Council Connection February - March 2017

COUNCIL

CONNECTION GLADSTONE REGIONAL COUNCIL NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY - MARCH 2017 ISSUE 76

INSIDE Pumptrack gets holiday action

4

5 Animal registration program underway

9 Australia Day fun across the region

11 Youths gain skills, experiences and friendships at SUNfest

Mayor's Message Returning the Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race to its former glory The countdown is on to the start of the 2017 Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race which will hopefully see the popular event recapture much of the grandeur of its past.

Cover

Maxine Brushe was named Citizen of the Year at the Gladstone Region's 2017 Australia Day Awards on January 25. Seven other deserving community members or organisations received awards at the ceremony and many more were nominated for their outstanding efforts in their fields.

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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 per cent 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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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

Although it has retained its reputation as one of Australian sailing's premier blue water classic events, Council is determined to see the race, first contested in 1949, returned to its former glory as an iconic event and an integral part of the Gladstone Harbour Festival.

For this reason, Council has allocated $50,000 to support the race which gets under way at Shorncliffe on Good Friday, April 14.

region's residents at home via www. brisbanetogladstone.com.au.

Council has also allocated $20,000 for a function, held in conjunction with the Harbour Festival, which will enable the public to welcome race competitors and help restore community pride in the event.

The fun community event, which will feature live music, will be a fitting finale for the line honours winners and the other fast finishers.

On the subject of winners, I encourage the Gladstone Region community to view 'Transition', Council's annual report, which documents Council's progress against its corporate plan.

The allocation includes $30,000 to enable the Queensland Cruising Yacht Club to live stream the start of the race.

Council has taken out Australasian Reporting Awards honours three years running and the 2015-16 annual report is another high quality, comprehensive and transparent account of Council's service to our community.

The race will be live streamed on the big screen at the Harbour Festival and also at the Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre and we're hoping it can be broadcast at local sporting clubs or viewed by the

This is our primary progress report to the Gladstone Region and I encourage community members to take the time to read its account of our performance via www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/annual-reports.

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

Pa rad e Fli nd ers

The Waterfront Dining Precinct will be a destination to appreciate the natural environment, delivering: ka Oa

• Street level activity • More residential presence • A shared traffic street

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The Mixed Use Residential Precinct will give residents the option of living where they work and visitors accommodation near shops and services, delivering:

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• A link between the waterfront and CBD • Laneway developments • View protection • Development incentives • Public spaces

The Entertainment Precinct will build on existing entertainment options, through: • Restaurant and bar development support • Community street events and buskers • Activating Library Square

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The Business Precinct is home to successful boutique retail shops which can increase in number, through:

The Community Hub Precinct will expand on its arts and culture presence, provide interests for youths and families and deliver community services, through:

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Plan to jumpstart Gladstone city heart adopted The community's vision for a revitalised Gladstone CBD is expected to become a reality through the adoption of Council's Jumpstart Our City Heart strategy.

CBD access the strategy proposes a car parking study, wayfinding signage, active commuter facilities, disabled parking and improved public transport.

The flame for a vibrant and unique city centre burns brightly in our community, evidenced by hundreds of ideas shared with Council which steered the strategy's development.

Council also hopes to entice CBD users to 'stay a while' through vibrant streetscaping, the revamp of public areas, a heritage trail and public art.

To address community concerns about

Residents are encouraged to volunteer for the 7 Day Makeover led by place making expert David Engwicht who has helped towns around the world transform tired public spaces into vibrant community hubs.

David said he was constantly surprised by what communities could achieve in a short timeframe on a shoestring budget.

"The secret to the success of the 7 Day Makeover is that it's driven by the public and works on an impossibly short time-line, with a very limited budget, so it doesn't get bogged down in meetings and processes," he said.

People of all ages and abilities are encouraged to participate, even if they can only give an hour.

To register or seek details visit www.7day.com.au then click 'scheduled makeovers'.

• Activating Clive Dahl Place • Community development • Youth inclusion

To capitalise on these strengths, the strategy forms five precincts (pictured) to deliver specific products to the community.

Mount Larcom and the Gladstone CBD are set to get seven-day makeovers powered by the community.

The makeovers, hosted by Council, will be held between April 1 and 8 (in the school holidays) in Gladstone, and between April 22 and 28 in Mount Larcom.

• Access and parking improvements • Beautified public spaces

Community consultation identified the CBD's existing strengths as its harbour views; close proximity to Auckland Creek and parks; commercial and entertainment anchors; and locally-owned businesses.

People powered makeovers set for Mount Larcom and Gladstone

The community's desire for more streetlevel activity and entertainment is also addressed in the strategy, viewable on Council's website via www.gladstone. qld.gov.au/cbd-renewal-strategy or in person at the Gladstone Civic Centre, 101 Goondoon Street, Gladstone.

Council's Jumpstart Our City Heart strategy is based on extensive community feedback gathered over nine months.

Annual report released Our region's passage through economic and political change is the theme for Council's 2015-16 annual report Transition, released at the end of last year.

The community is encouraged to peruse Council's primary progress report to the region, which documents the organisation's performance against its corporate plan.

The report is available at www. gladstone.qld.gov.au/annual-reports or at Council administration centres.

Council has won three Australasian Reporting Awards for its annual reports.

A new feature is the inclusion of photographs from around the region submitted by community members.

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Pumptrack enjoyed by many over Christmas break The pumptrack facility at Memorial Park, Gladstone was the talk of the town when it officially opened on December 18.

Hundreds of attendees enjoyed music courtesy of local DJ Ben Noll, pro-rider demonstrations, a free sausage sizzle and merchandise.

Council's Facebook event reached 16,000 people throughout Queensland and the preview video reached 74,278 people and was viewed 21,000 times.

The hype continued over the Christmas school holidays with many younger residents utilising Australia's largest asphalt track.

Facility signage has been erected and provides a list of reminders track users should familiarise themselves with before riding.

Track users are reminded to wear a helmet at all times to minimise the risk of injury and to be mindful of other riders.

Waste water treatment plant project completed The $1.3 million upgrade to the Boyne Island Waste Water Treatment Plant was completed in January, increasing the reliability and functionality of the facility.

Modernising the plant's electrical systems will improve efficiency, lower energy costs, enhance process control and advance monitoring capabilities.

Nominations will open soon for the 2017 Mayor's Youth Breakfast.

The facility itself is more than 20 years old and some of its components had been in use for almost 30 years, creating the need for the upgrade to ensure unhindered operations for years ahead.

Planning under way to celebrate National Youth Week

BRIEFLY

Planning is under way for celebrations across the region from March 31 to April 9 to celebrate National Youth Week.

ď Ž Toad busting Council's annual Toad Busters program with Conservation Volunteers Australia will continue Tuesday evenings until April 4, with the help of volunteers. If you’d like to benefit our waterways and wildlife as a volunteer toad buster contact Linda from CVA on mobile 0418 630 503 or email lfahle@ conservationvolunteers.com.au

As part of the region's Youth Week program, Council will soon call for nominations and encourage our younger residents to participate in the 2017 Mayor's Youth Breakfast.

Community members are encouraged to nominate residents aged 12 to 24 years to take part in the breakfast and be recognised for their achievements and

An Australian, State, Territory and Local Government Initiative

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contributions to the Gladstone Region.

Successful nominees will receive an An Australian, State, Territory and Local Government Initiative invitation to attend the event detailing the venue and time.

Nomination forms are available at www. gladstone.qld.gov.au/youth-events-andactivities A program of Youth Week events and activities the region will also be keeWacross htuoY l ano available on Council's website itaN from the start of March.

STRATS TI

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Council claims a Garage Sale Trail 2016 Excellence in Communications award Council has been named a Garage Sale Trail Council Award Winner for 2016 along with three other Queensland councils.

Council was one of 21 winners from a field of 153 participating councils nationally and was recognised as going above and beyond in its commitment to reuse, sustainability and building stronger communities.

Residents have been keen supporters of the Garage Sale Trail to reuse, recycle and reduce the amount of waste contributed to landfill.

Council's annual dog registration program underway throughout region Council's annual animal inspection program to monitor compliance with dog registration procedures throughout the region is under way.

The systematic and selective door-todoor program will run until the end of September in accordance with the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008.

Under Section 113 of the act, Council Local Law Enforcement Officers are authorised to enter a residential property (backyard) to monitor compliance with the act and Council's Local Law No.2 (Animal Management) 2011.

Dog registration is critical as it provides Council with information regarding the type and number of dogs located at premises throughout the region, and enables lost or stolen dogs to be reunited with their owners.

The majority of impounded animals are unregistered, underlining the importance of the inspection program in achieving compliance among pet owners.

Across the region there were 80 Garage Sale Trail sellers registered in 2016 hosting sales ranging from individual household garage sales to community group sales, neighbourhood sales and book sales.

Residents can already save the 2017 Garage Sale Trail date in their calendars with the national one day sale scheduled for Saturday, October 21.

For more information about the Garage Sale Trail initiative visit www.garagesaletrail.com.au

Owners found with unregistered dogs during the inspection program will be given 14 days in which to register their animals or face a possible $243 fine.

To avoid the penalty, owners can pay their dog registration online via Council's Online Services Portal at www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/ OnlineServices or in person at any Council Customer Service Counter.

Once payment has been made Council will issue a current registration tag.

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

The support of the Garage Sale Trail by residents helped earn Council an award for the 2016 campaign.

Easements make access to underground infrastructure easier The importance of easements to underground infrastructure access by Council staff is in evidence every day of the week throughout the region.

Council's Water Services staff members worked with other specialists to replace 80 metres of cement sewer pipe that had collapsed.

Ease of access to such infrastructure, most notably water and sewerage pipelines, is paramount to the continued provision of Council services and a major reason why approvals to build residential structures over easements are rarely given.

This task was less than straightforward and a combination of factors had to be addressed simultaneously to restore this infrastructure.

One event which particularly emphasised the need for quick, reliable access to such infrastructure occurred in Wood Street, Barney Point last July.

Before the trenching for the replacement sewer pipe occurred, 285 cubic metres of asphalt and 30m of kerb and channel were initially removed.

To excavate the sewer pipe trench, which measured 4m deep, 4m wide and 80m

long, 3080 tonnes of earth was removed.

The rectification works took four days to complete with two shift crews working 24 hour days with large scale machinery to repair and reinstate the sewer pipe.

Such easements are located in most residential and rural properties within the region.

Repairs of this nature emphasise the need for easements and why Council generally does not allow residential structures, such as pools, boat sheds or house extensions, to be built within them.

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Council launches online customer request system Every business day about 90 customer service requests are processed by Council – equivalent to one request every five minutes.

Council's recent launch of Customer Service Requests Online has made lodging non-urgent issues online easier for the community and enabled Council to resolve them more efficiently.

Council releases five year plan to advance the region Council released its corporate plan in late January, setting out the organisation's priorities for ensuring its ongoing sustainability and advancing community wellbeing.

The five-year plan places equal importance on the present and future, and identifies and supports four pillars of sustainability; people, place, prosperity and process.

Council's plan envisions that by 2021 we will have: People • Improved community preparedness for disasters • Resilient community groups • Increased volunteerism • Inclusive multi-purpose sporting and recreational facilities • Inclusive creative arts and culture activities and venues • A reconciliation action plan • Improved community health services Place • Roads, footpaths and bikeways that connect communities • Signature parks • Identified landscaped green space reverted to natural environment • Significant progress in implementing

Renewable Energy Strategy Prosperity • Maximised community benefit from large scale industry development • A more diverse local economy • Major events with economic or tourism potential • More efficient development assessment processes • Road train access • Increased diversity in educational opportunities • Progress towards an intergenerational care facility Process • A reputation for our collaborative leadership • Decision making underpinned by fiscal sustainability • A sustainable water and wastewater network • Comprehensive risk management strategies • Delivery of information and communication technology priorities

The new system's suite of easy-to-use forms guides customers through a simple process to report non-urgent issues, such as nuisance animals, illegal dumping or missed wheelie bin collections, or make requests, such as footpath maintenance or cancelling animal registrations.

It also enables community members to lodge requests and issues online at any time and on almost any device, including mobile phones.

Urgent issues, such as burst water mains or road obstructions, should not be lodged online and instead should be phoned through to Council any time of day or night on 4970 0700 for urgent attendance. Call 000 for life threatening situations.

To make an enquiry, request service or lodge an issue with Council online visit www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/OnlineServices and select 'Requests and Enquiries'.

Online customer service requests are an extension of Council's relatively new Online Services platform which enables customers to register animals, renew animal registrations, make advance rates payments, pay invoices and more, conveniently online at a time and place that suits them.

The community is encouraged to review Council's Corporate Plan 2017 – 2021 and its full list of commitments to the region via www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/ corporate-plan

1080 baiting program underway to combat local pest animals Council will commence a 1080 meat baiting trial in March that will be restricted to the Miriam Vale region.

The trial will assist landholders to target wild dogs and feral pigs, both restricted under the Biosecurity Act 2014 (QLD).

Participating landholders were assessed and approved by Council before being supplied with 10 free 1080 injected

meat baits.

The trial will be reviewed at the end of April and, if successful, a 1080 meat baiting program will be made available to all regional landholders.

For more information phone Council's Pest Management Section on 4970 0700 or visit www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/ invasivepestanimals Page 6

State Government funds Lions Park redevelopment The redevelopment of Lions Park, Gladstone, has received the green light after the Queensland Government granted the project $3.3 million in funding.

The project will transform the location into a vibrant, modern area for children and adults of all ages and abilities.

Council understands the changing needs of the region's community and acknowledges

that standard play equipment is not suitable for all children.

The park concept features inclusive places that go beyond accessibility, accommodating for children and adults with sensory processing disorder, auditory processing disorder, visual impairment, down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy or spina bifida.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang brings magic to community musical Gladstone's 2017 Community Musical, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, will fly on to the Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre (GECC) stage with four magical shows in June.

The community musical is a biennial highlight on the region's calendar and is presented by the GECC and Council in conjunction with the community.

The musical will involve a cast of up to 70 local residents including an orchestra, professional production team and management committee.

The Chitty Chitty Bang Bang production team includes local residents Julianne Impiccini (director), Donna Hann (choreographer), Jeannine Butler (stage manager), Ellen Terry (musical director) and Janine Lester (vocal coach).

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang will be presented from June 16-18 with tickets on sale now from the GECC box office.

Phone 4972 2822 or book online at www.gladecc.com.au

The space will offer a variety of sensory play equipment for children with autism; include group vestibular play elements for children with down syndrome; and allow children with a visual impairment to explore tactile and auditory play experiences.

It is expected that construction will commence in May and be completed in October, 2017.

New open spaces management approach Council has begun taking a new management approach towards its open spaces to reduce annual expenditure.

This decision came after research showed Council spends more than 2.3 times more on actively maintained parkland per 1000 residents than many other councils in Queensland.

The approach includes seven management principles that will save Council up to $250,000 annually.

The principles relate to the following open spaces:

Sets have been professionally designed and engineered and are sure to amaze residents of all ages.

• Areas that are called parks but are not utilised • Open spaces that are not parks and at best are rarely used by the community • Reserves and State reserves that are managed by Council and back onto residential properties • Large open parklands that, from an area perspective, are over-serving residents and are costly to maintain • Urban traffic areas that are less than or equal to 80km per hour • Actively used and maintained parkland.

Familiar songs, funny scripts and devilish characters will ignite imagination and bring this vintage production to life.

The changes will have little or no effect on areas of high community use but will target areas being over serviced, to reduce costs.

Auditions for the musical theatre production started in early February with all roles involving acting, singing and dancing.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is a classical family-friendly musical featuring an amazing flying car.

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A I L A R AUST Celebrate

y a D

across the region

Residents congratulate 2017 Australia Day Award winners and new citizens The efforts and achievements of the region's 2017 Australia Day Award nominees were highlighted at the Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre on January 25.

Jenny Garrett Arts & Culture Award Winner

The public awards evening acknowledged the outstanding efforts of individuals and groups and their valuable contributions to the Gladstone Region.

Maxine Brushe Citizen of the Year Winner

Sarah Chivers Young Sportsperson Award Winner

Jasmine Elliott Young Citizen of the Year Winner

Nicole Lowe Senior Sportsperson Award Winner

In conjunction with the awards presentation, a public citizenship ceremony was held to welcome 97 new Australian citizens.

Congratulations to our 2017 Australia Day Award winners: Citizen of the Year: Maxine Brushe Young Citizen of the Year: Jasmine Elliott Arts & Culture Award: Jenny Garrett Senior Sportsperson Award: Nicole Lowe Young Sportsperson Award: Sarah Chivers Sports Official Award: Lisa Yasso Community Event or Initiative Award: Friends of Bindaree Garage Sales Community Volunteer Award: Catherine Hamilton More information on citizenship ceremonies conducted by Council is available at www. gladstone.qld.gov.au/ citizenship

Lisa Yasso Sports Official Award Winner

Friends of Bindaree Garage Sales Community Event or Initiative Award Winner

Catherine Hamilton Community Volunteer Award Winner

Gladstone Municipal Ban d performed and celebrated the long service of various band mem bers.

speaker Citizenship special guest ressed add ico Orr d nau Dante Rey the audience.

97 new Australian citizens were recognised in a public citizenship ceremony.

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ts n ve E y it n u m om C d n a y a D n u F y il Fam

Sausages sizzled across the region on Australia Day

Barbecues were fired up and sausages sizzled at Australia Day events across the Gladstone Region on January 26.

Thousands of residents attended Council's Australia Day Family Fun Day at Millennium Esplanade, Tannum Sands and Councilsupported events in our smaller regional communities.

Residents were able to enjoy the atmosphere and entertainment with locations offering true blue Aussie fare ranging from pies to sausages, Aussie barbecues, lamingtons, damper and pavlova.

Activities including cricket, thong throwing, old-style traditional games, billy cart racing and crabpot throwing kept residents attending regional events entertained.

Residents enjoyed a casual game of cricke t at Millennium Esplanad e.

andise of Australia Day merch and old ng all shapes kept you d. ne tai enter

Council donations to not-for-profit groups to assist with the hosting of Australia Day celebrations were provided through Council's Donations Program - Category 3 Regional Event Support Australia Day Event.

Youngsters have fun dancing

Performers on stage

to the music.

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The Australian flag is ready to be raised at the Mount Larcom Bowls Club.

The national anthe

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Millennium Esplanad e's beachside locati on provided some gentle breezes.

Janelle Bartle and son Jason travelled from Gladstone to Bororen to take part in the Australia Day fun.

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Water Rates due early March Ratepayers are reminded that Water Rates payments are due early next month on March 10.

Water Usage Notices for the period July 1 to December 31, 2016 were issued to residents on February 8, accompanied by an insert providing helpful tips and information on how households can reduce water usage and save money.

Water consumption charges did not increase this financial year and remain at:

Harvey Road upgrade hits the right notes The Harvey Road upgrade at Clinton continues to progress at a pace not even Australian rock royal Jimmy Barnes could slow down.

Barnes, whose many hit songs include the travel-themed Driving Wheels and Ride the Night Away, performed as the headline act at the 'Hotter than Hell' concert at Marley Brown Oval on January 21.

While it's not known if his close proximity to the project will inspire another such ode to the road, Barnes' concert did amplify the importance of having the preliminary pavement works completed in time.

State School.

The concert announcement reinforced the need to stick to the work schedule to ensure completion by January 20 so as to reduce traffic congestion on the night of the event.

Stage 2 of the Harvey Road upgrade is likely to start in May this year after a second round of consultation with affected stakeholders to fine tune Council's proposal.

Council's Central Roads team commenced the renewal prior to Christmas with kerbing works.

The work in May is planned to involve further pavement renewal approaching the Dawson Highway, road widening and repositioning of the entrance to the Harvey Road car park.

Local Civil Project Contractors QMC were then tasked with completing the pavement renewal works prior to the start of the school term on January 23 in order to avoid having an impact on student arrivals and departures at the adjacent Clinton

Council also plans to install a set of traffic lights at the existing southernmost pedestrian crossing near the school entrance, enabling safer entry into and exit from the car park area and safer pedestrian access across Harvey Road.

Lake Awoonga Scheme - $1.65 per kilolitre Miriam Vale/Bororen Scheme - $3.69 per kilolitre Agnes Water/Seventeen Seventy Scheme - $3.74 per kilolitre Water Rates can now be paid on Council's Online Services portal at www. gladstone.qld.gov.au/OnlineServices in addition to the usual methods detailed on your notice.

For more information refer to the Rates and Charges booklet sent with rate notices in August 2016 or viewable at www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/rates

Avoid unexpected charges through water use monitoring A concealed water leak can go undetected for months, wasting thousands of litres of water and adding hundreds of dollars to your water bill.

for monitoring water use, provides tips for detecting leaks, and illustrates from which point leaks on a property become its owner's responsibility.

Ratepayers are encouraged to monitor their water usage to detect leaks early and reduce unexpected charges associated with leaks on their property's side of the meter.

The flyer is also available on Council's website at www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/rates

Council's Water Consumption Information flyer, enclosed with each water notice issued in early February, includes a form

Under its Concealed Water Leak Concession Policy, Council grants a limited rebate to property owners who meet strict conditions, including demonstrated financial hardship.

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Kelsey Raphael had Ducky by her side to learn basic horse care, grooming, feeding and show preparation at the Miniature Pony Exper ience.

SUNfest fun encourages new skills, experiences and friendships

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Cyrena D ixon mak es a gard Hoozatt en ? Garden Sculptures creature at the workshop.

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SUNfest 2017, Council's annual youth holiday program, has provided our younger residents across the region with a chance to have fun while learning skills, experiencing new tastes and making friendships.

More than 70 events, activities and workshops kept 11 to 17 year olds busy from January 8-20 across the Gladstone Region.

Popular activities included paintball, surfing, stand up paddle boarding, laser skirmish, horse handling, skateboard art, archery and drones and electronics.

The 13-day program concluded with the traditional SUNfest Showcase which enabled participants to display their new skills.

Eli Donoh oe focuse s to get a the photog clear shot ra at Tondoon B phy workshop at th e Gladsto otanic Gar ne dens.

Circus performing, acrobatics and clowning skills kept the audience entertaine d at the SUNfest Showcase.

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Community CALENDAR ALL MONTHS Date

Name of the event

Location

Contact

Mondays

Library Card Games 10-12 noon

Agnes Water Library

4902 1501

Tuesdays

Kids' Happy Hour 10.30-11.30am

Mount Larcom Library 4975 1205

Tuesdays

Library Scrabble 11-12 noon

Agnes Water Library

4902 1501

1st Tues

Library Book Club

Agnes Water Library

4902 1501

2nd Tues

Kids' Time 10-11.30am

Miriam Vale Library

4974 6241

4th Tues

Tech Savvy Tuesday 10-12 noon

Gladstone Library

4976 6400

Wednesdays

Toddler Time 9.30 & 10.30am

Boyne Island Library

4971 9700

Wednesdays

Story Time 10am

Agnes Water Library

4902 1501

Wed & Thur

Story Time 11am

Gladstone Library

4976 6400

2nd Wed

Bots 'n' Tots 10.30am

Calliope Library

4975 8105

2nd Wed

Playtime 9.30-11.30am

Calliope Library

4975 8105

2nd Wed

Toddler Time 9.30am

Calliope Library

4975 8105

Thursdays

Storytime 9.30am

Calliope Library

4975 8105

2nd & 4th Thur

Baby Bounce 10.30am

Boyne Island Library

4971 9700

Fridays

Story Time 10.30am

Calliope Library

4975 8105

Gladstone regional program

Fridays

Story Time 10.30am

Boyne Island Library

4971 9700

Fridays

Baby Bounce 11am

Gladstone Library

4976 6400

In March 2017, the World Science Festival Brisbane will once again bring together the world’s best thought leaders to produce a stunning program of live and digital content that connects audiences of all ages with the concepts, challenges, discoveries and advancements that are shaping our world.

Date

Name of the event

Location

Contact

Feb 2 - Feb 28

2017 Celebrate Australia Primary School Art Competition

Art Gallery & Museum 4976 6400

Feb 4 - April 29

Wearable Art: Another Corner of My Mind

Art Gallery & Museum 4976 6400

Feb 4 - April 29

Caravan of Curiosities

Art Gallery & Museum 4976 6400

Feb 21

General Council Meeting

Civic Centre

4970 0700

Feb 21

Simon Gillespie Morning Melodies 11am-1pm

GECC

4972 2822

The Festival’s regional program heads to Gladstone for the first time on Saturday, March 4 for a free community event and will provide residents and the local community the opportunity to get involved locally in the festival.

Featuring exhibitions, workshops and talks throughout the day, STEM professionals will explain how scientific discoveries will lead to greater innovation within their fields.

At this free event, community members will be able to speak with these science leaders to learn how research is crossing boundaries to help us better understand the mysteries of the past and our current environment in order to help shape the future.

FEBRUARY

Dec 17 - Feb 25 Appropriate/Not Appropriate works by Felicia Lloyd & Belynda (Bindi) Waugh

Art Gallery & Museum 4976 6400

Dec 17 - Feb 25 Take a Seat - the Art of Peter Rowe

Art Gallery & Museum 4976 6400

MARCH Date

Name of the event

Location

Contact

Mar 1

The World of Musicals 8pm -10.30pm

GECC

4972 2822

Mar 4 - April 29

2017 Intercity Images: Gladstone Saiki Photographic Exchange

Art Gallery & Museum 4976 6400

The World Science Festival Brisbane regional program is presented by the Queensland Museum and the Queensland Government, in partnership with Tourism and Events Queensland with proud support from community partner QGC.

Mar 4 - April 8

W.E. Gladstone Collection

Art Gallery & Museum 4976 6400

Mar 7 & 21

General Council Meeting

Civic Centre

4970 0700

Mar 31 - Apr 9

National Youth Week

Gladstone Region

4976 6300

Explore the full program at worldsciencefestival.com.au and book your attendance now at gladecc.com.au/event/ world-science-festival/

Date

Name of the event

Location

Contact

Apr 1

Gladstone Pop Con 10am-4pm

Gladstone PCYC

4976 6300

Apr 4 & 18

General Council Meeting

Civic Centre

4970 0700

APRIL

Page 12

Avid photographers capture spirit of Central Queensland Photographs entered in Intercity Images photographic exchange between Gladstone and its sister city, Saiki City in Japan will be on display at the Gallery & Museum from March 4 to April 29.

GLADSTONE

Keen photographers of all ages and experience were invited to capture the spirit of Central Queensland's lifestyle, people and environment for the 15th annual photographic exchange.

Of the images displayed 30 will be sent to Saiki City for display in June.

2017 Intercity Images: Gladstone Saiki Photographic Exchange Mar 4 - Apr 29

Excitement builds for Gladstone Pop-Con Interest in Gladstone Pop-Con is set to soar with some major drawcards on Saturday, April 1 at the Gladstone PCYC. The event is open to all ages with free entry from 10am to 4pm and those attending urged to dress in costume.

Pop-Con highlights will include free workshops and a demonstration by Sydney-based Sons of Obiwan Saber Academy.

Free workshops, supported by the Regional Arts Development Fund, will also be on offer with professional artist and cartoonist David Lovegrove.

David works in a wide variety of artistic disciplines producing manga story and art, fantasy art book illustrations, digital art and design and concept art for film and television.

The Sons of Obiwan are a group of likeminded individuals with a passion for Star Wars and Stage Combat.

Market stalls will sell Pop-Con related products and visitors can take part in real life Pac Man or attend a balloon workshop to make swords, shields and more.

The group teaches fun techniques to fight like the great Jedi masters in a safe environment.

For more information about Gladstone Pop-Con visit www.gladstone.qld.gov. au/gladstone-pop-con

2016 Gladstone selected image, 'Waiting' by Tricia Robson

New system provides for improved water quality management With water quality standards being placed under ever greater scrutiny throughout Australia, Council has introduced an innovative new system to help ensure it delivers the best possible product to the Gladstone Region.

Council's Water Services Process Unit teamed with its Information and Communications Technology Section to develop the Water Quality Management System which was launched in August last year and has already proved its value to the organisation.

The interactive management tool schedules sampling at 80 sample points throughout the region, stores

the resulting data, manages legislated compliance limits, and generates reports and trends from water quality data in order to identify possible operational improvements.

With increasing demands placed on Council and other water providers for compliance and data reporting, the system centralises and reports information as required.

It also automatically notifies Council of non-compliant results, ensuring all issues are identified and responded to quickly.

The system can be used in real time using tablets, enabling field and laboratory

data to be entered as testing is conducted and compliance notifications to be seen and acted upon immediately.

Trending analysis also enables the monitoring of data over time to identify potential issues before they occur and optimise process and network conditions.

The project, led by Engineering Officers Aaron Larkin and Bruce McKenzie and Information Systems Analyst/Developer David Rotondo, was almost three years in the making and was used for 12 months in the development stage prior to its launch.

Page 13

Free vaccinations for the region's Year 7 students As part of Queensland Health's 2017 School Immunisation Program, Council will offer free vaccinations to all year 7 students.

Year 7 students will be vaccinated against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough), and the human papillomavirus.

School based vaccinations will be carried out at each high school across the region, with clinics commencing in March.

Council is calling on the community to get behind the Clean Up Australia Day campaign and help rid the Gladstone Region of litter on March 5.

Council encourages residents to help clean the environment Every year, hundreds of thousands of Australians roll up their sleeves and get their gloves dirty to help the environment and Council is encouraging residents to do the same.

Businesses, industries and schools can also get involved on Business Clean Up Day and School Clean Up Day being conducted on Tuesday, February 28 and Friday, March 3, respectively.

Council is lending its support to 2017 Clean Up Australia Day on Sunday, March 5, by working with local waste disposal companies to arrange for the removal of waste collected on the day throughout the region.

To register a clean up site or join one already registered visit the Clean Up Australia Day website at www. cleanupaustraliaday.org.au

Clean Up Australia Day is the nation's largest community-based environmental event and last year's effort drew the support of 145 volunteers at 36 sites within the region.

Council hopes its support of the event will help encourage an even greater number of volunteers and nominated sites for this year's clean up.

Vaccination consent packs containing relevant information have been provided to all students in year 7. The consent card must be completed and returned to school even if no vaccination is requested.

Students vaccinated will receive a record to take home after their vaccination. Council records vaccination details which are entered into Queensland Health's vaccination database.

Clinics will also be held in May and October and there will be additional opportunities for students to catch up on missed vaccinations.

To download an online consent form visit Queensland Health's website via www.qld.gov.au/health/conditions/ immunisation/adolescents For more information visit Council's website via www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/immunisation

Once registered, Clean Up Australia will issue participants with a free Clean Up Kit including bags, gloves, information and promotional materials.

Those unable to volunteer on the day are welcome to donate money via the Clean Up Australia website to help cover the cost of cleaning operations at a particular site or in support of the overall campaign.

Miriam Vale residents just days away from new water service The new Miriam Vale Water Treatment Plant is just days away from delivering an improved water service to Miriam Vale residents.

Built on the site of its predecessor, the $2.2 million plant contains superior treatment processes to the one it replaced, targeting specific water issues.

Proof of Performance testing of the facility, consisting of an extended seven day continuous trial conducted strictly in accordance with specification requirements, confirmed the plant treats

water to the required standard.

Additional testing conducted by external laboratories confirmed the plant's performance met the required standards.

The successful trial, coupled with the recent decommission and removal of previously existing tanks and piping, means the plant is just days away from going live.

The new plant will improve water quality for the township by removing iron, manganese and algae by-products

from the raw water it sources while performing conventional water treatment processes.

It will also reduce turbidity levels during and following wet weather.

The project received 50 per cent of eligible project costs to a maximum of $1.59 million in State Government assistance over the 2015-16 and 2016-17 financial years.

Proudly funded by the Queensland Government’s Building our Regions program Page 14

Important information about vehicle insurance Many people seem to be confused about car insurance, particularly as to what is covered by the 'Third Party' insurance included with your registration.

Compulsory Third Party Insurance (CTP) In Queensland the registration fee for all vehicles includes CTP insurance. CTP insurance covers compensation to third parties who are injured as a result of an accident. It does not cover damage to the vehicle.

You can choose which insurer will provide CTP for your vehicle and you can change this from time to time. Some insurers allow you to extend this to cover injuries to you as driver of the vehicle even if you are at fault for the accident.

Third Party Liability Insurance This covers damage caused by your car to someone else's car or property which is fully or partly your fault. Even if your car is not worth much and you do not think it is worth insuring, it is important that you at least have this insurance. Accidents happen and often liability for an accident is shared, even if you think the other driver is at fault. You could have a large claim against you if you do not have third party liability insurance.

Fire, Theft and Third Party Liability As well as covering damage to someone else's car or property, this insurance will provide cover if your car is damaged in a fire or stolen.

Comprehensive Insurance This is the broadest level of cover. Inclusions can vary between policies but normally will cover: • repairs to your car and other car or property damaged in an accident; • compensation if your car is stolen or damaged by criminal act, fire or natural disaster; • towing fees; and • in some cases car hire fees while your car is out of action.

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.

Signs encourage surfing safety Signs reminding surfing enthusiasts and beach visitors of universal surfing etiquette have been installed at various Agnes Water beach accesses. The

Council reduces red tape for local businesses Business has now been made a little easier for local buskers, footpath dining traders and mobile businesses wishing to operate on Council controlled land.

This comes after Council's decision to firstly adopt the proposed changes to the Subordinate Local Law 1.2 (Commercial Use of Local Government Controlled Areas and Roads) and approve the subsequent policy and corporate standard.

Local businesses are set to benefit

Water infrastructure works on Glenlyon Road nearing completion Work to lay much-needed water infrastructure beneath the Glenlyon Road intersection with Breslin and Derby streets, West Gladstone, is nearing completion.

Changed traffic conditions have been in place at the intersection since January 31 to enable Council's Water Services crews to lay enveloper pipeline beneath the road in preparation for connection to the new water reservoir to be built on Glenlyon Road beginning next month.

The new reservoir will help cater for the city's future water service needs.

To make an appointment contact The Community Advisory Service on 4976 6300.

Surfers' Code signage has the potential to reduce the number of rescues and first aid incidents involving beginner and visiting surfers

Council thanks motorists, cyclists and other road users for their patience while the works have been in progress.

as the policy removes all approval requirements for footpath dining, the display of goods and busking.

This is likely to increase foot traffic and fixed premise customer patronage.

Mobile businesses are now welcome to approach Council for an approval to operate within an urban area.

The policy and corporate standard can be downloaded from Council's website via www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/ policies

BRIEFLY  Learn about Mr Gladstone Visitors to the Gallery & Museum can learn about our region's namesake through a local history exhibition celebrating the life of William Ewart Gladstone from March 4 - April 8.

 Major events funding Applications for the first Major Events Funding round for 2017 will close on February 28. The program supports the presentation of major events that are catalysts for economic development, social inclusion and community well-being in our region.

Three rounds are offered per year.

Events supported recently include the 2017 Agnes Water Blues and Roots Festival ($25,000) and 2017 Gladstone Harbour Festival ($65,000). For information visit www.gladstone.qld. gov.au/major-events-funding Page 15

e Ag l l A ent Ev

E N O T S D A GL

Sunday March 5

l i r p A 1 y a d r u t C Y Sa C P e n o t s d a Gl N

IWA B O f o s Son ovegrove David Life Pac Man Real Ln characters Balloostume COmp Co lls a t S t e k Mar

E E R F try En

The Regional Arts Development Fund is a Queensland Government and Gladstone Regional Council partnership program to support local arts and culture

sport & recreation grants Regional Sport & Recreation Event Grant 2016-17, closes February 28 Club Development Grant (up to $1200), opens March 5 Apply now via www.gladstone.qld.gov. au/sport-and-recreation-funding

www.cleanupaustraliaday.org.au

Have you renewed your pet's registration?

Dog and cat registrations expired on October 31 and Council has commenced its Animal Inspection Program.

Renew online now at www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/ OnlineServices or visit a Council Customer Service Counter.

Animals wearing a registration tag can be reunited with their owners as quickly as possible.

For more information please contact Gladstone Regional Council on 4970 0700.