December 2011 - January 2012 Edition of the Council Connection

cil Counconnection

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DECEMBER 2011 JANUARY 2012 - ISSUE 40

GLADSTONE REGIONAL COUNCIL COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER

Expect traffic changes at Kirkwood Changing traffic conditions will affect Gladstone-Benaraby Road near the Kirkwood Road intersection from now until the project’s completion.

Passing lanes along this section of road have been closed indefinitely and 60kph speed zones now apply day and night as part of the Kirkwood Road Stage 3 project.

Gladstone Regional Council Infrastructure Services portfolio spokesperson Councillor Matt Burnett said the amount of workers and heavy machinery activity would build in preparation for the next phase of the project.

Works through to January will be carried out on the western tidal zone area and include earthworks, installation of drainage structures and placement of pavement.

Motorists should expect lower speed zones, reductions to 40kph in work areas and the possibility of some minor traffic delays.

Works will be conducted from 9am to 3pm with traffic controllers and one lane closures as the project progresses.

In coming months, location of workers in the area will change as they carry out work on pavements, drainage structures, medians,

In addition to the exciting program for 12 to 17 year olds, Gladstone Festivals and Events, which is coordinating the event on behalf of Council, has included a range of ‘Lil Kids’ activities (for children aged nine to 11 years).

The line-up of events include aquatic fun, clay target shooting, a range of arts and crafts, Sunfish, pistol shooting, circus skills, gokarts, paintball, surfing, kayaking, laser skirmish, drama and more.

Youth Holiday Program

Tickets range in price and some are free so visit Council’s website at www.gladstonerc.qld. gov.au and download your program.

Tickets can be booked online at http://gec. gladstonerc.qld.gov.au/ from December 1.

January 9-20, 2012 4

Council's Christmas Closures

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Unleashed Dogs

10-11 Cyclone Season

Gladstone Regional Council Phone 4970 0700 Fax 4975 8500 Email info@gladstonerc.qld.gov.au Visit Council’s Website - www.gladstone.qld.gov.au

Full program inside

There’s no excuse for boredom these school holidays because Gladstone Regional Council presents its popular, action-packed SUNfest youth holiday activities program from January 9 to 20.

2012

IN THIS ISSUE

street lighting, traffic lights, bitumen seals, asphalt work and linemarkings.

“Motorists should be aware of changing traffic conditions with lane configuration changes occurring on regular occasions as works progress,” Cr Burnett said.

The works will be completed as soon as possible in the first half of 2012 as part of the State Government funded intersection works that will connect the Federally funded $25.3 million Kirkwood Road Stage 3 project, which provides a western ring road to the city’s industrial areas.

l l A o t s g n i t e e r G s ' n Seaso

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Y ear to Gladstone Region residents, their fa milies and friends, from Councillors (back, from left) Deputy Mayor Matt Burnett, Col Chapman, Clyde Ca meron, Craig Butler, Rick Hansen, Graha m McDonald, (front), Maxine Brushe, Mayor Gail Sellers, and Lyn Paton and all at Gladstone Regional Council.

Council Contacts

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

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

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

PD Online opens world of development application information on the web Did you know that there are in excess of 4500 new lots approved by Gladstone Regional Council, of which more than 1000 have operational works approval and are, or are about to be, under construction?

Or, at the time of Council's quarterly report in September, it had approved more than 750 units, of which almost 300 are now under construction?

These insights into Gladstone's rapid growth are just a small sample of the information which can be found on Council's PD Online development application tracking service.

PD Online enables Council's customers to view and print information regarding development applications, as well as track their progress online.

Council's Development portfolio spokesperson Councillor Craig Butler said the recently

introduced service was a valuable tool for the Gladstone Region community.

"The service allows residents, community groups, businesses, developers and professional planning consultants to access information about relevant properties and development applications via the internet," Cr Butler said.

"This includes basic property information for any property within Council's jurisdiction and details the status of any development application lodged since July 1, 2009, under the Integrated Planning Act and Sustainable Planning Act 2009."

To access Council's PD Online service, visit the Council website at www.gladstone.qld.gov.au and click on PD Online in the Quick Links directory.

For more information, phone Gladstone Regional Council on 4970 0700.

Don’t miss out on all the fun, grab your SUNfest tickets Children aged nine to 17 years are in for the time of their life in January when Gladstone Regional Council hosts its annual SUNfest youth holiday activities program from January 9 to 21.

Tickets for the two week program of arts, entertainment and action-packed activities are on sale from 10am on Thursday, December 1, 2011.

Sessions are great value, with some activities free or

under $15, which means that everyone can join in on the fun.

From the sporty to the animated to the adventurous, youth from around the region are urged to get in quick to guarantee they secure their spot at the coolest place to be this summer.

SUNfest 2012 tickets can be purchased in person from the Gladstone Entertainment Centre, via the booking hotline on phone (07) 4972 2822 or via the web at http://gec.

Briefly Water Meter reading Residents are advised that reading of all water meters in the Gladstone Regional Council area has commenced and will continue until December 23.

Testing of flow limiting valves in the Beecher/Burua area will also take place during this time.

Residents are requested to assist the meter readers by keeping any unrestrained dogs under control and gates closed. Please ensure that water meters are accessible and not covered with building materials, top soil or by vehicles.

If you cannot locate your meter, please contact Council’s Water Section on 4975 8204.

Council meetings

gladstonerc.qld.gov.au/ For more information on the SUNfest 2012 program, please visit Council’s website at www. gladstone.qld,gov.au or contact Kathy Andrew from Gladstone Festivals and Events on (07) 4972 5111 or email kathy@ gladstonefestival.com The Gladstone Entertainment Centre will be closed from December 14 to January 4 but online ticketing will continue throughout the festive period.

Did you know that residents are welcome to view Gladstone Regional Council’s meetings?

The meetings are held at the Gladstone Administration Centre boardroom, 101 Goondoon Street, from 9am on the first and third Tuesday of the month, except during December 2011 and January 2012. Upcoming meetings are December 6, January 17 and February 7. A list of agenda items is available from Council's website www.gladstone.qld.gov.au (follow the 'Meetings & Minutes' tab under 'Quicklinks') at 5.00pm the Friday prior to the meeting.

Vaccinations continue

ica Hamilton, 16, of Jenny Hamilton, 15, of Gladstone, Jess ope, at Self as Art Calli of 13, , ilton Ham Gladstone and Billie during SUNfest 2011.

Jack Blandford, 13, of Yarwun, paints the pillars of the Gladstone City Library during SUNfest 2011.

Gladstone Regional Council will continue to deliver the school based vaccination program in 2012 on behalf of Queensland Health. At a recent ordinary meeting, Council accepted an invitation to extend the agreement to December 31, 2012.

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Marina bridge closure

Tannum Sands esplanade is the place to be this Australia Day The highly acclaimed CrackUp Sisters have been secured to turn on the pace at Gladstone Regional Council's Australia Day Family Fun Day at Millennium Esplanade, Tannum Sands.

These two larger than life characters are masters of movement with their whip-cracking, acrobatic feats, slapstick and comedy.

Performers "Little B-Ute" and "Struth" have performed together for more than 10 years and have featured at the Calgary Stampede, Reno Rodeo in the US, Beaudesert Horse and Country Festival and the main arenas of many shows.

Struth is also a two time runner up Queensland whipcracking champion.

Organiser Kathy Andrew, from Gladstone Festivals and Events, said securing the CrackUp Sisters

was a coup for the region.

"These ladies have an extremely busy calendar so we are excited about having them come for Australia Day 2012," Mrs Andrew said.

Also on the program are market stalls, a huge fireworks display, local bands, free giveaways for the children, face painting and much more.

The Australia Day Family Fun Day 2012 is a drug and alcohol-free event and will be staged at Millennium Esplanade, Tannum Sands, from 4pm to 8pm on January 26.

For more information on Council’s Australia Day celebrations contact Kathy Andrew on (07) 4972 5111 or visit Council’s website via www. gladstone.qld.gov.au and follow the ‘Events’ link under ‘About Gladstone Region’ tab.

Essential maintenance works will result in the closure of the Gladstone Marina bridge from February 13 to 19, 2012.

Gladstone Regional Council's Infrastructure Services portfolio spokesperson Councillor Matt Burnett said the closure would affect pedestrian and vehicular traffic for the seven-day period, but vessels would not be affected.

"Vessel operators will still be able to call and request access throughout the work," Cr Burnett said.

"Access to the marina will be available to motorists and pedestrians via the alternative route along Hanson Road and Bryan Jordan Drive."

The closure has been scheduled between CQUniversity's exam week and orientation week to reduce the inconvenience to students and staff.

Signage will be put in place prior to the closure to remind residents of the impending works.

People keen to receive updates prior and during the works are asked to make the request via email to info@ gladstonerc.qld.gov.au Information on the closure will also be available from Council’s website www.gladstone.qld.gov.au

Council’s Christmas Closures Gladstone Regional Council’s closures for venues during the holiday season are as follows (all dates are inclusive):

Administration Offices and Depots Close 5pm Dec 23, reopen Jan 3.

Community Advisory Service Close 5pm Dec 23, reopen Jan 3.

Tondoon Botanic Gardens Closed December 25 only.

Agnes Water Rural Transaction Centre Close 5pm Dec 23, reopen Jan 3.

Discovery Coast Community Health Service Close 5pm Dec 23, reopen Jan 3.

Aquatic Centre & Pools Gladstone Aquatic Centre - Closed Dec 25 & Jan 1 [until 1pm]. * All other Public Holidays open 9am to 5pm.

Gladstone Entertainment Centre Close Dec 20, reopen Jan 3.

Waste Services Benaraby Landfill, Gladstone Transfer Station, Agnes Water/1770 Transfer Station, Baffle Creek Transfer Station, Bororen Transfer Station, Lowmead Transfer Station, Rosedale Transfer Station.

Closed Dec 25 only.

Mt Larcom and Calliope Pools Closed Dec 25 & Jan 1 [until 1pm] * All other Public Holidays open 12 noon to 6pm.

Boyne Tannum Memorial Parklands Close Dec 25, reopen Jan 3.

[Closed to vehicle access Pedestrian access will still be available]. All other Cemeteries including Port Curtis Cemetery will remain open for pedestrian access.

Boyne Tannum Community Centre Close Dec 24, reopen Dec 28.

Close Dec 31, reopen Jan 3.

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Gladstone Regional Art Gallery and Museum Close Dec 24, reopen Jan 3.

Mt Larcom Rural Transaction Centre Close Dec 24, reopen Dec 28 (normal operating hours). Dec 31 open until 12 noon.

Close Jan 1, reopen Jan 3.

Regional Libraries Miriam Vale & Calliope Libraries Close Dec 24 reopen Jan 3 Agnes Water, Gladstone, Boyne Island Close Dec 24, reopen Dec 28 (normal operating hours).

Close Dec 31, reopen Jan 3.

GLADSTONE REGIONAL COUNCIL

Australia Day All venues will be closed on Australia Day except the region’s aquatic centre and pools.

Briefly

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'.

Think of your pets when holiday planning The holiday season is upon us but, unfortunately for pets, they cannot be a part of all holiday plans.

to feed the animal, change its water and clean its litter box."

In many cases the family pet may have to be left behind, but Gladstone region residents can take simple and effective measures to ensure that this does not have to be a traumatic experience for your pet or an annoying one for your neighbours.

Cr Chapman said dogs were more social animals which, in the absence of other dogs, need people around them.

Gladstone Regional Council Environment and Regulation portfolio spokesperson Councillor Col Chapman said finding a reliable pet-sitter or having your pet board at a kennel or cattery were responsible options at Christmas.

"Cats are territorial animals which often do better being looked after in the home, so petsitters can be a good option for them," Cr Chapman said.

"Caring for cats while away at Christmas can be as simple as arranging for someone to visit daily

"If there's more than one dog, they may be suited to staying at home with a pet-sitter or housesitter able to provide care for them," Cr Chapman said.

"A single dog may be better cared for if placed in a boarding kennel.

"If the boarding kennel is the preferred option, pet owners should ensure their booking is made well in advance so as to not miss out.

"The credentials of the boarding kennel facility should be established via a visit by the dog's owner to ensure it is of appropriate standard to care for their pet."

No change to collection service at Christmas Council’s waste collection services will operate as usual amid the region’s festive season frivolity and New Year fun.

Over the holidays, as family and friends gather to share food and swap presents, residents are encouraged to think wisely about storage of food scraps in the lead up to their rubbish collection day.

Environment and Regulation portfolio spokesperson Councillor Col Chapman said normal Monday to Friday services provided by Council’s waste and recycling contractors, J.J. Richards & Sons, would remain unchanged during the Christmas period.

“As Christmas Day falls on a Sunday, residents are advised to wrap and freeze food scraps, particular meat and seafood waste until their

rubbish service,” Cr Chapman said.

“This method not only reduces odours in your wheelie bin but also prevents fly breeding occurring.”

Cr Chapman further encouraged residents to sort through discarded present wrapping and packaging to place in their appropriate waste or recycling wheelie bin.

“While the end-of-year holidays are a time for fun, it takes little effort to remain environmentally vigilant and conscious of our actions,” he said.

“The recycling efforts of each individual or family assists in the long-term by reducing the amount of waste contributed to landfill.”

Cr Chapman said the region’s landfill and transfer stations would be closed on Christmas Day.

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 report. 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 Council's administration centres.

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.

Learn to swim Gladstone Aquatic Centre will conduct Learn To Swim intensive lessons during the Christmas holiday period. Limited spots are available in the programs running from December 12-16 and 1923; and January 9-13 and 16-20.

Phone Gladstone Aquatic Centre on 4972 6822 to make a booking or enquire, or visit the centre at 60 Tank Street, Gladstone.

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Briefly

Change of address

Did 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'.

Welcome morning tea The next Welcome to Gladstone Morning Tea will be held at Tondoon Botanic Gardens on February 3 between 10am and noon. This initiative aims to provide newcomers with an opportunity to meet new people and local service providers. Information resources are handed out at the morning teas. For further information please contact either Andrea or Luis on 4976 6300.

New online reporting system targets littering and illegal waste dumpers Members of the Gladstone Region community who witness the illegal dumping of waste can now dob in a dumper.

On November 1, the Queensland Government introduced an online reporting system for littering and illegal dumping involving a vehicle.

Gladstone Regional Council Environment and Regulation portfolio spokesperson Councillor Col Chapman said the service would prove a valuable tool in Council's bid to reduce littering and illegal dumping.

"Illegally dumped waste has a detrimental effect on the environment and anything that can be done to discourage the practice is worth pursuing," Cr Chapman said.

"Members of the public can now report these acts, provided a vehicle was involved."

Cr Chapman said those lodging reports are asked to record the vehicle details, such as registration, vehicle type and colour, log online at derm.qld. gov.au and agree to testify in court if the sighting is disputed.

"Interstate experience shows that only about one per cent of reports are disputed," Cr Chapman said.

"The fact that the illegal act has to be reported online and that the person making it has to agree to testify in court, minimises the instances of malicious reporting arising from traffic incidents and the like.

"Hopefully, the online reporting system will serve as a deterrent to individuals who would otherwise show a flagrant disregard to the community, and to the environment, by illegally dumping waste."

Home Library Services The Gladstone City Library provides a Home Library Service to residents of Gladstone, Boyne Island, Tannum Sands and Calliope, as well as residents on sealed roads in the Beecher, Beecher Forest, Wurdong Heights, Benaraby, Pacific Ranch and River Ranch areas. 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.

Lodge an event Does your not-for-profit or community organisation have an upcoming event? Don't forget you can lodge an event on Council's community calendar by clicking on the calendar link on our webpage and follow the prompts. Visit www. gladstone.qld.gov.au

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Council cracks down on unleashed dogs Gladstone Regional Council Local Laws Enforcement Officers have commenced a crack down on unleashed dogs in the Agnes Water and Seventeen Seventy areas.

The appointment of an officer based at Agnes Water has enabled Local Laws to intensify its efforts to enforce laws requiring the owners to have their dogs on leashes in public.

The increased enforcement of the law is also in response to a high number of complaints from Agnes Water and Seventeen Seventy area residents.

Council's Environment and Regulation portfolio spokesperson Councillor Col Chapman said there were no excuses for owners not to have their dogs leashed whenever they left the yard.

"The onus is on owners to ensure their dogs are restrained and under effective control at all times when in public," Cr Chapman said.

GLADSTONE REGIONAL COUNCIL

"If nothing else, dogs off their leashes can prove a nuisance to other residents, but allowing dogs to roam free can have more damaging consequences.

"If an unleashed dog rushes at, chases, or attacks a person or another animal, or runs on to the road in front of a car, the owner may be liable for damage caused by their pet."

Cr Chapman said dog owners caught walking an unleashed dog could be issued with an on-thespot fine by Local Law Enforcement Officers.

He said fines could also be issued to owners who do not pick up their dog's droppings, another issue which has drawn a large number of complaints from the Discovery Coast areas.

For more information on animal management contact Council's Local Laws department on 4976 6972.

Volunteers lend helping hand to the environment

Briefly

Walking trail closure The Round Gladstone Trails are closed until further notice due to damage sustained from bushfires. Council closed the trails, which start at Tondoon Botanic Gardens and run adjacent to Police Creek, in the interest of public safety.

Lost and found pets

To help progress the year of cycling, HAGR is keen to work with the community on ideas for activities to run in 2012 that will involve the recreational use of bicycles, raise awareness about bicycle safety or encourage new users.

So whether you ride for fun, for transport or for performance, HAGR would like to hear from you.

Send through your ideas to info@ gladstonerc.qld.gov.au and watch this space for more news on the 'Year of Cycling'.

ive iat

Council's Healthy Active Gladstone Region (HAGR) committee has dedicated next year to raising bicycle awareness throughout the region, dubbing 2012 the 'Year of Cycling'.

Gladstone Reg ion tive Ac i

n it

Get set to ride in 2012 for year of Cycling

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Many volunteers within the Gladstone Region turned out to help rejuvenate the banks of Police Creek at Lions Park Gladstone by planting various species of native trees.

Council thanks all volunteers that participated in both events as their efforts will help ensure that these areas will remain in a healthy state.

Council plans on holding more tree planting events throughout 2012.

For more information on the upcoming tree planting days please phone Gladstone Tondoon Botanic Conservation Officer Lindsay Boyd on 4971 4437.

He alt

It was green thumbs all around when 52 volunteers of all ages made their way to Calliope’s Jaycee Park on October 23 as part of National Tree Day. More than 400 native trees were planted at the event, organised by Gladstone Regional Council and Conservation Volunteers Australia, to rehabilitate the riparian zone along Calliope’s Leixlip Creek.

This National Tree Day was supported by Bill Robertson Toyota and Rio Tinto Alcan.

Friends of Police Creek, a newly formed community group, came together with Council to hold the second tree planting event for 2011 on November 20.

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.

Update pet details 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

RSS feed Want to keep up to date with the latest Gladstone Regional Council news? Create a link to Council's RSS feed by clicking on the icon on Council's web site home page.

Visit www.gladstone.qld.gov.au

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Volunteers given the opportunity to flourish in Gladstone Eighteen months after its release, the Gladstone Region Volunteering (GRV) program is successfully connecting members of the public with community organisations requiring much needed assistance.

Natalia Muszkat, program coordinator of Welcoming Intercultural Neighbours Inc. (WIN), said she had been using the GRV program regularly since it opened in May 2010 to recruit volunteers to assist with a range of duties from clerical work to helping with fundraising and events.

"The Gladstone Region Volunteering website is very easy to navigate and the staff at the Community Advisory Service provide information and support that make the process of finding volunteers for our organisation effortless," Natalia said.

"As WIN is a not-for-profit organisation, having volunteers guarantees a great community service is provided. This comes from the help received from book keeping, fundraising and administration jobs."

Natalia said the group had recruited more than 15 volunteers through the program during the past year and were currently advertising for a further three to help with the social media and marketing of the organisation.

Council's Ernie Coulton and Veronica Laverick at the launch of the Kiosks in 2010.

One of the WIN volunteers, Jasmine Ghaderi, found her placement after utilising Council's Gladstone Region

Volunteering website.

"I was in Sydney and was moving to Gladstone so I did an internet search and found the website. I then applied for a position doing bookkeeping with WIN. "As I am new to this area, the best part of volunteering is meeting many new friends."

Community Services portfolio spokesperson Councillor Maxine Brushe said she was very happy with how well the program was doing.

"In the last six months the website has had more than 2500 visitors and have referred about 200 volunteers," Cr Brushe said.

Council's Volunteering Project Officer Ernie Coulton said Council had set up 10 internet kiosks at various locations around the region that could be used by residents to search and express an interest in volunteering. Access to the kiosks is free of charge The kiosks are sponsored by the Rio Tinto Alcan Community Fund in partnership with the Council and Gladstone Area Promotion and Development Ltd (GAPDL) and are located at: The Community Advisory Service Gladstone; Gladstone Regional Library; Visitor Information Centre (Gladstone, Miriam Vale and Tannum Sands); and Boyne Island Community Centre, with additional locations opening soon.

Rural Transaction Centres join Council locations to recycle mobile phones More residents are being encouraged to recycle unused mobile phones and components with MobileMuster collection facilities now available at Council’s Rural Transaction Centres.

Last financial year Council collected 26kg of donated mobile phones, batteries and accessories through MobileMuster collection boxes.

Environment and Regulation portfolio spokesperson Councillor Col Chapman said the inclusion of Council’s transaction centres as collection points would now make it easier for residents across the region to participate in the recycling program.

“In the past Council has collected unused mobile phones on behalf of MobileMuster in the Civic Centre, Calliope and Miriam Vale Offices,” Cr Chapman said.

“While the mass of mobile phones and

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accessories donated has been impressive, extra collection points throughout our region should increase this considerably.

And Cr Chapman said there was no better time than now to contribute to the recycling program.

“Gladstone Region residents, simply by recycling their old mobile phone, can make Christmas more pleasant for a family in need,” he said.

“For every two mobile phones recycled by January 31, MobileMuster will give a chicken to a family living in poverty in Laos through Oxfam Unwrapped.

Council has MobileMuster collection boxes at the Boyne Island, Calliope and Gladstone libraries, Calliope, Miriam Vale and Gladstone offices, Community Advisory Services, Agnes Water and Mount Larcom Rural Transaction Centres.

For more information about the MobileMuster initiative visit www.mobilemuster.com.au

GLADSTONE REGIONAL COUNCIL

Smartphone app makes reporting issues easier Gladstone Region residents with Android or iPhone devices can now send instant feedback or reports to Council by using the Snap Send Solve app.

This is a free app and is a modern and effective way of providing information to Council.

The app enables the user to give Council the best description of a request for service possible. A picture paints a thousand words.

Gladstone Mayor Gail Sellers said once a user's smartphone had pinpointed his or her location as being within the Gladstone Region, the server sends back all relevant Council details, including confirmation of the location, and phone and email contact information.

"Snap Send Solve allows you to capture and report on common issues with ease," Cr Sellers said.

Council attends GEA conference

Council showcased some of its major engineering projects and initiatives at the 2011 Gladstone Engineering Alliance Golding Industry Conference. The display showed the scope of Council’s infrastructure projects from road works to waste treatment and aimed to make the community aware of the need to prevent water from entering the sewerage system. Council’s Jason Perry is pictured explaining some of the infrastructure processes to Cr Rick Hansen, Deb Rogers and Brodie Reck.

"All Snap Send Solve reports are sent from the app using the smartphone owners' email address, enabling Council to deal directly with that person in fixing the issue."

To find out more about Snap Send Solve visit the following website: www.snapsendsolve.com Please be advised that after hours issues should be reported to Council's Call Centre on 07 4979 1134.

Unwanted mozzies to strike again Summer is upon us once again - a time of festive season excitement with family and friends.

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It’s also a time when the unwanted mosquitoes invite themselves to join the fun.

Mosquitoes are a part of our natural environment and become most active during the summer season.

Gladstone Regional Council’s vector control staff regularly monitor and treat mosquito breeding sites prior to and during the summer season, but it is not always possible to eradicate the pest due to the large number of sites.

Precautions need to be taken to stop large adult mosquito populations from affecting humans and residential areas around the Gladstone region this festive season.

Residents can take various safety measures to avoid being bitten and to minimise the risks of becoming susceptible to mosquito borne diseases such as; Ross River virus, Barmah Forest Virus and Dengue Fever, these include: • Screen all windows and doors to prevent

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mosquitoes coming inside; Mosquitoes are most active at dawn, around late afternoon and just after dusk. If you are outside at these times take precautions. Wear protective clothing, such as a pair of loose fitting pants and a loose fitting shirt. Use insect repellent although not as an alternative to wearing protective clothing; If you live in an unscreened house or are camping, sleep under a mosquito net; When mosquitoes are present, spray the rooms, particularly behind furniture and other dark places. After securing screens and closing doors, leave the room closed for half an hour before ventilating; Air conditioning, fans and mosquito coils are also effective in protecting you from those dreaded mosquitoes.

To also help minimise the potential of being bitten this season residents can also take the following steps to reduce the number of mosquito breeding sites around the family home, these include:

• Inspect your house and yard and remove any accumulations of water; • Empty pot plant bases weekly or fill the base with sand to absorb water; • Bromeliads and other water holding plants should be washed out weekly; • Clean roof gutters out regularly and trim back trees which can block gutters; • Ensure rainwater tanks are screened; • Keep swimming pools maintained; • Birdbaths, fishponds and ornamental pools should be washed out weekly and where possible stock with suitable native fish; • Stock dams with native fish and keep the edges clear of vegetation.

These checklists and additional information on how to combat these unwanted pests can be found via the Council’s website www. gladstone.qld.gov.au under the ‘Mosquito’ link via ‘Environment and Waste.’

For more information regarding monitoring, testing or precautions of mosquitoes this summer season please contact Council’s Environmental Health Section on 4970 0700.

GLADSTONE REGIONAL COUNCIL

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Prepare Now! Don't get caught out this cyclone season It shouldn’t take events of summer 2010-2011 to remind us of just how vulnerable we are when it comes to natural disasters.

But the tragedy of flooding and Cyclones Ului and Yasi serve as a graphic reminder that the force of Mother Nature is unpredictable and can claim lives and livelihoods.

So now that it is November and the cyclone season has commenced, Gladstone Regional Council is reminding everyone that the threat of natural disaster is real and something for which we should prepare.

But remember that a little preparation now can save a lot of anxiety when natural disasters strike, so if you can afford to do it you might like to stock up on longlife milk and non-perishable food items, baby formula and pet food now to avoid the panic situations we experienced earlier this year.

To help residents prepare for cyclone and flooding, Council provides the following information which is readily available from Emergency Management Queensland website at http://www.emergency.qld. gov.au/emq/

Cyclone Emergency Kit What should I have in it?

Ever y family should have a fully-stocked emergency kit stored safely in their hom e.

This should include: 1. A portable radio 9. Matches 2. A torch 10. Essential medications 3. Spare batteries 11. Copies of important 4. First aid kit documents (eg insurance 5. Non-perishable food details, birth certificates, 6. Sturdy gloves prescription refills) in 7. Waterproof bags sealable plastic bags.

8. Candles

Get Prepared: STEP 1. Prepare your home

STEP 2. Develop an evacuation plan

STEP 3. Prepare an Emergency Kit

• Check that your home has been built to cyclone standards.

• Ensure your home and contents insurance covers you for storm surge, flooding and cyclone damage including clean-up and debris removal.

• Check the condition of your roof and repair any loose tiles, eaves or roof screws.

• Ensure windows are fitted with shutters or metal screens.

• Trim any branches overhanging your house and clear gutters of leaves and debris.

It is essential that you spend a few minutes with your family now to talk about what you will do if an evacuation becomes necessary.

• Identify a safe place to evacuate to if storm surge or floods are threatening. Family or friends who live in secure accommodation that is further inland and on higher ground are the best option.

• Listen to local Community Service Announcements (on radio, television and in newspapers) to identify the preferred evacuation routes for your area.

• Ensure you have a supply of fuel stored safely in your garage in case you need to evacuate at short notice.

• Practise a drill with your family to ensure everyone is familiar with the evacuation plan decide how you will look after your pets if you cannot take them with you.

Put together an Emergency Kit, which should include a portable radio, a torch, spare batteries, first aid kit, non-perishable food, sturdy gloves, waterproof bags, candles, matches, essential medications and copies of important documents (eg insurance details, birth certificates, prescription refills) in sealable plastic bags.

What to do during and after a cyclone

During a Cyclone

After a Cyclone

During a cyclone, turn off all electricity, gas and water and unplug all appliances, keep your emergency kit close at hand, bring your family to the strongest part of the house and keep listening to the radio for cyclone updates and remain indoors until otherwise advised. If the building begins to break up, immediately seek shelter under a strong table or bench or under a heavy mattress and beware the calm eye of the cyclone. Some people venture outdoors as the eye passes over them believing the cyclone has passed. Stay inside until official advice states it is safe to venture outside.

After a cyclone, return home via recommended routes only, check on your neighbours if necessary, do not use electrical appliances which have been wet, boil or purify your water until supplies are declared safe and stay away from damaged powerlines, fallen trees and flood water. If your home has become uninhabited due to cyclone damage, contact Council to identify where you can seek further assistance.

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GLADSTONE REGIONAL COUNCIL

Cyclone season bears down on us Cyclone and flood information available in various languages via Council website Weather experts are forecasting a severe cyclone season between now and April, so there's no better time than now to get prepared.

To help residents, including those from non-English speaking backgrounds, Council has developed some information fact sheets that are available for download by following the 'emergencies and disasters' tab from the home page of Council's website at www. gladstone.qld.gov.au

She also thanked the Council staff, community representatives and disaster management specialists for their input into developing the resources.

* The Local Area Multicultural Partnership (LAMP) Program is a partnership between State Government through Multicultural Affairs Queensland (MAQ), the Local Government Association Queensland (LGAQ) and participating Queensland councils.

These resources were developed through the Local Area Multicultural Partnership (LAMP*) program with input from community representatives and experts in the disaster management field.

Council's Community Services portfolio spokesperson Councillor Maxine Brushe said it was widely recognised that people from non-English speaking backgrounds were often vulnerable when it came to natural disasters.

"Our research shows that residents from non-English speaking backgrounds are often the hardest affected during natural disasters because of linguistic barriers and lack of understanding about the types of natural disasters and how to prepare and cope during natural disaster events," she said.

"These resources will go some way to help our community be better prepared for what might transpire this season."

Don't fool around in floodwaters Fooling around in floodwaters could get you in deep water.

That is the message from the Deputy Chairperson of the Local Disaster Management Group, Councillor Rick Hansen.

The September to April wet season has the potential to cause extensive flooding throughout the state.

Cr Hansen said the Bureau of Meteorology was expecting a wetter season than we have seen in recent times, with the possibility of a cyclone developing in the Coral Sea before the end of the year.

“Many deaths caused by flooding in Queensland result from people attempting to drive through flood waters or from children swimming in swollen rivers,” Cr Hansen said.

“Too often people attempt to drive through flood waters, only to find that their engines stall, stranding them in rising torrents.

“A similar danger is when people attempt to drive across bridges with flood waters rushing over them.

Even shallow quick-flowing water is strong enough to sweep the driver and their vehicle into the river.”

Cr Hansen also warned of the dangers of attempting to swim through floodwaters, adding that being a good swimmer was not enough to survive flowing flood water.

“Some people think that because they are a strong swimmer that they can make it to the other side,'' she said. "However, they can’t always see the hidden dangers of swollen rivers.

“These people often get tangled in submerged debris or are injured by unseen objects.

“Children playing in floodwaters are at the greatest risk. I urge parents not to allow their children to play in drains, ditches or rivers after the rains.”

For more information visit www.disaster.qld.gov.au

For more information on how to prepare for a natural disaster, visit the Emergency Management Queensland (EMQ) website at www.emergency.qld.gov.au or visit Council’s “Emergencies & Disasters” link at www.gladstone.qld.gov.au

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Get ready for an Amazing Read at Gladstone Regional Libraries this summer Gladstone Regional Libraries are inviting children and families to come in and join the Summer Reading Club holiday fun, run in partnership with the State Library of Queensland, ALIA and Public Libraries Australia.

Children can take part in a range of exciting and interactive creative writing and arts activities and online games which encourage the love of books and reading as well as literacy and computer skills.

Participants can chat online to children’s authors Morris Gleitzman, Andy Griffiths, and Oliver Phommavanh, write their own wacky fairy tales like Pat Flynn, follow Visual Monkies blog on drawing Manga characters, and come up with their own ending to a story started by Paul Jennings and Sally Rippin.

The Summer Reading Club is a free school

holiday program with activities designed especially for children from birth to 16 years old and their families and friends.

The program continues to build on the enormous success of previous years.

Themed The Amazing Read, the Club explores the many different places and spaces to read and the incredible places stories can take you – from the past to outer-space.

The Summer Reading Club is a great way to kick off National Year of Reading 2012 and promote reading as a fun and enjoyable experience.

The Club is run through the interactive website www.summerreadingclub.org.au as well as exciting activities and events held at all Gladstone Regional Libraries.

Visit your local public library to register to participate in the program, receive your free

participation pack, go into the draw to win great prizes and have lots of fun.

Write Santa a Letter Santa Claus has once again agreed to have postal pick up from all the Gladstone Regional Libraries.

His elves will start collecting letters from Monday, November 21 and the last collection day will be Monday, December 19.

Be sure to have your letters in on time to receive your own personal letter from Santa Claus. Please include your name and address so that he can post back his reply.

Craft mornings Other highlights of the Summer Reading Club include craft mornings held at each Gladstone Regional Library.

The program for the craft is below:

SUMMER READING CLUB CRAFT MORNINGS SCHEDULE Gladstone City Library (no bookings required)

Jan 19: 9.30am-11.30am

Decofoam Rainbow Fish, Secret Garden collage, Gingerbread Man

Date & Time

Craft Activity

Dec 13: 9am-11am

Wooden Christmas trees, Christmas cards, Christmas baubles and gingerbread men.

Calliope Library (no bookings required) Dec 14: 9.30am-11.30am

Christmas tealights, felt Santa faces, Christmas foam door hangers

Dec 20: 9am-11am

Wooden Christmas stars, Christmas foam door hangers, felt Santa faces and Christmas bell bread.

Dec 21: 9.30am-11.30am

Wooden Christmas trees, tree decorations, Christmas cards

Jan 10: 9am-11am

Harry Potter glasses, key rings, treasure boxes, Charlotte’s web edible spiders.

Jan 11: 9.30am-11.30am

Key to Rondo key rings, Secret Garden collage, Gingerbread Man jigsaws

Jan 18: 9.30am-11.30am

Decofoam Rainbow fish, Treasure boxes, Harry Potter glasses

Jan 17: 9am-11am

Decofoam Rainbow Fish, Secret Garden collage, Gingerbread Man jigsaws, Willy Wonka’s chocolate surprises.

Agnes Water Library (no bookings required) Dec 14: 10am-11am

Christmas foam door hangers, felt Santa faces.

Dec 21: 10am-11am

Wooden Christmas trees, Christmas cards.

Jan 4: 10am-11am

Treasure boxes

Jan 11: 10am-11am

Secret Garden collage

Jan 18: 10am-11am

Decofoam Rainbow Fish

Boyne Island Library (bookings reqd. 4971 9700)

Miriam Vale Library (no bookings required) Dec 13: 10am-11am

Christmas decorations, Christmas cards, Christmas foam door hangers, felt Santa faces

Jan 10: 10am-11am

Harry Potter glasses, Key to Rondo key rings, treasure boxes

Jan 17: 10am-11am

Decofoam Rainbow Fish, Secret Garden collage, Gingerbread Man jigsaws

Mt Larcom Library (No bookings required) Dec 15: 10.30am-11.30am

Christmas cards, Wooden Christmas trees, Christmas baubles

Dec 15: 9.30am-11.30am

Wooden Christmas trees, felt Santa faces, Christmas cards.

Dec 22: 10.30am-11.30am

Christmas foam door hangers, Christmas baubles, felt Santa faces

Dec 22: 9.30am-11.30am

Wooden stars, Christmas foam door hangers, Christmas tree decorations

Jan 12: 10.30am-11.30am

Gingerbread Man jigsaws, treasure boxes

Jan 12: 9.30am-11.30am

Harry Potter glasses, Key to Rondo key rings, treasure boxes

Jan 19: 10.30am-11.30am Harry Potter glasses, Secret Garden collage

For more information phone Sue Norris at Gladstone City Library on (07) 4976 6400 or via email at suen@gladstonerc.qld.gov.au

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GLADSTONE REGIONAL COUNCIL

Keep toilet lids down during sewer line cleaning Council’s sewer cleaning and CCTV trucks are on the move, becoming a regular sight around West Gladstone until late December.

Council’s Director Infrastructure Services Paul Keech said sewerage network inspections would now target West Gladstone as part of the Region’s Inflow and Infiltration project.

householders should be aware that in some instances this work has resulted in some noise, odour or splashing within household toilets,” he said.

“Keeping the toilet lid down while works are occurring will help minimise any impacts.”

“These inspections are essential for Council to determine sewerage network conditions, identify any pipe defects and determine necessary maintenance,” Mr Keech said.

As part of assessing the condition of sewer lines, in some instances, Council will need to enter properties to access manholes and sewer lines.

GPS technology will be used to locate manholes, trucks will clean sewer lines and van mounted closed circuit television equipment will undertake visual inspection of the sewerage network.

Residents will receive notification via letterbox prior to Council officers entering any property.

Mr Keech said units would operate seven days and the duration of works could vary.

More information on sewer inflow and infiltration is available at Council’s website www.gladstone.qld.gov.au or by phoning Council’s call centre on 4970 0700.

“Works are not expected to disrupt residences or businesses but

Off shore pipe installation marks significant milestone The Seventeen Seventy/Agnes Water Integrated Water Project has marked a significant milestone with installation of a 600m long intake pipe.

This was dragged off shore into the ocean where it was then pulled back, through the tunnel drilled underneath the ocean floor, to the intake pump station on shore.

All off shore pipework is in place but the final on shore and off shore connections are outstanding.

Construction work for the desalination plant is nearing completion.

All major structures, pieces of equipment and the majority of the main process lines are complete.

Work this month will continue on mechanical and electrical installations.

Reservoir reticulation works, walls and floors are complete and the roof has been formed up in preparation for pouring of the concrete.

Roof installation and completion is expected to take about four weeks.

The pump station concrete works are complete and work will be carried out to fit pumps, pipework and electrical equipment.

Installation of a 600m long intake pipe as part of the Seventeen Seventy/ Agnes Water Integrated Water Project marked a significant project milestone.

Clinic Dates for December 2011 SERVICE

VENUE

DAYS

Child Health Nurse

Agnes Water

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday

Dietician

Agnes Water

December 6

Family Support Worker

Agnes Water

Monday to Friday

Legal Program

Agnes Water

December 8

Miriam Vale

December 9

Mobile Women's Health Nurse

Agnes Water

December 6, 7 & 8

Podiatrist

Agnes Water

December 22

Baffle Creek

December 21 pm

Miriam Vale

December 7

Rosedale

December 21 am

Agnes Water

December 2, 5, 6, 7 & 9

Baffle Creek

December 8

Miriam Vale

December 1

RFDS Dr Sue Redman

Agnes Water

December 13 & 14

Seniors Nurse

Agnes Water

December 8 Health Talk

Baffle Creek

December 6 Health Talk

Lowmead

December 5 Health Talk

Miriam Vale

December 7 Health Talk

Rosedale

December 5 Health Talk

Physiotherapist

PLEASE NOTE: There will be no Community Intra Agency Meeting held in December the next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, January 25, 2012 Please phone 4902 1100 for an appointment for these services and for January 2012 clinic dates.

GLADSTONE REGIONAL COUNCIL

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

Cnr Goondoon & Bramston Sts, Gladstone.

Ph: 4976 6766

n Martin Hanson Art Awards Closes Thursday, December 8 The Rio Tinto Alcan Martin Hanson Memorial Art Awards exhibition of entries closes for another year on Thursday, December 8. Be sure you don't miss the wonderful range of artworks from Central Queensland and throughout the nation.

n My Perceptions/Your Perceptions December 17 - January 25 My Perceptions/Your Perceptions will be on show at the Gallery/ Museum from December 17, 2011 to January 25, 2012. This stunning exhibition of bush paintings by Australian artist Robyn Olsen explores her experiences on North Stradbroke Island. Presented in conjunction with the artist.

Gladstone Enter tainment Centre

n Movie Mania

Sunday, December 4, 10am The Gladstone Gymnastic Club will present their annual display on Sunday, December 4. This year's theme is "Movie Mania", with the show featuring displays from gymnasts in the club's Groovy Kindergym, Groovy Gym for All, Acrobatic Gymnastics, Women's Artistic Gymnastics and Men's Artistic Gymnastics disciplines to music from your favourite movies of the past and present.

Gymnasts will perform many of the skills that they have learned throughout the year, along with special performances from Gladstone gymnasts who were successful at the 2011 State Championships.

n Morning Melodies Tuesday, December 6, 11am To truly represent John Denver's body of work in just one show would be impossible but this show does it justice. From the opening chords of "Rocky Mountain High" to the soaring grandeur of "The Eagle and the Hawk" and on to the deep romance of "For You" and "Lady",

the songs just keep on coming. Be amazed at Trevor's use of an array of instruments, including the ukulele playing "Somewhere over the Rainbow", the Mountain Dulcimer playing "Amazing Grace", plus many more acoustic instruments and hits. Morning Melodies is an opportunity, specifically for seniors, to enjoy an entertaining live performance at an affordable price, renew old acquaintances and meet some new friends. Guests are provided with a complimentary morning tea from 10am with the performance starting at 11am.

n Library Square Live Music Friday and Saturday nights If you’re looking for something to do on a Friday or Saturday night, come down to Library Square and enjoy the free live and local music from 6.00pm to 8.00pm. Relax on the decks, soak up the atmosphere and start your night off on a high note. There are several restaurants and eateries in the vicinity, to help make your night complete. If you are interested in performing on the Library Square stage, phone us on (07) 4972 2822.

Remember to book for your special day

58 Goondoon Street, Gladstone. Ph: 4972 2822

n The Mouse Trap Thursday & Friday December 1 & 2, 8pm Local theatre company Bunbury Players are at it again, this time bringing Agatha Christies' The Mousetrap to Gladstone Entertainment Centre. The Mouse Trap is a murder mystery with a twist, which has been performed in London for the past 60 years. The play is set in the Great Hall of Monkswell Manor, which proprietors Mollie and Giles Ralston have converted into a guest house. Mollie, Giles and their guests become snowed in, only to find out a murderer is in their midst. Watch on as all the characters are scrutinized and suspected and see if you can pick who did it before all is revealed. A dinner package is available at 6pm, with the show starting at 8pm.

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Wide open spaces, bushland settings, ocean views, wildlife surroundings, harbour views ‌ the choice is yours.

The Gladstone Region offers a selection of picturesque parks and gardens to celebrate your wedding day.

Council is reminding brides-to-be to book their chosen park to secure your date early and to avoid disappointment on the day.

GLADSTONE REGIONAL COUNCIL

You can also book a Gladstone Region park if you a planning to hold a function or event, but Council does not require bookings for local neighbourhood parks.

Booking is easy - head to Council's website www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/web/guest/parksand-gardens and select 'Book a Park' under 'Quick Links' or call the Parks Bookings Hotline on 4977 6884.

ertainment

Martin Hanson Memorial Art Awards winners announced The Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum is showcasing artworks competing in the 36th annual 2011 Rio Tinto Alcan Martin Hanson Memorial Art Awards & Exhibition.

Winners of the prestigious awards were named on November 5.

The top accolade of the $10,000 Rio Tinto Alcan Martin Hanson Memorial Art Award was won by Mostyn Bramley-Moore for his work Eenie Creek & Sugar Road.

Belynda (Bindi) Waugh received the $1200 Wide Bay Australia Ltd Local Artist Award for her work Those Things We Cannot Hold are the Things We Often Lose and was also named recipient of the $750 Murri Artist Award for Native Title Series II – 1. Where’s Your Country, 2. Who’s Your Mob, 3. One of us – or Not, 4. Fighting Amongst Ourselves, 5. Ending up with Bits.

You Beauty scooped the $750 South Gladstone Rotary Multitrade Youth Artist Award for Bronte Roper.

Mike Dunstan, General Manager Operations Rio Tinto Alcan Yarwun, with Mostyn BramleyMoore winner of the 2011 Rio Tinto Alcan Martin Hanson Memorial Art Award for his work Eenie Creek & Sugar Road and 2011 judge Dr Campbell Gray.

In Section One: Easel Paintings, Geoffrey Head was awarded the $2000 Queensland Energy Resources Ltd Award for Wedding Party.

Dave Machen’s Ghost in the Church claimed

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the $750 Christian Thomsen Award and Beryl Wood’s Street Party was awarded a $500 open order Gladstone Picture Framing Award.

In Section Two: Works on Paper, the $2000 Queensland Alumina Ltd Award was presented to Catherine McCue Boes for her work Preserved in Australia.

The $750 LauraLou Jay Memorial Award was awarded to Lynn Clifford for Tanks with a $500 Australia Pacific LNG Award won by Katrina Elliott for Mistranslation.

Section Three: Three Dimensional & Fibre Works $2000 Gladstone Ports Corporation Award was awarded to Johanna DeMaine for Being and Becoming.

Wendy Schoenfisch-Young claimed the $750 Trevor McMaster Refrigeration Award for Reformation Series and the $500 Gladstone Printing Services Award was won by Dan Carlyon for Cement Mixer Under Tree: One Night During a Storm the Cruel Hand of Mother Nature Took Out Our Trusty Cement Mixer.

hereinhistory

Calliope River Crossing labelled the 'bridge of death'.

In the late 1800s the main coastal road between Rockhampton and Gladstone crossed what locals called a "veritable death trap" - the old stone Calliope River Crossing.

This stone causeway, nearly always under water, with stones covered in a green slime, was slippery and dangerous.

On the upside of the tidal crossing the water was 30 to 40 feet deep and on the lower side was a mass of jagged rocks.

In 1873 two young men who were driving a mob of horses over the river drowned..

The pair, aged 14 and 19, failed to follow their boss Mr Archer's instructions "not to follow the horses if they went off the crossing, but to come straight on and leave the horses to take care of themselves".

They were interred next day, near the spot where they lost their lives.

The Morning Bulletin 21.12.1891…… "James Morris, a selector on Milton, had been purchasing some horses at Fairview and was returning home by the Calliope River crossing, when he met his untimely end…

The tide was unusually high, there being fully two feet of water on the crossing, but Morris treated the matter with indifference and essayed to cross. When well in his horse was unable to keep its feet owing to the force of the tide, which was running up, and was soon swept over the fatal edge. Poor Morris was washed off as soon as the horse fell, and disappeared like a log to rise no more".

In 1929, a team of horses and wagon went over the side of the causeway, resulting in the drowning of 16 horses.

Following many deaths, accidents and complaints over a long period the Main Roads Board contracted Young Brothers of Bundaberg to construct a bridge over the Calliope River.

The narrow structure without safety rails was built for just under

£4000 ($8000) and was expected to open by Christmas 1930.

The new bridge was built to prevent the many accidents caused by the condition of the old causeway.

Sadly this was not the case, as in January 1931 when an out of control car turned a complete somersault on the northern end of the bridge.

The driver escaped injury and the badly damaged vehicle was towed away. Many more accidents followed until mid-1970s when the highway was redirected and a high level bridge was built over the Calliope River.

Due to its deteriorating condition the old Calliope River Bridge was closed to vehicular traffic in January, 2009.

Information gathered from historical newspapers.

Accident on the old Calliope River Bridge 1968 G. and M. O’Brien collection

GLADSTONE REGIONAL COUNCIL

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What’s Onnuar y?

in December - Ja

Council’s Community Calendar

Event

Venue

Date & Time

Event Description

Welcome to Gladstone Morning Tea

Tondoon Botanic Gardens Visitor Information Centre

December 1 10am - noon

The Welcome to Gladstone Morning Tea is held monthly and allows newcomers to find out more about what the Gladstone Region offers and also mix with others who are new to the region. For information contact 4976 6300.

General Council Meeting

Gladstone Administration Centre, 101 Goondoon Street, Gladstone

December 6 & 20 From 9am

Community members are welcome to attend Council’s General Meetings

Story Time

Miriam Vale Library

Dec 6 & 20, 9.30am -10.30am

Agnes Water Library

Wednesday, 10am – 11am

Gladstone City Library

Wednesday, 11am – noon

Boyne Island Library

Friday, 10.30am – 11.30am

Story Time and Crafts for children aged 0 – 5 years.

No bookings are required. For more information contact your local Library. Contact details can be found by visiting www.gladstone.qld.gov.au, under the ‘Gladstone Regional Libraries’ link.

Mt Larcom Library

Thursday, 10.30am – 11.30am

Calliope Library

Friday, 10.30am – 11.30am

Boyne Island Library, Mt Larcom Room

December 8, 11am – 11.30am

Gladstone City Library

December 9, 11am – 11.30am

Happy Hour

Gladstone Aquatic Centre

Monday - Friday 8am & 9am

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

Library Square Performances

Library Square Goondoon Street Gladstone

Every Friday Noon – 2pm and Saturday nights 6pm – 8pm

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

General Council Meeting

Gladstone Administration Centre, 101 Goondoon Street, Gladstone

January 17, from 9am

Community members are welcome to attend Council’s General Meetings

Story Time

Miriam Vale Library

Jan 3 & 17, 9.30am -10.30am

Agnes Water Library

Wednesday, 10am – 11am

Gladstone City Library

Wednesday, 11am – noon

Boyne Island Library

Friday, 10.30am – 11.30am

Story Time and Crafts for children aged 0 – 5 years.

No bookings are required. For more information contact your local Library. Contact details can be found by visiting www.gladstone.qld.gov.au, under the ‘Gladstone Regional Libraries’ link.

Mt Larcom Library

Thursday, 10.30am – 11.30am

Calliope Library

Friday, 10.30am – 11.30am

Baby Bounce

Gladstone City Library

January 13 & 27, 11am – 11.30am

A lap sit program is being held for a parent and their child less than 2 years old. This program includes songs and rhymes. No bookings are required.

Happy Hour

Gladstone Aquatic Centre

Monday - Friday, 8am & 9am

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

Library Square Performances

Library Square Goondoon Street Gladstone

Every Friday Noon – 2pm and Saturday nights 6pm – 8pm

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

Baby Bounce

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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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.

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