February - March 2013 Edition of the Council Connection

COUNCIL

CONNECTION GLADSTONE REGIONAL COUNCIL NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY - MARCH 2013 ISSUE 52

INSIDE Aquatic Centre Upgrade

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10 What is Recyclable

13 New Playgrounds

14 SUNfest Wrap up

MAYORS MESSAGE Praise for Disaster Management Efforts

Cover

Council launches new-look newsletter as part of its External Communications Strategy 2012-14.

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Council Connection

This newsletter is produced by Gladstone Regional Council to give residents a bi-monthly update on Council events, activities, services and projects.

Delivery

Council Connection is delivered directly into all residential letterboxes

by Australia Post as “unaddressed mail” but is also available for viewing or downloading from Council’s website at www.gladstone.qld.gov.au.

The Gladstone Region Local Disaster Management Group was called into action in late January as flooding resulting from ex-Tropical Cyclone Oswald took its toll on the Gladstone Region.

More than 1000mm was dumped on some areas over the Australia Day weekend, causing major flooding in the Boyne Valley, Baffle Creek, Rosedale and Lowmead areas with the Boyne River also breaking its banks at Boyne Island, Tannum Sands and Benaraby.

In response to the flooding, the Local Disaster Management Group, comprising representatives from the police, ambulance and fire services, industry, Gladstone Area Water Board, State Emergency Service and Gladstone Regional Council, established a coordination centre at Council’s 109 Goondoon St offices.

Council staff and volunteers, and an Emergency Services Queensland staff member helped coordinate the group’s disaster management plan, issuing

evacuation warnings, operating information hotlines and social media services, establishing community recovery centres, organising food and supply deliveries.

They also liaised directly with emergency services on the ground.

I cannot praise enough the efforts of the emergency services and State Emergency Service groups and Rural Fire Brigade volunteers whose work on the ground was vital to the welfare of many residents.

We had people working extremely long hours to ensure all assistance possible was given to flood victims throughout the Gladstone Region.

It was a real team effort, carried out under difficult circumstances as record floods created significant damage throughout the region and the community spirit on display throughout the whole operation was tremendous.

I extend my sincere gratitude to the many people throughout the community who volunteered their services to help those in who were in desperate need of it.

Cost

Council Connection is automatically delivered free of charge to households in the Gladstone Region who have a residential letterbox. Cost of printing and distributing the newsletter is 49.2 cents per household per edition.

Environmental Impacts

Council Connection is printed on recycled paper.

Council Contacts

Mail: PO Box 29, Gladstone DC Qld 4680 Email: info@gladstonerc.qld.gov.au Phone: 4970 0700 Fax: 4975 8500 A/Hrs Emergency Phone: 4979 1134

Gladstone Office 101 Goondoon Street, Gladstone Qld 4680

Calliope Office

5 Don Cameron Drive, Calliope Qld 4680

Miriam Vale Office 36 Roe Street, Miriam Vale Qld 4677

Contents

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4 Australia Day Award Winners Community volunteer Cecily Burkett’s has been named Gladstone Regional Council’s 2013 Australia Day Citizen of the Year.

7 Animal Inspection Program

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Local Laws enforcement officers have been conducting house-to-house visits.

11 Speed changes across region Traffic speed zone changes have been introduced at five locations across the region.

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Council embraces new communication technologies Newsletter gets makeover as Council embraces change Residents get more options to receive Council information Council is stepping up its communications in 2013, launching a raft of tools that will save ratepayers’ dollars while enhancing the way Council communicates with residents.

You will notice this Council Connection has a new-look and new features which were developed as a result of feedback from residents and the adoption in December of Council’s External Communications Strategy 2012-14.

Council Connection will now arrive every two months by Australia Post in all residential road-side letterboxes, postal boxes and at the counters of post offices located in the small communities of the region.

Upcoming editions are scheduled to be delivered early in the months of April, June, August, October and December 2013.

Recycled paper is now being used to help reduce the impact on our environment and we’ve managed to reduce the printing and distribution costs to just 49.2 cents per edition per household.

In addition to this and as part of our new communication strategy, Council will soon launch several other communication tools that provide cost benefits to ratepayers while enhancing opportunities for residents to receive Council news, advice and information.

Soon to be launched are: • An online fortnightly newsletter which will be free of charge to residents who subscribe to receive it by email; • A dedicated Council Facebook page which will complement the organisation’s facilities and projects’ Facebook pages; • Twitter; • Video news updates on Council’s website; and • A television news segment on Seven Queensland.

Council will continue to use its popular website at www.gladstone.qld.gov and local media to advertise and inform people of Council’s activities and plans.

Regional Visits Schedule Thursday, February 28, 2013 Book now for first round of CouncillorConnect visits scheduled for 2013 CouncillorConnect visits will resume in February at various locations throughout the region.

This month’s visits are scheduled for Thursday, February 28 at Ambrose, Nagoorin, Wartburg and Gladstone.

Visits are scheduled for the last Thursday of each month to provide residents of some of the region’s smaller communities with an opportunity to meet with elected representatives.

March 28 visits are planned for Boyne Island, Builyan, Seventeen Seventy and Raglan.

Councillors attend in pairs for morning tea and a chat session from 9.30am and are then available from 10.15am to 12pm, for 20-minute pre-booked, individual appointments.

Residents or community groups wanting to book an appointment with Councillors can send a request to councillorconnect@ gladstonerc.qld.gov.au outlining the issue, concern or idea, or phone Council’s Communications and Marketing section on 4970 0700.

Gladstone Regional Council - The Council Connection February - March 2013

Ambrose

Ambrose State School library

Nagoorin

Nagoorin Hall

Wartburg

Wartburg Rural Fire Service headquarters

Gladstone Civic Centre, Boardroom

Thursday, March 28, 2013 Boyne Island

Boyne Tannum Community Centre, Port Curtis Room

Builyan

Builyan Community Hall

Seventeen Seventy

VMR Base

Raglan

Raglan QCWA Hall

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Citizen of the Year Cecily Burkett

Australia Day Award Winners Boyne Island community volunteer wins top honour Community volunteer Cecily Burkett’s has been named Gladstone Regional Council’s 2013 Australia Day Citizen of the Year.

The award recognised Ms Burkett’s efforts helping the Boyne Island Lions Club, Boyne Island Low Vision Support Group, Boyne Tannum Arts Business and Community Inc, Gladstone Legacy Association, and St Peter Chanel Catholic Church.

The 75 year-old has also been the Boyne Island Lions Club’s Youth of the Year chairperson for eight years, encouraging senior students to participate in public speaking competition and organised club,

zone and regional judging events.

The 2013 Australia Day Young Citizen of the Year award was presented to 17-yearold Emily Young.

Ms Young’s campaign against international poverty and social injustice, prompting her to write to multinational companies and government officials, as well as her fund raising efforts for a large number of charities, earned her the award.

Unfortunately, the award night planned for the Gladstone Entertainment Centre’s Marina Marquee was cancelled due to the severe flooding in the region.

Winners of the 2013 Australia Day Awards: • Citizen of the Year: Cecily Burkett • Young Citizen of the Year: Emily Young • Senior Cultural Award: Colin Sandland • Junior Cultural Award: Mikayla Berthisel • Sports Official of the Year: Michael Daly • Senior Sports Person: Cheryl Ogden • Young Sports Person: Rebekah Pearce • Community Event: Gladstone Harbour Festival

Australian citizenship ceremonies Council regularly hosts private and public Australian citizenship ceremonies Seventeen residents within the region chose to officially become Australian citizens at a public ceremony in Gladstone on the eve of Australia Day. Council annually hosts a special citizenship ceremony in conjunction with the announcement of the region’s Australia Day award winners.

are held regularly at Council’s chambers at 101 Goondoon Street, Gladstone.

Those seeking Australian citizenship first need to contact the Department of Immigration and Citizenship on the hotline number 131 880 and may need to sit the Australian Citizenship Test.

In 2012 Council held citizenship ceremonies to welcome 207 new Australians.

Council is advised when candidates have received citizenship approval and contact is made with the candidates to arrange attendance at a citizenship ceremony.

Citizenship ceremonies with the Mayor

Individuals can indicate their preference

Gladstone Regional Council - The Council Connection February - March 2013

for a private or public ceremony and are required to read a short, prepared oath or affirmation at the event.

Some candidates choose to invite a small number of friends or family to attend the ceremony.

Each candidate receives an Australian Citizenship certificate and items of Australian memorabilia.

To find out more, phone Tennille Dykstra on 4970 0700.

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Aquatic Centre upgrade due to start in April Interactive play equipment included in plans

Concept: New-look water play area Children will soon be able to cool down in the coolest way with work on the $2 million Gladstone Aquatic Centre upgrade expected to commence in April.

The upgrade, which is sure to be a hit with the region’s children, will include the removal of the existing toddler pool in order to accommodate a lagoon style water play area.

At the time of publication, the tendering process for the upgrade was still in progress, but preliminary plans for the water park feature a range of interactive

play equipment; a first for the Gladstone region.

Features will include a revamped toddlers’ pool with sprays, bubblers, mushroom and turtle sculptures and an educational water play area.

The park will also feature a giant tip bucket, ponds, a stream, fort, slides, water jets and cannons, sprays and bubblers, as well as gardens, a barbecue, sun lounge and shaded sitting areas and an observation deck for parents and guardians.

Residents are advised there will be

changes and interruptions to the Gladstone Aquatic Centre’s operations during the construction period, due to finish in November, but these will be temporary in most cases.

The 50 metre Olympic pool has also been upgraded as part of the project, receiving a new treatment plant in order to keep the water clean, clear and hygienic for swimmers’ use, and new inlets in the base to reduce turbulence.

A separate treatment plant will service the water play area.

Rubbish and recycling at Millennium Esplanade New bin lids to help residents sort waste General waste and recycling bins will be quick to find at Millennium Esplanade with easy-to-use, highly visible bin tops making an appearance.

General waste and recycling bins are strategically placed side-by-side and feature clear labelling to assist with correct disposal of items.

Visitors to the esplanade will notice modern, streamlined, Australian designed bin tops fitted to standard 240 litre bins.

Swing tops encourage easy disposal of waste and recycling materials and are practical for the high public use area.

The new tops feature the distinctive waste collection colours of red for general rubbish and yellow for recycling bins.

The public is urged to take the time to ensure waste or recycling items are placed in the correct bin.

Similar bin tops will be in use at major public events across the region.

The new bin tops, supported by Central Queensland Local Government Association’s Public Place Recycling Program, aims to increase recycling awareness at events and decrease waste contributed to landfill in the Central Queensland region.

Gladstone Regional Council - The Council Connection February - March 2013

Kay Fawzi installs new bin tops at Millennium Esplanade Page 5

Cr Gail Sellers Phone: 0448 883 134 Email: mayor@gladstonerc.qld.gov.au Mayor

Cr Matt Burnett Phone: 0437 086 401 Email: mattb@gladstonerc.qld.gov.au Regional Strategy

Cr Maxine Brushe Phone: 0448 882 609 Email: maxineb@gladstonerc.qld.gov.au Community Services

Cr Col Chapman Phone: 0448 883 961 Email: colinc@gladstonerc.qld.gov.au Environment

Cr Rick Hansen Phone: 0448 885 047

Email: rickhansen@gladstonerc.qld.gov.au

BRIEFLY  Council meetings

 Information sessions

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

The meetings are held at the Gladstone Administration Centre boardroom, 101 Goondoon Street. Upcoming meeting dates are February 19, March 5, March 19, April 2 and April 16. Agendas and minutes can be found at Council's website at www.gladstone.qld. gov.au at meeting time.

Council, through its legal program, has partnered with Welcoming Intercultural Neighbours (WIN) to host information sessions regarding laws and regulations throughout the Gladstone Region. The first session is scheduled for February 28 at 10 Tank Street (WIN premises) from 10am.

Bookings are essential, phone Luis on 49766352.

 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

 RSS feed

Phone: 0417 732 640

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 website home page. Visit www. gladstone.qld.gov.au

Arts and Culture

 Water usage notices

Engineering Services

Cr Ren Lanzon Email: renlanzon@gladstonerc.qld.gov.au

Cr Graham McDonald Phone: 0409 730 469

Email: grahamm@gladstonerc.qld.gov.au

Parks and Recreation

Cr Leo Neill-Ballantine Phone: 0417 731 907 Email: leonb@gladstonerc.qld.gov.au Rural Services

Cr Karen Porter Phone: 0417 723 042

Email: karenporter@gladstonerc.qld.gov.au

Economic Development Strategy

Council would like to remind residents that their six month water usage notices (from July 1 to December 31) are due to be paid in full by March 8, 2013.

Residents can pay their notices via BPay or at any Council office throughout the region. For enquiries phone the rates office on 4976 6999.

 Development stats Council now provides development statistics at a click of a mouse at its website.

Visit www.gladstone.qld.gov. au/web/guest/developmentstatistics to find out the last major development snapshot; monthly development statistics; and building and plumbing approvals.

Gladstone Regional Council - The Council Connection February - March 2013

 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, open 24 hours a day, on 4979 1134 or Council's administration centres during business hours.

 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'.

 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'.

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LOCAL LAWS Statistics on animals in region As at the end of December 2012, there were 1921 cats registered and 8305 registered dogs in the Gladstone Region.

During the 2011-12 period, 986 dogs and 285 cats were impounded.

Of these, 46 per cent were successfully reunited with their owners and collected from the pound.

Of the remaining 54 per cent of animals that were not collected by owners or were unregistered/ microchipped, 23 per cent were adopted and 31 per cent were euthanised.

Animal Registration forms and relevant fees are available online at http://www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/ web/guest/pet-registration or visit a Council office to register a beloved pet today.

Pet registration checks have now commenced in the region

Jordyn Brumby with her registered cat Kitty.

Animal Inspection Program to encourage residents to register pets House-to-house visits under way Local Laws enforcement officers have been conducting house-to-house visits as part of Council’s annual animal inspection program.

Visits started in January and will continue until July 21, 2013 to ensure residents are keeping and controlling animals as per the requirements of Queensland’s Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008.

Inspections allow officers to determine addresses where animals are being kept and to identify whether pets are registered or in need of registration renewal, and houses where more than the allowable number of pets are being kept.

Residents found keeping an unregistered animal will be given an amnesty period of

14 days to register their pets.

People who do not register their pets within their amnesty period will receive an infringement notice which carries a fine of $220.

Pet registration, plus microchipping, greatly assists Council in reuniting pets with their owners and costs as little as $25 per annum for a desexed and microchipped animal.

Concession card and pensioner discounts apply.

Further information about pet registration can be obtained by visiting Council’s website at http://www.gladstone.qld.gov. au/web/guest/pet-registration

Gladstone Regional Council - The Council Connection February - March 2013

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feb

FRED HOLLOWS Anniversary Exhibition

EVENTS CALENDAR FEBRUARY 7

Gladstone Library

Welcome to Gladstone Morning Tea 10am - Noon Gladstone Tondoon Botanic Gardens Arboretum Shelter The welcome to Gladstone Morning Tea is held monthly, allowing newcomers to find out more about the Gladstone Region. For more information phone 4976 6300.

5 & 19

February 11 - March 5 This exhibition will illustrate the life of Fred Hallows and the continuing work of the Fred Hallows Foundation. For more information, phone 4676 6414.

General Council Meeting 9am 101 Goondoon Street Gladstone Community members are welcome to attend Council’s General Meetings.

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Councillor Community Awareness Sessions 9am - Noon Stockland Gladstone Councillors are available to discuss any issues, topics or concerns that residents may have.

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Photographic Workshop 9am - 12.30pm Tondoon Botanic Gardens Come down to the Gardens and learn all things photography. The cost is $45 and participants must bring their own camera.

Bookings are essential. Phone Heather on 4971 4443.

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Information Session 10am Welcoming Intercultural Neighbours building, 10 Tank Street, Gladstone Council through its legal program has partnered with WIN, to host an information session for new and existing residents focusing on laws and regulations within the region. Bookings are essential phone Luis on 4676 6352.

Story Time Various Days and Various times Regional Libraries Story time and crafts for children aged up to five years. Bookings not 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.

Baby Bounce Various Days and Various times Regional Libraries A lap-sit program is being held for a parent and their child less than two years old.

This program includes songs and rhymes.

Bookings are not required.

Residents are urged to make March 3 the most successful Clean Up Australia Day by helping rid our parks, creeks, beaches and neighbourhoods of rubbish.

Residents are welcome to form a cleaning group and register their chosen Clean Up site at www.cleanupaustraliaday.com or volunteer as an individual at Council’s Lions Park site.

Photo supplied by The Fred Hollows Foundation

Learn to Swim 9am - 6pm Weekdays Gladstone Aquatic Centre Gladstone Aquatic Centre is now offering a summer progressive Learn to Swim program. Contact the Gladstone Aquatic Centre on 4972 6822.

Happy Hour 8am - 9am Weekdays Gladstone Aquatic Centre This program allows pensioners (over 60) to use the Aquatic Centre for free to encourage staying fit and active. Phone 4972 6822 for more information.

Library Square Performances Every Friday, noon – 2pm and Saturday night, 6pm – 8pm.

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

mar

Gladstone’s story to be told in dance, music and colour

MARCH 2

Coming Out

Gladstone Regional Art Gallery and Museum Selection from the Gladstone Art Gallery & Museum permanent collection. On until April 6

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Welcome to Gladstone Morning Tea 10am - Noon Gladstone Tondoon Botanic Gardens Arboretum Shelter The welcome to Gladstone Morning Tea is held monthly, allowing newcomers to find out more about the Gladstone Region. For more information phone 4976 6300.

5 & 19

General Council Meeting 9am 101 Goondoon Street Gladstone Community members are welcome to attend Council’s General Meetings.

16

Councillor Community Awareness Sessions 9am - Noon Stockland Gladstone Councillors are available to discuss any issues, topics or concerns that residents may have.

23

Photographic Workshop 9am - 12.30pm Tondoon Botanic Gardens Learn all things photography. The cost is $45 and participants must bring their own camera. Bookings are essential. Phone Heather on 4971 4443.

Story Time Various Days and Various times Regional Libraries Story time and crafts for children aged up to five years. Bookings not 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.

Baby Bounce Various Days and Various times Regional Libraries A lap-sit program is being held for a parent and their child less than two years old. This program includes songs and rhymes. Bookings are not required.

Learn to Swim 9am - 6pm Weekdays Gladstone Aquatic Centre Gladstone Aquatic Centre is now offering a summer progressive Learn to Swim program. Contact the Gladstone Aquatic Centre on 4972 6822.

Happy Hour 8am - 9am Weekdays Gladstone Aquatic Centre This program allows pensioners (over 60) to use the Aquatic Centre for free to encourage staying fit and active. Phone 4972 6822 for more information.

Library Square Performances Every Friday, noon – 2pm and Saturday night, 6pm – 8pm.

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

Go above and beyond in Earth Hour 2013 Saturday March 23, 8.30pm

Gladstone Regional Council is making the switch to a more sustainable future by participating in Earth Hour 2013 and urges the community to do the same. Residents are asked to turn off their unessential lights and electrical equipment on March 23 between 8.30pm and 9.30pm in aid of the environment.

Following the success of Classic Country and SongTrails events in 2011, we welcome back the wonderful people from Queensland Music Festival in 2013 to help us stage their largestever regional production - a brand new, free community musical written just for Gladstone.

Under the working title "Boomtown", this outdoor musical at Gladstone Marina will feature almost 300 local residents telling the story of George and Gladys Stone and their parents who arrive in Gladstone in their caravan back in 1964 for Dad Stone to start work.

The story that unfolds is one all about connection – how Gladstone people connect with our environment, our industry, our past, future and, most importantly, how we connect with each other.

It is a story that asks the viewer the same question that we often ask ourselves: "Who are we?"

“Boomtown” promises a kaleidoscope of dance, music and colour to follow George and Gladys as they each wrestle with the changing face of their new home in 1960s Gladstone.

Featuring renowned local performers George Bush, Brent Lanzon, Claire Munting, my former colleague Clyde Cameron, and a huge list of singers, dancers and musicians (and even some local BMX riders), “Boomtown” is a story that will resonate with everyone.

So, mark the dates July 18-21, 2013, in your diaries now.

Get your chair and blanket ready to be part of the anticipated crowd of some 20,000 over the four nights who will witness history in the making.

Don't miss "Boomtown" - it's our own unforgettable story.

Mayor Gail Sellers

SUSTAINABLE LIVING

Know your recycling do's and don’ts Did you know that pizza boxes are recyclable?

Or that pens, disposable razors and beer bottle lids are not, despite being made of recyclable materials?

Residents can help reduce landfill waste by correctly disposing of recyclables

What can go in the yellow lid recycling bin?

Can these items go in the yellow lid bins?

Item

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Comments

Greasy pizza boxes

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No food scraps

Layered cartons like ‘poppers’

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Aluminium foil, including food trays, disposable pie dishes etc

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Clean

Plastics bearing a recycling symbol 1 to 7 indicating use for household and commercial packaging eg. Plastic tray in a packet of biscuits and Yoghurt containers.

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Only plastic items with recycling symbols numbered 1 to 7 can be recycled.

Other plastics eg. Pens and lids, disposable razors and stubby lids.



Very small items are difficult to sort and should be put in the waste bin.

Clean paper

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Shredded paper not accepted

Wrapping from reams of office paper

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Should plastic bottle lids be removed?

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Should steel jar lids be removed?

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Is it good to crush aluminium cans before putting them in the recycling bin?



Many of us think we are doing the right thing when we place particular items in the recycle (yellow lid) bin or leave others out, but some widely held ideas on what is and is not recyclable are not always right.

Responsible recycling starts with each and every one of us. The list of frequently asked questions on this page will help Gladstone Region residents identify which items can and cannot be recycled.

Residents are also reminded that recyclable items can be disposed of for free at the landfill or transfer stations provided it has been separated from other rubbish.

When disposing of recyclable containers they should be emptied of all contents and any recyclable items placed in the bin or taken to waste facilities should not be placed in plastic bags.

Containers should be rinsed and crushed and lids placed back on.

It is preferred that cans are not completely flattened as they can become mixed with plastic items.

How much of a problem is liquid left in drink containers?

It is a big problem. Soft drinks are corrosive; milk smell is offensive.

How clean does the recycling have to be

Prefer all containers are rinsed.

Steel coat hangers, garden hoses, rope, garden waste, clothing and food scraps.



Can cause serious damage to machinery and injury to personnel

Take away coffee cups

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Most have plastic liners

Soft plastic wrap

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Place in general waste

Nappies and sanitary products, disposable needles, medical waste

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Hazardous to personnel. Needles should go into sharps containers.

Green Waste (garden waste, clippings)

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Not recyclable

Bagged recyclable items

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All recyclable items should be placed individually in recycling bins.

Gladstone Regional Council - The Council Connection February - March 2013

Page 10

INFRASTRUCTURE WORKS

Each road in the region is categorised for works according to its design and purpose

Procedures create strong foundations for prioritising road works Hierarchy helps categorise works schedule The Gladstone Region’s road network covers 2398km and consists of asphalt streets and roads, bitumen seal and gravel roads, excluding Main Roads.

of its infrastructure assets are retained.

help determine prioritisation of works.

As part of regular maintenance, road inspections are scheduled continuously throughout the region.

Some road works within the region are specified as Main Roads projects, of which Council has no involvement.

Each road within the region has an assigned hierarchy and is categorised on a scale according to its design and purpose.

All efforts are made to deliver works on schedule, however unpredictable factors, such as availability of staff, contractors, funds and unexpected weather events can cause delays.

Council follows procedures and guidelines to efficiently manage and maintain its road expanse and ensure acceptable standards

Council has an Asset Management system in place detailing inspection requirements, scheduling and maintenance criteria and to

More information on road maintenance procedures and guidelines is available on Council’s website at www.gladstone.qld. gov.au

Speed changes at five locations across region Traffic speed zone changes have been introduced at five locations across the region.

The changes follow the recommendation of Council’s Speed Management Committee (SMC) which consists of representatives of the Queensland Police Service, Department of Transport and Main Roads, and Council officers.

The SMC identified a number of roads which were required to have a Speed Limit Review undertaken and findings have resulted in new speed signs installed at:

• 50km/h - Lord Street, Gladstone (from Hanson Road to Auckland Street) and Penda Avenue, Gladstone (from the northern end of Sharyn Drive to the end of Penda Avenue).

• 80km/h - Kirkwood Road, Gladstone (for the road’s entirety with existing 60km/h speed zones at traffic lights changed to 80km/h), Landing Road, Yarwun (entire length of road) and Schilling Lane, Calliope (for the road’s entirety).

Reduction of speed in particular areas was warranted due to increases in traffic and heavy vehicle use.

Gladstone Regional Council - The Council Connection February - March 2013

Page 11

DEVELOPMENT SNAPSHOT Approved Developments The Gladstone Region continues to experience significant increases in development activity, with Council approving 3088 building and plumbing approvals in the 20112012 financial year, an increase of 29 per cent compared to the previous year.

At the end of the December 2012 there were nine major residential estates under construction in the city of Gladstone, these being: • • • • • • • • •

Vantage Little Creek Forest Springs Oasis on Kirkwood Vision Valley (previously Eden Chase) Stockwood Brookview HillClose (Urban Land Development Authority) 2 Lorikeet Avenue

Other residential estates recently completed around the region include: • • • • • • •

Awoonga Country Beecher Estate Calliope Chase Calliope Country Club Calliope Vista Elliots Run Riverstone Rise

View of construction on Brookview Estate from Glen Eden Drive, Gladstone.

Council is progressing the development of a single land-use planning scheme

Our Place, Our Plan One document to provide uniformity across region Work is progressing on Gladstone Regional Council’s new amalgamated planning scheme.

Council’s strategic planning officers are continuing to work through the intensive project which began in 2009 and, ultimately, will govern the region’s future development.

The new planning scheme will replace the existing planning schemes that apply to the former Gladstone City, Calliope Shire and Miriam Vale Shire councils which amalgamated to become Gladstone Regional Council in 2008.

Its intent is to provide greater uniformity, introducing one binding document of consistent land use planning rules and regulations across Council’s jurisdiction.

The new planning scheme will be in accordance with State Government’s Sustainable Planning Act (SPA) 2009 which includes a mandatory standard format for planning schemes, known as the Queensland Planning Provisions (QPP).

Council is working to the QPP template which also allows for local content to be added among the mandatory sections.

Under the SPA, planning schemes need to be revisited every 10 years.

The current and projected growth for this area is another factor driving the need for a new planning scheme that will address the uneven development pressures being experienced across the region. Unsurprisingly, the existing planning schemes did not anticipate the growth pressures now being experienced.

Gladstone Regional Council - The Council Connection February - March 2013

Council is currently in the process of drafting a strategic framework which sets the strategic direction for the whole planning scheme. It is expected that an “80% draft” of the Strategic Framework will be completed by March 2013. This will inform the code and zone works that will follow.

This is a huge task which cannot be rushed. The focus for Council is to complete a full draft of the new planning scheme and ultimately provide the community with an opportunity to make formal comment. In the interim the current planning schemes prevail.

Seven planning scheme strategies (being rural living, retail and commercial, industrial lands, housing needs assessment, landscape assessment and building height, heritage and urban design) have now been finalised and it has been determined that a number of these shall be placed on to Council’s website in the near future. These strategies (and the recommendations included) are background documents only and do not represent an agreed Council position.

Council’s website will be updated on a regular basis to reflect the progress of Council’s new planning scheme and provide draft documents as appropriate.

Residents wanting to receive updates on the progress of the planning scheme via email can do so by emailing info@ gladstonerc.qld.gov.au and submitting your name and address or for further information phone 1300 621 922.

Page 12

HEALTHY LIVING

Children have welcomed the regions new playground equipment

Shiny new playgrounds for Gladstone Region children Equipment designed to be safe and exciting for children New playground equipment was installed recently in Gladstone at Tondoon Botanic Gardens, Kooyong Park, Briffney Park and Clinton Park; Boyne Island’s Lions Park; Calliope’s Bunting Park and also at Turkey Beach Park.

The innovative playgrounds are designed to maximise health, learning and social inclusion benefits for children in a safe and fun environment.

The new playgrounds replace outdated

Gladstone Regional Council is committed to providing high quality playground facilities to its youngest residents, enabling them to play actively within a safe environment.

Council is seeking expressions of interest from community groups hosting events that promote the goals of the Year of the Park which are to increase public use of park areas and help residents make new friendships through participation in recreational activities.

Meanwhile, community groups interested in hosting events within Gladstone Region parks are encouraged to participate in Council’s Year of the Park program.

Funding is available for events. For more information phone Council’s Coordinator Healthy Communities Lee Baker on 4972 6822.

equipment and comply with Australian Standards.

Fitness Stations across region Whether you’re a fitness fanatic or interested in exercising socially, residents of all ages can enjoy the fitness equipment installed in 10 parks throughout the Gladstone Region.

The fitness stations, installed as part of Council’s Healthy Active Gladstone Region initiative, provide a great opportunity for residents to get fit and healthy.

Sample workout suggestions have been developed for each of the fitness stations, outlining a set of exercises that can be performed at each location.

These workouts are location specific and incorporate the use of surrounding infrastructure and parklands.

To download the workout suggestions visit www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/

Gladstone Regional Council - The Council Connection February - March 2013

healthyactive and follow the ‘Active Places’ link.

Where are they located?

Agnes Water / Seventeen Seventy Heritage Walkway Boyne Island Lions Park Malpas Park Calliope Bunting Park Gladstone Emmadale Park Happy Valley Park Lions Park Miriam Vale Tranquility Walk Tannum Sands Garnet Park Wetlands Park

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YOUTH UPDATE

Youth made the most of SUNfest 2013

Youth kept busy during Council's SUNfest holiday program Summer holiday brings fun for youth The Gladstone Region’s favourite summer holiday program was a hit once again with more than 1000 participants enjoying the activities on offer during SUNfest 2013.

A wide variety of activities catered to young people of all interests during the two week youth program with laser skirmish, kayaking, skateboarding, gokarting, pistol and clay target shooting and surfing all popular outdoor events.

Those interested in artistic and creative activities attended theatre, circus, art, design and dance workshops and other activities.

Chess clinics and tournaments for players of all abilities were also conducted at

various locations.

A highlight of the program included a flash mob at Stockland Kin Kora following the Hot Shoes/Flash Mob Dancin’ workshop.

The annual SUNfest Showcase, held on January 23 at the Gladstone Marina Stage, wrapped up the two week youth program with performances from the Glee, circus, theatre and dance workshops along with the creations of the participants.

SUNfest, which is coordinated by Gladstone Festivals and Events on behalf of Gladstone Regional Council, annually offers sports, creative tasks, performing arts and adventure for Youth (12-17 year olds) and Lil’ Kids (10-11 year olds).

Gladstone Regional Council - The Council Connection February - March 2013

2013 Be active.

Be happy.

Be you.

Gladstone Region youth are urged to get involved in National Youth Week from April 5 – 14. A range of activities and events have been planned to celebrate our region’s young people. For further information contact Council’s Youth Development Officer Vernetta Perrett on 4976 6300 and keep an eye out on Council’s website for the program of events.

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ARTS & CULTURE Entertainment Centre Construction Progress The skyline in and around the Gladstone Entertainment Centre Precinct Expansion (GECPE) project has changed dramatically in the past month.

Behind the safety barricading on Goondoon Street and Oaka Lane the site has been a hive of activity with progress on track for the 12 month project.

ADCO Constructions began site works in early September, with the first two months spent demolishing and removing the former box office building and surrounding structures.

8 Ball Aitken is on course for the Blues and Roots Festival

Blues and Roots Festival set to hit Agnes Water in February Star-studded line-up for huge CQ event Music lovers will have the time of their lives at the Agnes Water Blues and Roots Festival with 10 new acts and four bands back by popular demand.

Agnes Water will welcome the biggest Blues and Roots Festival in Central Queensland from February 22 to 24 and with more bands and a longer program than last year, it’ll be bigger and better than ever!

Music lovers will enjoy a huge range of artists, with Joe Camilleri and The Black Sorrows, Phil Emmanuel & the Wonderboys and Mason Rack Band back again this year by popular demand.

Other acts making their way to the festival include Nigel McTrustry, The Zephyr Project, L’il Fi and the Stokers Boys, The Thunderbirds, Pandamic, Shoeless Joe,

Blind Willie Wagtail, Mad Hat McGrinny, Band of Blue, The Hipshooters, Kate Leahy solo, Devil’s Kiosk and 8 Ball Aitken.

To cater for the huge range of artists, this year there will be a second stage for soloists, duos and trios to perform during major changeovers on the main stage, also providing a great opportunity for up and coming young artists to showcase their talents.

The focus since then has been strengthening the foundations of the car park to allow for the construction of three new levels of car parking and the top two levels of office space. The vertical expansion of the car park is now visible with the work approximately 30% complete.

Construction on the Entertainment Centre extension is also well underway with the perimeter walls of the new function area installed in mid-January.

For more information about the GECPE project: Free call: 1800 668 118 Email: info@gecpe.com.au Website: www.gecpe.com.au

To contribute to the real event atmosphere, there will be an expanded Harley and Hot Rod Show.

There will also be markets and new food stalls to give festival patrons a wider choice over the three days.

For more information or tickets visit www. agnesbluesandroots.com or phone 4972 2822.

Gladstone Regional Council - The Council Connection February - March 2013

Page 15

Learn to Swim Lessons Book now for

Corner of Goondoon Street and Bramston Streets, Gladstone

Free Admission Opening Times Monday-Saturday 10am - 5pm Public Holidays as advertised

Phone: (07) 4976 6766 Fax: (07) 4972 9097

E-mail: gragm@gladstonerc.qld.gov.au

Learn to swim all year round

Fantastic venue for weddings, parties, events and celebrations To make a booking phone 4977 6884 or visit Gladstone Regional Councils website www.gladstone.qld.gov.au

Babies, School-aged and Advanced classes Outdoor 50m Pool & Heated Indoor 25m Pool

Tondoon Botanic Gardens Glenlyon Road, Gladstone

Opening Hours October 1 - March 31 9am - 6pm

Phone 4972 6822

for more information or visit www.gladstone.qld.gov.au

April 1 - September 30 8.30am - 5.30pm Closed Good Friday Free Entry Find us on