Council Connection August - September 2016

COUNCIL

CONNECTION GLADSTONE REGIONAL COUNCIL NEWSLETTER August - September 2016 ISSUE 73

INSIDE Rates notices out next week

3

4 Free tax help available

6 Community busy giving feedback

11 Garage Sale Trail registrations open

Mayor's Message Budget delivers while keeping costs down

Cover Council's Parks and Environment Division have embarked on a tribute garden project made from natural timber sculptures to honour the region's Centenarians. Works were completed by Matt Bird of Matt Bird's Chainsaw Carving.

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 60% 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 48.6 cents per household per edition.

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t c e n on

WITH COUNCIL www.gladstonerc.qld.gov.au/econnect

Gladstone Office 101 Goondoon Street Open 8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday

Calliope Office 5 Don Cameron Drive Open 8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday

I was pleased to present this Council's first budget on July 5.

Budget 2016-17 delivered upon the priority goals I identified in my mayoral campaign earlier this year, ensuring that our region draws its fair share of state and federal government funding, increasing support for community and sporting groups, and easing ratepayer costs by reducing Council's operating expenses.

By identifying a number of areas in which costs could be cut without impacting negatively on the service Council provides to its residents throughout the Gladstone Region, Council is providing the best possible value for ratepayers' money and helping to ensure the region remains a great place to live, work and play.

Council has secured federal and state funding for the construction of a new water treatment plant in Miriam Vale ($1.1million), mitigating flood impacts throughout the region ($3.5m) and the creation of a driver education facility at Benaraby ($700,000), as well as recouping $4.6m in Gladstone Area Water Board dividends.

In keeping with the goal to increase support for community and sporting groups, Council is providing $779,000 towards the costs involved with hosting community and school events, waste fees for community groups,

sewerage connections at sporting facilities and pool lane hire fees for pensioners and community groups.

Council has reduced its operational expenditure by $1.84m despite inflation and an increased number of properties within the region extending Council services.

Council's fiscally responsible budget enabled it to reduce its average general rate charge for individual properties by 0.72 per cent.

By being able to reduce the amount of general rates revenue we receive, Council is delivering a more efficient level of service per residential ratepayer, which is an achievement I am proud of.

Water and sewerage access charges increased by $10 per ratepayer, in line with the Local Government Cost Index, but Council was able to keep its water consumption and garbage collection charges unchanged along with the general rate for rural, small business, commercial and light industrial sectors.

The region's businesses will receive an additional boost following Council's adoption, in June, of its Local Preference Policy.

The policy sets in place a standard process that encourages local businesses to tender or quote for Council contracts alongside their counterparts from outside the region.

By ensuring Gladstone Region businesses are familiar with the policy and related processes, Council will look to create as many opportunities as possible to 'buy local' when awarding its contracts.

Gladstone Regional Council PO Box 29, Gladstone Qld 4680 Phone: 4970 0700 Fax: 4975 8500 Email: info@gladstonerc.qld.gov.au www.gladstone.qld.gov.au

@GladstoneRegionalCouncil Miriam Vale Office 41 Blomfield Street Open 8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday

Agnes Water Rural Transaction Centre 71 Springs Road Open 9am to 4:30pm, Monday to Friday

@GladstoneRegionalCouncil Boyne Tannum Community Centre Cnr Wyndham & Hayes Avenues, Boyne Island Open 9am to 5:30pm, Monday to Friday

@GladRegCnl

Mount Larcom Rural Transaction Centre Raglan Street Open 9am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm Monday to Friday and 9am to noon on Saturday

Cr Matt Burnett Mayor Phone: 4976 6903 Email: Mayor@gladstone.qld.gov.au

Cr Glenn Churchill Chair Planning & Development Committee Phone: 0407 289 139 Email: GlennChurchill@gladstone.qld.gov.au

Cr Peter Masters Chair Works & Traffic Committee Phone: 0438 145 780 Email: PeterMasters@gladstone.qld.gov.au

Cr Chris Trevor Deputy Mayor Phone: 0437 757 839 Email: ChrisTrevor@gladstone.qld.gov.au

Cr Kahn Goodluck Councillor Phone: 0433 944 302 Email: KahnGoodluck@gladstone.qld.gov.au

Cr Desley O'Grady Councillor Phone: 0437 837 148 Email: DesleyOGrady@gladstone.qld.gov.au

Cr Cindi Bush Chair Environment & Community Services Committee Phone: 0437 642 081 Email: CindiBush@gladstone.qld.gov.au

Cr Rick Hansen Chair Finance & Corporate Governance Committee Phone: 0448 885 047 Email: RickHansen@gladstone.qld.gov.au

Cr PJ Sobhanian Chair Commercial Services Committee Phone: 0412 544 201 Email: PJSobhanian@gladstone.qld.gov.au

Local Preference Policy based on procurement plan Council's recently adopted Local Preference Policy will bring stricter requirements around local involvement in the awarding of contracts for Gladstone Region projects.

The policy calls on future tenderers for Council work, whether they are based in the region or outside, to clearly demonstrate how they will support the local economy.

Rates notices out next week September 17 and October 17.

Rates notices will start landing in letterboxes early this year saving Council $15,000 on its postage bill.

Ratepayers can set up regular payment instalments by returning the instalment request as soon as their rates notice arrives, as another way of managing their payment.

The issue date will still be August 17 but the notices are due to arrive in the week beginning August 8.

You can make pre-payments via BPAY (using the biller code and reference number on your most recent rates notice), at Australia Post (using the bar code on your most recent rates notice), at Council administration and transaction centres or by phoning Council on 4970 0700.

Council has opted to send the 32,000 notices by Regular Mail rather than the more expensive but quicker Priority Mail.

This has meant printing and posting them earlier than last year so they arrive in plenty of time for property owners to claim the 10 per cent discount, within 30 days of receiving their notice.

As usual, an information booklet containing important information on Council expenditure, rates' discounts and the pensioner rebate will accompany the rates notice.

The two tier discount has been reintroduced this year for ratepayers who want to get in early and pay before the final due date of October 17.

You'll receive a 10 per cent discount if you pay before September 16 and a five per cent discount if you pay between

Eligible pensioners can receive a remission of up to $200 a year from the State Government in addition to a subsidy of up to $290 a year from Council.

If your principle place of residence is in the Gladstone Region, and you have not already qualified, you can apply for both the State Government remission and Council's subsidy through Council.

Pensioners wanting to check their eligibility or receive further information can phone Council on 4970 0700 or view the Pensioner Remission form on www. gladstone.qld.gov.au/forms

For every $100 of your rates, Council delivers a range of services... $24.75

$3.66

$8.35

Roads, construction, maintenance, engineering, drainage, bridges and footpaths

Arts, culture and libraries

Parks, playgrounds and open space

$3.75

Planning, development assessment, regulatory services, environment, compliance and land use

$31.86

$6.79

Wheelie bin collections and management of waste facilities

$5.31

$4.59

Community wellbeing, sport and recreation and aquatic facilities

$10.94

Contractors will have to submit a procurement plan detailing how much money they will spend locally, to be considered for the project.

The money could be spent on wages for workers living in the region or on sourcing local building materials.

Council adopted the Local Preference Policy on June 21 after lengthy discussions against a backdrop of economic downturn.

Council also wants to clearly and practically support the sustained community-wide 'Buy Local' campaign that was initiated by the Gladstone Chamber of Commerce in January, 2013.

Five contracting principles are applied to ensure Council operates in a financially sustainable manner.

The first encourages the development of competitive local business and industry, while the others seek value for money; open and effective competition; environmental protection; and ethical behaviour with fair dealing.

Having adopted the Local Preference Policy along with a newly adopted Procurement Policy, Council can now use both policies as a framework for all purchasing decisions.

Water and sewerage infrastructure, maintenance and operations

Successful tenderers will have to sign statutory declarations at intervals throughout a project to confirm they are adhering to their intentions in the procurement plan.

Property, fleet and facility management

Council believes such a plan is a practical way of assessing the local component in the tender.

Customer service, administration, human resources, IT and safety

It will also come back to the tenderer's ability to do the job and the overall value for money to the ratepayer that will determine who is successful.

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Phillip Blizzard from the Australian Taxation Office points out some finer details to tax help volunteers Michael Matthews, Tamara Mossman and Lily Boloori.

Chapman Drive works draw nearer to completion The Chapman Drive major reconstruction project remains on schedule for an October finish with its various components drawing nearer to completion.

The $4 million project, in effect the amalgam of four separate projects to address the effects of ageing infrastructure and increased traffic volumes on the carriageway, started on February 2 this year and, when completed, will serve motorists and pedestrians for many years to come.

Free tax help available for eligible residents The Community Advisory Service will offer its free Tax Help Program to eligible residents until the end of October.

The program offers assistance to those who earn around $50,000 or less per annum and have simple tax requirements.

Three Gladstone Region tax help volunteers will assist community members to complete basic tax returns for the 2015-16 financial year.

This year's volunteers, Michael Matthews (who has been a tax help volunteer for the past three years) and new volunteers Tamara Mossman and Lily Boloori gained training from

visiting Australian Taxation Office (ATO) employee Phillip Blizzard.

Volunteers have also completed online training with the ATO and have been required to undergo a police record check.

Tax Help appointments are essential and can be made at the Community Advisory Service, 142 Goondoon Street, Gladstone or by phoning 4976 6300.

Residents wishing to utilise the service are encouraged to create a myGov account and link to the ATO at www. ato.gov.au before their Tax Help appointment.

Recent weeks have featured the construction of new road pavement and installation of kerbing along the northbound lanes, with the laying of new footpath on the western side of Chapman Drive almost complete.

Construction of road pavement, sealing and asphalt works will continue as the final stages to the southern end of the project are realised.

Major aspects of the project included the installation of traffic lights at the intersection of Chapman Drive and Ballantine Street, an upgrade of the Chapman Drive and J Hickey Avenue intersection, renewal and strengthening of the Chapman Drive carriageway.

Also brought forward, in order to prevent future inconvenience to commuters and nearby residents, was the installation of a 375mm diameter water main to accommodate the area's growing water demands.

Free directory makes it easy to contact regional groups Council's free 2016-2017 Community Services Directory makes it easy to access contact details for regional community services and groups.

The popular resource also helps not-forprofit, community and service sectors in the region promote their individual organisations, clubs and groups.

The 148-page directory is available at Council locations across the region and can also be accessed as an electronic directory suitable for viewing on tablet and mobile devices.

The directory can also be accessed online via Council's website with improved search functions and links to Facebook and web pages.

The annual directory has been published

by Council since 1983 as a free community service.

The updated version features relevant contact details and basic information about regional sporting, community, service and other organisations.

The Community Services Directory is available at Council's customer service centres, regional libraries, Rural Transaction Centres and the Community Advisory Service.

Electronically, the directory can be accessed online at www. gladstonecommunitydirectory.com.au

Administration officer Jo Antoine displays Council's free 2016-2017 Community Services Directory available online or as a booklet.

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Washdown facilities help reduce spread of weeds The Gladstone Region is home to a number of pest weeds that cause negative impacts for rural landholders.

To help reduce the spread of weeds, Council maintains two washdown facilities available to landholders who own trucks and single trailers.

The Calliope Washdown Facility is located on Stowe Road, Calliope and is token operated.

The tokens cost $2 for 15 minutes of high pressured water and can be purchased from Council's Calliope Administration Centre, 5 Don Cameron Drive, Calliope; Caltex Calliope Service Station, 46 Stirrat Street, Calliope and Calliope Rural Traders (CRT), 10 Bloomfield Street, Calliope.

Pest Management staff can also conduct

a free vehicle weed hygiene inspection at the facility via a mandatory booking.

The inspections are available between 7am and 8am by phoning 4977 6821.

Council's newest washdown facility is located on Aldoga Drive off GladstoneMount Larcom Road and is available 24 hours, seven days a week.

The facility uses an on-site water recycling system and hence is not suitable for cattle trucks or vehicles heavily laden with soil.

Vehicle operators can use a $2 coin or an Avdata key for 8 minutes of high pressured water.

An Avdata key can be purchased from either the Gladstone or Calliope Council Administration Centres for $22.

Council's Weed Management Liaison Officer Emily Weatherall tests out the new Aldoga washdown facility.

New photos of Gladstone Region wanted If you've taken some striking photographs of anywhere in the Gladstone Region recently, Council would like to hear from you.

We are preparing our 2015-16 Annual Report and would like to use some fresh images of the physical landscape, people enjoying the outdoors or anything that represents a relevant aspect of our lifestyle.

Our most recent Annual Report earned a Gold Award at the Australasian Reporting Awards in early June, so we are keen to involve our community in the telling of our annual story.

While you won't be paid for the photos, you will be credited as the photographer if your image is used.

Improved water and sewerage networks cater for region's growth Work is under way on major network upgrades to enhance the supply of Agnes Water and Seventeen Seventy water and sewerage services as announced when Council handed down Budget 2016-17 last month.

The twin towns will benefit from the second stage of construction of the $3.3 million sewer main extending from Jarvey Drive pump station in Agnes Water to the Agnes Water Waste Water Treatment Plant.

The project will increase the capacity of the sewer main, catering for population growth in both townships.

Also set to commence is the $1.1m effort to address water pressure and high chlorine issues within the Agnes Water area.

The completion of the second stage of the dedicated delivery main to the Agnes

Water reservoir will also help manage water demand and leakage.

Also under way as part of Council's $32m investment in the region's water and sewerage networks are the design and construction of the new 25 megalitre water reservoir at Paterson Street, Gladstone and the 11ML reservoir at Kirkwood.

With Gladstone city in need of increased water storage capacity in order to cope with future demands, the Paterson Street reservoir will add to water supply storage for the Gladstone CBD, Gladstone South, Barney Point, West Gladstone suburbs, as well as the Hanson Road commercial and industrial vicinities.

The Kirkwood reservoir will supplement the existing water storage capacity in Clinton, allowing for growth in Clinton, New Auckland and Kirkwood.

Your name will be displayed with the submitted image whether it's used in Council's 2015-16 Annual Report, Facebook or Instagram pages or website.

If you are submitting photos of people, you will need to get their permission to use their image, so please remember to obtain a contact email address or phone number.

The image should be a high resolution JPEG file with a maximum file size of 10 megabytes.

You're invited to submit your photos by filling out the simple online form at www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/annualreport-photographs. This opportunity is available for a limited time only and closes on August 15.

For any enquiries, please email Waneka Jannusch at wanekaj@gladstonerc.qld. gov.au.

Page 5

New treatment plant to improve Miriam Vale water quality Miriam Vale residents will enjoy improved water quality by the end of this year with construction of the new $2.2 million water treatment plant well under way.

Work on the new Miriam Vale Water Treatment Plant, which is being built on the same site as the existing facility, started on June 13 with the laying of above ground pipelines to enable the original plant to keep functioning, while its underground pipes are diverted during the construction phase.

Concreting of the bored pier foundation of the new plant's filter, a dissolved air flotation and filtration (DAFF) system, and the floor slab is complete, as are the wall structure for the DAFF tank and the underdrain system for the sludge lagoon.

The new plant, which is expected to be completed by November 30, 2016, will contain superior treatment processes to its predecessor, targeting specific water issues.

Inadequacies identified in the existing plant's treatment of various water quality issues that can affect bore and surface waters will be rectified when the new plant is commissioned.

The new plant will remove iron, manganese and algae by-products from the raw water it sources, in addition to conducting conventional treatment processes, and will also help reduce turbidity levels during and following wet weather events.

Improved water quality will also lead to cost reductions for Council, and the region's ratepayers, as it will provide an economically sustainable supply.

The project will receive 50 per cent of eligible project cost to a maximum of $1.59m in State Government assistance over the 2015-16 and 2016-17 financial years.

This project is proudly funded by the Queensland Government's Building Our Regions program.

Proudly funded by the Queensland Government’s Building our Regions program

Council will now progress with the detailed pumptrack designs and tendering process before construction begins.

Community feedback guides Council's decision Council received an overwhelming response to its pumptrack concept for Memorial Park, Gladstone.

Council will now proceed with the detailed project design and tendering process before construction begins.

A total of 662 survey responses were submitted with 612 residents supporting the design and 50 opposing.

Council looks forward to providing a facility that can be used by local youth and visitors of all ages and abilities.

Overall, the consultation process revealed overwhelming support for the project with minimal community opposition.

Community consultation is conducted on a regular basis and residents are encouraged to visit Council's website for the latest online surveys www. gladstone.qld.gov.au/have-your-say

Ten days of activities and events boast a multicultural flavour A variety of activities are planned to celebrate the Gladstone Region's 2016 Multicultural Week and Festival Day. The Multicultural Week concept aims to celebrate our vibrant, diverse, heritage across the Gladstone Region while increasing awareness about cultural commonalities and differences.

The Gladstone Region prides itself on being a place where diversity is not only appreciated but also encouraged.

This year's celebrations will run for 10 days, officially opening on Friday, August 26 with an Interfaith Fellowship Night, which will be organised by the Gladstone Region Interfaith Network.

Activities scheduled include a golf or barefoot bowls tournament, basketball and cricket game, morning teas, multicultural buffets, an Indian Fijian night, Latino Caribbean night, short film festival and more.

Cultures will also be shared at a kindergarten open day and story time sessions at various Gladstone regional libraries and schools across the region.

Celebrations will culminate with the Gladstone Region Multicultural Festival Day on Sunday, September 4 at the Gladstone Marina Parklands from 9am to 4pm with information, displays, international food and stalls.

Page 6

Garden education to teach importance of flora and fauna Gladstone Tondoon Botanic Gardens in partnership with Rio Tinto Alcan offers an educational program that lets regional teachers turn Tondoon into their very own classroom.

Students in early childhood to Year six can enjoy the best of what Tondoon has to offer and lessons are designed to align with the National Curriculum.

Teachers will be provided with the resources they need for each lesson and are encouraged to incorporate their own content.

Interested education facilities can collect a copy of the Lessons in the Gardens brochure or the key learning areas guide for the Tondoon Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre.

Contact the Visitor Services Officer on (07) 4971 4444 to book.

Keep up to date with Gardens' seasonal events guide Gladstone Tondoon Botanic Gardens has released its first seasonal events guide midJune.

The guide gives residents an overview of upcoming winter events, what's in bloom, information on how to become a volunteer and Gardens' facilities.

The concept aims to encourage more residents to utilise the location on a seasonal basis.

The Gardens will host movies, weekly guided tours, city sight tours and exhibitions during the winter months.

A new guide will be produced seasonally with the spring edition available from September 1.

Collect a guide from the Gardens at 672 Glenlyon Road, Gladstone.

Alternatively, download a copy from Council's website www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/whats-onat-the-gardens

Builyan children can now enjoy a brand new modern playground at the town's Pine Street Park.

Parks and Environment project updates It has been a busy few months finalising a number of park projects throughout the Gladstone Region.

Children in Builyan have received a new playground at the town's Pine Street Park.

The project commenced in October 2015 after Council received funding through the Stronger Communities Program with the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development.

The playground consists of a multitower structure, see-saw, swing set and pirouette. The design was implemented after Council sought feedback from the community in 2015.

a sit-up bench, push-up bars, an ab stretcher and parallel bars.

A number of public amenities received a fresh coat of paint during June.

The project scope included public amenities at Gladstone's Clinton Sports Park, Willian Miskin Park, Friend Park and Cemetery, and Mount Larcom's Golding Park.

Each amenity received a pressure wash, the removal of existing antigraffiti coating, two coats of paint and two coats of anti-graffiti coating Stage one of the Calliope Cemetery North project is complete after Council finalised the project's hard and soft landscaping.

Gladstone Family Fun and Fitness Trail off Glenlyon Road is now home to new modern exercise stations.

Miriam Vale's Alf Larson Lions Park upgrade is due for completion at the end of August, weather permitting.

The installation process commenced in early June, with equipment allowing residents to use their smartphone to download training ideas specifically targeting strength and cardio vascular movements.

A playground is currently being installed and works to the community facilities, including the Lions clubhouse, are being finalised.

Trail users can scan a QR code using the smartphone and download a Kompan sports and fitness application before getting started.

The application gives users access to nutritional information, workout plans, progress stats and their own personal fitness profile.

The equipment includes the likes of

Contractors will also carry out the construction of kerbing and a flare out system.

The system redirects rainfall runoff to a number of the park's fig trees rather than allowing it to flow into gutters and drains.

An official opening will be carried out once the park is completed. Details will be provided to the community closer to the completion date.

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BRIEFLY  Morning Melodies special During Seniors Week, you can bag a bargain and receive two tickets for the price of one ($15) to the next Morning Melodies, Rocket Man - an Elton John tribute. Morning Melodies includes morning tea from 9.30am and the show at 11am. Buy your 'two for one' ticket from the GECC Box Office in person or phone 4972 2822.

 Online library services Did you know that your library membership card enables you to access a selection of free online services and resources? You may borrow eBooks and eAudio using BorrowBox or OneClick digital, read magazines online with Zinio, stream international films using Indieflix, use the encyclopedia using Britannica Library and participate in online learning through lynda.com, Transparent Language, Universal Class and Atomic Learning. Find out more at www.gladstonelibraries.qld.gov.au/ online-services

 Australia Day Awards open soon Council's 2017 Australia Day Awards acknowledge inspiring individuals and community events or initiatives within the Gladstone Region. Nominations for the awards will open in September.

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

 Next cruise ship visit The next P&O cruise ship will arrive in Gladstone harbour on Tuesday, August 9.

As usual, the Feast on East Markets will operate near the Auckland Point terminal from 7am to 4pm to coincide with the ship's arrival. If you're looking to get the best view of the ship on a beautiful day, consider going to the Auckland Hill Lookout, the East Shores Precinct or Spinnaker Park. There will be two further visits later in the year - one on October 25 and the final for 2016 just before Christmas on December 20.

Book now to participate in Seniors Week activities Free Mayoral Afternoon Teas will be some of the highlights of this year's regional Seniors Week celebrations.

Residents aged 55 and over can also participate in an extensive selection of activities and events for Seniors Week 2016.

Council has worked with regional community groups to create a varied program of activities from August 13 to 21.

More than 60 activities will be staged with events ranging from dance parties at Agnes Water and Boyne Island to a return cruise, courtesy of Sealink, from Gladstone to the Colosseum, workshops covering arts, cooking, dance, travel, physical and mental well-being.

The majority of regional events are free but bookings are essential.

Events will be held at various regional locations with some on weekends and outside of working hours to cater for those in employment or who are unable to attend during ordinary business hours.

The Gladstone Region Seniors Week program can be accessed online at www. gladstone.qld.gov.au/seniors-week or copies are available at the Community Advisory Service, 142 Goondoon Street, Gladstone, or at regional libraries.

Seniors Week bookings can be made by phoning the Community Advisory Service on 4976 6300.

Former Miriam Vale Shire Councillors Josie Meng and Dell Whitmore attended the official opening of the Turkey Beach Community Centre with Gladstone Region Mayor Matt Burnett, community centre coordinator Allison Randall, Cr Kahn Goodluck and Deputy Mayor Chris Trevor.

Turkey Beach Progress Association to manage new community centre About 65 people attended the official opening of the Turkey Beach Community Centre on July 8.

Construction of the Worthington Road community centre, including carpark development and landscaping, has provided a new community meeting place for the township's residents.

The long standing project has involved years of community input to develop a modern hall with facilities to suit the needs of residents.

Funding of $150,000 for the project was initially put aside by the former Miriam Vale Shire Council.

Gladstone Regional Council staff and former Gladstone Region Councillor Maxine Brushe had been involved in extensive discussions with community members to develop the premises.

The community centre will be operated and managed by the Turkey Beach

Progress Association.

Community centre coordinator Allison Randall said the facility would be beneficial for the Turkey Beach community.

"The centre will provide a catalyst to offer the community activities and services that will meet their social, health and well-being and educational needs," Allison said.

"There is a need for a broad variety of services to cater for the diverse demographics within the area and provide services and activities to strengthen the social fabric of Turkey Beach."

The facility has disability access, a kitchen and a clinic room and encourages greater community interaction offering a hall where residents can meet and gather socially.

Page 8

More fresh produce at next Mount Larcom Farmers' Market

Newprint HRG director Ben Hughes and local artist Geoffrey Head proudly show one of the artistic footpath decals installed outside the Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum.

Goondoon Street artistic project celebrates Gladstone's heritage Footpath decals are adding interest to the Gladstone CBD streetscape with 10 works by award-winning Gladstone artist, Geoffrey Head, drawing attention to Goondoon Street buildings.

The Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum project uses the linocut prints to bring art into public space along the main street and promote local history and architecture.

Since their installation, the decals have attracted keen interest from residents and visitors strolling along Goondoon Street, providing a nostalgic look at the city's past.

The selected prints are from Geoffrey Head's Over the Hill exhibition which featured a series of linocuts depicting

architecture of Gladstone's main street.

The artworks were reproduced by local printers, Newprint HRG, on vinyl specifically designed for walkway purposes.

The rectangular decals have been temporarily affixed to the pavement in front of their respective buildings.

Decals are located on footpaths adjacent to Port Curtis Sailing Club Clubhouse (Gladstone Yacht Club), the former RSL building, the Old Gladstone Post Office, Kullaroo House, The Grand Hotel, Patricks Jewellers, the old Commonwealth Bank, Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum and house numbers 4 and 14 on Goondoon Street.

Flood resilience roadworks in progress Gravel road resurfacing projects are in progress throughout the Gladstone Region, delivering on Council's Budget 2016-17 promises.

In total, $2.7 million worth of gravel road resheeting and remedial works are scheduled for completion within the current financial year.

Thirty-one roads, have been targeted by the program.

Also in progress are works to improve the flood resilience on seven regional roads with Council spending $300,000 in addition

to $3.7m received from the Queensland Government via its Natural Disasters Relief and Recovery Arrangements Betterment Fund over the course of the 2015-16 and 2016-17 financial years.

Among the larger projects identified for flood resilience works is a number of floodways to be constructed including Norton Road in the Boyne Valley ($2M) and Tableland Road in Calliope ($850,000).

In addition, $440,000 will be spent constructing protective treatments at existing floodways on Mount Larcom Bracewell Road.

Organisers of Mount Larcom's first ever Farmers' Market held on June 12 have heeded the message from the large crowd that attended - fresh is best.

They are planning to have more stalls selling fresh produce from regional growers for the next market on Sunday, September 11.

Expressions of interest are being sought from individuals or organisations that would like to sell their fresh produce on the day.

The organising committee is determined to make amends after being taken aback by the enthusiastic community response to the event.

The Mount Larcom community is also right behind the market which has been put together as part of a project designed to build resilience, sense of place and connectedness.

Two Gladstone Region councillors, Cindi Bush and Peter Masters, have joined the organising committee to assist and support.

There will be more emphasis on live entertainment at the September market to be held on the Mount Larcom School Oval from 9am to 1pm.

For further information contact Council's Strategic Community Inclusion Officer Luis Arroyo on 4976 6352 or at luisa@ gladstonerc.qld.gov.au Page 9

Animal registration discount to help residents

The new Centenarian Tribute Garden at Tondoon creates a space of celebration for our region's centenarians

Grand idea leads to a creative tribute It all started with a grand idea; to recognise the region's centenarians at the Gladstone Tondoon Botanic Gardens.

The question was; what creative concept would help celebrate this milestone?

Needing inspiration, Council's Senior Parks and Conservation Coordinator Barry Meiring started searching for concepts.

Scrolling through his personal Facebook newsfeed, Barry came across the Queensland Arboriculture Association Group which had published chainsaw sculpting competition footage.

One particular artist, Matt Bird of Matt Bird's Chainsaw Carving, caught Barry's attention through his creative sculpting talents.

He showed the footage to Botanic Gardens Curator Brent Braddick who was also impressed and believed something similar would work at Tondoon.

The concept was finalised; a timber sculpture tribute garden would be built to depict Tondoon's animals and plants, and house plaques acknowledging the region's centenarians.

Coincidently, a large blue gum tree had been scheduled to be removed from Tondoon due to safety reasons, enabling it to become the perfect canvas for the

envisioned project.

Barry contacted Matt, who mentioned he had won third prize and people's choice at his most recent competition.

Matt had created similar chainsaw art work at Tamborine Mountain Botanical Gardens and was interested in working with Council.

Barry and Brent got to work straight away on the design drawings and worked with Matt to finalise the project concept.

The design was endorsed by the National Seniors Gladstone Committee who praised Council for thinking 'outside of the box'.

With the concepts in place, the blue gum was removed and cut to specific lengths before being installed into concrete footings.

Matt commenced sculpting work on June 7 and was bombarded by people lining up to admire his skills.

He worked tirelessly, perfecting each piece of gum until he was happy with the overall look.

The sculptures have created a space of celebration for our region's centenarians.

In the future, trees requiring removal at Tondoon will be similarly recycled and installed to create a natural sculpture trail.

Residents can expect their animal registration in letterboxes shortly, but can also expect a 20 per cent discount if paid in full by October 31.

Council's animal registration fee structure has been developed to promote responsible pet ownership.

Increased discounts apply to owners who desex their animal; microchip their animal; hold a current Centrelink Pensioner concession card; or hold a Veterans' Affairs Repartition Health card - for all conditions (Gold Card).

There are many reasons for having your pet registered with a registration tag, enabling animals to be easily identified and distinguished from the stray population and able to be reunited with their owners as quickly as possible.

It is an offence to keep an unregistered dog (with the exception of working dogs) or cat within the Gladstone Region and registration costs are much cheaper than having to pay an impoundment fee or fine for pets found to be unregistered.

Residents can pay their animal registration in person by visiting one of Council's Rural Transaction or Administration Centres.

Payment options include cash; EFTPOS; Credit Card (AMEX accepted); and cheque or money order.

Alternatively, residents looking to renew their animal registration can make an electronic payment via BPAY using the details on their renewal notice.

For more information on animal registration or Council's fee structure visit www.gladstone.qld. gov.au/registration 2016-17 registration renewal fees: Paid before October 31, 2016: Entire animal $85 (pension or concession $53.50) Desexed or micro chipped animal $45 (pension or concession $27) Desexed and micro chipped animal $22 (pension or concession $13.50) Registered breeders animal $42 Paid after October 31, 2016: Entire animal $107 (pension or concession $67) Desexed or micro chipped animal $56.50 (pension or concession $33.50) Desexed and micro chipped animal $28 (pension or concession $16.50) Registered breeders animal $52.50 Page 10

Four-week program assists people to deal with anger It is so easy to be reactive. You can get caught up in the moment and say or do things you don’t mean.

If this sounds familiar and you want to overcome such impulses, the Community Advisory Service (CAS) could hold the answer.

Save the date for the 2016 Garage Sale Trail on Saturday, October 22

Garage Sale Trail registrations open on August 10 Registrations for this year's national Garage Sale Trail open online on August 10.

Residents, groups and organisations can participate in the free initiative which has grown to become the biggest reuse and community event in the country.

Last year across the Gladstone Region, 73 registered sellers hosted garage sales, car boot sales, book sales and community yard sales.

location or find a nearby sale.

The initiative encourages residents to re-purpose, recycle and reduce the amount of items contributed to landfill.

Gladstone Regional Council received a Stand Out Community Engagement award for its involvement in the 2015 Garage Sale Trail.

The Garage Sale Trail is supported by 164 councils and is promoted by media and business partners.

Australia-wide last year there were 13,791 registered garage sales, more than 350,000 Garage Sale Trail participants and more than 3.7 million items listed for sale.

The campaign draws attention to thousands of garage sales held on one day with buyers and sellers able to use online resources to help promote their

Register for the 2016 Garage Sale Trail at www.garagesaletrail.com.au and save the date for the one-day event on Saturday, October 22.

Disney movie screening at the Gardens Children can enjoy a screening of the Walt Disney's Big Hero 6 at the Gladstone Tondoon Botanic Gardens on September 10 at 6pm.

The superhero-comedy film tells the story of a young robotics prodigy named Hiro Hamada who forms a superhero team to combat a masked villain.

The movie will be screened at the Gardens' arboretum area.

CAS will host a four-week program assisting people to deal with their issues of anger.

Titled, Positive Directions Assertiveness Not Anger, being responsible for your emotions can mean being 'responseable', able to choose your own response.

The program is developed around awareness, acknowledgement of consequences and the development of ways and means to assist individuals in becoming 'response-able'.

With a strength-based and educational approach this program assists in the development of personal empowerment while explaining the essentials in becoming emotionally pro-active.

The four-week program starts on Tuesday, August 16 from 6pm to 9pm with a $5/week cost to cover materials.

Places are limited so bookings are essential and can be made by phoning the Community Advisory Service on 4976 6300.

Exhibition showcases archived photographs of Community Elders Images of past and present Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Elders have been on display at the Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum as part of NAIDOC Week celebrations.

The exhibition showcases a section of Gooreng Gooreng and Bailai (Byelle) family photographs from the Gallery & Museum's historical archives.

The display provides an insight into the

strength and community spirit of wellknown locals, including the Johnson, Yow-Yeh, Roe and Eggmolesse families.

Gallery & Museum visitors can admire more than 70 photographs which strongly reflect the theme of family.

Community Elders, Past & Present Community Heritage Exhibition June 3 - August 27

Food and drinks will be available for purchase on the night and attendees can hire beanbag chairs.

Council encourages residents to bring a picnic rug, chairs and mosquito repellent.

The screening will automatically be cancelled in the event of rain.

For more information contact the Gardens Visitors Centre on 4971 4444.

Chris Long and Debbie Robinson browse through the selection of photographs on display at the Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum.

Page 11

One of the Sydney Dance Company's principal dancers Charmene Yap leads students in dance.

GECC engagement program encourages community involvement The Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre's (GECC) new engagement program is off to a show stopping start with plenty of opportunities to come.

During the June-July school holidays, 44 local dance students and teachers took part in the Sydney Dance Company's Creative and Masterclass workshop, offered as part of the touring production, Countermove.

The dancers mingled with professional dancers and learnt a phrase from the contemporary dance routine performed in the show.

Clinton State School students have also

benefitted from various workshops.

In the first school week of term 3, as part of the GECC schools' program, 130 year three students took part in four, free, Teaching Artist Workshops.

The GECC is working with Opera Queensland to bring local singers to the stage as part of the special production.

Singers must learn Italian Opera and special dance routines.

As part of The Peasant Prince theatre production, GECC facilitated a specialised educator to explore character identity, culture and drama with the students.

Led by local Chorus Master Janine Lester and with extra training by Opera Queensland, the chorus has been busy preparing for the August 10 production.

Meanwhile, a chorus of 40 Gladstone singers have been practising weekly to perform in the comical and larger than life Opera, The Barber of Seville.

For more information about upcoming GECC engagement opportunities, contact Public Programs officer Teresa Vella on 4972 2822.

Regional Sport & Recreation Event Grant helps groups host significant regional sporting events Council's event grant is continuing to help groups host significant regional sport and active recreation events.

Eligible groups had until midnight on Saturday, July 30 to apply for Round 1 of Council's 2016-17 Regional Sport & Recreation Event Grant Program which offers up to $3000 worth of funding.

with new members from other regions and encourage children's interest in the sport.

Members of 3D Archery Association of Australia, a governing body in the sport of archery, also attended and competed at the event.

Gladstone Field Archers, formerly known as Gladstone Bowhunters, were one of the recipients in Council's previous round of grants.

The Sport & Recreation Event Grant Program is open to not-for-profit organisations, sporting clubs, community groups and businesses to assist them to deliver quality events for the Gladstone Region.

Council contributed $1500 in Sport & Recreation funding to assist the group to host the 17th Annual Australian Longbow and Recurve Muster.

Grant application guidelines are available at www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/sport-andrecreation-funding under the 'Apply Now' column.

The event attracted more than 60 registered competitors plus visitors and families from across Queensland and interstate.

Applicants wishing to discuss an event proposal or seeking assistance to complete an online application can phone Council's Sport and Recreation section on 4976 6300 during business hours or email sport&recreation@gladstonerc.qld.gov.au

The muster enabled the Awoonga Dam based club to meet its aims to promote archery as an outdoor family activity, engage

Council Sport & Recreation funding helped Gladstone Field Archers host their annual Australian Longbow and Recurve Muster.

Page 12

BRIEFLY

Community CALENDAR

 Microbusiness workshops

AUGUST Date

Name of the event

Location

Contact

11 June - 6 Aug

22 Years of Golding Showcase: Port Curtis Callide Valley Youth Art Exhibition

Art Gallery & Museum

4976 6766

2 & 16

General Council Meeting

Civic Centre

4970 0700

2 & 16

Story Time 9.30am

Miriam Vale Library

4974 6241

3,17 & 31

Bots n Tots 10.30 - 11.30am

Calliope Library

4975 8195

3,17 & 31

Home school Hour 9 - 10.00am

Calliope Library

4975 8195

Every Wed

Toddler Time 9.30 & 10.30am

Boyne Island Library

4971 9700

Every Wed

Story Time 10.00am

Agnes Water Library

4902 1501

Every Wed & Thurs

Story Time 11.00am

Gladstone City Library 4976 6400

Every Fri

Story Time 10.30am

Boyne Island Library

4971 9700

Every Fri

Story Time 10.30am

Calliope Library

4975 8195

11 & 25

Baby Bounce

Boyne Island Library

4971 9700

12

QSO Symphony Under the Stars

Gladstone Marina

4972 2822

13 - 21

Senior's Week

Community Advisory Service

4976 6300

13

Senior's Week Dance Party 6.3010.30pm (Bookings essential)

Boyne Tannum Community Centre

4976 6300

16

Book-a-Latte

Calliope Library

4975 8195

18 Aug - 8 Oct

2016 Our Priceless Past

Art Gallery & Museum 4976 6766

20 Aug

Senior's Week Dance Party 6.30-10.30pm (Bookings essential)

Agnes Water community Centre

1300 733 343

SEPTEMBER Date

Name of the event

Location

Contact

6 & 20

General Council Meeting

Civic Centre

4970 0700

7 & 21

Bots n Tots 10.30 - 11.30am

Calliope Library

4975 8195

7 & 21

Home school Hour 9 - 10.00am

Calliope Library

4975 8195

Every Wed

Toddler Time 9.30 & 10.30am

Boyne Island Library

4971 9700

Every Wed

Story Time 10.00am

Agnes Water Library

4902 1501

Every Wed & Thurs

Story Time 11.00am

Gladstone City Library 4976 6400

Every Fri

Story Time 10.30am

Boyne Island Library

4971 9700

Every Fri

Story Time 10.30am

Calliope Library

4975 8195

11

Mount Larcom Farmers Market

Mount Larcom State School Oval

4976 6300

Date

Name of the event

Location

Contact

4

General Council Meeting

Civic Centre

4970 0700

Every Wed

Toddler Time 9.30 & 10.30am

Boyne Island Library

4971 9700

Every Wed

Story Time 10.00am

Agnes Water Library

4902 1501

Every Wed & Thurs

Story Time 11.00am

Gladstone City Library 4976 6400

Every Fri

Story Time 10.30am

Boyne Island Library

4971 9700

Every Fri

Story Time 10.30am

Calliope Library

4975 8195

OCTOBER

Council is seeking Expressions of Interest from microbusiness operators keen to take part in the next cycle of free basic business workshops. Workshops are scheduled for August 17 and 31 and September 14 and 28. For more information or to submit an Expression of Interest contact Council's Strategic Community Inclusion Officer Luis Arroyo on 4976 6352 or luisa@gladstonerc.qld. gov.au

 Trap an Indian Myna bird One of Australia's most invasive pests, the Indian Myna bird, is found in concentrated numbers in Gladstone's CBD. Council is offering the free loan of traps to residents to try and reduce their numbers. The bird has a brown body, a black hooded head, yellow patch behind the eye, bright yellow eyes and bill, a white patch on the outer primaries and white colour under the wing lining.

 Men's Shed for Tannum Sands Men at Boyne Island and Tannum Sands are to get their own Men's Shed located on Canoe Point Road. Council has approved a development application for the building near other community groups including Scouts, Girl Guides and Meals on Wheels. Men's Sheds offer a place where men can socialise, learn new skills and enjoy hands-on activities.

 Free tour of the Gladstone

Entertainment Convention Centre As part of Seniors Week celebrations, residents aged 55 and over are invited to gain a glimpse behind the scenes in a half hour guided tour of the Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre.

Hear stories about the building's history and about some performers who've trodden the halls. You'll discover what it takes to put on a show as well as work up your appetite for the Mayor's Afternoon Tea to follow. The tour involves stairs so please consider mobility when booking. Limited places apply.

Book through the Community Advisory Service on 4976 6300.

Page 13

Separate community projects highlight work of students Students and teachers from two schools within the Gladstone Region have assisted Council by contributing to separate community projects.

Tannum High students build timber market tables Five senior students from Tannum Sands State High School used their manual arts skills to build timber market tables for use at Council's Pop-up Enterprise trials.

'real world' feel for this subject," she said.

As a compliment to the students' workmanship, the tables were recently requested for use at a wedding reception and in appreciation, the school received an in kind hardware voucher from the bride.

The Tannum High students were supplied materials to build 1m wide by 2.4m long market stall tables.

"We hope that in the future we can attract more outside jobs to give the students a

Work of EQIP students to add vibrancy to CBD EQIP Doorways to Civil Construction students had a busy semester constructing Cape Cod chairs to help add vibrancy to the Gladstone CBD. The project enabled participating Year 10 students to gain practical work experience onsite at McCosker Contracting.

Year 8, 9 and 10 students from Miriam Vale State School refurbished outdoor chairs and tables which were relocated from the Gladstone Aquatic Centre to the Miriam Vale Library.

Their efforts will directly benefit the community offering a new home for two tables and eight chairs at the front of the Miriam Vale Library.

Manual Arts teacher Chris Andersen, Art and Home Economics teacher/ HOC Lyn Harms and groundsman Lionel Bradford worked with students to sand, rebuild, paint and decorate the tables and chairs.

TSSHS Community Liaison Officer Carol Shuttleworth said the project added a new dimension to learning with the students' work forming part of their assessment.

"Tannum High Manual Arts students in Year 11 and 12 were thrilled to be able to help out with this exciting project and the tight turnaround gave a real work place feel for customer satisfaction," Ms Shuttleworth said.

Miriam Vale students on show at township's library

Tannum Sands State High students Declan Connors, Andrew Geissler and Julian Wyngaards work hard making tables for the pop-up enterprises.

tools.

The students made good use of the chairs while participating in mock interviews at an assessment centre and aptitude testing.

Six chairs will be given a new home in Gladstone's Library Square to provide stylish seating for the public.

Words were stencilled on the chairs to create an acrostic poem to the theme 'Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths'.

Tables featured a collage of pictures and maps depicting the region and were finished with a glass top while arms of the chairs were decorated with Aboriginal style artworks.

The tables and chairs will now proudly provide library patrons with an outdoor area to utilise the library's resources.

The students are enrolled at various schools across the region including Gladstone State High School, Mount Larcom State School, Tannum Sands State High School and Toolooa State High School.

Council's Youth Development Officer Vernetta Perrett sourced unused pallets from the local community for the project.

The pallets were dismantled by the students and the timber was repurposed into modern, stylish chairs using a chair template and a range of hand and power

EQIP Doorways to Civil Construction students with two of their Cape Cod chairs which will help add vibrancy to Gladstone's Library Square.

Cr Burnett is proudly shown the refurbished tables and chairs by Miriam Vale students Dakota Raynam-Burke, Yyaell Myers and Jorja Belton.

Special thanks to: EQIP Doorways to Civil Construction students: Beau Brown, Blake Lamont, Brayden Bianchi, Cole Crawford, Dane Lee, Emily Kirkwood, Emmerson Dopson, Ethan Crawford, Hayden Reece, Hunter James Dean, Jackson Korableff, Lyncoln Rebel, Marcus Guerassimoff, Morgan Baker, Sarah Elliott, Tristan Kozloff.

Miriam Vale State School: Manual Arts teacher Chris Andersen, Art teacher Lyn Harms and groundsman Lionel Bradford (glass finish on tables).

Students contributing: Year 8 - Jess Heap, Jack Dehne, Jorja Belton, Jordyn Belton, Yyaell Myers, Khiah Wadwell, Dakota Raynam-Burke, Chell Wicks and Zahlie Ward (arm of the chair artworks).

Year 9 - Brooke Watson, Courtney Murdoch, Gracie Bayliss, Zak Fitzhenry, Faith McCarthy,

Maddie Pattison, Jacob Western, and Skye Cochrane Casey (construction of all pieces, basecoats and table tops).

Year 10 - Kayla Chapman and Joelle Brennan (helped cut-out stencils for the project).

Tannum Sands State High School: Manual Arts teacher Gary Hill Participating students: Year 11 - Owen Chapman, Reece Lucas Year 12 - Declan Connors, Andrew Geissler and Julian Wyngaards.

Page 14

Drum Clan pop-up animals attract attention of young readers Story prepared by Jacqueline Foster for the Creative Recycling Centre The Creative Recycling Centre’s (CRC) latest project has had families talking and reading across the Gladstone Region.

Members of the fun and quirky 'Drum Clan' are housing books for children in public spaces as 'pop-up libraries' - giving children a chance to engage in reading while out and about with their families.

The initiative, a collaboration between the CRC, First Five and Gladstone Regional Council, has been 12 months in the making.

Ten volunteers assisted with the project, contributing more than 100 hours of work to get the last of the 10 colourful characters near completion and ready for distribution to their new 'homes'.

Project Coordinator Kay Longden said the pop-up libraries enabled parents to understand how their children engage with books and highlighted the importance of parents being part of their children's social, school and personal development.

"The project has been a great success primarily because we stepped outside the usual parameters of what a bookshelf would look like - breaking stereotypes and making reading a fun and attractive pastime

for young children," Kay said.

"As an avid reader myself, I absolutely love the idea of introducing children to books through a creative medium and having books available to kids in surprising locations.

"Being able to use an element from our local industry and showing how it can be reused in a purposeful way has also been very exciting."

Each pop-up library was constructed by the Gladstone Men's Shed out of a commonly discarded item from Gladstone’s industry - the humble blue chemical drum.

Kay developed the concept to create animals after scouring op shops, searching for materials and exploring how they could be arranged to create characters to engage and attract children's attention.

The project used 98 per cent of recycled materials including coffee pods, ping pong balls, egg cups and colanders.

Gladstone City Library's Young People's Librarian Bettina Nissen said the pop-up libraries were enticing interest from young readers across the region.

"The pop-up libraries have been very popular, allowing families to choose a book to read together while waiting to see the

doctor or visiting a community centre," she said.

Creations including Matilda the Mouse, Wally Wombat, Edna Echidna, Frieda Fish and Freddy Frog can be found at Nhulundo Worribah, doctors' surgeries, Centrelink, Toolooa House, Gladstone City Library and making guest appearances at various public events.

The CRC would like to acknowledge the Gladstone Men’s Shed for work in constructing the drums, Queensland Alumina Limited and Boyne Smelters Limited for providing the drums for reuse, First Five for engaging the CRC for the project and Gladstone Regional Libraries for seeing and appreciating the vision.

Creative Recycling Centre volunteers have been involved in a joint collaboration to produce animal pop-up libraries across the region. Photos by Kay Longden

Updates from AROUND THE REGION

YARWUN: Council has announced $101,000 worth of upgrades to the Yarwun Recreation Grounds in the 201617 Budget. This funding will allow for a modern playground with contemporary equipment, a shade structure and sufficient family seating. The proposed playground will include a double swing; a rotating piece of play equipment (spica), and a three seater see-saw for children aged 12 and under to enjoy. The public play area for Yarwun's younger demographic will be close to their homes, which is an added bonus.

REGION: Council is preparing for the annual review of the Local Heritage Register. Public notification will occur over the next few weeks calling for new places to be nominated or unsuitable places to be removed. Following this, Council will put forward selected places for inclusion in the register that meet the selection criteria for heritage significance. The Local Heritage Register is located on Council's website at www.gladstonerc.qld.gov.au TANNUM SANDS: Council will spend $300,000 on an erosion reduction strategy for Wild Cattle Creek this financial year.

The funding is part of the Boyne-Tannum Shoreline Erosion Management Plan (SEMP) which outlines a framework for erosion management consistent with the Coastal Protection and Management Act (1995). Council has been able to understand the underlying causes of erosion and likely future of its progression.

A sand push is believed to be the most cost-effective strategy to maintain the natural repair process.

REGION: Landowners should be preparing their properties and a Bushfire Survival Plan now, as the countdown begins to the bushfire season. The Northern Australia Seasonal Bushfire Outlook indicates above normal fire potential for parts of Queensland, in the coastal ranges from Bundaberg north to Cooktown. Despite unseasonable rainfall in May and June, most of these areas experienced below average rainfall during the wet season.

Changes to vegetation following Cyclone Marcia in February 2015 also mean there could be an increased fire risk along the Capricorn coast.

Page 15

k e e W s r o Seni st u g u A 1 2 3 1

It’s on for Young and Old

Supported by

http://www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/garage-sale-trail

Bookings from 1 August For further information contact Andrea on 49766300 or andreah@gladstonerc.qld.gov.au

Imagine you and your favourite people lounging on a picnic blanket, rugged up with a nice glass of wine or a warm drink in your hands while sitting under the starry night at the Gladstone Marina Stage. Be serenaded by the magical sounds of the Queensland Symphony Orchestra.

Each year QSO and GRC presents class free night of entertainment that the whole family will enjoy. This year’s theme, ‘Around the World and back’ played live by some of the state’s best classical musicians will be sure to delight once again.

BYO alcohol permitted - please drink responsibly.

For fur ther information visit www.gladecc.com.au or contact the This is a free community concert made possible by APLNG, Major Sponsors of the Queensland Symphony Orchestra Gladstone Enrichment through Music Initiative (GEM).

PROUDLY BROUGHT TO YOU BY GLADSTONE REGIONAL COUNCIL AND QUEENSLAND SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA