Council Connection December 2016 - January 2017

COUNCIL

CONNECTION GLADSTONE REGIONAL COUNCIL NEWSLETTER December 2016 - January 2017 ISSUE 75

INSIDE SUNfest school holiday program

4

5 Countdown on for pumptrack completion

6 Australia Day fun day and award ceremony

7 Collect your free emergency wallet

Mayor's Message Reflecting on an eventful year as we look forward to 2017

Cover The newly redeveloped Alf Larson/ Lions Park in Miriam Vale has been popular with the kids since its official opening on Saturday, November 19.

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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.

As the New Year draws near, it is fitting to reflect on 2016 and some of its highlights.

For me, one of Council's most important achievements was the adoption of its Local Preference Policy, to help local suppliers compete for Council contracts.

Another favourite milestone was the redevelopment of Alf Larson/Lions Park. Its state-of-the-art playground, attractive picnic areas and parking for motorhomes and caravans is drawing tourists off the Bruce Highway into Miriam Vale and providing the town's residents with a place to recreate.

But wheels aren't tourists' only method of visiting our region. Since P&O Cruises' maiden voyage to Gladstone in March, more than 10,000 passengers have enjoyed the Feast on East events, toured our region's attractions, sampled businesses' offerings or taken in our scenery. Council is proud to support GAPDL and GPC in this initiative.

Our most famous visitors this year were arguably the 2016 Queensland State of Origin team. Thousands of people lined Goondoon Street to welcome the Maroons and I wouldn't be surprised if our enthusiasm inspired their series victory.

While our community loves its sport, we also clearly have a healthy appreciation for the arts.

The 41st Rio Tinto Martin Hanson Memorial Art Awards 2016 received a record number

of entries, most of which were from our region. The Awards' exhibition is open until December 8 at the Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum.

Council actively supported a multitude of other community events this year, and the launch of the hugely popular Mount Larcom Farmers' Market is an example of that.

Another is the revamp of the City Farmers Market, which brings alive Gladstone's CBD every second and fourth Saturday each month.

In fact, the revitalisation of the city centre is set to accelerate with this year's development of the Jumpstart Our City Heart draft strategy - a culmination of our community's ideas and visions of a thriving Gladstone CBD. We aim to finalise the strategy by early next year.

Another important service launched this year was our Regional Libraries' Out and About Van to Wartburg, Rosedale and the Boyne Valley, ensuring cultural resources are available to our more isolated communities.

It has also been a busy year of major works with the new Miriam Vale Water Treatment Plant, and Chapman Drive works now complete and the construction of a pump track at Memorial Park, Gladstone and CQ Driver Education Facility at Benaraby begun.

As this year draws to a close, I feel proud of these and many other achievements and honoured to be a part of the Gladstone Region's fantastic, active community.

On behalf of my fellow Councillors and Council Officers, I wish residents, visitors and their families a very Merry Christmas and happy New Year and a prosperous 2017.

Wishing all Gladstone Region residents and their families a safe and happy festive season are our Councillors (back from left) PJ Sobhanian, Kahn Goodluck, Peter Masters, Cindi Bush, (front) Glenn Churchill, Rick Hansen, Mayor Matt Burnett, Desley O'Grady and Deputy Mayor Chris Trevor.

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t c e n on

WITH COUNCIL

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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

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The new, modern playground and facilities at Miriam Vale's Alf Larson/ Lions Park are now open to residents and travellers.

Miriam Vale's Alf Larson/ Lions Park unveiled to community The Gladstone Region community turned out in large numbers to help celebrate the official opening of Alf Larson/ Lions Park in Miriam Vale on Saturday, November 19.

the parklands.

The newly redeveloped site was unveiled

by Gladstone Region Mayor Matt Burnett and fellow Councillors.

The family friendly precinct enables locals and visitors to enjoy a modern playground with shaded areas and new picnic shelters.

Community members enjoyed a refreshing morning tea before taking a stroll around

There is also a new parking area specifically designed for motorhomes and caravans

Children were spoilt for fun, not only with the modern playground, but also an abundance of free bouncy balls and yo-yos.

which will encourage travellers off the Bruce Highway.

To help attract tourists, new billboard signage has been erected on the highway to the north and south of Miriam Vale.

The project has been well received by the Gladstone Region community and Council hopes the park will continue to be a major attraction.

Improved water quality just days away for Miriam Vale residents The new Miriam Vale Water Treatment Plant is just days away from undergoing a trial operation ahead of its commissioning this month.

The five-day operational trial is scheduled to start on November 30 and, pending favourable results, Miriam Vale residents will soon enjoy improved water quality courtesy of the $2.2 million facility.

Pre-commissioning activities to prepare the plant for operation began in midNovember when it was put through a progressive regime of checking and testing of equipment and proving the operational function, reliability and performance of the facility.

Built on the site of its predecessor, the new plant contains superior treatment processes to the one it has replaced, targeting specific water issues.

This follows the recent testing and commissioning of the chemical dosing system and two clear water tanks and a process water tank, the installation and commissioning of clear water, supernatant and backwash pumps and air compressors, and the connection of piping between the pre-treatment tanks.

The new plant will improve water quality for the township by removing iron, manganese and algae by-products from the raw water it sources, as well as reducing turbidity levels during and following wet weather.

The project, which started on June 13, 2016, received 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 is in addition to conducting conventional water treatment plant processes.

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

Local contractors wanted on Council's vendor register Contractors from within the Gladstone Region are invited to increase their visibility to Council's purchasing staff by registering on the new VendorPanel Marketplace system.

The online portal enables Council's purchasers to search a list of registered local contractors and request quotes for goods and services to the value of up to $200,000.

The system provides local contractors with improved access to Council opportunities, while improving purchasing governance and transparency within Council.

To register your business visit www. gladstone.qld.gov.au/TendersContracts Page 3

Aspiring performers can take part in a two day dance performance workshop as one of the SUNfest 2017 activities.

Variety of SUNfest activities to keep participants entertained Gladstone Region residents aged 11-17 have 70 youth holiday activities to choose from in the SUNfest 2017 program.

Events and activities will be held from January 8-20 and range from sport and outdoor activities to art and craft, dance, music, theatre, cooking and more.

Several events and activities are free and run for a few hours, while others are

designed as multi-day events.

surfing and stand up paddle boarding.

Some of the new workshop additions to the SUNfest 2017 program include cupcake decorating, balloon twisting, archery, embroidery, kitchen science and drones and electronics.

Tickets will be on sale from 9am on Wednesday, November 30 and are available online, over the phone, or in person.

Popular events on offer again include an adventure day, go karts, laser skirmish, paintball, indoor rock climbing, kayaking,

For more details on ticket purchasing options and to access the SUNfest 2017 program visit www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/ sunfest.

Waste transfer facilities provide free household disposal services Have you got too much general or recycled waste to fit in your wheelie bin?

Or perhaps you forgot to put your wheelie bin out for kerbside collection?

If so, there's no need to wait until the next weekly or fortnightly service.

Take care when parking around school zones Are your actions in and around school zones putting people's lives at risk?

Council's Parking Compliance Officers have noticed an increase in dangerous parking behaviour in and around local school zones and are urging motorists to be careful.

There are significant fines that could be incurred if motorists continue to take risks. Motorists must not stop in the following situations: • On the side of the road marked with a continuous yellow line.

• On a road if it results in the vehicle

being situated between another parked vehicle and the centre of the road.

• On a bicycle path, footpath, shared path or dividing strip, or a nature strip adjacent to a length of road in a built-up area. There are very few exemptions in relation to this.

All of these offences can result in a $60 fine.

For more information or to report a parking incident phone Council's Regulatory Services Section on 4977 6821.

Gladstone Region residents can dispose of 240 litres (the regular wheelie bin size) of household general waste (red or green lidded bins) or recycled waste (yellow lidded bins) at Council transfer stations and Benaraby Landfill free of charge.

The acceptance of recycling bins is contingent upon them containing recyclable items only.

Transfer stations are located in Gladstone, Calliope, Mount Larcom, Yarwun, Nagoorin, Bororen, Baffle Creek, Rosedale, Turkey Beach and Agnes Water, in addition to Benaraby Landfill.

Residents are also reminded that Agnes Water Transfer Station operating hours have been extended to 8am to noon Monday to Friday and 8am-4pm on Saturday and Sunday.

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Fun to fill Boyne Tannum Community Centre halls during tree decorating afternoon

World Trail Civil Engineer Daniel Snelgrove (left) is pictured with Councillor Glenn Churchill and World Trail Director Dylan Jeffries looking over the plans in the early stages of the pumptrack construction.

Are you ready to pump the track?

The countdown is on for the completion of the much-anticipated pumptrack at Memorial Park, Gladstone.

Construction began on October 28 and the Gladstone Region community has since watched on in excitement as Australia's largest pumptrack reaches fruition.

Boyne Library's Christmas Tree Decorating Extravaganza will feature activities, afternoon tea and a special visit from Santa.

Christmas fun will fill the Boyne Island Library on Wednesday, November 30 for the 15th annual Christmas Tree Decorating Extravaganza.

Children will be able to make a variety of Christmas decorations and place them on the Christmas tree in the foyer of the Boyne Tannum Library and Community Centre.

The pumptrack, positioned parallel to the existing skate park, will feature an asphalt surface, directional hubs and shade shelters as well as a north and east entry and exit upon completion.

Director of World Trail, the pump track principle contractor, Dylan Jeffries, said the company was extremely excited to be involved in the construction of Australia's largest asphalt pump track.

"We have assembled a team of suitably qualified local contractors which forms up to 80 per cent of the total project

The Christmas Tree Decorating Extravaganza grows in popularity each year and more than 200 youngsters are expected to attend the free event from 3.30pm to 4.30pm.

Enquiries can be directed to the Boyne Tannum Community Centre on 4971 9700.

"Both Council and the community should be commended for their forward thinking and proactive approach to providing a unique community space for residents and visitors alike."

Contractors are currently laying asphalt and installing above ground drainage before landscaping works can commence.

A pumptrack test rider from Sydney-based company Dirtz has also been on hand to test each section of the track to ensure it meets Australian standards.

The facility is expected to be finished by mid-December, weather permitting, in time for the Christmas school holidays.

This will be the perfect holiday activity for youth of all ages and abilities with access to any form of transport that is not motorised (bikes, scooters, skates etc.).

A recently installed bus shelter on Dalrymple Drive.

Entertainment will include performances by the St Francis Choir and Boyne Island State School Instrumental Group.

There will also be a special visit from Santa followed by afternoon tea.

budget," Mr Jeffries said.

Bus stops and shelters rolled out throughout region Residents may have noticed new bus stops and shelters throughout Gladstone city and new bus set down areas on Round Hill Road at Agnes Water.

Gladstone Regional Council works in conjunction with the Department of Transport and Main Roads to ensure a consistent approach to the public transport infrastructure and routes, providing quality customer access, convenience, safety

and comfort. The bus service network, incorporating school and urban services, is for use by all Gladstone Region residents.

Council is committed to increasing the comfort of residents and visitors who travel via bus, and the provision of concreted areas at lesser used stops and shelters at more frequently used locations is part of an ongoing program to improve bus stop facilities throughout the region.

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All residents are invited to attend Council's free Australia Day Awards 2017 and Citizenship Ceremony on January 25.

Celebrate with Australia Day Award winners, nominees and new citizens Winners of Council's Australia Day Awards 2017 will celebrate their new titles with hundreds of residents at the Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre on the eve of Australia Day. The Australia Day Awards and Citizenship Ceremony is Council's major civic function of the year and all residents are invited to attend the free event from 6pm.

A Citizenship Ceremony will be followed by the announcement and presentation of Australia Day Awards.

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

The public event is an opportunity to congratulate the region's Australia Day Award nominees and winners and share light refreshments and a piece of the Australia Day 2017 cake.

Residents interested in attending the event should RSVP by January 6 to Tennille Dykstra at tennilled@gladstonerc.qld.gov. au or phone 4976 6912.

Pest management focus

Market stalls will line Tannum Sands' Millennium Esplanade for Council's Australia Day Family Fun Day on January 26.

Council's Pest Management Section is keen to help landholders combat the aggressive pest giant rat's tail grass (GRT).

Native to Africa, GRT is a long, upright grass that forms large tussocks. It can reduce pasture productivity and significantly degrade natural areas of land.

Celebrate Australia Day at free Council fun day Relax on the Millennium Esplanade at Tannum Sands and enjoy Australia Day celebrations at Council's major Australia Day event on January 26.

Market stalls will operate and food will be available for purchase from various vendors.

Council's Australia Day Family Fun Day festivities will unfold from 3pm to 7pm, finishing with a fireworks display.

There will also be free children's rides, free face painting and a sausage sizzle offering 1000 free sausages.

The day will be acknowledged with an official Australia Day flag raising ceremony, including the national anthem.

Residents can relax with entertainment by the Gladstone Municipal Band, Billy T & the Dampers and Easy Tigers.

GRT is currently present throughout the region, with scattered to heavy infestations recorded in most localities.

To assist landholders, Council's Pest Management Section provides a number of resources including: • Free property pest management planning; • Taskforce Herbicide Subsidy Scheme; and • Weed spraying hire equipment.

For more information phone Council's Regulatory Services Division on 4977 6821.

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Collect your free emergency wallet In an evacuation it is imperative to have important documents – like insurance and banking records – on hand.

Collect your free, waterproof document wallet from any Regional Library or Council Customer Contact Counter and use it to store important records in your evacuation kit, ready to grab and go in an emergency.

You can further ensure your household is ready for emergencies by completing the household emergency plan template on the front of the wallet.

President BITS Saints AFC Inc Andrew McMahon, Development Officer AFL Capricornia Scott Smithwick, Councillor PJ Sobhanian, BITS Saints Project Coordinator Judy Mountjoy and Central and North QLD, QLD Cricket Regional Development Manager Tony Hampson enjoy the new lighting.

Council grant brightens the way for Aussie rules and cricket Council has helped illuminate the Boyne Island Tannum Sands (BITS) oval providing a $100,000 sport and recreation grant to contribute to an upgrade of lighting.

The upgrade of the field lighting at Jacaranda Drive, Boyne Island was part of the club's master plan for facility development.

BITS Saints Australian Rules Football Club Inc was awarded Council's 2015-16 Facility Assistance Grant Program - Strategic Projects.

The club received further funding assistance from AFL Queensland and Queensland Cricket which each committed $30,000 to the project.

These grants support the development of new infrastructure and/or significant upgrades of existing sport and recreation facilities within the Gladstone Region.

Club lighting project coordinator Judy Mountjoy said lighting would improve training and playing conditions and encourage growth in Aussie rules and cricket.

As part of the grant conditions, BITS Saints were required to make at least a 20 per cent financial contribution to the total project.

She said club members could now train or play matches after sunset under improved lighting which would also enable community events to be held at night.

On the back of the wallet is a list of recommended documents and files to enclose, including: insurance papers; wills and enduring power of attorney documents; house deeds; mortgage and banking documents; birth and marriage certificates; photos of your household members and pets (should you be separated); and a digital back up of computer files.

Also available for collection is Council's 'Ready?' guide to preparing for natural disasters and emergencies.

An online version can be downloaded via Council's website at www.gladstone.qld. gov.au/emergencies The free emergency wallets and 'Ready?' guides are available thanks to the Queensland Government's RACQ Get Ready Queensland grants program.

Collect your free emergency wallet and 'Ready?' guide from any library in the region.

Relief for ratepayers experiencing financial hardship Council's new Financial Hardship Policy provides relief to residential ratepayers who demonstrate they are unable to make rates payments due to a loss suffered.

The policy applies to people who would be unable to meet basic requirements such as food, clothing, medicine, accommodation and children's education, if they made rates instalments for their principal place of residence.

To be eligible, applicants must have less than two weeks' worth of available funds and the application must be in relation to a property that is solely their home.

Under the policy, Council can grant relief by setting up a rates payment plan

outside the usual instalment terms and conditions.

The policy doesn't remove a person's responsibility to pay their rates, but aims to relieve immediate pressures for people who are in financial distress due to events outside their control.

Ratepayers seeking support should first read the Financial Hardship Policy and self-assess their eligibility, before sending a written request that addresses the policy's guidelines to the CEO of Council.

To access the policy visit Council's website via www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/ policies Page 7

Festive season operating hours The operating hours of Council services and facilities over the festive season are outlined below. Council information can be sourced at any time from its website via www.gladstone. qld.gov.au.

Waste collection services Waste collection services will operate as normal during the Christmas and New Year period, including Christmas Day and all public holidays.

Landfills and waste transfer stations On Christmas Day, Benaraby Landfill will open from 7am until 3pm and all waste transfer stations will close.

Otherwise, operating hours will continue as normal.

Animal Pound Facility The animal pound facility closes on public holidays and weekends however will operate all other days over the festive season between 3pm and 6pm.

Tondoon Botanic Gardens The Gardens will close on Christmas Day. Every other day the Gardens will open, but the visitor centre will be unmanned. Savour the Flavour CafĂŠ will close on Christmas eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day. Cemeteries Council's cemeteries will be closed to services between Christmas Day and January 2, inclusive. Visitor access to cemeteries will remain as normal.

Pools The Gladstone Aquatic Centre and Mount Larcom Pool are now operated

by Lane 4 Aquatics. For more information visit www.lane4aquatics. com.au Other Council facilities Most of Council's centres will close from close-of-business on December 23 and reopen on January 3.

This includes all administration offices, rural transaction centres and our Regional Libraries. It also includes the Boyne Tannum Community Centre, Community Advisory Service, Gladstone Entertainment Centre and Gladstone Regional Art Gallery and Museum.

The electrical upgrade to the Boyne Island Waste Water Treatment Plant is nearing completion.

Boyne Island plant upgrade improves area's waste water efficiency The $1.26 million Boyne Island Waste Water Treatment Plant electrical upgrade is in the final stages of construction.

The upgrade is modernising the facility's electrical systems to improve efficiency, lower energy costs and provide greater process control and monitoring ability at the plant.

At more than 20 years old, and with some equipment approaching 30 years of operation, the plant was in need of an upgrade to ensure it remained efficient for many years to come.

Started in February, 2016, the project is due for completion in mid-December and includes the supply of a new main

switchboard and new overhead electricity cables.

This supply feeds the new electrical switchroom, complete with motor control centre which supplies power to all plant loads.

The previous on line motor starters have been replaced by variable speed drives which allow the speed of motors to be controlled, thereby reducing electrical demand.

New electrical cabling, flow meters and instrumentation have been installed to maintain the reliability and integrity of the new system, adding to the overall efficiency of the upgraded plant.

Council meetings 2017 The first Council General Meeting and Standing Committee meetings in 2017 will be held as follows: 9am, Tues, Jan 17

General Meeting

9am, Tues, Jan 24

Finance and Corporate Governance Committee; followed

by Environment and Community Committee

9am, Tues, Feb 14

Planning and Development Committee; followed by Commercial Services Committee; followed by Works and Traffic Committee

From these dates forward, General Meetings and Standing Committee meetings will be held as follows: First and third Tues of each month, 9am

General Meeting

Second Tues of each month

Planning and Development Committee at 9am; followed by Commercial Services Committee; followed by Works and Traffic Committee

Fourth Tues of each month

Finance and Corporate Governance Committee at 9am; followed by Environment and Community Committee

All meetings are open to the public and are conducted in the Council Chambers at 101 Goondoon Street, Gladstone. Recommendations from Standing Committees go to General Meetings for a final decision. Meeting schedules, agendas and minutes can be viewed at www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/councilmeetings Page 8

'Tis the season to be bitten Gladstone Region residents are encouraged to prepare their home against mosquitos infestation this wet season.

Mosquito numbers increase after a wet weather event with standing water providing a perfect breeding site. This maximises the chance of residents being bitten and contracting a mosquito-borne disease.

Mosquito breeding sites can be eliminated by removing the following from around the household, or ensuring they are kept dry.

• • • • • • • • •

Mayor's Carols to sing in the festive season The 2016 Santos GLNG Mayor's Carols

by Candlelight presented by 4CC are fast approaching and everyone is invited!

The popular community event will be hosted on Friday, December 2, at the Gladstone Marina Parklands.

Gladstone Region residents will again gather to celebrate the spirit of Christmas with a few new surprises to make this annual family friendly night bigger and better than ever!

School groups will sing much-loved carols on an evening that will also feature fireworks, giveaways including children's bicycles, a special guest singer and an

appearance from the big man himself ...

Santa Claus!

The 2016 Santos GLNG Mayor's Carols

by Candlelight presented by 4CC is a free event with food and beverages available to purchase.

Parking is available for just a gold coin donation to the Navy Cadets.

Pre-entertainment starts at 5.10pm with the Carols by Candlelight program being conducted from 6.30pm to 8.30pm, followed by fireworks at 8.40pm.

Pot plant bases (inside and outside) Tyres Tarpaulins Palm fronds Buckets Tin cans and plastic containers Boats Coconut shells Roof gutters (if blocked by leaf debris).

Rainwater tanks can also be a potential breeding site for mosquitoes. The risk can be reduced by: • Checking the mosquito screens and flap valves on rainwater tanks, particularly in ground tanks, to ensure that the screens and flap valves are still in place; and • Making any necessary repairs.

There are several simple steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of mosquito bites.

These include: • Applying insect repellent whenever mosquitoes are present; • Wearing long, loose, light-coloured clothing; • Using flying insect spray to kill any mosquitoes indoors; • Using mosquito coils or plug-in insecticide mats indoors; and • Repairing defective insect screens.

For more information phone Council's Regulatory Services Division on 4977 6821.

Split your rates into manageable portions Council offers the ability to pay off your rate bills in advance, to help you meet discount deadlines and lessen the pressure of a lump sum bill.

Advance payments can be made in person at Council offices, via BPAY, by mail or online via www.gladstone.qld.gov. au/OnlineServices.

You can make an early rates payment at any opportune time – such as after receiving a tax return – or schedule smaller, regular advance payments.

Regular advance payments can be scheduled with your bank or through a direct debit arrangement with Council.

Advance payments are deducted from February's half-yearly water notice and then August's rate notice.

A 10 per cent discount will be applied to your August rate notice (including payments already made) if your remaining dues are paid in full within 30 days of the notice's issue date.

You can request a refund of payments at any time, providing your account remains in credit.

To seek assistance with advance payments, phone Council's Rates Section on 4970 0700. To view the full list of payment options visit www.gladstone.qld. gov.au/PaymentOptions Page 9

Don’t let an animal become an unwanted pet this Christmas

Community choir, Gladstone Company of Voices, entertain for passers-by at the Gladstone City Farmers Market.

Are you thinking of getting a loved one a pet for Christmas?

Council is urging residents to consider carefully this festive season that pet ownership requires responsibility and commitment.

Residents should refrain from giving an animal unless the recipient agrees to the arrangement before purchasing.

Responsible pet ownership extends to ensuring pets are registered annually with Council.

Local performers can add to City Farmers Market atmosphere The search is on for local performers to add to the Gladstone City Farmers Market atmosphere.

A free arts and performance space is available at every market for individuals, groups or schools to showcase arts and talents, recreational activities or interests.

The Library Square stage provides a relaxed setting for performers to have fun and have a go.

The markets are held on the second and fourth Saturday of each month and are growing in strength, attracting more fresh produce suppliers at each market.

The community has turned out in force to support the markets, making the Entertainment Precinct on Goondoon Street and Library Square a bustling hive of activity from 7am to noon.

Food vendors have reported strong sales and record sell outs with the relaxed, urban vibe appealing to the crowds and young families.

The next City Farmers Market will be held on December 10.

Stallholders and performance space information can be accessed at www. gladecc.com.au/city-farmers-markets/

Under Queensland law all pet dogs and cats are required to be registered and microchipped when purchased or given away.

Details of microchipped animals are recorded on a national registry database providing a greater chance for lost pets to be reunited with their owners.

Not everyone is aware of these responsibilities and buying a pet for someone can significantly alter lives.

Failure to consider these responsibilities could contribute to the number of unwanted pets at the pound or in animal shelters, or result in animals being euthanised.

Going away for the festive season?

If you will be away from home over the Christmas/New Year period, don't forget to check off these important tasks before you leave.

• Remove rubbish from your yard, trim overhanging branches and ensure loose items are secured. It is the storm and cyclone season and these items could cause damage to your or your neighbours' properties in severe weather. Domestic waste disposals are free (within reasonable limits).

• If you live in or near bushland, clear a fire break around your home and ensure flammable materials are removed from your yard and gutters.

• Arrange for your wheelie bin/s to

be taken out and brought back in to your property within 24 hours of your kerbside collection.

• Arrange for your mail and 'junk' mail to be collected. If you have a 'no unaddressed mail' sign on your letterbox, you can also arrange for Australia Post to hold your addressed mail until your return.

• Ensure your pets are well looked after, with sufficient company, food, water and shelter.

• Ask a trustworthy neighbour to keep an eye on your property while you are away and provide them with your contact details.

After that, your only remaining tasks are to have a wonderful holiday and travel safely.

Arrange for a friend or neighbour to take out and bring in your wheelie bins, if you will be away over the festive period.

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Careful planning and teamwork lead to mission accomplished for Water Services Council's Water Services section proved the value of teamwork when tackling a complex cut-in to a major sewer rising main at the Gladstone Wastewater Treatment Plant.

The footpath along Captain Cook Drive at Agnes Water has been extended

Captain Cook Drive footpath extension completed Agnes Water residents and visitors to the popular tourist township can now get about on foot with additional ease following the extension of the pedestrian footpath along Captain Cook Drive.

The project, completed in early November, extended the existing footpath to the Discovery Drive intersection at Points North, further enhancing pedestrian mobility within the township.

This is in line with Council's commitment to expand the network of footpaths in Agnes Water and Seventeen Seventy during the course of the 2016-17 financial year.

Council's Budget 2016-17 also includes the establishment of a pedestrian link between the Agnes Water urban area and the township's community centre via the construction of a 235-metre long, $200,000 footpath linking with the existing Springs Road path.

Also earmarked for completion this financial year is a footpath linking the Discovery Coast Christian College to Round Hill Road in Agnes Water, to be jointly funded by the college and Council, and the designing of a footpath extending along Captain Cook Drive from the Seventeen Seventy Marina to the Council depot.

Remedial works program for flood prone roads well under way Council's remedial works program for gravel roads is drawing closer to completion with much of the work already finished.

The works, to be completed under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements program, are designed to improve the flood resilience of gravel roads that have proved vulnerable to flooding during past wet weather events.

The construction of concrete batters, slabs, floodways and drainage to stabilise roads and prevent washouts has been completed at five sites on Tableland Road at Wooderson and Diglum, as well as two sites on Bindawalla Road, Diglum and another on Marsh Road in the Boyne Valley.

Additional works on Bindawalla Road will be completed in December, as will

a new concrete batter protecting against road washout on Gentle Annie Road, Ambrose, and new floodways across creeks and gullies on Cattle Creek Road, Raglan.

The provision of new concrete slab and batter protection at two culvert crossing sites on Mt Larcom Bracewell Road, in Ambrose and Bracewell, is well under way and due for completion soon.

The program will then advance to five sites on Norton Road, Boyne Valley, as well as a Davis Road site at East End, all of which will start in December and are due for completion in January.

The flood resilience project is jointly funded by the Commonwealth and Queensland governments under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements.

Members of Waste Services' Network, Process and Project units worked together to plan and conduct the six-hour operation to replace asbestos pipe and install a 600mm isolation valve to a major sewer rising main.

The procedure will enable upgrade works to be conducted at Council's S01 pump station on Cemetery Road, West Gladstone in order for it to meet future demands.

The operation was completed without incident, enabling the city's sewerage service to be maintained despite most of its major sewer pump stations having to be temporarily taken offline.

Shutting down of the stations enabled the safe isolation of the pipe being worked on but also meant the task had to be completed within a strict timeframe due to the limited storage capacity available at the smaller shutdown pump stations.

Any complications to the process may have resulted in sewerage overflow into the environment Planning was key to the successful outcome with many Gladstone residents unaware that most of the city's major sewer pump stations had been taken offline while the task was completed from late at night on September 14, through to the early hours of September 15.

Water Services hosted several planning workshops with members of the construction team and operations staff to identify risks associated with the works and to ensure that suitable mitigation measures and contingencies were put in place.

The various teams were also assigned milestone times in which to achieve stages of the project which was scheduled to coincide with the typical 'low flow' period during the night.

Monitoring of the pump station levels and the use of vacuum trucks throughout the duration of the works meant available storage was also optimised.

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Thought provoking exhibitions on display at Gallery & Museum Visitors to the Gallery & Museum can soon gain an understanding of post-World War II life in Australia's migrant hostels.

Appropriate/Not Appropriate is an exhibition by two regional artists on display from December 17 to February 25.

A touring photographic exhibition, developed by the National Archives of Australia, provides a vivid look at this time in the nation's history.

Appropriate or not appropriate?

Perception or misconception?

A Place to Call Home? Migrant hostel memories will be on display from December 16 to February 1.

The exhibition combines recollections of life and the good and bad tales associated with migrant hostels.

The project has been assisted by the Australian Government through the Ministry for the Arts' Visions of Australia program.

This exhibition contains the works of one Indigenous artist and one non-Indigenous artist; both considering contemporary issues from new perspectives, using images and text.

Questions are posed and ideals are examined in the forum of traditional works, digital prints, video works, installation, paintings and drawings.

A Place to Call Home? Migrant hostel memories, Dec 16 - Feb 1 APPROPRIATE / NOT APPROPRIATE, Dec 17 - Feb 25

A migrant family enters their new home at Maribyrnong, Victoria, 1965.

Number of residents assisted by free Tax Help assistance doubles Tax Help volunteers have lodged twice as many tax returns for Gladstone Region residents compared to last year.

This year nearly 150 tax returns were submitted between July 22 and October 31.

The Tax Help program was facilitated by Council's Community Advisory Service, on behalf of the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).

Regional residents with basic tax requirements who earn $50,000 or less per annum were eligible for free tax assistance.

Council is appreciative of our local volunteers, trained by the ATO, who worked around their home and family life to provide the confidential tax service.

Bindi Waugh, CHOOSE – WHY 2016, ink on paper.

Volunteers stated they had enjoyed participating in the program and look forward to assisting again.

BRIEFLY

The bitumen seal on Racecourse Road has been extended by more than 1km.

 Free waste disposal Charges do not apply to dispose of these sorted domestic waste items: Scrap metal, whitegoods, green waste, electronic waste, batteries, car batteries, oils, clean fill, LPG gas cylinders, clean timber and up to 240L (a wheelie bin) of recyclables and general waste.

 Tangler bins only for fishing waste

Racecourse Road project gallops to a fast finish Works extending the sealed section of Racecourse Road in Calliope were completed on October 24.

extended the sealing from Oaky Creek to beyond the entrance to Liz Cunningham Park.

The $515,000 project, completed with the assistance of the Federal Government Roads to Recovery Programme funds,

In total a nine metre wide bitumen seal was extended 1.07km to complete the six-week-long project.

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

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Latrobe Street footpath project enhances pedestrian safety

BRIEFLY  Home library celebrates 20 years The Gladstone Region's Home Library Service celebrated its 20th anniversary this year. The service provides assistance to thousands of residents in Gladstone, Boyne Island, Tannum Sands and Calliope unable to visit a regional library due to medical, physical or other reasons.

 Planning scheme open to feedback

Council completed its Latrobe Street footpath project on October 20, creating a continuous concrete path to enhance safety for Tannum Sands State School students and other pedestrians.

Important information when selling a house One of the most important steps when deciding to sell a house, arguably before even listing with an agent, is to contact your bank and find out the payout figure for your mortgage.

It is certainly essential, before you sign a sale contract, to check the sale price will be enough to pay the amount required by the bank in return for release of the mortgage, plus the agent's commission and advertising fees, and sale costs.

You also need to make allowance for adjustments for rates, water charges and other outgoings on the property.

If you are selling due to financial difficulties you may have rates arrears which have to be paid on settlement.

This is equally important if you are selling one of two or more properties.

Generally mortgages are collateral across properties and the sale of one property (even if the sale price is enough to pay out the loan and sale costs on the property being sold) will trigger a requirement for revaluation of the remaining properties to ensure that the loan to value ratio for the remaining property or properties and mortgage still meets bank guidelines.

With the downturn in property prices in Gladstone many sellers who have not done these pre-contract checks have found themselves in the position of being in breach of contract, as they cannot settle due to the bank not providing a release of mortgage.

Some have been required to spend their savings or borrow from family to pay the deficit or to pay mortgage insurance costs (due to the drop in value of the remaining property). Some just cannot settle and risk damages claims from the buyers.

It is always advisable to have your solicitor check the contract before you sign it.

Your solicitor can then advise you as to any special conditions which might be able to be inserted in the contract to protect you.

Unfortunately, many people sign without advice so the solicitor does not even see the contract until after it is signed, by which time it is too late.

Most solicitors will include pre-signing review of the contract as part of their overall fee for the conveyance.

The proposed first major amendment to the Gladstone Region Planning Scheme is open to public consultation until January 20. The amendment aims to remove red tape, further control residential supply and streamline application processes. To view the amendment visit www.gladstone.qld. gov.au/have-your-say or your nearest Council Customer Service Centre.

 Regional and rural road resurfacing The resealing of 41 regional and rural roads within the southern and western areas of the region was completed in November. The $1 million works were conducted in Iveragh, Bororen, Lowmead, Berajondo, Rosedale, Mount Maria, Euleilah, Baffle Creek, Deepwater, Captain Creek, Miriam Vale, Boyne Valley, Diglum, Tableland, Calliope, Beecher, Yarwun and Mount Larcom.

 CQ Driver Education Centre Benaraby will soon be the home of one of Queensland's major driver training facilities. Construction of the $1.2 million Central Queensland Driver Education Centre has started and is expected to be completed by the end of 2017. The project received funding from Council, the Australian Government and the Calliope district branch of Bendigo Bank.

 Road safety campaign The Gladstone Community Legal Program is a free service funded by Legal Aid Queensland, delivered by Farnsworth Legal, and proudly supported by the Gladstone Regional Council.

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

Council will soon trial the Little Blue Dinosaur Foundation's 'Holiday Campaign', aimed at improving road safety in areas that experience surges of traffic during holiday periods. Signage, portraying the foundation's campaign messages, will be erected in Agnes Water, Boyne Island and Tannum Sands for the Christmas/New Year period.

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BRIEFLY  Council praised for superb facilities The following is a direct extract from a customer compliment: "We recently travelled from Hervey Bay to Airlie Beach and your region including Gladstone, Boyne Island, Tannum Sands and Lake Awoonga had superb facilities that were clean and well maintained.

They well and truly surpassed all the other regions we visited. As a council you are obviously spending funds to encourage tourism to all your areas.

We were highly impressed and will encourage our family and friends to visit your areas."

 Grant to assist tennis courts The Gladstone Tennis and Squash Association has received a $100,000 Gladstone Regional Council Sport & Recreation grant to refurbish two deteriorated tennis courts. The association submitted an extensive and thorough application that demonstrated how the refurbishment can expand its current fixtures program, increase membership, and improve its ability to host high level tournaments.

 Record Garage Sale Trail A record number of 80 sellers took part in this year's Garage Sale Trail across the region. Thousands of residents followed the trail of registered garage sales held by households and community groups, diverting reusable items from landfill and connecting with their community members along the way.

 Free workshop for sporting clubs A free workshop to provide financerelated tips to sport and recreation committee members was hosted in November as part of the Club Administration Seminar program. Two other workshops tailored to sporting groups will be delivered in 2017 through a partnership between Council and the Queensland Government.

 View your rates history online Become a registered user of Council's new Online Services platform to view your history of Gladstone Region rate charges, payments and property valuation summaries. Visit www. gladstone.qld.gov.au/OnlineServices

Important festive food preparation tips Food poisoning is common, yet distressing, especially around the festive season.

People are more likely to suffer food poisoning at Christmas because the weather is hot, fridges are overloaded and hosts are cooking for more people than they are accustomed to.

The symptoms of food poisoning may vary depending on the type of bacteria, but can include the following: • • • • • •

Nausea Stomach cramps Diarrhoea Vomiting Fever Headaches

However, by following a few simple rules and using common sense, residents can ensure they, and their guests, do not get food poisoning.

Christmas food safety tips: • Avoid keeping food in the temperature danger zones, between 5-60 degrees Celsius, where food poisoning bacteria grow best; • Ready to eat food should always be defrosted in the fridge or microwave,

never on the bench top, unless the manufacturer recommends that you do so; • If you are going to defrost a large turkey remember it will take several days to defrost in the fridge. Always make sure that it is thoroughly defrosted in the centre before cooking; • Before preparing foods, and between handling raw meat or raw chicken, wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water and dry thoroughly; • Your Christmas ham will keep for several weeks with proper handling by removing it from its plastic wrap, covering with a clean cloth so it doesn’t dry out, and following any instructions on the packaging; • Never store leftovers on the kitchen bench, and use all refrigerated leftovers within two to three days; and • Before preparing food for Christmas ensure there is enough room in the fridge to keep cold food at or less than five degrees Celsius.

For more food safety tips download a copy of Council's Food Poisoning factsheet via www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/fact-sheets

South Trees inlet upgrade lifts waste water treatment efficiency Council's drive to continually improve the efficiency of its waste treatment service has been further realised following the completion of the South Trees Waste Water Treatment Plant Inlet upgrade.

The upgrade was part of Council's objective to improve the inlet's hydraulic performance and screening capture efficiency, thereby reducing the need for operator maintenance at the site.

The project, which was completed in November, consisted of the installation of new step screen equipment which will automate the inlet works and increase the facility's efficiency.

The project also featured the extension of the inlet channel and the raising of the inlet structure's wall height in order to increase its hydraulic capacity.

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Community CALENDAR ALL MONTHS (except for festive season closure) Every Fri

Baby Bounce 11am

Gladstone Library

4976 6400

Story Time: Held regularly at all libraries. www.gladstonelibraries.qld.gov.au or 4970 0700.

NOVEMBER Nov 28 - Dec 8

Art awards exhibition

Gallery & Museum

4976 6766

Nov 28 - Dec 16

Letter collection by Santa's Elves

All Libraries

Nov 29

Kids' Happy Hour

Mt Larcom Library

4975 1205

Nov 30

SUNFest tickets available

GECC

4972 2822

Nov 30

Annual Christmas Tree Decorating Extravaganza 3.30 - 4.30pm

Boyne Island Library 4971 9700

DECEMBER Christmas Craft: Gladstone Library, Dec 13 & 20, 9.30 - 11.30am; Calliope Library, Dec 14, 9.30 - 11.30am; Agnes Water Library, Dec 14, 10.30am - 12pm; Mt Larcom Library, Dec 15 & 22; Boyne Island Library, Dec 15, 9.30 - 11.30am

Dec 1 - Jan 16

Summer Reading Club

All Libraries

4970 0700

Dec 2

Mayor's Carols by Candlelight

Marina Parklands

4970 0300

Dec 4

Christmas Street Party

Library Square

4972 2822

Dec 5, 8

Tech Savvy Seniors Workshop social media 9.30 - 11.30am

Gladstone Library

4976 6400

Dec 6

Morning Melodies, $15, 10am

GECC

4972 2822

Dec 7

Playtime 9-11am

Calliope Library

4975 8105

Dec 12, 14

Tech Savvy Seniors Workshop 9.30 - 11.30am (please book)

Gladstone Library

4976 6400

Dec 13

Ozobots and Cubelets 9.30am 12pm (bookings required)

Gladstone Library

4976 6400

Dec 13

Junior Library Christmas Party

Miriam Vale Library

4974 6241

Dec 15 & 22

Code Club 3 - 5pm (pls book)

Gladstone Library

4976 6400

Dec 16 - Feb 1

A Place to Call Home? Migrant Hostel Memories

Gallery & Museum

4976 6766

Dec 17 - Feb 25

Appropriate / No appropriate

Gallery & Museum

4976 6766

Dec 18

Christmas in the City (pls book)

GECC

4972 2822

JANUARY Craft: Gladstone Library, Jan 10 & 17, 9.30-11.30am; Calliope Library, Jan 18, 9.3011.30am; Agnes Water Library, Jan 18, 10.30am-12pm

Jan 4

mBot workshop (9+yrs) 9.30am 12pm (bookings required)

Gladstone Library

4976 6400

Jan 5, 12,19

Code Club 3 - 5pm (pls book)

Gladstone Library

4976 6400

Jan 5, 12, 19

Summer Reading Club

Mt Larcom Library

4975 1205

Jan 8 - 20

Sunfest youth holiday program

Various venues

4972 2822

Jan 10

Squishy Circuits 9.30 - 11.30am (bookings required)

Calliope Library

4975 8105

Jan 11

Robotics workshop (pls book), craft Agnes Water Library 4902 1501

Jan 11

Heroes & Villains craft 9.30-11.30am Calliope Library

4975 8105

Jan 17

mBot workshop 9.30-11.30am (bookings required)

Calliope Library

4975 8105

Jan 18

Ozobots 9.30-11.30am (pls book)

Calliope Library

4975 8105

Jan 19

Games & Cubelets 9.30-11.30am

Boyne Island Library 4971 9700

Jan 25

Toddler Time

Boyne Island Library 4971 9700

Kerb and channel work has made Blomfield Street safer for pedestrians.

Blomfield Street works remove troublesome trip hazard Kerb and channel replacement work not only has the western side of Miriam Vale's Blomfield Street looking smarter, it has made it safer for pedestrians as well.

The replacement works were conducted in order to negate the hazardous situation in which there had been a height variance of 15cm30cm between the road level and the kerb and channel invert on the western side of Blomfield Street extending from South Street to Dougall Street intersections.

The previous double kerb arrangement, an unusual configuration that proved a hazard, has tripped up pedestrians in the past.

However, the raising of the kerb and road level, coupled with the widening of the footpath, has made traversing from road to footpath and vice versa a less problematic task.

Council thanks Miriam Vale residents and its business community for their patience while the two-month project was in progress, requiring several parking bays to be unavailable at various times.

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2017 Youth Holiday Program 8-20 January, 2017 Tickets on sale from 9am Wednesday, November 30 Book online at www.gladecc.com.au Ticket Enquiries 4972 2822

A I L A R AUST Family Celebrate

y a D

Fun Day

FREE EVENT

You are invited to the

Australia Awards Day

2017 at the

Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre Goondoon Street, Gladstone to be held on

Wednesday, January 25 at 6pm

RSVP by January 6 to Tennille Dykstra at tennilled@gladstonerc.qld.gov.au or 4976 6912

Millennium Esplan ade, Ta January 26 - 3pm nnum Sands to 7pm Official Australia D ay flag raising cere mony, Market stalls, Food vendors, Entertain ment, Free children's rid es, Free face paintin g, 1000 free sausages , Fireworks