Council Connection October - November 2016

COUNCIL

CONNECTION GLADSTONE REGIONAL COUNCIL NEWSLETTER October - November 2016 ISSUE 74

INSIDE

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Prepare for cyclones with Council tools

Garage Sale Trail turns 'trash' into treasure

Australia Day Awards nominations open

10 Exciting parks projects in pipeline

Mayor's Message Council works with public to deliver first class recreational spaces Now that the public consultation process has concluded, Council is pleased that it can give the green light to proceed with a detailed design concept for the redesign of Lions Park in Kin Kora.

Cover Amateur photographers are encouraged to enter the Gladstone Tondoon Botanic Gardens Instagram competition for their chance to win.

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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 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. The 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

The public reaction to Council's Lions Park design concept survey was overwhelmingly favourable and it is exciting to see this project move closer to realisation.

With the project already highlighted in its Long Term Financial Plan, Council will progress with the concept's detailed design phase.

Project work will be subject to awarding a successful tenderer and Council's budget considerations.

The project will transform the location into a vibrant, modern family area for children and adults to enjoy.

A key feature of the redesign is the introduction of a variety of play equipment for children with visionary, sensory and

auditory impairments, autism, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy and spina bifida.

When completed the park will be a centralised community hub that we can all be proud of and the first of its kind for the Gladstone Region.

By seeking feedback on the preliminary designs for the park, Council was able to ensure that the end result would be an open, green area that is as functional as it is aesthetically pleasing.

It is also great to see Miriam Vale's Alf Larson/ Lions Park almost complete.

The project experienced some early delays while conflicting community group requirements were negotiated, but Council was able to work with the groups to overcome these differences.

Upon its completion the park and its stateof-the-art recreational facilities, modern playground and attractive landscaping and walkways, will provide Miriam Vale with a welcoming rest stop for travellers and an appealing place to relax and play for local residents.

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

New online payment option for animal registration renewal Pet owners are reminded their annual animal registration notices should reach local mailboxes from October 4.

Prepare for cyclone season with Council tools Our region's location in the tropics offers a pleasant climate, enviable lifestyle and beautiful coastlines, waterways and landscapes.

But living in the tropics means having to prepare for severe weather events, as Category 4 cyclone Marcia reminded us when it hit Central Queensland last year.

complete and be ready for a cyclone, fire or other emergency.

Residents can also register to receive severe weather alerts via the Early Warning Network or, if they are existing registrants, ensure their contact details in the system are up to date.

With the cyclone season just around the corner, residents are urged to make use of Council's online tools to prepare for emergency situations.

Both these resources, along with road and flood reports and camera images of flooding hotspots are available from Council's website www.gladstone.qld.gov. au/emergencies

Council's guide to preparing for natural disasters and emergencies 'Ready?' provides simple checklists for residents to

Residents can also phone Council on 4970 0700 to register for the Early Warning Network.

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Steps you can take now to prepare for the cyclone season:  Register or update your contact details with the Early Warning Network to receive severe weather warnings;  Review your insurance levels and update your proof of purchases for potential claims.

Prepare your home:  Trim trees and overhanging branches;  Check the condition of roofs and structures and arrange necessary repairs;

 Remove rubbish and loose items from your yard.

Download the 'Ready?' guide and use its checklists to:  Create a home emergency plan;  Make an emergency and evacuation kit.

The Ready? guide, Early Warning Network registration form and other resources are available from www. gladstone.qld.gov.au/emergencies Residents can also register for the Early Warning Network by phoning Council on 4970 0700.

Mark in your calendar RACQ Get Ready Day, Sunday, October 16, and join households across Queensland in readying for the cyclone season.

To receive a 20 per cent discount, pet owners need to pay their renewal fee by October 31.

Council has introduced a new Online Services payment method to make the process easier.

Pet owners will need to obtain their animal reference number, located on the notice, to ensure the transaction is successful.

The portal also allows pet owners to cancel their animal registration and upload their microchipping and desexing certificates.

If an animal's details are changed online, the pet owner will need to wait a short period of time to allow their details to update.

Once the renewal payment has been made Council's Regulatory Services Division will issue a current registration tag.

To access Council's Online Services portal, visit www.gladstone.qld.gov.au and select the 'Online Services' button on the left-hand side of the homepage.

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

This means the following: • 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; and • Working dogs only may be exempt from mandatory registration and microchipping.

For more information phone Council's Regulatory Services Division on 4970 0700.

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Be quick to receive a discount on rates Ratepayers have until October 17 to receive a five per cent discount on their rates payments.

This year, to complement its 10 per cent discount on rates payments made in full within 30 days of issue, Council reintroduced the second discount option of five per cent on payments made between 31 and 60 days.

Local historical researcher Paulette Flint leads a group during the recent guided Over the Hill walking tour.

Art and history blend to offer an interesting mix Residents can take a stroll through Gladstone's past and learn more about Goondoon Street by joining the free Over the Hill walking tour.

The walking tour highlights the work of local artist Geoffrey Head and his Over the Hill series of linocuts depicting architecture of Gladstone's main street.

Hear about the untimely death of Richard Hetherington, our first Mayor and the Postmaster of Gladstone, who met his death on a ship in Auckland Creek.

Participants can take a step back in time listening to a recount of history while viewing the prints adjacent to their respective buildings.

Or learn the history of our oldest public buildings, some which are no longer with us, like the Metropolitan Hotel, which stood on the corner of Lord and Goondoon Street.

Take the tour and find out why the foundations of the buildings in lower Goondoon Street had to be dug so deep.

Guided tours, organised by Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum staff, have been scheduled for when P&O cruise ships dock in Gladstone but anyone can pick up the Over the Hill walking tour brochure and self-guide their experience.

The next guided tours will be held on October 25, December 20 and January 4 starting at 9am from the entrance to East Shores (at the Yacht Club end) and progress to the Gallery & Museum.

Local historical researcher Paulette Flint will guide participants to follow a trail of linocut print footpath decals along Goondoon Street.

Paying directly to Council is the safest way to ensure payments are cleared in time for the discount to be applied.

This can be done via Council's new Online Services platform at www. gladstone.qld.gov.au/OnlineServices or in person at any Council administration or transaction centre.

For more information about rates consult www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/rates, refer to the Rates and Charges booklet that accompanied mailed rate notices, or phone Council on 4970 0700.

Learn that the old Town Hall, which later became the RSL sub-branch, has foundations that go down eight feet (2.4 metres).

And hear the story behind the fires which destroyed buildings in Goondoon Street in 1938.

Residents interested in joining a guided tour are advised to wear practical walking shoes and meet at the departure point at East Shores on the day; no bookings are required.

To take a self-guided tour, Over the Hill walking tour brochures are available at Council offices, venues and libraries, as well as online at www.gragm.qld.gov.au/ education/over-the-hill-public-art-trail

Pay rates via Council's Online Services to ensure the payment is cleared by the discount deadline.

Young people invited to apply for 2017 Gladstone Region Youth Council Gladstone Region young people, aged between 15 and 24, can apply for one of nine positions on the 2017 Gladstone Region Youth Council.

Applications will be accepted until October 28 as part of the annual Youth Council recruitment process.

The Gladstone Region Youth Council

acts as a formal advisory committee to Council on youth related matters within our region.

term but can seek re-appointment for a subsequent term.

The Youth Council's annual term is aligned with the Queensland school year.

Application forms and details are available at www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/youthservices

Gladstone Region Youth Council meets on the first and third Monday of the month and members serve an initial one year

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

Garage Sale Trail helps participants to turn 'trash' into treasure There is still time to turn your unwanted items into treasure by registering as a seller for the 2016 Garage Sale Trail.

The one-day national event on Saturday, October 22 is being promoted as 'Australia's Big Day of Good Stuff' and registrations will be taken up until the day.

It is free for residents across the Gladstone Region to register to host a garage sale and to then gain the promotional benefits provided by the Garage Sale Trail.

And keen garage sale followers are urged to mark the October 22 Garage Sale Trail date in their calendars.

The initiative provides access to details about garage sales being held across the Gladstone Region and allows interested buyers to plot their own trail to follow on the day.

The campaign encourages communities to reduce, re-purpose and recycle to lessen the amount of items contributed to landfill.

2016 Garage Sale Trail registrations can be lodged at www.garagesaletrail.com. au Community groups and organisations interested in more information can contact Council's Community Advisory Service on 4976 6300.

Billy cart races were a highlight at Rosedale's Australia Day community event this year.

Donations available for communities to host an Australia Day event Groups within Council's regional communities are encouraged to host a 2017 Australia Day community event with funding available via Council's Community Donations Program.

Individuals and groups still have time to register for free to take part in the 2016 Garage Sale Trail across the Gladstone Region.

Aussie flags will flutter and barbecues will sizzle across the Gladstone Region on January 26 thanks to funding offered to not-for-profit community groups hosting an Australia Day public event.

Each year Council offers financial assistance to regional communities to enable Australia Day celebrations to be organised in their townships.

The donations help eligible groups host a local event which complements Council's major Australia Day event.

Not-for-profit community groups and organisations in the Gladstone Region, who intend to host their own public Australia Day event, can apply for funding assistance through Council's Community Donations Program - Category 3 Regional Event Support - Australia Day. Applicants will be assessed according to criteria outlined in Council's Community Donations Policy.

Online service system launched for customers Thanks to the launch of Council's Online Services portal, customers can now make payments, view their rates information, register animals and update animal registrations online.

Via the mobile-friendly and secure system, customers can pay for rates, water consumption, animal registration renewals, trade waste consumption and sundry invoices.

Customers can apply to become a

registered user to access their history of rates charges and payments and property valuation summaries.

Residents can also register new pets, notify of a registered pet's passing or relocation to within another Council's boundary and upload a registered pet's microchipping or desexing certificates.

Online Services is accessible via www. gladstone.qld.gov.au/OnlineServices

The Community Donations application form and policy guidelines are available on Council's website at www.gladstone. qld.gov.au/donations-and-grants Applications will be accepted until the close of business on November 25.

For more information phone Council's Community Donations Officer Janine Sorrensen on 4976 6351 or email janines@gladstonerc.qld.gov.au A list of locations and times of 2017 Australia Day community events will be available on Council's website in January at www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/australiaday-regional-events Page 5

The major upgrade of Chapman Drive was completed in September after seven months of works.

GLADSTONE Save the date for Gladstone Pop Con next year Planning is under way for Gladstone's inaugural Pop Con to be held at the Gladstone PCYC on April 1 next year from 10am to 4pm.

Chapman Drive major upgrade project reaches completion A little over seven months after the heavy machinery moved into place, the major upgrade of Chapman Drive in Clinton was completed in September.

The $4.3m project was, effectively, an amalgam of four smaller projects all identified as being necessary to offset the ageing of infrastructure for the busy thoroughfare as well as enable it to cope with increased volumes of traffic.

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 and the installation of a 375mm diameter water main.

Installation of the water main was fast-tracked in order to prevent having to remove and repair a section of the renewed Chapman Drive carriageway at a later date.

The installation of traffic lights at the Chapman Drive-Ballantine Street intersection provided better management of vehicle movements from the Chapman Plaza shopping centre and safer pedestrian access for those crossing the busy Chapman Drive.

The traffic lights also created an improved environment in which to negotiate the intersection for motorists travelling in all directions, with the upgrade of the Chapman Drive and J Hickey Avenue intersection enhancing traffic flow in the vicinity by removing excessive queuing, particularly at peak times such as school drop-off and pick-up periods.

Council acknowledges the lengthy duration of the project and the difficulties posed by changed traffic conditions and thanks the community, particularly residents and regular commuters on Chapman Drive, for their patience while these important upgrades were implemented.

Pop Con attendees will be able to dress as their favourite Popular Culture character, browse through stalls selling character related merchandise and take part in organised workshops.

Entry to the event is free and there will be special guests, games and fun.

A Gladstone Pop Con costume competition will be held on the day with prizes on offer in categories including Under 11 years, 12-17 years, Over 17 years and Best Family.

Entrants will have the option to cosplay (character dress and role play) and entertain the crowds with a skit for two minutes or less.

Stallholders with products, items or skills related to a Pop Culture theme are invited to submit an expression of interest.

Costume competition entry forms and expression of interest stallholder or workshop forms are available at www. gladstone.qld.gov.au/gladstone-pop-con For more information phone Vernetta on 4976 6300 or email vernettap@gladstonerc.qld.gov.au

Marine debris artwork features at Wyndham Park, Boyne Island The recent installation of a marine debris art work piece at Wyndham Park, Boyne Island, represents the final stage of the Great Barrier Reef Clean-up project.

The idea to include marine debris in the artwork aims to raise awareness of the effects it can have on marine life, and encourage residents to reduce rubbish.

The project was delivered by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority in partnership with Council and funded through the Reef Trust.

There is an educational activity on the side of the artwork which requires park goers to read questions about marine debris and locate the answers within Wyndham Park.

Local indigenous artist Belynda Waugh designed and constructed the artwork after being inspired by a clean-up project last October, during which 500kg of rubbish was collected from Lilley's Beach.

Council is an active participant in the Reef Guardian Council program so the artwork is a welcome addition to the Gladstone Region.

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Last year the crowd eagerly lined the footpath awaiting entry for the official opening of The 40th Rio Tinto Martin Hanson Memorial Art Awards.

Works included in Art Awards to fill Gallery & Museum Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum will display entries in the 41st Rio Tinto Martin Hanson Memorial Art Awards until December 8.

and artists vie for prizes in four categories, comprising of Easel Paintings, Works on Paper, Three Dimensional and Fibre Works, and Digital Works.

The awards, which open on October 15, have become one of Queensland's most prestigious regional art events attracting hundreds of entries from established, emerging and amateur artists nationwide.

This year's awards will be judged by Director of Geelong Gallery Jason Smith and the winners will be announced at the exhibition's official opening.

The awards honour Martin Hanson (19231976), a popular and highly respected local businessman, who was a Member of the Legislative Assembly for Port Curtis 19631976 and patron to the Gladstone Artists Club.

The Gallery & Museum became the custodian of the awards in 1993 which were renamed in 2007 in recognition of Rio Tinto's continued generous support of the awards and arts in Queensland.

Each year the awards are supported by local industry, business and the community

Once open, visitors to the exhibition are encouraged to vote in The QAL People's Choice Awards. Visitors can select their favourite work in each of the four sections and at the end of the exhibition the four works with the most votes will be announced.

The pontoon was damaged as the result of a motor vehicle incident in July with the damaged platforms and handrails removed in August and repaired off-site.

The pontoon, which also sustained significant damage as a result of flooding and heavy

The 41st Rio Tinto Martin Hanson Memorial Art Awards key dates: Submission of works: October 6-8 Gallery & Museum closed for install: October 9-14 Art Awards exhibition opens: 10am, Saturday, October 15 Judge's Floor Talk, followed by Artists' Lunch: 11am, Saturday, October 15 Judge's Illustrated Lecture: 2pm, Saturday, October 15

The Gallery & Museum is pleased to announce the continuation of the John Anderson Memorial Acquisitive Award for $5000.

Official Opening and Awards Presentation: 6pm, Saturday, October 15

The Gallery & Museum will be closed for the exhibition's installation from October 10 to 14. After this, the usual opening

Exhibition closes: 5pm, Thursday, December 8

Bray Park boat ramp pontoon back in use Gladstone Region fishing and boating enthusiasts welcomed the news in early September that the Bray Park boat ramp pontoon at Boyne Island was again operational.

hours will apply: 10am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday, with free admission.

downpours in 2013, and its adjacent boat ramp are among the most utilised boating facilities within the Gladstone Region.

Residents who love getting out on the water welcomed the return of the safe, all-tidal access that the Bray Park pontoon provides.

Council thanks the community for its patience while the repair work was assessed and completed.

Art Awards, Artist Talks: 10.30am, Saturday, November 26

BRIEFLY  Region welcomes record number

of new Australian citizens A record number of 93 Gladstone Region residents took their final steps to become Australian citizens last month on Australian Citizenship Day at the Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre. To date, Council has welcomed 215 new Australian citizens this year.

 Kerb numbering not endorsed

Australia

Awards 2017

Day

Nominate

Your

Hero

Residents who are approached by companies or individuals offering to paint street numbers on kerbing outside their properties are advised that the practise is not endorsed by Council, contrary to reported claims by these providers.

Simple process to submit a nomination for Council's 2017 Australia Day Awards

 Watch out for swooping magpies

Now is the time to nominate an outstanding Gladstone Region resident for a Council 2017 Australia Day Award.

Nominations for the awards will be accepted until 5pm on Friday, November 4.

The simple nomination process can be completed online or forms can be downloaded at www.gladstone.qld.gov. au/australia-day-awards

Nominees must be an Australian citizen and have lived in the Gladstone Region for 12 months prior to Australia Day (26 January) 2017.

Categories are 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.

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

Between July and November each year, residents may encounter swooping magpies protecting their nests. Council erects signs in known swooping locations on Council-controlled land, and the community is urged to avoid these and other nesting sites. Magpies are protected under State Wildlife Legislation, so it is an offense to harm or remove magpies without authorisation.

 Subscribe to eConnect In addition to this newsletter, Council produces a fortnightly electronic newsletter called eConnect. To regularly receive Council's latest news by email, subscribe at www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/ econnect

Council's 2017 Australia Day Awards reward inspiring individuals and community events or initiatives contributing to the Gladstone Region.

The Awards recognise residents for their outstanding individual achievements, efforts or valuable community contributions, with winners announced at a presentation evening on the eve of Australia Day.

Dispose of your unwanted items for FREE In total, 116 illegal dumping reports were received by Council in the 2015/16 financial year.

• automotive batteries; • scrap metal; • waste oil.

 Discovery Coast photography

The cost of investigating and cleaning up an average illegal dumping incident is $1500.

The Agnes Water Rural Transaction Centre (RTC) invites amateur photographers to enter their colour challenge by taking a photo in the Discovery Coast area that includes something red. Entries are accepted until 3pm on October 31 and will be displayed in the Agnes Water RTC in November for public voting. For information contact the RTC on 4902 1522.

Investigations have revealed residents are dumping general waste or recyclables, green waste and white goods, all of which can be disposed of for free at Council's waste facilities.

To try to catch offenders, Council has installed surveillance cameras and temporary illegal dumping signage at hot spots.

challenge

Items free to dispose of include the following: • up to 240L (wheelie bin size) of general waste or recyclables; • a ute or single axle box trailer of green waste; • white goods (including fridges); • gas bottles (up to 9kg);

Identified offenders will be issued with show cause, compliance and/ or penalty infringement notices.

Offenders can expect a hefty fine if caught

by Council; Fines of up to $1950 will be handed out to individuals and $9142 to corporations.

For more information on illegal dumping or to report an incident phone Council's Regulatory Service Division on 4970 0700.

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Enter Tondoon's Spring Instagram Competition to win!

Do you have a photograph of Gladstone Tondoon Botanic Gardens?

Upload it to Instagram and be in the running to win one of three Savour the Flavour cafe vouchers.

Tondoon is hosting the Spring Instagram Competition to encourage residents to share their favourite images of the gardens.

The competition guidelines are simple; make your Instagram account public, follow @TondoonBotanicGardens, upload your image before November 6 and use the hashtag #TBGinSpring.

The top three entrants will receive vouchers valued at $50, $25 and $10 respectively.

Download the competition terms and conditions via www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/ whats-on-at-the-gardens For more information phone the Visitor Services Officer on 4971 4444.

User Services Librarian Sue Norris (centre) instructs Barbara Conway and Harold Harvey during a Tech Savvy Seniors session.

Seniors across the region learn to become more tech savvy Gladstone Regional Libraries staff have travelled more than 271km since February delivering Tech Savvy programs to senior residents across the region.

This project has received financial assistance from Telstra and the Queensland Government through the State Library of Queensland.

Our libraries have been assisted by an $11,980 grant, as part of funds offered to local governments to deliver programs in communities across Queensland.

Participants learn about the capabilities of software and electronic devices ranging from laptops to tablets, iPads and mobile phones.

The grant enables Gladstone Regional Libraries to take technology out to nursing homes, respite centres and seniors groups and provide training at regional libraries.

Various workshops were also held across the region during Seniors Week to introduce participants to Facebook.

To date, 37 Tech Savvy sessions have been held for 179 senior residents.

Tech Savvy sessions are held throughout the Gladstone Region and bookings can be made by contacting your local library.

Floodway repairs program in progress throughout western region Council's latest round of betterment works is under way with floodways throughout the western parts of the Gladstone Region undergoing repairs and construction.

The program will involve improving existing floodway resilience against future disasters, similar to what was experienced by ex-Tropical Cyclone Marcia in February, 2015, and constructing new ones in areas identified as being otherwise vulnerable to future flood damage.

The western parts of the region were the hardest hit by the storm conditions created by Marcia's pass and the

floodway works complements repairs that have already been conducted to affected roads.

The floodway works will be conducted at 18 sites on eight roads, including six sites on Tableland Road in Wooderson and Diglum, five sites on Norton Road (Boyne Valley), and three on Bindawalla Road (Diglum).

Other roads to undergo floodway betterment works are Mt Larcom Bracewell Road (two sites at Ambrose and Bracewell), Davis Road (East End), Gentle Annie Road (Ambrose) and Cattle Creek Road (Raglan).

The repair and construction work will be completed by Miriam Vale Plant Hire which was awarded the contract by Council in September.

To view a location and summary of works listing for the floodway reparation program visit Council's website at www.gladstone.qld.gov. au/documents/1570002/40509932/ Website%20NDRRA.pdf The program is jointly funded by the Commonwealth and State governments' Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) initiative.

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Community to be consulted on amendment to planning scheme Council is poised to start community consultation about a major amendment to its Planning Scheme, which would remove development application red tape, further control residential supply, and streamline application processes.

At the time of print, Council was awaiting State Government approval of the submission, lodged in late July, before commencing community consultation.

In a move to reduce fluctuations in property values, developers would need to demonstrate economic and community need for large-scale residential developments, under the proposed amendment.

Prompted by community and industry feedback, the proposed amendment also includes: Gladstone's Lions Park concept will provide a relaxed play area for adults and children of all abilities.

• A new precinct for short and long term accommodation for residents and tourists in Agnes Water;

Council acts on community feedback and progresses with projects

• Extra permissible land uses in zones flagged as suitable for future industrial activities; • Regulation of roadside advertising and signage on premises, through simple, self-assessments;

A pumptrack, a fish cleaning station and several park redevelopments are just some of the projects Council's Parks and Environment Division is progressing with.

A detailed project design will be presented to Council before it is open for public comment and the procurement process commences.

After receiving an overwhelmingly positive response for the proposed pumptrack at Memorial Park, Gladstone, Council progressed with the detailed project design before calling for tenders.

Council will also be progressing with the design of Gladstone's Lions Park concept after receiving 174 responses from the community.

• Reduction of red tape for boundary realignments;

A total of 91 per cent of residents supported the project, praising the concept's unique design that would accommodate children and adults of all ages and abilities.

• Removal of red tape for developments on steep land, that have safety certification.

The tender process closed in midSeptember with Council actively determining the most suitable company to undertake the work.

Subject to Council awarding the tender, project work will commence in October/ November, 2016.

Seventeen Seventy is set to receive its first fish cleaning station at the SES Grounds, beside Council's depot.

This outcome was facilitated by an onsite meeting in early September in which all 16 attendees showed unanimous support for the project.

With the project already highlighted in its Long Term Financial Plan, Council will progress with the detailed design phase and develop 'tender ready' documentation.

Residents can expect project work to commence in 2017, subject to Council's budget considerations.

• Streetscaping requirements for Gladstone CBD developments;

• Management of Burua and Beecher's water servicing capacity; and

Community members eager to be involved in the amendment's public consultation should keep an eye on Council's Have Your Say webpage at www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/ have-your-say

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Residents applaud range and diversity of Seniors Week activities Residents aged 55 years and older have been quick to praise the Gladstone Region's 2016 Seniors Week program.

About 1500 residents participated in activities from August 13 to 21 with positive community feedback received about the diversity of activities and many of our seniors happily saying they would need to spend the following week resting and recovering.

Water-based outings proved highly popular with our seniors enjoying a free cruise aboard Sealink Gladstone, exploring the southern area of the Gladstone Harbour from the Marina to the Colosseum Inlet, and return.

An afternoon LARC tour was also quickly

een Allen

Jean Morgan, Heather Brown and Noel

booked out with passengers enjoying stunning scenes of nature while listening to local history and admiring views of Seventeen Seventy.

Seniors also keenly attended dance parties, Gladstone Tondoon Botanic Garden tours and the launch of the Our Priceless Past publication (featuring stories of local seniors).

Lifestyle classes and workshops focused on arts, dance and exercise were also well supported.

And the Gladstone Region Seniors Week program was enjoyed by activity facilitators too who reported they had great fun delivering activities.

The following are extracts of some of the

Ruth Crosson

comments provided by our seniors about this year's Seniors Week program: "Best Seniors Week ever."

"Such a variety of things to do."

"All activities were well done."

"Trying new activities and learning with a social aspect and finding like-minded people."

"Most enjoyable and educational."

"Very stimulating for a wide range of personal interests."

"Meeting new people and taking away an art work."

"Great band, if you didn't go you missed out on a great night."

Lynne and Alex Milne

Library membership cards open a window to a world of opportunity Did you know that your library membership card enables you to access a selection of free online services and resources?

Comic lovers can now access comics and graphic novels online using Comics Plus via a tablet, PC or smartphone. lynda.com offers in-depth short videos and provides lots of information in a highly visual format. lynda.com is popular with university students and is commonly used to learn about business information, accounting, web design, Photoshop and coding.

Resources OneClick digital and BorrowBox provide access to a range of eBooks and eAudio books.

Library patrons can access these resources at www.gladstonelibraries.qld.gov.au/ online-services or by downloading the OneClick digital app or the BorrowBox app from Google Play or the App store.

OneClick digital operates with a multicap licence allowing you to read a book

without waiting for another borrower to finish reading. eAudio offers the capacity to download up to 10 books, ideal for travelling purposes.

Universal Class offers learners an introduction to a subject and offers free access to more than 500 online education classes.

Users need to create an account to access this resource but then have the ability to gain a new skill and print a completion certificate to add to their resume.

Transparent Language Online provides language learning materials in more than 95 languages including English.

This resource is ideal for learning basic language skills and is a useful program for those planning overseas travel.

This resource deals with the basics from how to use your iPad and iPhone to how to download an app.

And for library patrons keen on magazines or movies, Zinio offers a wide selection of magazines for online viewing, while Instantflix provides access to independent films from more than 50 countries.

Library assistant Chantelle Barker promotes how easy it is to access free online services and resources with your Gladstone Regional Libraries' membership card.

Britannica Library has a wide range of information accessible to all ages and contains up-to-date information.

Atomic Training provides training for software applications for PCs and Macs.

Page 11

Little Libraries house books and magazines for our smaller regional communities Gladstone Regional Libraries are providing residents with easier access to reading materials with the introduction of Little Libraries in various communities.

As part of the Read Around Gladstone program and in partnership with Brisbane Writers Festival, Little Libraries have been designed to make books and magazines available to residents in communities without a regional library.

Brisbane Writers Festival arranged for the Little Libraries to be purposely built to house collections of books and magazines which have been donated to Gladstone Regional Libraries.

Little Libraries are located at the Grand Hotel at Many Peaks and at Lake

Awoonga Boating and Leisure Hire, while others are hoped to be given homes at Raglan Hotel, Lowmead, Turkey Beach and the women's refuge.

Residents within these communities are encouraged to use the Little Libraries to borrow, swap or take reading items.

Reading collections in the Little Libraries will include a mix of literature genres ranging from fiction and nonfiction to adult, young adult, magazines and books.

Library staff will visit the locations of the Little Libraries on a rotational basis to maintain the supply of reading materials.

Unclaimed vehicles on the rise Not only can they be unsightly, but abandoned vehicles can also be considered a hazard to the local community.

The vehicle's state can encourage vandalism, arson or theft which endangers nearby properties, lives and the environment.

With the number of abandoned vehicles increasing, Gladstone Region residents are being encouraged to take responsibility.

There is a number of ways in which a vehicle can be classed as 'abandoned'.

These include the following: • When it has been in the same location for an unusual length of time; • It does not display or have valid registration plates; and • The vehicle owner is unknown.

Council can only act on an abandoned vehicle report if it is left on the side of a Council controlled road or within Council land.

Once a report is lodged, Council will investigate the situation in accordance with its legal procedures before the vehicle can be removed.

This step may take between four to six weeks to complete.

If an owner is not located within this timeframe or does not come forward to claim the vehicle, a local law Notice will be issued advising of the vehicle's classification and its removal if not moved within seven days

Circulation and Reference Librarian Wendy Ibbotson places signage on one of the Little Libraries before it is transported to a new home in a community location.

The vehicle will be impounded and subsequently offered for sale by auction or as scrap metal unless claimed within the seven days.

Free shredded paper available for all sorts of purposes Gladstone Regional Council has a free shredded paper collection service operating at Calliope and Agnes Water.

Members of the public are welcome to collect easy-to-carry 120-litre plastic bags of the shredded paper for their private use from Council's Agnes Water Rural Transaction Centre and the Calliope Records Office.

Limits are not placed on the amount of shredded paper individuals can collect but members of the community are advised to phone

If you believe a vehicle to be abandoned, phone Council's Regulatory Services Division on 4977 6821.

ahead to check availability prior to visiting the collection points.

Shredded paper is often used in compost or as garden mulch but Council Records Management staff members have noted that some residents who take advantage of the service use it in chook pens and horse stables and as craft and packing material.

To check if supplies are available, phone the Agnes Water Rural Transaction Centre on 4902 1515 or Calliope Records Office on 4970 0700.

Page 12

BRIEFLY

Community CALENDAR

 Giant rat's tail grass management

OCTOBER Date

Name of the event

Location

Contact

4

Othello

GECC

4972 2822

4-8

2016 Our Priceless Past

Art Gallery & Museum 4976 6766

4 & 18

General Council Meeting 9.00am

Civic Centre

4970 0700

5 & 19

Bots n Tots 10.30 - 11.30am

Calliope Library

4975 8105

5 & 19

Home School Hour 9 - 10.00am

Calliope Library

4975 8105

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

6 & 20

Baby Bounce 11.00am

Calliope Library

4975 8105

Every Thurs

Story Time 9.30am

Calliope Library

4975 8105

Every Fri

Story Time 10.30am

Boyne Island Library

4971 9700

11

Living Positively Optimistic workshop 6 - 9pm

Community Advisory Service

4976 6300

14 & 28

Baby Bounce 10.30am

Boyne Island Library

4971 9700

14 & 28

Baby Bounce 11.00am

Gladstone City Library 4976 6400

15 - Dec 8

41st Rio Tinto Martin Hanson Memorial Art Awards 2016

Art Gallery & Museum 4976 6766

22

Boyne Island Library Book Sale 9 -12 noon

Boyne Island Library

4971 9700

22

Garage Sale Trail

Gladstone Region

4970 0700

25

101 Ways To Treat Yourself Well workshop 6 - 9pm

Community Advisory Service

4976 6300

25

P&O Cruise Ship visit/Feast on East

East Shores

4972 4000

25

Over the hill history tour 9am

Entrance to East Shores

4976 6766

Date

Name of the event

Location

Contact

1&15

General Council Meeting 9.00am

Civic Centre

4970 0700

2, 6 & 30

Bots n Tots 10.30 - 11.30am

Calliope Library

4975 8105

2, 6 & 30

Home School Hour 9 - 10.00am

Calliope Library

4975 8105

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

3 & 17

Baby Bounce 11.00am

Calliope Library

4975 8105

Every Thurs

Story Time 9.30am

Calliope Library

4975 8105

Every Fri

Story Time 10.30am

Boyne Island Library

4971 9700

11 & 25

Baby Bounce 10.30am

Boyne Island Library

4971 9700

11 & 25

Baby Bounce 11.00am

Gladstone City Library 4976 6400

27

Mount Larcom Farmers' Market 9 - 1pm

Mount Larcom School 4976 6300

1-29

Photography Challenge Display

Agnes Water RTC

In a bid to manage giant rat's tail grass, Council has allocated $433,250 to a five year project to investigate effective control options. The project, coordinated and supported by Biosecurity Queensland, aims to address the current difficulty in managing the grass due to the limited availability of herbicides.

 Video updates from Council

NOVEMBER

4902 1522

Council's first community update video was viewed by 8500 people after its release last month. Gladstone Region Mayor Matt Burnett spoke of the nearing completions of the Alf Larson / Lions Park redevelopment at Miriam Vale and Chapman Drive upgrade in Clinton.

Community update videos will be released in the first week of every month on the Gladstone Regional Council Facebook page and YouTube channel.

Links to Council's social media channels are available from the home page of our website at www.gladstone.qld.gov.au

 Booking parks Residents can book a Council park for private functions and community events via an improved booking system on our website.

Residents can select a suitable location for their event using our new parks index, which provides the facilities and location of each park. From there, residents can simply complete and return the parks booking form after reading its terms and conditions. To book a park visit www. gladstone.qld.gov.au/book-a-park

 Gravel road resheeting program Council's $2.7 million 2016/17 gravel road resheet program continues its implementation throughout the southern areas of the region. Work on Murphy Road and Ballantyne Road at Captain's Creek, and Pacific Drive at Deepwater has been completed. Also included in the program are southern region roads Dale Drive, Fernfield Road, Fingerfield Road, Freshwater Court, Lindy Drive, Matchbox Road, Muller Road, Munchton Road, Oceania Court, Oyster Creek Road and Pacific Drive. In total, 31 gravel roads throughout the region will benefit from Council's resheeting program this financial year.

Page 13

Wait is nearly over for improved Miriam Vale water quality

Bookmark the new GRAGM website and discover more about the Gallery & Museum.

Miriam Vale residents will soon receive an improved water service with construction of the $2.2 million water treatment plant well advanced.

Construction of the new plant, which is being conducted on the site of the existing facility on the corner of Kellow Street and Fingerboard Road, began in June and is expected to be completed in December.

Wet weather in mid-July pushed the completion date back a week but the project's progress has been good with the dissolved air flotation and filtration tank (which removes solids from water) built and tested for water tightness, and two clear water storage tanks installed, tested and commissioned.

Gallery & Museum website takes on a new appearance Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum (GRAGM) has launched a new, comprehensive and informative website: www.gragm.qld.gov.au

which includes information about the Art, Heritage, Historical Photograph, Public Art, Celebrate Australia Children's Art and Intercity Images Photograph collections.

The plant and chemical storage buildings are nearing completion and the batch thickener tank (an additional device for removing solids from water) and pre-filter tanks, which further increase water quality, are in place.

The revitalised site provides user-friendly access to information on the latest exhibitions, news, programs, events and more.

The website highlights current and future activities, as well as archives of past events.

A dedicated 'Education' page offers educators and community groups details about organising a group tour and the variety of programs available, as well as access to free teaching resources and annual partnering school opportunities.

A new power pole and transformer was installed in September and water delivery pipelines are being repeatedly flushed over the course of a few months in order to prevent deposits created by the former treatment process entering into the new process.

Also featured on the new website is fascinating information about the history of GRAGM and the local area.

Website visitors have the opportunity to stay in touch by joining a VIP list to receive exclusive invites to exhibitions and events.

Plus, visitors to the site can also navigate through the latest details about art awards and access information on available funding for local arts and culture.

The new plant is expected to be operational by the end of the year and will feature superior treatment processes to its predecessor, targeting specific water issues.

The website features a 'Collection' page

Bookmark the new GRAGM website at www.gragm.qld.gov.au or via Council's website at www.gladstone.qld.gov.au and discover what the Gallery & Museum has to offer.

When operational, the plant will remove iron, manganese and algae by-products as well as conduct conventional treatment processes from the water it sources, helping to reduce turbidity levels during and following wet weather events.

The project is receiving 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 and is proudly funded by the Queensland Government's Building Our Regions program.

New dates for public Council meetings The public are welcome to attend Council's Standing Committee and general meetings to witness the discussions and decisions undertaken on Council matters.

On the second Tuesday of each month, the following standing committees will meet consecutively, commencing at 9am: • Planning and Development; immediately followed by • Commercial Services; immediately followed by • Works and Traffic.

On the fourth Tuesday of each month, the following standing committees will meet consecutively, commencing at

9am: • Finance and Corporate Governance; immediately followed by • Environment and Community.

Recommendations from standing committees go to general meetings, which are held on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 9am, for a final decision.

All meetings are conducted in the Council Chambers at 101 Goondoon Street, Gladstone.

Meeting schedules, agendas and minutes can be viewed at www.gladstone.qld. gov.au/councilmeetings Page 14

Join the crowds at one of the most fashionable social events on Gladstone's calendar by celebrating the Melbourne Cup in style at GECC's A Day At The Races

GECC kicks off busy November with A Day at the Races Big events are on the horizon for the Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre (GECC) in November, kicking off with the venue's highly anticipated Melbourne Cup function.

entertainment, a fashion parade by major sponsor Runway 7, raffles, the judging of best dressed, live races on the indoor and outdoor big screens, door prizes and activities.

The GECC's A Day at the Races event will be the place to be from 11am on November 1 to experience all of the excitement and atmosphere on the track in air-conditioned comfort.

Visit www.gladecc.com.au/event/a-day-atthe-races-gecc-melbourne-cup-2016/ for details or to book online.

A 'Yearling' ticket will get you access inside the event, a glass of bubbles on arrival and all day canapes.

Or grab an exclusive 'Thoroughbred' ticket which provides front row seats to the fashion parade, a first-class oyster bar, a three-course luncheon and table beverages.

Both tickets access sweeps, live

Spirit of Christmas GECC is making it easy to avoid the hectic end-of-year schedules and celebrate Christmas with colleagues, friends, or volunteers you'd like to say thanks to.

GECC's Spirit of Christmas party has been created to deliver a traditional Christmas dinner with entertainment, activities, raffles and extravagant theming.

Take along a group and join hundreds of others in the Christmas Hall on November

12 from 6.30pm.

Book online to share and enjoy the Christmas spirit at www.gladecc.com.au/ event/spirit-of-christmas/ Beer and the Beast GECC's Beer and the Beast is the ultimate beer and meat tasting experience on November 30 from 11.30am.

Similar to how degustation matches wines to meals, this is all about the brew.

There will be three courses, each one matched with a different beast and a different beer.

And it's all for a great cause too Movember!

For more details or to book online visit www.gladecc.com.au/event/beer-and-thebeast/

Infographic Locally awarded Council contracts and their economic impact In the last financial year, Gladstone Regional Council awarded $30.4m worth of contracts to local suppliers.

The calculated economic benefits of this local spending to the Gladstone Region community are:

$55.3m

Increase to local economy

122 people Local employment

Figures are sourced from REMPLAN economic profile tool and combine estimations of direct and flow-on economic benefits.

$11.6m

Local wages and salaries Page 15

2017

Youth Holiday Program 8-20 January, 2017 Program available mid-November Supported by

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

www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/sunfest For more information or general enquiries call Kathy Andrew or Vernetta Perrett on 4976 6983

Australia Day Awards2017 Celebrate

AUSTRALIA

day

2017 Australia Day

Regional Community Events NOMINATIONS CLOSE November 4th

Donations for eligible not-for-profit groups

Information and nomination forms available at www.gladstone.qld.gov.au For further details phone 4977 6803.

Application form and policy guidelines at www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/donations-and-grants