Council Connection June-July 2014

COUNCIL

CONNECTION GLADSTONE REGIONAL COUNCIL NEWSLETTER JUNE - JULY 2014 ISSUE 60

INSIDE

4

Requirements for fire ant risk areas

6 Countdown to Ecofest 2014

10 Plastic bags and recycling

13 Counselling and family support

MAYOR'S MESSAGE Benefits of CouncillorConnect visits being seen throughout region Council's CouncillorConnect initiative is generating positive effects throughout the region.

Cover

Milayna Mann with a baby wombat which will feature at Ecofest 2014.

Page 3

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

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 Revive Pure Silk 100% Recycled paper, it is certified carbon neutral and FSC 100% Recycled certified. It is manufactured process chlorine free (PCF) by an ISO 14001 certified mill.

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

The initiative, in which Councillors visit rural centres throughout the Gladstone Region monthly, has proved a valuable avenue for community members to raise issues with their elected local representatives.

Recent Council actions resulting directly from customer service requests (CSRs) registered at the visits include the slashing of roadside growth near bus stops to enhance child safety, the tidying of pathways at the Reg Tanna Park duck ponds in Gladstone, and the fast tracking of particular road works throughout the region.

Receiving and actioning CSRs is a vital component of Council's operations and Council does its best to address all issues raised in a timely manner.

Residents who have lodged a CSR can

monitor its progress at any time by phoning 4970 0700.

In addition to the CouncillorConnect visits, Council also conducts Councillor Booths in Calliope and Boyne Island/Tannum Sands with members of the public encouraged to discuss items of interest with Councillors in attendance.

As with the CouncillorConnect visits, Councillor Booths can also generate CSRs for Council to investigate and, where possible, act upon.

June CouncillorConnect visits will be conducted at Nagoorin Hall, Seventeen Seventy SES Building and Ambrose QCWA Hall with a Councillor Booth at Tannum Central Shopping Centre.

July CouncillorConnect visits will be hosted at Mount Larcom QCWA Hall, Benaraby Progress Hall and Baffle Creek Sport and Recreation Shed with the Councillor Booth at Boyne Plaza Shopping Centre.

Residents wishing to be notified of upcoming CouncillorConnect visits to their community can send a request to councillorconnect@gladstonerc.qld.gov.au

Crack down targets illegal use of Council-controlled land Council has launched a community awareness campaign to put a stop to trail bikes and four-wheel-drive vehicles illegally using Council-controlled land.

The practice is causing environmental nuisance and damage across the region, prompting Council to encourage enthusiasts to "ride in the right place".

Council is progressively developing maps of known hotspots for off-road vehicle and motorbike enthusiasts to help clarify which areas of land are Council-controlled and off-limit.

Fact sheets are also available from Council's website plus local motorcycle and four-wheel-drive dealerships, accessory suppliers and riding and driving groups.

Council's Local Laws make it illegal to ride trail bikes and four-wheel-drives on all Council-controlled land, including parks, bushland, sports fields, easements and other public open spaces unless an

approval is granted by Council.

Currently there is no legal facility for trail bike use in the region, unless you are a member of existing motocross or trail bike club. Council is in the process of negotiating with Central Queensland Motorsports Benaraby Inc. to lease available land at Benaraby for use by the general trail biking public.

For the off-road enthusiast, there are also motorsport clubs, such as the Gladstone & District 4WD Club, which operate on private or authorised areas of land.

Details of registered clubs can be found within Council's Community Services directory and can be accessed online via the home page of Council's website www.gladstone.qld.gov.au Residents can phone Council's Parks & Environment Division on 4977 6899 to seek clarification of the ownership of certain parcels of land in the region.

Page 2

Gladstone Region emergency response capabilities boosted Local emergency committees to help in times of disaster The Gladstone Region's emergency response capacity has been improved with the creation and expansion of Local Emergency Coordination Committees (LECC).

The Baffle Creek Catchment, Agnes Water and Seventeen Seventy and Boyne Valley LECCs consist primarily of community volunteers, supported by emergency services personnel and representatives of State Government agencies and Council.

The groups' primary objective is to establish measures and systems to assist with the timely collection and distribution of information to and from

their communities before, during and after disasters.

Seventy LECC is compiling a register detailing residents' special needs so that medicine and other vital assistance can be delivered during disaster situations.

The Baffle Creek Catchment LECC recently completed UHF radio capability testing to measure its effectiveness in the event the phone network and electricity services be lost during a disaster, preventing the use of phones, email and other forms of communication.

Council will work with the newly named Boyne Valley LECC to develop relevant emergency response strategies following the appointment of its members at a meeting conducted in Nagoorin in May.

An All Disaster Management Plan, a localised sub-plan to the overriding Gladstone District Disaster Management Plan, is also being finalised and the committee has prioritised the establishment of vital infrastructure.

For more information phone Chad Ryan (Baffle Creek Catchment LECC) on 0428 794 743, Ron Barker (Agnes Water Seventeen Seventy LECC) on 4974 7125 or Gladstone Regional Council (Boyne Valley LECC) 4970 0700 or email info@gladstonerc.qld.gov.au

The Agnes Water and Seventeen

CouncillorConnect Schedule Residents in the region's smaller communities will have the chance to meet with Councillors over morning tea and book individual meetings during the upcoming rounds of CouncillorConnect visits.

have pre-booked.

CouncillorConnect visits have been running for more than two years and enable regional residents to connect with Councillors in their townships and discuss issues relevant to their lives or their communities.

Councillor Information Booths

The visits are conducted on the last Thursday of each month and involve Councillors visiting individually or in pairs for morning tea from 9.30am to 10.15am, followed by individual meetings of 20 minutes duration from 10.15am to noon with residents who

All residents are welcome to attend the morning teas and appointment bookings can be made by phoning Council's Communication and Marketing Unit on 4970 0700.

Councillors will also host a Councillor Information Booth at Tannum Central Shopping Centre on June 26 and Boyne Plaza on July 31, from 9.30am to noon on each of the days. The booths allow residents to chat with their elected representatives and collect Council information while out shopping. The Stockland Gladstone (Kin Kora) Councillor Information Booth operates the third Saturday of each month as well.

Gladstone Regional Council - The Council Connection June - July 2014

Thursday, June 26 Morning tea - 9.30am - 10.15am. Pre-booked 20 min appointments with Councillors 10.15am - noon.

Seventeen Seventy

SES Building

Nagoorin

Nagoorin Progress Hall

Ambrose

Ambrose QCWA Hall

Thursday, July 31 Morning tea - 9.30am - 10.15am. Pre-booked 20 min appointments with Councillors 10.15am - noon.

Mount Larcom

Mount Larcom QCWA Hall

Benaraby

Benaraby Progress Hall

Baffle Creek

Baffle Creek Sport & Rec Shed

Councillor Information Booths

• Saturday, June 21, 9am-noon: Stockland Gladstone • Thursday, June 26, 9.30am-noon: Tannum Central Shopping Centre • Saturday, July 19, 9am-noon: Stockland Gladstone • Thursday, July 31, 9.30am-noon: Boyne Plaza

Page 3

Special waste disposal requirements for fire ant high risk areas Restrictions apply to Yarwun, Targinnie and Curtis Island Download an Application for Special Disposal of Waste on Council's website at www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/transferstations-and-landfills

Biosecurity Queensland has named Yarwun, Targinnie and Curtis Island among its fire ant high risk restricted areas.

Fire ants are dangerous, imported pests, capable of spreading to large areas causing severe damage to the environment, outdoor lifestyles, agriculture and tourism.

More information on the Gladstone Fire Ant Restricted Area is available on Biosecurity Queensland's website at www.daff.qld.gov.au/fireants

The Gladstone Fire Ant Restricted Area has been implemented to control the spread of fire ants following detections at Fisherman's Landing in November 2013 and in January this year on Curtis Island.

Restricted items, including soil, mulch, hay, pot plants and materials that are a product or by-product of quarrying or mining will only be accepted in the region at Benaraby Landfill with the appropriate approvals.

Businesses that move restricted items are required to have an Approved Risk Management Plan or an inspector's approval.

Fire ant restricted areas are now in the Gladstone Region - Photo coutesy DAFF

New RFID technology makes things easier for library patrons Electronic scanning system introduced Library visits can now be easier and faster with new technology implemented across the region.

Frequency Identification (RFID), utilises electronic tags attached to library resources and a scanning system.

The new technology known as Radio

As part of the RFID roll-out, Gladstone

City Library patrons can now check out their selected items at two self-loan stations positioned at the front of the library.

Self-loan stations will only be available at Gladstone City Library but staff at all regional libraries will now be able to conduct bulk book scans via an RDIF scanning pad and RDIF security gates will offer a higher level of security.

This will reduce the time staff spend issuing and returning books and allow greater customer contact and services to the public.

Staff have been in training over the past three months, tagging books and other items for conversion using a mobile unit.

The conversion requires staff to tag 129,000 items in the regional library system.

Gladstone City Library staff member Maigan Rafton uses the new self-loan system Gladstone Regional Council - The Council Connection June - July 2014

Page 4

BRIEFLY  New-look website Council's new-look Community Service Directory website will be launched on July 1, offering residents access to contact information for regional non-for-profit groups and organisations. Some of the key features of the new-look website will include better search functions and links to Facebook and websites, allowing easy navigation. To check it out, visit www. gladstonecommunitydirectory.com.au

 Pension Rebate registration Council is reminding all newly eligible pensioners they must be registered to receive a rates remission this year.

Pension remission application forms can be submitted throughout the financial year, with rates being adjusted

by Council accordingly. To download a form and view the eligibility criteria visit Council's website www.gladstone. qld.gov.au/rates or phone 4976 6999.

Pensioners already registered need not re-apply.

 Subscribe to eConnect In addition to a hard copy newsletter, Council also produces a fortnightly email newsletter called eConnect. Residents are invited to register to receive it via their email address. Recipients' emails will be kept in a database and residents can unsubscribe at any time. To subscribe visit www.gladstone.qld.gov. au/econnect

 Road Issues Did you know that you can call the Department of Main Roads regarding any matters associated with highways and main roads? To contact, please call 13 23 80. Residents who want to report an electricity fault should phone Ergon Energy on 13 22 96 or 13 10 46 for any general enquiries.

 Stage Two bridge works start Preparations for Stage two Euleilah Creek Bridge works at Baffle Creek have started with the contractor carrying out minor cleaning and patching works. All work at this stage is on the underside of the bridge with no disturbance to traffic.

The main works are expected to start in the new financial year to repair the bridge concrete substructure, providing protection from the elements. Work dates and details when confirmed will be available on Council's website at www. gladstone.qld.gov.au/bridge-works

 Wheelie bin placement Household recycling and waste wheelie bins should be placed one metre apart, or preferably on separate sides of the driveway for collection. Do not place bins under low trees, near structures or posts. If using waste bin liners, remember to tie them to prevent rubbish spilling.

Councillor Update Cr Karen Porter

Cr Leo Neill-Ballantine

Phone: 0417 723 042 Email: KarenPorter@gladstonerc.qld.gov.au

Phone: 0417 731 907 Email: LeoNB@gladstonerc.qld.gov.au

Portfolio: Economic Development Strategy

Portfolio: Rural Services

Council is focusing both strategically and operationally to improve the economic performance of the region.

On a strategic level, Council has established the Innovation, Sustainability and Opportunity Advisory Committee that will work with business and industry, identifying priority projects and strategies enabling our regional economy to continue to grow with confidence.

The terms of reference for the committee have been adopted by Council and the committee has started meetings.

Gladstone business and industry are continually adapting to changing and sometimes challenging global market demands. The committee will make recommendations to Council on priority projects and strategies, both internally and externally.

We have been fortunate to attract two very successful, high profile business representatives on to the committee. Both Will Schroeder and Peter Turich bring with them a wealth of local business/industry knowledge. At an operational level, Council is tracking local spending by identifying and analysing local and non-local tenders and quotes.

Council prefers to use local tenders and arrangements whenever possible when the local tenderer provides better whole of community 'value for money' than the non-local tenderer.

See Fast Facts page 6 for a run-down of contract statistics.

The recent rain will result in weed outbreaks across the region.

Council subsidised Taskforce Chemical for the control of Giant Rat Tail Grass on rural properties. Land owners must prepare a Land Management Plan and have this assessed prior to being eligible for the subsidy. Rural Lands Officers are available to assist with preparation of the Land Management Plan and can provide a template. Equipment for the distribution of Taskforce is available for hire from Council's Calliope and Miriam Vale depots. Bookings are taken through the Parks & Environment Department on 4977 6899 but please note that a hire fee is applicable. Weeds and seeds are a major concern and the spread of seeds is controlled through the certification of equipment for movement through and within the region. Rural Lands Officers conduct inspections for machinery and equipment, including trucks, to ensure they are clean and clear of dirt or other seed holding obstructions. Wash down facilities are located at Calliope, and inspections can be booked through the Parks & Environment Department. Council also provides 1080 poison in a baiting program conducted in association with landholders for the control of pest animals. The laying of baits is undertaken by landholders, with Council supplying the poison for landholder use. Bait laying is regulated by Queensland Health and is the responsibility of landholders. Factsheets are available on Council's website for the above topics and others.

All Councillors contact details are available from Council's website www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/contact-a-councillor

Gladstone Regional Council - The Council Connection June - July 2014

Page 5

FAST FACTS Council tender and preferred supplier arrangements: • More than 60 per cent of Gladstone Regional Council tenders and preferred supplier arrangements (PSA) contracts have gone to local organisations during the current financial year.

CQUniversity Phd Student Krista Verlis explains seagrass growth to Jackson Debois

Celebrations to promote Gladstone Region's eco-friendly environment Gladstone Tondoon Botanic Gardens plays host to Ecofest 2014 The Gladstone Region's environmental focus will be thrust into the spotlight with the hosting of Ecofest 2014 on Sunday, June 1.

Regarded as Central Queensland's largest environmental awareness event, Ecofest is expected to draw thousands of visitors to the Gladstone Tondoon Botanic Gardens from 9am to 3pm.

Ecofest is held annually in celebration of World Environment Day. A huge program has been planned from wildlife and reptile shows to industry displays, environmentally-friendly market stalls, live entertainment, fashion parade, free children's activities, rides, face painting and food and drink stalls.

The Elders Greenhouse Tent will feature appearances by guest speakers Jerry ColebyWilliams, presenter of Gardening Australia; climate change and resource futures expert Rod Quantock; and domestic guru Shannon Lush.

There will also be plenty of action in the nearby Hothouse Tent with informal guest speakers plus screening of the Healthy Harbour movie presentation, created by local company Elevate Media.

The presentation works in well with this year's Ecofest theme of "Keeping our Waterways Healthy".

Visitors can make some melodic sound in the Hubbub Sound Playground or try their hand at free weaving classes.

Buses will run half hourly throughout the day from the Kmart car park to Ecofest for a gold coin donation. Parking opposite the Gardens will be available at Meteors Sports Club for the cost of $2.

The Ecofest program is available from Council's website at www.gladstone.qld. gov.au/ecofest. Program details may change prior to the event.

• Of the 62 contracts awarded to date for the 2013-14 financial year, a total of 38, or 61 per cent of contracts, were awarded to local organisations.

• Of the 23 contracts which were awarded to non-local organisations (one tender was awarded to various local and non-local suppliers), 14 of them did not feature a quote or tender from a local entity.

• Of the remaining nine contracts won from outside the Gladstone Region, seven featured local quotes or tenders which were significantly more expensive.

• Of the other two, one did not meet specifications and one did not convince Council the proponent had the technical ability to undertake the task.

• If you disregard the 14 quotes and tenders which did not attract a local submission, Council has gone with local organisations on 38 of 48 occasions, or 79 per cent of the time, which is good for local businesses.

Are you eConnected?

It's easy to get information overload when it comes to local news, events and activities but keeping upto-date with Council has never been easier.

Join hundreds of residents and get the latest news from Council direct to your inbox once a fortnight.

Sign up is simple: Jump online to www.gladstone. qld.gov.au/econnect, enter your name and email address and subscribe.

Subscribers may have noticed a change recently to the look and content of eConnect as the layout was refreshed to include more of what you love to read.

The new layout also includes more imagery, links to current stories and handy webpages.

Council is always looking at improving the way we deliver information and keep residents informed so please send through any feedback to the Communications & Marketing Section at communications@gladstonerc. qld.gov.au

Gladstone Regional Council - The Council Connection June - July 2014

Page 6

LOCAL LAWS

Council always ready to act on aggressive dogs Owners of dangerous dogs face fines for non-compliance Council is required to act upon all complaints received regarding aggressive dogs.

Reports regarding dogs which attack or threaten to attack members of the public or other dogs are treated as very serious matters by Council.

dogs are set by the State Government and can include: • Wearing a regulated dog identification tag on its collar; • Installing a regulated dog warning sign at the animal's relevant place;

Dogs which are proven to attack or cause fear will be declared either a Dangerous Dog or Menacing Dog under the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008, with owners then having to comply with legislated conditions for keeping a declared regulated dog and incurring additional registration fees.

• Muzzling when in a public place;

Conditions relevant to declared regulated

If an owner fails to keep their declared

• Keeping the dog in an enclosure that is child-proof, a minimum of 10m2, a height between 1m to 1.8m (dependent on size of dog), made of firm and strong materials and featuring a self-closing and self-latching gate.

dangerous or menacing dog in accordance with the conditions required, Council has an obligation to enforce compliance to ensure the safety and protection of the community.

On the spot fines of $770 can be issued for owners who do not keep their animals in accordance with the conditions.

Depending upon the severity of the attack, dogs may also be seized, impounded or destroyed, in addition to their owners being fined or prosecuted.

For more information on dog attacks and related regulations, visit Council's website at www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/cats-anddogs

Microchipping makes reuniting lost pets with their owners easier Microchipping cats and dogs makes it easier for Council to reunite pets with their owners.

Cats and dogs must be fitted with a microchip if they are under 12 weeks of age, are being sold or given away, or if a dog has been declared a regulated dog.

Microchips feature a unique barcode which is linked to the pet owner's contact details and recorded on a registry database for the life of the pet, but residents are urged to contact the Pet Identification Database when contact

details change.

You can check your pet's current registered address via the following link http://petaddress.com.au Visit Council's website at www.gladstone. qld.gov.au/microchipping for more details on how to contact microchip registers.

Residents are strongly urged to ensure their pet is wearing its Council supplied registration tag to ensure they can be quickly reunited if lost, without their pet having to be taken first to the Council pound.

Gladstone Regional Council - The Council Connection June - July 2014

Page 7

june

EVENTS CALENDAR JUNE 1

Ecofest

9am - 3pm Gladstone Tondoon Botanic Gardens Residents are encouraged to come along to Central Queensland's largest environmental awareness event. An Ecofun Zone, displays and presentations, the Elders Greenhouse Tent, live music and various children's activities are all on offer! For more information visit www. gladstone.qld.gov.au/ecofest

3 & 17

General Council Meeting 9am 101 Goondoon Street Gladstone Community members are welcome to attend Council’s General Meetings. A list of agenda items is available from 5pm the Friday prior to the meeting.

5 & 19

Welcome to Gladstone Morning Tea 10am - Noon, Various Locations A welcome to Gladstone Morning Tea is held twice a month, allowing newcomers to find out more about the Gladstone

july

JULY

Region. A morning tea will be held at the Gladstone City Library on June 5 and at the Boyne Island Community Centre on June 19. For more information call 4976 6300.

20 & 21

Disaster Resilience Leadership Project 9am - 4pm daily Rosedale Community Hall A free and fully catered non-accredited course is being offered to anyone who plays a role in disaster preparedness and recovery over two days this month.

The course will cover everything from assessing community resilience to stages of a disaster. For more information or to register a place contact Deb Sanderson on 4902 1100.

20

Arts NAIDOC 2014 10am - 5pm, Monday to Saturday Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum In conjunction with National NAIDOC Week and artwork by local Murri artists, a selection of paintings and prints will be on display at the gallery. This exhibition will be

officially launched on July 7 and be available to the public until August 16. For more information see page 15 or visit http:// gallerymuseum.gladstonerc.qld.gov.au/

21

Councillor Community Awareness Session 9am - Noon Stockland Gladstone Residents are encouraged to come along and have an informal chat with Councillors regarding any issues, topics or concerns.

No bookings are required.

27

Carnivale: The picture book art of Peter Carnavas, Sarah Davis and Narelle Oliver 10am - 5pm, Monday to Saturday Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum This exhibition will showcase an array of original illustrations presented in conjunction with Curtis Coast Literacy Carnivale. It will be officially launched on July 28 and be available to the public until August 2. For more information visit http:// gallerymuseum.gladstonerc.qld.gov.au/

1 & 15

3

19

9am 101 Goondoon Street Gladstone Community members are welcome to attend Council’s General Meetings. A list of agenda items is available from 5pm the Friday prior to the meeting.

10am - Noon, Various Locations A welcome to Gladstone Morning Tea is held twice a month, allowing newcomers to find out more about the Gladstone Region. A morning tea will be held at the Gladstone City Library on July 3. Phone 4976 6300.

9am - Noon Stockland Gladstone Residents are encouraged to come along and have an informal chat with Councillors regarding any issues, topics or concerns.

No bookings are required.

General Council Meeting

Welcome to Gladstone Morning Tea

2014 Gladstone Region Multicultural Week

and Festival Day

Council, in partnership with local organisations, industry and businesses, will deliver the 2014 Gladstone Region Multicultural Week and Festival Day from July 25 to August 3. A 10 day program of free activities has been organised, aimed to celebrate the region's vibrant diverse heritage while increasing cultural awareness. For more information visit Council's website www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/multicultural-week

Councillor Community Awareness Session

The sixth biennial literary festival will feature another exciting line-up of events and guest authors and illustrators.

Coming to Gladstone this year are Tristan Bancks, Peter Carnavas, Sarah Davis, Anna Fienberg, Narelle Oliver and James Roy.

July 27 - 30

Peppa Pig Live!

Treasure Hunt 3.30pm Thursday, June 5, 1pm &

London’s West End After a smash hit season on und Australia, aro s atre the city and at capital barking on an em is w this delightful puppet sho 4. Join Peppa 201 in ia tral Aus of r extensive tou y set off on a the as e Pig and her brother Georg treasure hunt!

Peace Train

Events include writing and illustrating workshops, literary dinner, panel discussion, school sessions and workshops, and an art exhibition.

For further information visit http://carnivale.gladstonerc.qld.gov.au/bookings.html

regular features

REGULAR FEATURES Story Time

booking.

Various days and 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.gladstonelibraries.qld.gov.au

Parent Baby Classes

Baby Bounce

9am - 10.30am on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Gladstone Aquatic Centre Introduce both child and parent to the aquatic environment and learn the basics of water safety at Gladstone Aquatic Centre. Phone 4972 6822 for more information or to make a booking.

Various days and time 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.

Contact details can be found by visiting www.gladstonelibraries.qld.gov.au

Happy Hour

Learn to Swim

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

Library Square Goondoon St 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.

Various days and times Now available on Saturdays Gladstone Aquatic Centre Gladstone Aquatic Centre is offering a Learn to Swim program with the addition of an extra level and Saturday morning lessons. Phone 4972 6822 to make a

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

School Holiday fun

Old Macdonald's Farm FREE farm friendly fun at Gladstone Regional Libraries in July • Tuesday, July 1 - Gladstone City Library from 9.30am-12.30pm and Mt Larcom Library from 2.30pm-3.30pm.

• Wednesday, July 2 - Agnes Water Library from 9.30am-11.30am and Calliope Library from 2.30pm-4pm.

• Thursday, July 3 - Boyne Island Library from 9.30am-12.30pm and Miriam Vale Library from 2.30pm-3.30pm.

The Cat Stevens Story Friday, June 20, 8pm

Intimate and Acoustic The Cat Stevens Story – a night of music and is n, starring Darren Cogga a chord deep inside the ke stri l wil ich wh story-telling something more. for gs heart of anyone who lon

Morning Melodies

Memories of Bandstand starring Little Pattie (morning Tuesday, June 24, 11am m) 10a at rts sta tea spans several decades Little Pattie’s stellar career performed much during which time she has res. From surf music loved songs from many gen the swing era to m fro rs, to the Bandstand yea will take you on a contemporary music, Pattie and wonderful stories. sic musical journey. Great mu

Cirque Mother Africa Sunday, July 6, 8pm

amazing costumes and Masks, drums, beads, and authentic African of l fee the sets all bring forth Africa is not just a traditions. Cirque Mother also has a take on the It w. sho traditional African ic culture of the new modern, fresh and dynam tastic show that evokes fan and h Africa. This is a fres se. pon passion and demands a res

Graeme Connors North, 25 Years On Sunday, July 13, 7.30pm

ller, Graeme Connors, Australia's greatest storyte ary band in a special live on stage with his legend ting 25 years since the bra cele nce ma two act perfor North. Graeme will um release of his landmark alb irety followed by a mix perform North live in its ent m his 17 albums. fro of hits and your favourites

www.gladecc.com.au Ph: 4972 2822

Gladst

www.facebook.com/ ventionCentre oneEntertainmentCon

SUSTAINABLE LIVING Plastic bags and recycling don't mix Well-intentioned recycling efforts can be undone by the inadvertent use of plastic bags.

Recyclable items must be placed loose in recycling bins as they cannot be separated from plastic bags during the recycling process.

Instead, plastic bags can be recycled at some supermarkets in marked bins, used as bin liners at home, or reused as carry bags.

They should be placed into the general waste bin after reuse.

Do not place the following into your recycling bin:

Know your recyclable items How you can help the environment by recycling?

A large amount of recyclable waste items continue to find their way to Council's Benaraby Landfill facility when they could be put to better use.

Using recycled materials to create new products, rather than depending on raw materials, makes for a healthier environment through the conservation of natural resources and energy.

Gladstone Region residents who utilise Council's fortnightly recycling bin (yellow lid) service can help care for the environment by sorting, cleaning and crushing their recyclable items which are then sent to the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) in Parkhurst, Rockhampton.

This facility sorts more than 60 tonnes of material per day, gathered from Gladstone, Rockhampton, Banana, Central Highlands and Isaac regional council areas.

What to recycle: • • • • •

Aluminium cans (soft drink cans) Steel cans (soup and vegetable cans) Newspaper Magazines and slick inserts Corrugated cardboard (identified by

• • • • •

a squiggly layer of paper sandwiched between sheets); Paper and paperboard (egg cartons, cereal boxes, office paper); Empty and clean pizza boxes; Plastics (milk, juice or soft drink containers - check for a recycling symbol) Glass (beer, wine, pickle glass. No light bulbs); Aluminium foils (food trays and disposable pie dishes).

How recycled items are used: • Plastics get sold on and manufactured into items such as kayaks and lunch trays; • Steel cans become new steel cans, toys and appliances; • Aluminium cans are processed into other aluminium cans, lawn chairs, window frames and car parts; • Recovered paper products are baled and transported to Amcor's manufacturing facility in Brisbane where they are used to manufacture cardboard products; • Glass is clean and crushed and used as sand replacement in several applications.

Gladstone Regional Council - The Council Connection June - July 2014

• Batteries (deliver to community drop off areas) • Food scraps (place in the garden or compost) • Chemicals (refer to ChemClear website) • Syringes (deliver to community drop off areas) • Mobile phones (leave at most landfill recycling areas) • Electronics (leave at tech collect station at landfill recycling area) • Nappies (household garbage) • Polystyrene foam (household garbage) • Garden waste (leave at landfill green waste area) If plastic bags or other contaminants are evident within your recycling bin, the contaminated bin may not be collected.

Page 10

INFRASTRUCTURE WORKS Load limits applied to 3 rural bridges New tonnage limits now apply to three rural bridges while Council investigates remedial options for the deteriorating timber stuctures.

On recommendation of a specialist consultant and in the interest of public safety, temporary load limits will apply at Fire Creek Bridge (14.5 tonnes) and Scrubby Creek Bridge at Raglan (12.5 tonnes) and Worthington Creek Bridge, Rodds Bay (6.3 tonnes).

Restrictions will be in place until appropriate action is determined to either repair the bridges, or replace them with a new structure, capable of carrying heavier loads.

Council moves to online submission of asset names

New load limit signs have been installed at the locations with alternative routes for heavy vehicles in each area located on Council's website at www.gladstone.qld.gov. au/bridge-works

Requesting names for addition to Council's Approved Place Names Register or for the naming of Council controlled roads and other assets is now preferred via electronic form submission rather than by letter.

Register keeps track of existing and potential names

Residents and developers wishing to submit names should lodge forms with clear scanned images of supporting documents such as newspaper articles, minutes of meetings and newsletters at www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/naming-roadsand-assets Developments that create three or less new roads are allocated existing names from the register while submission of a theme-based naming system is eligible for developments containing more than three new roads.

In Gladstone City, Calliope and BoyneTannum, names are required more for establishing suburban developments; hence there is less of a need for general name submissions.

such as roads, bridges, buildings, parks and open space areas.

The register includes names already used, reserved for use and those approved by Council but unallocated.

Residents, particularly those living in southern areas of the region, are urged to request or suggest names in line with Council's naming policy, for any unnamed roads with houses or residences on them.

Proposed names must meet requirements of Council's Policy P-3.06.01 Naming of Streets, Roads, Parks, Bridges and Other Places, which can be viewed on Council's website at www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/ naming-roads-and-assets Questions about street or place name requests, or to discuss details before making a submission, should be directed in the first instance to assetsmailbox@ gladstonerc.qld.gov.au

However, in southern parts of the region, Council currently has an oversupply of names awaiting use, in comparison to the area's rate of development.

An Approved Place Names Register can be viewed on Council's website for assets

Gladstone Regional Council - The Council Connection June - July 2014

Page 11

DEVELOPMENT SNAPSHOT

As one of Queensland's fastest growing local government areas, development is a hot topic throughout the Gladstone Region. This edition, we bring you a summary of Council's Chief Planner Andrew Kearns' presentation at a Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) function recently.

Development put into perspective Keeping up with demand

Council's role is not to regulate the market in terms of selling prices or supply and Once an application reaches the decision demand. It does, however, have a role in phase, Council's Planning Division take less facilitating development which will benefit than 25 days, on average, to process it. the region, highlighted by the numerous This is well below the developments approved State average of 35 that are ready and days. waiting for the right These figures indicate market conditions.

Building and plumbing The facts Council's application applications can take Throughout the mid to late 2000s, there processing times during Changing trends 10-11 days on average were, on average, approximately 500 new periods of high volume per application.

Over the past two to lots developed per year. This figure rose three years, large-scale are meeting market to 900 lots in 2012 and reached 1538 These figures indicate residential, high-rise in 2013. With a projected population of demands.

Council's application unit and townhouse 112,000 by 2031, the region requires processing times developments and approximately 900 new dwellings per year during periods of high master-planned to meet that projection. volume are meeting market demands. residential subdivisions have increased, however, the trend has now turned to The average lot sizes have fallen during this duplexes, smaller-scale subdivisions and same period, going from 803m2 in 2005 It doesn't happen overnight commercial ventures. to 704m2 in 2012 and 640m2 in 2013.

From concept to construction is a lengthy process. Planning applications, approvals, While the need for new housing and largeLand prices have risen significantly since and subsequent approvals for operational scale development has decreased, Council 2005 and despite recent decreases, works, building and plumbing take time will continue to focus on approving good valuations remain well above the 2008 and effort from both the developer development for the region. and 2010 figures, as do house and land and Council. Recently completed packages. developments in the region commenced However, Council is also prepared to the process two to three years ago. see a potential increase in developers The recent rise in new housing stock has appealing decisions in the Planning and resulted in units and townhouses rising Once a development is granted approval Environment Court in the short to from approximately from Council, a medium term.

20 per cent of the developer has four market in 2006 to 30 With a projected years to start the Council's Regional Strategy Division is also per cent in 2013. This population of 112,000 by development, and can in the final stages of preparing the region's is an increase of 50 per request an extension if 2031, the region requires new draft planning scheme, addressing the cent over seven years, warranted. inconsistent development requirements approximately 900 new but houses continue to experienced since amalgamation and make up the majority dwellings per year to meet Developers who ultimately governing the region's future of new housing. have received Council that projection. development. It is expected that a draft approval are more planning scheme document will be House prices have readily able to respond available for public comment in the latter dropped in the past to the supply and demand of the market part of this year. year; however sales figures have not and start construction within the four year dropped below those recorded in the approval period. * Statistics based on OESR Septt 2013 figures. previous peak times of 2008 and 2010.

Gladstone Regional Council - The Council Connection June - July 2014

Page 12

COMMUNITY LIVING Free program takes stress out of tax time Free and confidential tax assistance is available for low income earners in the Gladstone Region through Council's 2014 Tax Help program.

Council will operate Tax Help at the Community Advisory Service (CAS) in Gladstone and at the Discovery Coast Community Health Service (DCCHS), Agnes Water.

The centres will operate from July 1 to October 31, manned by volunteers who are fully trained, accredited and supported by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).

People earning about $50,000 or less a year with simple tax affairs are eligible for the Tax Help program.

Volunteers can determine if lodging a tax return is necessary, and if so, can help applicants prepare their tax return and lodge electronically.

Assistance is also provided with claims for refunds of franking credits.

To enquire about your eligibility for the service or to book an appointment phone CAS on 4976 6300 or DCCHS on 4902 1100.

Helping hand offered to assist when life gets tough Free confidential counselling and family support to southern residents Sometimes life can be hard without a helping hand.

When you feel like life is an uphill struggle and overwhelming, help is only a phone call away.

Taking control and strengthening the positives in your life can help you cope with the challenges of day-to-day-life.

The Discovery Coast Community Health Service (DCCHS) offers free counselling and family support services which are available to all members of the community.

The counselling service is a confidential service which provides assistance with depression, drug and alcohol dependence, grief and loss, anxiety, anger management,

Gladstone Regional Council - The Council Connection June - July 2014

and relationship or parenting issues.

In addition, the family support services offer practical and emotional support to families and individuals experiencing difficulties, including parenting support and behaviour modification.

The family support services and therapeutic/counselling services are available to residents of the Discovery Coast area, from Turkey Beach through to Rosedale, with clinics facilitated in Miriam Vale, Agnes Water and Baffle Creek on a regular basis. Confidential home visits can be arranged by appointment.

To book either of these services phone the DCCHS on 4902 1100.

Page 13

YOUTH UPDATE Young leaders welcomed to new Gladstone Region Youth Council A new generation of leaders have taken helm following the endorsement of the 2014 Gladstone Region Youth Council.

Council endorsed the appointment of nine local youths selected to form the new youth council in May. The youth leaders are Katie Jayne Morgan; Louise Van Wyk; Bonnie Lawler; Zac Smith; Christopher Ibell; Erin Deardon; Sarah Janson; Lachlan Muller; and Benjamin Govan.

Dietician Marina Chang helps with dinner preparations at the Agnes Water Drop-In, held each Friday fortnight.

Their selection follows a short-listing and interview process undertaken by Council's Youth Development Team in April.

Drop-in locations open for youth access

A diverse range of youth leaders were selected, with members ranging in age from 16 to 22 years.

Council's Youth Development team is continuing the push to provide entertainment opportunities for youth in the Discovery Coast area.

They hail from all walks of life and parts of the Gladstone Region and include high school and university students, those in the workforce and community volunteers.

The youth council will provide a voice for the younger generation and will represent local youth by raising important matters with Council.

Plans have already been put in place to host roaming youth councils, visiting outer regions of Gladstone such as the Discovery Coast and Boyne Valley.

Friday night fun expands on the Discovery Coast

Attendance numbers at the Agnes Water Drop-In and Miriam Vale Youth Shed, which operate on alternate Friday nights, has been strong since both events were introduced.

Young people aged between 12 and 24 years are offered a safe and supervised location to hang out, socialise with other youth, and enjoy low cost entertainment.

From 6pm to 9pm, youth participate in a range of activities including art and craft, sporting events and challenges.

The aim is to keep youth off the street and out of trouble by offering them a meeting place of their own.

The Agnes Water Drop-In is located in the old community hall, Springs Road, and has been running since February 2012.

About 35 youth attend the Drop-In each fortnight.

The Friday Youth Shed started in February and attracts about a dozen youth each Friday fortnight. The youth shed is located at the Miriam Vale Community Hub in Blomfield Street.

Staff from Council's Discovery Coast Community Health Service facilitate both events with the support of local volunteers.

Local youth are invited to attend, bring a friend and experience the activities offered.

Entry costs $2 with a sausage sizzle available at most events.

Youth

Holiday

www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/ youth-events-and-activities GladstoneRegional Council

Activities Youth aged 12 years +

June 30 -July 11

Gladstone Regional Council - The Council Connection June - July 2014

Page 14

ARTS & CULTURE Hilarious Road Trip en route to Gladstone Comedians Damian Callinan & Mickey D have packed the Tarago and are en route to Gladstone from July 7.

The elite comedy commandoes will bring their latest show Road Trip to Gladstone.

Road Trip is an interactive and hilarious act for Gladstone, about Gladstone, from an outsider's perspective and will showcase the duo's skill for localising material.

Accompanied by award-winning documentary film-maker Charlie Hill Smith, Damo & Mickey will visit Gladstone two days before the lights shine on their show at the Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre.

Local Aboriginal James Lingwoodock (Service number 2433), 11th Light Horse Regiment, World War I.

NAIDOC Week 2014 celebrations get artistic Dual exhibitions highlight Australia's Indigenous history In preparation for NAIDOC Week (July 6-13), the Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum has planned two poignant displays.

These exhibitions will be displayed from June 20 to August 16.

Annually, local Murri artists are invited to exhibit their works alongside selected pieces from the Gallery & Museum's permanent collection. This collaboration is launched each year, coinciding with the start of local NAIDOC Week celebrations.

This year the NAIDOC Week theme is 'Serving Country - Centenary & Beyond'. It is a tribute to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island men and women who have served Australia with honour and pride during military conflicts across the globe.

The theme highlights and recognises the role they have played in shaping Australia's identity

and pauses to reflect on their sacrifices. To incorporate this theme into the exhibition, a small selection of photographs of Indigenous locals who served in the First World War as well as other engagements involving Australia will be on display.

They will extract as much local information as possible and what you do not tell them they will find out themselves.

Damo & Mickey will accumulate observations, anecdotes, experiences, characters, jokes, pictures and footage which will be compiled, edited and narrated by Charlie for the show.

Visit the Road Trip Facebook site and fill out a survey or send the guys your recommendations for Gladstone.

For ticket bookings phone the GECC box office on 4972 2822 or visit www.gladecc.com.au

Supplementing these works will be the touring exhibition 'Inside/Out Mapping Spiritual Journeys: A Collaborative Print Project' by Inkmasters Cairns Inc. members and artists of Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous heritage.

This striking exhibition includes old and new technologies and combinations of both. The works on paper showcase the depth of printing-making talent in Far North Queensland while commenting on a multifaceted period in Australia's Indigenous history.

Gladstone Regional Council - The Council Connection June - July 2014

Comedy duo Damo & Mickey will showcase Gladstone like you have never seen before in their show Road Trip.

Page 15

4 1 0 2 fREE

Meet special guests at the Elders Tent

“Keeping our Waterways Healthy”

Jerry Coleby-Williams Gardening Australia

A bus service will be operating on the day. Cost is $2 with funds to be donated to the SES. The first bus departs from the upstairs car park at Kmart at 9.15am and will run every half an hour. The final bus departs Gladstone Tondoon Botanic Gardens at 3pm.

Shannon Lush Natural home remedy queen Rod Quantock Climate Change and resource futures expert

 Ecofun Zone  Displays and presentations  Elders Greenhouse Tent  Children’s activities  Live music

June 1, 9am-3pm

Tondoon Botanic Gardens, Glenlyon Rd, Gladstone Sponsors GLADSTONE

Festivals Events AND

ASSOCIATION INC

www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/ecofest

GladstoneRegionalCouncil