in Saiki. The selected Gladstone images were exhibited in Japan in June, they have returned with 20 Saiki images and now feature in a combined Saiki and Gladstone photographic exhibition at the Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum from August 6, shown in conjunction with the Gladstone Multicultural Festival.

n Golding Showcase August 8 to September 10 Port Curtis Callide Valley Youth Art Exhibition. The Golding Showcase: Port Curtis Callide Valley Youth Art Exhibition is an annual display arranged by the Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum, in conjunction with local high schools. Now in its 17th year, the

14

showcase invites young people aged between 15 and 18 to submit art works to the Gallery/ Museum for the unique opportunity to have their art work exhibited in a prestigious public gallery. Each year, visitors are encouraged to vote on their favourite artwork and the selected work is featured on promotional material in the following year. The Golding Showcase Port Curtis Callide Valley Youth Art Exhibition is a Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum Society initiative supported by Society Patron, Mr Cyril Golding.

Gladstone Enter tainment Centre 58 Goondoon Street, Gladstone. Ph: 4972 2822

n Australian Chamber Orchestra Sunday, August 14 Internationally renowned for inspiring programming and the rapturous response of audiences and critics alike, the Australian Chamber Orchestra moves hearts and stimulates minds with repertoire spanning six centuries and a virtuosity and energy unmatched by other ensembles. Their new recording of Mozart Violin Concertos has been nominated for an ARIA Award.

n Nick Jr.'s Dora the Explorer LIVE Monday, August 22, 10.30am Dora the Explorer is back by popular demand after the smash hit 2010 tour and embarking on a LIVE musical adventure in NICK JR.’s Dora the Explorer LIVE! Search for the City of Lost Toys. Join Dora, Boots the monkey, Diego and their friends as they embark on an exciting journey through the number pyramid, the mixed-up jungle and more. Along the way, the audience will use their map-reading, counting, musical and language skills to successfully get Dora and friends to the City of Lost Toys.

n Charmaine Wilson: Spirit Whispers Tuesday, August 30, 7.30pm The Winner of Channel Seven's Hit Series The One and Australian Psychic of the Year, Charmaine Wilson will give her audiences a chance to connect with those who have passed over in order to give messages of peace and love to the

GLADSTONE REGIONAL COUNCIL

living. Having just completed a sell-out tour of Australian capital cities, the remarkable medium brings her special gift back to Gladstone. Not suitable for people under 16 years.

n Kasey Chambers Wednesday, August 31, 8pm Australia's country music darling Kasey Chambers and husband Shane Nicholson are hitting the road to present their respective solo albums. Kasey's Little Bird was released in September 2010, debuting at number three on the national album charts and recently winning four Golden Guitars at the Tamworth Country Music Awards. Shane's Bad Machines was released in March to a stack of multi star reviews and his new song "Famous Last Words" is achieving massive video play on CMC and was the 'Introducing' video for the month of May on MaxTV. Joining them for the ride will be two special guests: the legendary Bill Chambers and Tamworth's first lady of fiddle, Ashleigh Dallas.

Tondoon G

l

a

d

s

t

o

n

e

Gladstone Tondoon Botanic Gardens Botanic Gardens

Glenlyon Road, Gladstone. Ph: 4971 4444

n Music in the Gardens Sunday, August 28, from 12pm-4pm The students proved themselves great entertainers, now it is time for the region's musicians to showcase their talents when Music in the Gardens returns to Gladstone Tondoon Botanic Gardens in August. Primary and high school bands from throughout the region proved a hit at the most recent Music in the Gardens event in May and Tondoon Gardens Visitor Services Officer Merilyn Haigh said this month's celebrations would be even bigger, with a range of performances scheduled to take the stage.

Food and drinks will be available on the day and those attending are encouraged to bring their own chairs, rugs and picnic. Music in the Gardens is an alcohol free event.

arts, culture & entertainment

ertainment

Acclaimed author launches latest book in Gladstone Region Gladstone Region literature lovers have to wait another year for the Curtis Coast Literary Carnivale, but young enthusiasts will be in for a treat when artist and writer David Cox visits this month.

Ahead of Carnivale's return next year, its organising committee has partnered with publisher Allen & Unwin and the Gladstone Regional Council to invite Mr Cox to Gladstone to launch his latest book The Road to Goonong.

The internationally acclaimed author's visit will also coincide with the Children's Book Council of Australia's annual Children's Book Week event.

The Road to Goonong has a Gladstone flavour, being set on a property near Ambrose

where Cox lived as a child during the Great Depression.

Mr Cox will pay a three-day visit to the Gladstone Region, launching his book at Ambrose State School on Wednesday, August 24, before conducting a sales and book signing session at Gladstone City Library at 4pm the same day.

pieces, will also deliver a workshop on their collaborations at Gladstone Art Gallery & Museum on Friday, August 26. For bookings or more information phone the Gladstone Art Gallery & Museum on 4976 6766.

He will then speak to students at several Gladstone schools on Thursday, August 25 before launching an exhibition of original works at the Gladstone Regional Art Gallery and Museum at 6pm.

Mr Cox and his wife Betty Beath, a highlyregarded composer and pianist who has collaborated with her husband on many songs, song cycles and music theatre

hereinhistory hereinhistory Here in History this month looks at the life of the late Val Vallis whose work is showcased in the "A Gladstone Boy" exhibition from August 5 to September 10 at the Gladstone Art Gallery & Museum and whose work has inspired the "Dark Wind Blowing" concert which will premiere at the Gallery & Museum on August 5 from 6.30pm. Concert bookings are essential by phoning 4976 6766.

Valentine (Val) Vallis 1.8.1916 - 14.1.2009 When young Gladstone resident Val Vallis joined the Gladstone Town Council work force in 1933 no one imagined that he would become a Queensland University lecturer, an internationally recognised poet and opera critic, and who, upon retirement, lectured students at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music on Opera.

Val Vallis's publications include his anthologies Songs of the East Coast, Dark Winds Blowing and many co-edited works, including The Queensland Centenary Anthology, and Witnesses of Spring with Judith Wright.

Valentine Thomas Vallis, son of Valentine and Daisy (nee Bancroft), was born at their Marine Parade (now Harbour Terrace) home on August 1, 1916. A student of Gladstone Central State School, he attended ‘swimming’ held at the town beach.- an area of dark brown muddied sand in front of Marine Parade.

After a march from school to the dressing sheds, the children enjoyed swimming and playing on the long spring-boards and in the sharkproof enclosure at the beach.

Another past-time was to watch horses being driven past the school on their way to Auckland Point wharf where the horses were loaded on

ships bound for India and Java (Indonesia).

After passing his scholarship (Grade 8) at Central School, Val finished his commercial studies (shorthand, typing and book keeping) at Rockhampton High School.

When Val commenced work as a counter clerk for the Gladstone Town Council at the old Town Hall (later the RSL) his duties included paying the men who were working on the new Gladstone Town Hall (now Gladstone Regional Art Gallery and Museum) and being the rat collector. Children were paid sixpence-a-corpse for rats delivered over the counter; the record was a sugar bag full of rats, with a total of 28.

World War 11 intervened and Val’s commercial studies skills soon found him working as a stenographer in New Guinea. In Port Moresby, he started writing poetry "doggerel for people about funny little incidents around the camp, and nostalgic poetry in the Tennysonian style of our school books". After being demobilised from the Army, Val enrolled at the Queensland University where he majored in Philosophy and was reported to have said: "The emphasis was on a rare branch of philosophy, aesthetics, and aesthetics is the three traditional goals for mankind, the good, the beautiful and the true". Interview with Sue Pechey 19 Feb 2001 Val Vallis did much to put Queensland and Gladstone on the literary map. His poems are included in Queensland's Secondary School syllabus and his name was included in Brisbane's Albert Street Literary Trail. Closer to home, his words are immortalised in Gladstone's Library Square precinct.

In 'Songs of the East Coast' Val wrote: In our town all men are brothers.

No man has marked a little plot of ocean As his domain and jealously enclosed it; Each fisherman rules a kingdom without end.

Published 1947

GLADSTONE REGIONAL COUNCIL

15

t’s On WhinaAugust?

Council’s Community Calendar

Date

What’s On

Location & Time

Event Description

August 4

Welcome to Gladstone Morning Tea

Thursday August 4, at the Tondoon Botanic Gardens Visitor Information Centre deck from 10am to noon.

The Welcome to Gladstone Morning Tea is held on a monthly basis and allows newcomers to find out more about what the Gladstone Region offers and also mix with others who are new to the region. Please phone Andrea Hughes on 4976 6358 or Luis Arroyo on 4976 6352 for further information.

August 2 & 16

Story Time

Miriam Vale Library 9.30am – 10.30am

Story Time and Crafts for children aged 0 to 5 years. No bookings are required.

August 2 & 16

General Council Meeting

Gladstone Administration Centre, Community members are welcome to attend Council’s General Meetings 101 Goondoon Street, Gladstone from 9.00am.

August 11 & 25

Baby Bounce

Boyne Island Library, Mt Larcom Room 11.00am – 11.30am

A lap sit program is being held for a parent and their child less than two years old. This program includes songs and rhymes. No bookings are required.

August 12 & 26

Baby Bounce

Gladstone City Library 11.00am – 11.30am

A lap sit program is being held for a parent and their child less than two years old. This program includes songs and rhymes. No bookings are required.

August 20

Councillor Community Awareness Sessions

Stockland Gladstone between 9.00am – 12.00pm

Gladstone Regional Council Councillors will be on hand to discuss any issues, topics or concerns that residents may have.

August 24

Book Signing Event

Gladstone City Library 4.00pm

Acclaimed author Davis Cox will be at Gladstone City Library for a book signing event for his new publication, The Road to Goonong. All members of the public are welcome.

August 28

Music in the Gardens

Gladstone Tondoon Botanic Gardens 12.00pm - 4.00pm

Come and enjoy performances by individuals & small groups with high energy. Residents are advised to bring chairs and rugs. Food and drink will on sale at BG’s café. For further information contact Merilyn Haigh ion 4971 4443

Every Thursday

Story Time

Mt Larcom Library 11.00am -11.30am

Story Time and Crafts for children aged 0 to 5 years. No bookings are required.

Every Story Time Wednesday

Gladstone City Library 11.00am Story Time and Crafts for children aged 0 to 5 years. No bookings are - 11.30am Agnes Waters Library required.

10.00am -10.30am

Every Friday

Story Time

Boyne island library 10.30am - 11.00am Calliope Library 10.30am -11.00am

Story Time and Crafts for children aged 0 to 5 years. No bookings are required.

Every Monday to Friday

Happy Hour

Gladstone Aquatic Centre between 8.00am & 9.00am

This program allows age pensioners (over 60) to use The Aquatic Centre for free to encourage staying fit and active. Please phone 4972 6822 for more information.

Every Friday & Saturday

Library Square Library Square Goondoon Street Performances Gladstone between 6.00pm & 8.00pm

If you’re looking for something to do, come down and enjoy the free live and local music relax on the decks, soak up the atmosphere. Phone 4972 2822 for more information

Every Friday

Library Square Library Square Goondoon Street Performances Gladstone between 12.00pm & 2.00pm

If you’re looking for something to do, come down and enjoy the free live and local music Relax on the decks, soak up the atmosphere and start your night off on a high note. Phone 4972 2822 for more information.

Every Monday to Friday

Gladstone Gladstone Aquatic Centre Aquatic Centre

Come and join in the fun and learn to swim will fully qualified instructors.

Bookings are essential. Phone 4972 6822 to book.

After hours emergency number 4979 1134.

Residents who incur STD call rates in contacting Council, can phone 1300 733 343 at a cost of local call rates.

Correspondence Residents are asked to direct all correspondence to the Chief Executive Officer, PO Box 29, Gladstone Qld 4680.

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Customer service Council is committed to providing you with timely, efficient and consistent service. Our customer service charter can be accessed from Council’s website.

Council meetings Council meetings are held every first and third Tuesday of

GLADSTONE REGIONAL COUNCIL

the month from 9am at the Gladstone Council Chambers, 101 Goondoon Street, Gladstone. A list of agenda items is available from Council’s website from 5pm the Friday prior to each meeting. Meeting minutes are also available from the website.

• Planning Scheme Hotline: 1300 621 922