Council Connection October - November 2015

COUNCIL

CONNECTION GLADSTONE REGIONAL COUNCIL NEWSLETTER OCTOBER - NOVEMBER 2015 ISSUE 68

INSIDE Flood gates now installed

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8 Dog off-leash parks

10 New home for water tanks

12 Park development takes shape

Mayor's Message Time to nominate for 2016 Australia Day Awards

Cover It's official - Alriz, Rey, Felix and Kingsley Sampay proudly hold their Australian Citizenship certificates.

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Council Connection This newsletter is produced every two months by Gladstone Regional Council to inform residents about Council events, activities, services and projects.

It is printed on 100% recycled paper.

Delivery Council Connection is delivered directly into all residential letterboxes

by Australia Post as 'unaddressed mail' and 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 51.5 cents per household per edition.

Now is the time to share with Council the name of a Gladstone Region resident, community event or initiative, worthy of consideration for a 2016 Australia Day Award.

Our communities are enriched by the contributions of many, who willingly and selflessly give their time, or share their talents and skills for the betterment of the region.

There are valuable role models within our communities, youth who display strong future leadership skills, individuals committed to excellence in sport, art or cultural fields, those who mentor or strongly encourage others, dedicated volunteers and events or initiatives worthy of acknowledgement.

Awards are offered in eight categories

including Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Arts & Culture Award, Senior Sportsperson Award, Young Sportsperson Award, Sports Official Award, Community Volunteer Award and Community Event or Initiative Award.

You could know a 2016 Australia Day Award winner by taking just a few minutes to submit a nomination.

Nomination forms and selection criteria, including eligibility guidelines, are available from Council's offices, customer service centres or website. Nominations may also be submitted online.

Awards nominations must be received by 5pm on Friday, November 6.

Eligible and accepted nominations will then progress to judging with the winners named on January 25 at the 2016 Australia Day Awards ceremony at the Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre.

Book characters feature at Miriam Vale library relocation The Miriam Vale Customer Service team, including Iris Causton (pictured), Heather Winter, Katrina Spry and Margot Beckley, dressed in character as "Little Misses" as part of Book Week. They joined costumed school children dressed as storybook characters and other local residents for the opening of the relocated Miriam Vale Library recently.

The library's new home at the Miriam Vale Administration Centre in Blomfield Street offers exciting new spaces to enjoy books and other library resources. It includes a dedicated computer room, a young adults' room with comfy bean bags, a "gaming den" with PlayStation 4 and a beautiful local historical collection that features photographs of many of the area's older residents. Visitors can use the free Wi-Fi or iPad loan service and even enjoy a free coffee.

Cr Gail Sellers - Mayor

Cr Col Chapman - Councillor

Cr Graham McDonald - Councillor

Cr Maxine Brushe - Councillor

Cr Rick Hansen - Councillor

Cr Karen Porter - Councillor

Portfolio: Engineering Services Mobile: 0448 885 047 Email: rickhansen@gladstonerc.qld.gov.au

Portfolio: Economic Development Strategy Mobile: 0417 723 042 Email: karenporter@gladstonerc.qld.gov.au

Cr Ren Lanzon - Councillor

Cr PJ Sobhanian - Councillor

Mobile: 0448 883 134 Email: mayor@gladstonerc.qld.gov.au

Portfolio: Community Services Mobile: 0448 882 609 Email: maxineb@gladstonerc.qld.gov.au

Cr Matt Burnett - Deputy Mayor Portfolio: Regional Strategy Mobile: 0437 086 401 Email: mattb@gladstonerc.qld.gov.au

Council Contacts PO Box 29, Gladstone Qld 4680 Phone: 4970 0700 Fax: 4975 8500 Email: info@gladstonerc.qld.gov.au Office Hours: 8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday

Portfolio: Environment Mobile: 0448 883 961 Email: colinc@gladstonerc.qld.gov.au

Portfolio: Arts & Culture Mobile: 0417 732 640 Email: renlanzon@gladstonerc.qld.gov.au

Gladstone Office 101 Goondoon Street Gladstone Qld 4680

Calliope Office

5 Don Cameron Drive Calliope Qld 4680

Portfolio: Parks & Recreation Mobile: 0409 730 469 Email: grahamm@gladstonerc.qld.gov.au

Portfolio: Rural Services Mobile: 0412 544 201 Email: pjs@gladstonerc.qld.gov.au

Miriam Vale Office 41 Blomfield Street Miriam Vale Qld 4677

www.gladstone.qld.gov.au www.facebook.com/GladstoneRegionalCouncil

Strong interest shown in community garden concept Council is continuing to review public submissions regarding the potential development of Community Gardens in our region.

More than 30 formal responses were received from groups and individuals after Council invited Expressions of Interest in August.

The process was designed to gauge the level of interest from residents keen to work with like-minded people to develop and maintain a community garden in their township or suburb.

Local mowing and litter collection contractor Craig Findlay, of A&M Slashing, is one of the many local businesses to benefit from Council tenders

The review process is underway with recommendations and options to be presented to Council for consideration.

Council tenders support buying locally Dry weather means fewer mowing contracts for A&M Slashing, which makes its Council contract for roadside litter collection even more important.

Company owner Craig Findlay is one of the local contractors who have won recent Council tenders.

As well as clearing roadside litter in the region, A&M Slashing has provided mowing, slashing and vegetation control services to Council.

"With the recent dry weather, our mowing and slashing business has slowed, so our Council litter contract is even more important," Mr Findlay said.

He said A&M Slashing had delivered services in most areas of the Gladstone Region.

Other local businesses to win Council contracts recently include Farnsworth Legal (providing legal services to residents as part of Council's Community Legal Program) and CCF Constructions for construction of the clubhouse at Calliope (Liz Cunningham) Sports Park.

In the past 12 months, 60 per cent of the total value of tenders let by Gladstone Regional Council has been awarded to local companies.

Marina Bridge to close in October for repairs Matthew Flinders (Marina) Bridge, spanning Auckland Creek, will close for about 10 weeks from late this year to enable repairs.

The work will involve replacement of the bascule bridge's main pivot bearing and will require the bridge to remain horizontal. The bridge will be closed to vehicular, pedestrian and any tall marine vessel traffic requiring the bridge raised.

Motorists will then need to use Alf O'Rourke Drive as an alternative route

to access the Marina Parklands.

Council will keep businesses and the community informed and updates will be provided on Council's website.

The bridge is currently open to vehicles and pedestrians, but not tall marine vessels.

The dates of the works are currently being finalised.

For more information contact Council on 4970 0700.

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BRIEFLY  Living Positively Optimistic A free, three-hour Living Positively Optimistic workshop will be held at the Community Advisory Service, 142 Goondoon Street on Wednesday, October 7 from 6pm. Learn how to stay positive, recover from setbacks and influence others to be more positive.

Bookings are essential on 4976 6300.

 Welcoming morning teas Enjoy some morning tea and a chat while learning more about the Gladstone Region at Council's Welcome to Gladstone Morning Teas. Newcomers to the Region are invited to the free morning tea events held at 10am on October 8 and December 3 at Gladstone City Library, Goondoon Street. For more information phone Council's Community Advisory Service on 4976 6300.

 Lodge an event for free Does your not-for-profit or community organisation have an upcoming event?

Events can be lodged on Council's community calendar by clicking on the calendar link on our website and following the prompts. Visit www. gladstone.qld.gov.au/whats-on

 Council meetings Did you know that residents are welcome to attend Gladstone Regional Council's general meetings?

The meetings are held at the Gladstone Administration Centre boardroom, 101 Goondoon Street.

Upcoming meeting dates are October 6 and 20, November 3 and 17, and December 1.

 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 complete our new online form at www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/change-ofaddress

Council completes annual animal registration inspection program A total of 207 compliance notices were issued by Gladstone Regional Council's Local Law Enforcement Section during Council's annual animal inspection program this year.

It is a legal requirement under the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008 (AMA) that all dogs within the Council region that were born in or after 2008 be registered and microchipped. Section 113 of the AMA allows for a Local Government, by Council resolution,

to advertise and then inspect individual properties to determine compliance with requirements of the AMA. During the program Regulatory Services Administration Section contacted more than 6,000 pet owners regarding unrenewed animal registrations for 2014.

A culmination of the two programs has resulted in a 17.6 per cent increase in animal registrations between February 2014 and June 2015.

Animal Registration Renewal Annual dog and cat registration notices should reach local mailboxes from October 6.

To receive a discount on the renewal fee, residents are reminded to pay fees

by November 2. Full fees apply after this date.

Under the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008, animals in the Gladstone Region must be registered.

This means: • All cats and dogs must be registered from 12 weeks of age;

• All new animals to the region must be registered within 14 days of arrival; • Microchipping is compulsory for animals from 12 weeks of age; • Working dogs only may be exempt from mandatory registration and microchipping; and • Desexing is recommended at an appropriate age.

For more information please contact Council on 4970 0700 or visit our website: www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/catsand-dogs Page 4

Emergency Action Guide is out Flood gates at Miriam Vale

Photo Courtesy of National Flood Safety Equipment

Council tools help prepare for cyclone season The Bureau of Meterology (BOM) will release its national cyclone season outlook for 2015 -16 on October 12 at http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/ahead/ tc.shtml Last year's forecast was for an average to below average cyclone season.

However, there was nothing average about Tropical Cyclone Marcia, which severely impacted Central Queensland on February 20.

A useful tool in preparing for cyclones and other emergency situations is Gladstone Regional Council's Early Warning Network (EWN).

Council is encouraging residents to register for the alert service, so they can receive free emergency updates either via SMS, an automated telephone message

or email, about specific locations.

The EWN is available via Council's website by clicking on the Emergency and Disasters link from www.gladstone.qld. gov.au This page also contains other information to help in emergencies including an online mapping system, fact sheets and road condition reports.

Another Council initiative designed to improve road safety during potential flood events are the flood gates which have been installed at Blackmans Gap Road and Bindaree Road, Miriam Vale.

The flood gates are locked in the open position at low-lying crossings and are designed to automatically unlock, closing road access when floodwaters reach a pre-set depth.

By now, every household in the Gladstone Region should have received Council's latest Emergency Action Guide in their letterbox.

The new guide is designed to help everyone prepare their home and family before and during an emergency situation, as well as how to cope with the after effects.

It includes advice on how to plan ahead to minimise the risk of fires, cyclones and floods as well as what to put in your combined emergency/evacuation kit.

There's also a section that deals with pets and their welfare in a disaster.

A series of checklists will make it easier to ensure you've covered all the essentials in making your plans.

Extreme weather events are increasingly becoming part of our lives, so knowing how, when and what to prepare is vital in reducing their impact.

Gladstone Regional Council acknowledges funding support through the QGC Sponsorship and Donations Program to print this guide and cooperatively enhance the safety and wellbeing of regional residents.

Local families recognised on place name register Two long-time Gladstone residents have been recognised with the addition of their family names to Gladstone Regional Council's Approved Place Name Register.

Today's Council meeting approved the addition of "Humphries" and "Dicker" to the register in memory of Lloyd Hubert Humphries and the pioneering Dicker family.

The names will be added to the register for use in the naming of roads or other assets in

the Gladstone urban area.

Mr Humphries and the Dicker family are worthy recipients of this honour due to their contributions and long standing connection with Gladstone.

Mr Humphries was a former butter factory Chief Engineer and a central figure in establishing the Port Curtis Sailing Club and the city's first eisteddfod. He was a musical society and Methodist Church conductor

and started the Gladstone State School's first children's choir.

Dicker family members worked in a variety of jobs reflecting Gladstone's economy in the early 1900s, including the meatworks, on the waterfront, the Commercial and Club hotels, as well as gold prospecting along Briffney Creek.

For more information about naming roads and assets visit www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/ naming-roads-and-assets

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Pool management handover

Time to follow the Garage Sale Trail Residents and community groups still have time to participate in the 2015 National Garage Sale Trail on October 24.

The initiative invites buyers and sellers to register online for free and utilise digital technologies which highlight registered garage sales within the Gladstone Region.

The annual Garage Sale Trail is backed by more than 130 Councils, State Government departments and agencies Australia-wide.

The event encourages communities to reuse, recycle, upcycle, repurpose, redistribute or reclaim items rather than contribute to landfill.

The initiative can earn funds for residents, community and sporting groups, organisations, charities and education facilities.

Registrations for the Garage Sale Trail can be made online at www. garagesaletrail.com.au Community groups and organisations interested in more information about the Garage Sale Trail within the Gladstone Region can phone Luis Arroyo on 4976 6352 or email luisa@ gladstonerc.qld.gov.au

Pool management company Lane 4 Aquatics has officially taken over the management and operation of the Gladstone Aquatic Centre and Mt Larcom Pool.

The new arrangement will reduce costs and deliver more services for pool patrons.

The facilities remain Council assets, while long term agreements with swimming clubs and other organisations will continue.

Lane 4 Aquatics Chief Executive Officer Daniel Mulvey said the company was excited to be working with the Gladstone and Mount Larcom communities.

"We're a community focused company and want to maximise the potential of both facilities," he said.

Mr Mulvey said a diverse range of programs and services would be introduced across both locations including movie nights, pool parties, giant inflatables and Sunday sessions with live music.

"Everyone can keep up to date with what's happening at the pools by liking the facility Facebook pages and visiting our website at www.lane4aquatics.com.au," he said.

Councillor Update Cr PJ Sobhanian

Cr Maxine Brushe

Phone: 0412 544 201 Email: pjs@gladstonerc.qld.gov.au Portfolio: Rural Services

Phone: 0448 882 609 Email: maxineb@gladstonerc.qld.gov.au Portfolio: Community Services

It has been a busy year for yours truly, as your new Councillor.

Working hard to catch up on three years worth of behind-thescenes knowledge in three months, while at the same time working in a team dealing with the aftermath of Cyclone Marcia certainly was a stimulating challenge. I indeed feel privileged to have been able to witness the spirit of community and mateship in our Region and for the opportunity to play a small part to help people get back on track. I have now settled in well and in addition to attending all the Council general meetings, I have been representing you through my roles in the Business Improvement Committee, which has an active oversight role over the administrative management of Council, as well as the Capricorn Pest Management Group, which takes a collaborative approach with GAWB and our neighbouring councils to a mutually concerning issue, which is pest management. Leadership in community service has been a very exciting and humbling journey. I am very thankful for the opportunity so far and as I look forward to an even busier 2016, I would like to thank you for all the supportive and helpful letters, emails and telephone calls.

Much has been said, particularly through the anonymity of social media, about the recent rates bills and Council budget.

I believe in "active citizenship" and welcome the comments, as long as they are based on accurate information and sound reasoning. With some 79% of operational revenue coming from rates and services charges, one truth is that everytime one says "Council should do...", it really means "Ratepayers should pay to do...". Councillors are very aware of this fact and adopted Target Zero to get costs, as low as possible. We achieved just over $4 million reduction last year. This sometimes means a reduction in service standards. Councils struggle to get the balance right between rising resident expectations and residents’ capacity to pay (in rates) to deliver these expectations. Further complications arise from State and Federal Government cost shifting to councils, mandatory capping of infrastructure charges to developers (costing Council millions annually), reduction of grants and subsidies, and costs to deliver the same level of service across a region of 10,000km2. This Council has worked hard to set a good base for future Councils, has made strong hard decisions to reduce debt and remain financially sustainable.

Councillors and staff are always willing to talk with residents about issues, so please call 4970 0700 to do so.

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Resurfacing for Barney Point roads Barney Point roads are being resurfaced in a $520,000 repair project.

Contractor Downer Infrastructure has been laying microsurfacing bitumen to preserve the existing pavements and extend the life of the roads.

Streets to receive the resurfacing are Brisbane, Friend, Kianga, McCray, O'Connell, Palmer, Pershouse, Ryalls, Sutton, Wood and Yaralla Streets, Callide and Moura Crescent and Bruce Lane.

A Council job that's not for everyone How many different services does Gladstone Regional Council provide?

There are 19 different work divisions and 45 units or teams working to provide services to the region's residents.

One of them is to care for and maintain the gardens at Council's various cemeteries.

Lead gardener Russell Sellick loves his job but it's not for everyone.

He has been with Council for 13 years and for the last three years has maintained Council's cemetery gardens, which now include the peaceful Boyne Tannum Memorial Parklands.

Russell not only tends to the trees, shrubs and grass, but also works with coffins, oversees cremations and occasionally hand

digs a grave at Calliope.

He says he's lived a bit of life, including doing some counselling, and that experience has helped him deal with the people he comes across who are grieving.

"If I can help someone be more at peace with what they've got or help them grow in their life, then I've achieved something," he said as he reflected while overlooking the river that runs past the parklands.

"Somebody has to do this job."

During his time in this role, Russell has noticed how changing technology and multicultural practices have influenced burials and cremations.

And he's determined his work will continue to meet the standards that community and environmental expectations require.

Other suburbs to be resurfaced as part of the program are Fisher Street, Gladstone Central; Butler and Nothling Streets, New Auckland and the Toolooa Boat Ramp, off Gladstone-Benaraby Road.

Calliope floodway made safer Oaky Creek Road at Calliope has been made safer with a $320,000 floodway upgrade.

Council has reconstructed a concrete floodway, 12.5m long and 5m wide, and stabilised 140m of gravel approaches.

Protective treatments have been included to reduce future flood damage.

The floodway, near the intersection with Murray Road, had been damaged by regular rain events and was a potential risk to residents using the road.

The wider, improved and secured pavement gives better drainage and provides safer access to the area.

A new concrete floodway on Oaky Creek Road at Calliope will improve access and safety.

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Residents urged to report swooping magpies Council is encouraging residents to report any 'hot spots' for swooping magpies so warning signs can be installed.

Magpie breeding season is between July and December and some birds become overly aggressive to protect their nest and young.

However, as a native Australian bird the Magpie is protected under State Wildlife Legislation.

It is a serious offence to harm, take, keep or move a magpie, unless authorised and doing so can attract hefty fines.

Leash or not to leash?

Which parks can I take my dog to?

Council supports responsible pet ownership and caters for dog owners wanting to exercise their dogs in public places. There are several locations across the Gladstone Region designated specifically for dog owners wishing to exercise or walk their dogs off-leash.

Council's Subordinate Local Law No.2 (Animal Management) 2011 outlines where dogs are allowed and where they are prohibited within the Gladstone Region. It directs that dogs must be under controlled supervision at all times in offleash areas and must be on a leash at all other times in public areas.

Dog off leash areas

Dog-free public areas There are several dog-free public areas across Gladstone Region where dogs are prohibited. On-the-spot fines can be issued to dog owners who do not comply or who fail to pick up after their dogs.

Dogs are prohibited in the following locations: • Gladstone: Barney Point Park, Prince Regent Esplanade, Barney Point; Barney Point Beach (bathing reserve); Friend Park, 2 Friend Street, Barney Point; Anzac Park, 44 Tank Street, Gladstone.

• Gladstone: Webb Park, Palm Drive and William Misken Park, 13 Morgan Street, Gladstone.

• Tannum Sands: Millennium Park, The Esplanade, Tannum Sands and Tannum Sands Beach (bathing reserve next to Millennium Park).

• Tannum Sands: Cashin Park, The Oaks Road, Tannum Sands; Canoe Point, Canoe Point Road, Tannum Sands; Sandpiper Park, Parkside Street, Tannum Sands.

• Seventeen/Agnes Water: Area of bathing reserve at Agnes Water main beach (known as area south of beach entry from Tom Jeffrey).

• Calliope: Chapman Park, 3 Taragoola Road, Calliope.

• Seventeen Seventy/Agnes Water: SES Grounds, Captain Cook Drive, Seventeen Seventy and Agnes Water Beach – north of the ‘Sandcastles' beach.

• Dogs must be on a leash at all other times in public areas

Council does investigate complaints regarding nuisance magpies on Council-controlled land and will erect warning signage in the vicinity of the swooping zone if needed.

However, Council is not authorised to remove a nuisance bird as this can only be carried out by a person licensed by the Department of Environmental and Heritage Protection.

Concerns over aggressive birds can be directed to the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection on 1300 130 372.

Complaints over swooping magpies on Council controlled land can be directed to Council's Parks & Environment Division on 4970 0700.

Further information is available on Council's website at www.gladstone. qld.gov.au/fact-sheets

• All Parks & Reserves: Within 10 metres of any playground apparatus or a designated playground area, a barbecue or other cooking facility or physical exercise equipment.

Please phone Council on 4970 0700 or download the Dog Off Leash Areas and Prohibited Areas Fact Sheet from www. gladstone.qld.gov.au/fact-sheets

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$150,000 funding boost for major regional events Seven major regional events will receive a welcome injection of funds, thanks to Council's Major Events Advisory Panel funding program.

Gladstone Region Youth Council members Maddesen Greig and Erin Dearden discuss some ideas with Youth Worker Michele Tory.

Youth Council application and selection process to start soon Applications for the 2016 Gladstone Region Youth Council will open on October 19 with places for nine youth aged 15 to 24.

The selected youth are an advisory committee for future planning decisions providing a youth prospective to Gladstone Regional Council and community organisations in a structured and formal way.

The annual Youth Council recruitment process is undertaken in October in preparation for the group's first meeting in February.

The Youth Council has been involved in numerous projects including the Rainbow

Run at Mount Larcom, utilising space at the Gladstone Aquatic Centre and community skate park events across the region.

Involvement in the Youth Council can improve knowledge about conducting formal meetings, develop public speaking and leadership skills, and provide a voice for youth.

Applications for Youth Council positions close on November 13 with forms available at www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/ youth-services

Round one of the two-round annual funding stream will provide a total of $152,069 funding for seven events: The Gladstone Multicultural Week and Festival Day ($8000), District Lions Convention ($5000), Mt Larcom & District Show ($15,000), Capricorn Film Festival ($14,069), Agnes Blues Roots & Rock Festival ($30,000) and Gladstone Harbour Festival ($80,000).

Council offers MEAP funding to maintain and assist major regional events by encouraging organisers of existing regional events to work towards financial sustainability while increasingly improving their offering to the community.

The next round of MEAP funding will close on January 31 for events between July 1 and December 31, 2016 and information will be available at Council's website closer to the round opening date at www. gladstone.qld.gov.au

For more information phone Council's Youth Development Officer Vernetta Perrett on 4976 6300.

SUNfest tickets on sale in early December If you've been a regular participant at Gladstone Regional Council's SUNfest school holiday program in January, you can expect to see old favourites and some exciting, new activities in 2016.

The program has now been finalised and will be outlined in the next edition of Council Connection due out in late November.

Gladstone Region Youth Council member Maddesen Greig promotes a jam-packed SUNfest 2016 program which will be released in late November.

Tickets will be on sale from Wednesday, December 2 through the Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre online at www.gladecc.com.au or phone on 4972 2822.

Tickets will also be available at the following regional customer service offices:

• GECC - 58 Goondoon St (note closures) • Miriam Vale office - 41 Blomfield St • Mt Larcom Rural Transaction Centre 47 Raglan St • Agnes Water Rural Transaction Centre - 71 Springs Road • Calliope office - 5 Don Cameron Drive • Boyne Tannum Community Centre corner Wyndham and Hayes Streets • Gladstone Administration Centre 101 Goondoon St, Gladstone.

In rural areas, tickets can be paid for with cash, credit card, cheque or money order.

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CAS Tax Help program needs volunteers The Community Advisory Service Tax Help program is looking for volunteers for 2016 after getting through this year with only one volunteer.

The program operates from late July until the end of October, so is about to finish for 2015.

Solicitors Rosemary Farnsworth and Bernadette Le Grand provide free general legal advice by appointment from the Community Advisory Service.

The service is available for people who earn under $50,000 and have simple tax requirements.

Council supports Community Legal program All residents in the Gladstone Region can access free general legal advice and information by appointment, either faceto-face, or by phone.

Topics handled include: Criminal, family, employment and civil law, traffic matters, consumer rights, neighbourhood disputes and various other matters.

Council supports the program, provided by local law firm Farnsworth Legal, with funding from Legal Aid Queensland.

Consultations are available only by appointment on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.

Initial consultations with a lawyer are free but bookings are essential.

Visits are also made to Agnes Water and Miriam Vale.

Assistance provided includes advice and support with basic legal forms, documents and letters.

Bookings can be made by phoning the Community Advisory Service on 4976 6300.

Calliope Cemetery works soon start Council is expected to award the tender for the construction of Stage One of the Calliope Cemetery North project this month.

Council has budgeted $1.4 million for Stage One which will include civil, landscaping, electrical and structural works on the site opposite the existing cemetery on the corner of Morcom Street and Herbertson Road.

Due to a lack of volunteers, the program was not advertised this year and was only able to offer 71 appointments.

Previously, it has assisted over 200 people.

Volunteers complete online training and undergo a police check.

If you are interested in offering your services in 2016 visit www. gladstoneregionvolunteering.com.au and register an expression of interest or email CAS at cas@gladstonerc. qld.gov.au

Council water tanks go to community groups Captain Creek Rural Fire Brigade's John Massurit (left) and Jason Morris (right) take delivery of water tanks from Ed Dahlheimer and Belinda Palmer of Council's Water Services. Twenty community groups are benefiting from a batch of surplus tanks that were part of Council wastewater services to LNG companies on Curtis Island, prior to installation of permanent systems. The Discovery Coast Sports & Recreation Association will receive the second tank. Both were delivered with the assistance of Transquip, Matheson Crane Hire and pilot driver Merv Love.

Council has already completed initial site work including new car parking bays, a roadway entrance off Morcom Street and the installation of 42 modern burial crypts.

Construction is due to begin in November this year, with the tea house and chapel expected to be built in the 2016/17 financial year.

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Council celebrated with its largest number of citizenship ceremony participants on national Citizenship Day.

BRIEFLY  Subscribe to eConnect In addition to this newsletter, Council also produces a fortnightly email newsletter called eConnect. Residents are invited to register to receive it by email. 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 reports

Region welcomes 85 new Australians at largest citizenship ceremony The Gladstone Region is home to 85 new Australian citizens following Council's largest ever citizenship ceremony.

part in the reading of a citizenship oath and affirmation prior to presentation of Australian Citizenship certificates and commemorative gifts.

A public ceremony was held at the Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre on Australian Citizenship Day on September 17.

Throughout 2014 Council welcomed 280 new Australian citizens to the Gladstone Region and 232 new citizens in 2013.

Annually, national Citizenship Day aims to increase community awareness of Australian citizenship, providing a day for citizenship-related activities and celebrations and a time to reflect on being Australian.

The September 17 date of Australian Citizenship Day celebrates the anniversary of the renaming of the Nationality and Citizenship Act 1948 to the Australian Citizenship Act 1948.

Participants in the Citizenship Day ceremony originated from 22 countries.

At the ceremony the new citizens took

Details on the process of applying for Australian citizenship and information about public citizenship ceremonies conducted by Council is available at www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/citizenship

Council backs urban renewal of Gladstone CBD Gladstone Regional Council has backed the development of an urban renewal strategy and implementation plan to guide future development and promote economic and cultural activity in identified sectors of Gladstone’s Central Business District (CBD).

The strategy will build on existing plans and documents to ensure the long-range vision for the CBD’s built environment focuses on providing attractive destinations, suitable employment opportunities, a choice of retail development and other services that make the CBD an important business hub.

As an example, this strategy will build on the earlier work done for the existing CBD Redevelopment Strategy which identified three strategic precincts: The Waterfront Heart; the City Heart; and the Valley Heart.

It is envisaged the strategy will update

and extend upon existing plans and be conducted in-house by Council’s Development Services Section.

When complete, the strategy is expected to outline opportunities for social, economic development and environmental enhancements in the CBD. It will involve extensive consultation and support Council’s planning framework to promote activity and development in specific areas of interest in the CBD. Additionally, it will determine physical improvements in public spaces; identify potential economic initiatives to support urban renewal; and outline actions to improve access and connectivity.

Accompanying the strategy will be an implementation plan that will outline what needs to be done, who needs to do it and when the works are to be undertaken.

Don't forget to visit Council's website if you want to find out the latest road condition report. If you come across flood water or would like to report road conditions for uploading, phone Council's call centre, open 24 hours a day, on 4970 0700 or use the Snap Send Solve app available at Council's website.

 Like us on Facebook Do you prefer to get your news online? If so, 'like' Council on Facebook to receive the latest updates about the things concerning you! Likers will receive general information on Council events and activities, in addition to all the disaster management and severe weather warnings. To connect with Council on Facebook, visit www. gladstone.qld.gov.au and follow the social media links from the home page.

 TAngler Bins only for fishing waste The specially designed TAngler bins located at boat ramps and key fishing spots throughout the Gladstone are only to be used for fishing waste like old line and tackle. All other rubbish should be disposed of in general waste bins.

 Grab a car litter bag Council still has car litter bags to give away to local residents. The reusable bags are designed to collect rubbish, especially recyclable items and offer a way to be waste-wise while keeping the car clean each week. Pick yours up at your nearest Council centre.

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Two sporting ovals and clubhouse are taking shape at the new Calliope Sports Park development.

$2 million Calliope Sports (Liz Cunningham) Park development on track Stage one in the development of two new sporting fields at Calliope is scheduled to be completed in October 2015.

Development of the 49 hectare park on Racecourse Road began in June and once finished will feature two full-size football fields, a full-size cricket ground, shared clubhouse and amenities.

The multi-purpose facility will become home to the Calliope soccer and cricket fraternities and accommodate a wide range of sporting groups in the future including netball and AFL.

The soccer and cricket clubs have been using Council's sporting field at Bunting Park, but once those teams move to the new sports park, the Calliope Rugby League Club will gain that field to have two playing fields.

The new sports park will ease the over-use of Bunting Park and provide a centralised sporting hub for the Calliope community for years to come.

The civil works are due to be complete this month with the clubhouse and grassed fields to be ready for use by March 2016.

Latest park upgrades

Have a cuppa and chat with Councillors or book a meeting

CouncillorConnect visits Our park crews are continuing their regular maintenance program at local playgrounds. The soft-fall at the Emmadale Gardens play park (above) was replaced recently while a safety fence was installed around the play park in Dean Street, Glen Eden (below).

29 October 2015

Mount Larcom QCWA Hall, Benaraby Progress Hall, Rosedale Memorial Hall

26 November 2015

Boyne Island/ Tannum Sands - BTCC, Builyan Community Hall, Miriam Vale QCWA Hall Last Thursday of the month Morning tea 9.30am - 10.15am Book a 20 minute meeting between 10.15am and 12 noon To find out more or book an individual appointment phone Council's Communications & Marketing Section on 4970 0700.

Councillors connecting with you Page 12

40 Years In The Making Rio Tinto Martin Hanson Memorial Art Awards 2015

Parks plans feedback under review

A prize pool of $40,000 is on offer to artists from around the country who enter this year's 40th Rio Tinto Martin Hanson Memorial Art Awards.

Following community consultation, Council will this month consider the Master Concept Plans for upgrade projects at four separate park areas throughout the region.

In August, Council sought community comment on the proposed concept plans for Lions Park in Gladstone; Frank and Francie Hart Park at Curtis Island; Many Peaks Railway Dam Park; and Flat Rock Picnic Area at Baffle Creek.

GRC's Parks Department has since analysed the public feedback and has been developing responses for Council's consideration.

Based on these responses and where appropriate, changes may be incorporated into the final design plans.

At Lions Park in Gladstone, the concept plan included a half basketball court, pump track and new barbecue pavilion, while at Flat Rock, the proposed development could include a new playground, boat launching facility and upgraded access for cars and trailers.

The initials plans for Many Peaks Railway Dam include a new car park and formalised lawn area with future considerations for a new picnic area and timber dam wall viewing deck.

Meanwhile, stage one of the proposed upgrade at Frank & Francie Hart Park at South End features static fitness stations and safety fencing.

Entries can be submitted from October 8 - 10 into four sections: Easel Paintings, Works on Paper, Three Dimensional & Fibre Works and Digital Works.

The official opening and awards presentation will take place on Saturday, October 17 at the Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum from 6pm.

This year's judge, Simon Wright (Assistant Director, Learning & Public Engagement,

Queensland Art Gallery/Gallery of Modern Art) will announce the winners.

This year marks the 40th Anniversary of this major regional art event. The art awards honour the memory of the late Martin Hanson, a well known Gladstone businessman and respected MLA for Port Curtis (1963-1976), and are keenly anticipated every year.

Generous local sponsors continue their healthy support of these awards making them an attractive drawcard for established, emerging and amateur artists from all over Australia.

Register now to spread your rates payments over 12 months While rates are still top of mind, it's the perfect time to set up a convenient and manageable way to pay next year's bill.

before the due date in the middle of September 2016. This means you will still be eligible for the discount.

Council offers a wide range of pre-payment options, allowing you to make smaller payments throughout the year, rather than paying the total amount once a year. These include BPAY, Australia Post, Council administration centres and payroll deductions via your employer.

New MyPost Digital option A new way to receive your rates notice was introduced this year. In partnership with Australia Post, Council now offers the option of receiving your rates notice digitally. You can also manage other bills, statements and transactions online.

For BPAY, set up a regular payment via internet banking, using the BPAY details on your rates or water notice.

The MyPost Digital Mailbox is more than a digital mailbox. You can: • Receive and pay selected bills in just a few clicks • Securely store important documents • Receive notifications and reminders • Schedule payments • Make budgeting easier.

To sign up, visit digitalmailbox.com.au For information on the full range of rates payment options, visit ww.gladstone.qld.gov.au/ payment-options1

For Australia Post payments, take your rates notice to an Australia Post service centre and use the bar code on the bottom of your notice to make your prepayment.

For payroll deductions, check whether your employer offers the rates payment option.

Don't forget, when choosing the amount and frequency of your payments, to ensure that the full amount of your rates bill will be paid

Page 13

Updates from AROUND THE REGION DISCOVERY COAST & BURUA: Resealing road works are scheduled for parts of Coast Road, Emery Road, Fernfield Road, Lindy Road and Flat Rock Road at Baffle Creek; Murphy Road, Captain Creek; Capricornia Drive, Deepwater Road and Matchbox Road at Deepwater; Lowmead Road at Lowmead; Bunker Road at Round Hill; and Jim Whyte Way at Burua. Council has partnered with two neighbouring Councils to achieve savings on the road pavement resealing tender. A total of 24km of rural roads will be resealed as part of the $500,000 Boral Asphalt tender.

BENARABY: Council has conditionally approved a service station and shopping centre complex development beside the Bruce Highway at Benaraby. The fourstage Spinks and Co development is on a four hectare site and includes a service station, 632 square metre shopping centre and two drive-through food outlets. The developer has also been conditioned to carry out road works and stormwater infrastructure and install signage at the centre promoting the Benaraby township.

BENARABY: Council is supporting an application for $600,000 in Federal Government funds for the development of a Driver Education Facility at CQ Benaraby Motorsportz Complex. Council, which has set aside $150,000 this financial year for the next stage of the complex’s development, considers the complex of regional importance with the proposed driver education facility having the potential to reduce or prevent of traffic incidents. An outcome of the National Stronger Regions Fund application is expected in December this year.

GLADSTONE: Council will bid for the 2017 Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) Conference. If the bid is successful, the conference is expected to inject $600,000 into the local economy. The conference is the premier event on the Queensland local government calendar and attracts more than 500 Mayors, Councillors and CEOs from across the State annually. Council has foreshadowed allocation of $100,000 in its 2017/18 budget to ensure that proper preparations are made to successfully host the event.

AGNES WATER: Council is constructing 300 metres of new footpath pavement between Agnes Water Police Station and Agnes Water State Primary School.

The new concrete footpath will connect Springs Road, Tate Street and Donohue Drive. To lessen disruption some of the works are being conducted during the September-October school holidays.

Pedestrians are being provided alternate routes and motorists are asked to observe traffic condition changes.

REGIONAL: A total of 21 halls across the region are receiving a Council Hall Subsidy.

This subsidy assists groups with ongoing maintenance of community halls across the region. Those successful in applying for the annual $1500 subsidy are Benaraby Hall, Bororen Hall, Tannum Sands Hall, Builyan Hall, Calliope Garden Club, Bunting Park, Senior Citizens Hall, Gladstone; Gladstone Musical Society Hall, Gladstone Thistle Pipe Band Hall, Lowmead Hall, Nagoorin Hall, QCWA halls at Ambrose, Boyne Valley, Calliope, Gladstone, Miriam Vale/Bororen, Mount Larcom, Raglan, Rosedale, Tannum Sands and Rosedale.

Infographic An unspayed female cat can produce THREE LITTERS PER YEAR. With average litter sizes ranging from FOUR TO SIX KITTENS

1 YEAR

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a single unspayed female cat and her offspring can produce

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Community CALENDAR OCTOBER Date

Name of the event

Location

Contact

1-10

Intercity Images: Combined images

Art Gallery & Museum 4976 6766

1-10

Our Priceless Past 2015

Art Gallery & Museum 4976 6766

6 & 20

General Council Meeting

Civic Centre

4970 0700

14 Sep - Discovery Coast Photo comp - Four 30 Oct Elements - Earth Wind Water Fire

Agnes Water Rural Transaction Centre

4902 1515

8

Welcome to Gladstone Morning Tea

Gladstone City Library 4976 6400

10

Oktoberfest Extravaganza

Entertainment Centre 4972 2822

13

9.30-11am Language CafĂŠ

Gladstone City Library 4976 6400

13

Tech Talk: Stay Smart Online

Gladstone City Library 4976 6400

14-17

Read Around Gladstone free writing workshops for children and adults

Various Regional Libraries

4976 6400

14

Tech Talk: Stay Smart Online

Boyne Island Library

4971 9700

15

Tech Talk: Stay Smart Online

Agnes Water Library

4902 1501

17

Sleeping Beauty

Entertainment Centre 4972 2822

17-31

2015 Rio Tinto Martin Hanson Memorial Art Gallery & Museum 4976 6766 Art Awards and Exhibition. Official Launch: 6pm, Saturday Oct 17 2015

18

Swan Lake

Entertainment Centre 4972 2822

20

Morning Melodies

Entertainment Centre 4972 2822

21

2-3pm Author talk Annemarie De Seriere "Peace, power and you: a spiritual ABC for living beyond stress"

Agnes Water Library

22

10-11am Author talk Annemarie De Seriere "Peace, power and you: a spiritual ABC for living beyond stress"

Gladstone City Library 4976 6400

23

2-3pm Author talk Annemarie De Seriere "Peace, power and you: a spiritual ABC for living beyond stress"

Boyne Island Library

4971 9700

24

Garage Sale Trail

Regional locations

4970 700

24

Garage Sale Trail - Big Boyne Book Sale

Boyne Island Library

4971 9700

24

Bangarra Dance Company

Entertainment Centre 4972 2822

4902 1501

NOVEMBER Date

Name of the event

Location

Contact

1 Nov - 2015 Rio Tinto Martin Hanson Memorial Art Gallery & Museum 4976 6766 10 Dec Art Awards & Exhibition 2 - 27

Judging - most popular photo Discovery Coast Photo comp - Four Elements - Earth Wind Water Fire

Agnes Water Rural Transaction Centre

4902 1515

3 & 17

General Council Meeting

Civic Centre

4970 0700

3

Melbourne Cup

Entertainment Centre 4972 2822

5

Welcome to Gladstone Morning Tea

Gladstone City Library 4976 6400

6

Wickety Wak - 40 Years Young

Entertainment Centre 4972 2822

10

9.30-11am Language CafĂŠ

Gladstone City Library 4976 6400

DECEMBER Date

Name of the event

Location

Contact

1 & 15

General Council Meeting

Civic Centre

4970 0700

1

Morning Melodies

Entertainment Centre 4972 2822

4

Mayor's Carols by Candlelight

Gladstone Marina

4970 0700

Nominations sought for the Region's 2016 Australia Day Awards Council's 2016 Australia Day Awards reward inspiring individuals and community events or initiatives contributing to the Gladstone Region.

Nominations for the awards will be accepted until 5pm on Friday, November 6.

Categories include Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Arts & Culture Award, Senior Sportsperson Award, Young Sportsperson Award, Sports Official Award, Community Volunteer Award and Community Event or Initiative Award.

Nominees must be an Australian citizen who have lived in the Gladstone Region for 12 months prior to Australia Day (26 January) 2016.

Award selection criteria including eligibility guidelines and nomination forms are available from Council's offices, customer service centres or website.

Nominations can also be made online.

For further information visit www. gladstone.qld.gov.au/australia-dayawards

New opening hours at Tip Top Shops Council is currently trialling new trading hours at the Tip Shop Shops at the Gladstone and Benaraby Waste Transfer facilities.

Following a business review and in a bid to economise Council's current operational recycling costs, the trading hours have been altered to Saturday and Sundays between 8am and 4pm.

Waste Services will review the new trading hours later this month (Oct) before making a longer-term recommendation to Council.

There will also be a change to the payment system at the Tip Top Shops by November.

The shop attendants will provide the customer with a sales docket to take to the gatehouse attendant to make their purchase.

Page 15

GLADSTONE REGION Arts

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Coming soon ...

BOOK NOW!

SATURDAY, 24 OCTOBER - 8.00pm gladecc.com.au | (07) 4972 2822

Celebrate Stay Smart Online Week 13th, 14th

&15th October

Email library@gladstonerc.qld.gov.au for details or Book on 49766400

Read Around Gladstone free writing workshop 17th October Email library@gladstonerc.qld.gov.au for details. Book at on 49766400 or 49717700

Author Talks - ‘Peace, Power and You’

Annemarie DeSeriere 21st, 22nd & 23rd October, Email library@gladstonerc.qld.gov.au for details or Book on 49766400