(49) Council Connection June - July 2017

7 1 20 Gladstone Tondoon Bo tanic Gar

Sunday, Jun

dens

9am - 3pm

e4

Special Guest - Matthew Evans

Presenter of popular SBS programs Gourmet Farmer, What’s the Catch and For the Love of Meat, and owner of Tasmania’s Fat Pig Farm.

COUNCIL

CONNECTION GLADSTONE REGIONAL COUNCIL NEWSLETTER June - July 2017 ISSUE 78

YOUR

LIFT OFF PROGRAM GUIDE

Be Great to Our Barrier Reef

2017 GREANhouse Tent stage program 9.15am Nerida Bradley (General Manager Queensland Trust for Nature)

Topic: Avoid Island - Australian Flatback Turtle Research Centre,

nature refuge and real-world classroom.

9.50am Official Opening by Gladstone Regional Council Mayor Matt Burnett 10.00am Tim Harvey (Director of the Sea Turtle Foundation)

Topic: A Turtle’s Tale: sea turtles of the GBR – thriving or threatened?

11.00am

Matthew Evans (Host of presenter of popular SBS programs Gourmet Farmer, What's the Catch, For the Love of Meat and, owner of Tasmania's Fat Pig Farm.)

Topic: What is Sustainable Seafood?

1.00pm Dr Sandra Tuszynska (PhD)

Topic: Fungi – The Superheroes of Our Future 1.50pm Winner of audience survey, Ecofest 2017 awards and

Eco Warrior competition to be announced.

2.00pm

Video Screening: Reef Guardian Schools Future Leaders Eco Challenge, presented by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.

Each year the Reef Guardian Schools program provides local schools with the opportunity to participate in the Future Leaders Eco Challenge (FLEC). Last year students travelled to Quoin Island where they were involved in hands-on activities.

12.00pm Representative from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority

Topic: Biodiversity benefits of Marine Park zoning:

What you can do to build reef resilience.

ECOfun Zone Amazing Drumming Monkeys

– presented by WICET 9.30am, 11.30am and 1.30pm Australia’s favourite little kids' show is returning to Ecofest 2017! The show includes a blend of puppetry, live music, comedy, and interactive themes for the whole family to enjoy.

The puppetry element of the show will feature two monkeys, Bongo and Congo, otherwise known as the 'African drum experts'.

Activities, Animals and Presentations Come and meet the team as they 'show and tell' their animals in care. Expect to see eastern grey kangaroos, reptiles, wallabies and an array of native animals on the day.

Quoin Island Turtle Rehabilitation Centre (QITRC), established in 2012, is licensed to rehabilitate up to 10 marine turtles at any one time. Carers have rehabilitated green, hawksbill, flatback and even baby loggerhead turtles. Come on over to the QITRC marquee where there are displays, slide shows, activities and a live turtle education display. What a great way to learn more about our sea life, than see them up close and personal. If you see a sick or injured sea turtle, call 0408 431 304.

Native Plants Queensland

Calliope Garden Club

Gladstone District Wildlife Carers Association

- presented by Bunnings 9am - 3pm Residents are encouraged to come and join the team at the Bunnings marquee and make sea themed craft out of recycled materials.

There will be various activities taking place throughout the day, including: • Native Plants Capricornia • Port Curtis Organic Growers • Seed Savers Network • Milton Scouts • Landcare - Bush Food Display • Gladstone Branch SGAP - Native Plants sales • Betty Laver - Author & Book sales • Queensland Trust for Nature • CQ Koala Volunteers.- Dr Alistair Melzer • Greening Australia - CQ Cane Toad Challenge • Butterfly Invertebrate Group • Wildlife Nest Boxes • Ant’s Picnic and Bee Hotels

Free Face Painting

Benaraby Plant Farm

RESTA & Creepy Crawlies 10am, 12pm and 2pm RESTA will be back again conducting their three 30 minute demonstrations. RESTA Training has been in business for 10 years bringing educational entertainment to the public. Radical Reptiles currently hold Australia’s only nationally recognised course for reptile awareness and safety.

Recycled Arts & Craft

- presented by Orica 9am - 3pm Have your face painted by the fairies from Fantasy Faces.

Ion Daetz will have a large display of plants and natives for sale and be on hand to answer all your gardening questions.

Quoin Island Turtle

LIFT O

FF

Rehabilitation Centre

The Calliope Garden Club Incorporated, established in 2012, will bring both keen and amateur gardeners together to share their passion and grow their skills. They aim to educate attendees on a range of gardening activities and create a healthy and organic shared community garden.

Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum In conjunction with the Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum, local artist Jan Ross-Manley will premiere an exciting collaborative digital artwork at the Gardens' Visitor Centre. To celebrate World Environment Day, young local artists will work with Jan in the lead up to Ecofest, creating the innovative work to be officially launched on the day.

Be Great to Our Barrier Reef

COUNCIL

CONNECTION GLADSTONE REGIONAL COUNCIL NEWSLETTER June - July 2017 ISSUE 78

Will my rates go down in August?

Ratepayers are advised that falls or increases in land valuations, as reported by the ValuerGeneral last March, may not result in similar changes to their rate notices.

distribution of its properties' values (not the values themselves).

Gladstone Region's residential properties assessed in 2012 rose by an average of 19 per cent, but the General Rate for 2012-13 only increased by 1.6 per cent. Twentythree per cent of residential properties had their General Rate reduced, 18.1 per cent had increases of less than one per cent and the remainder had increases up to 10 per cent.

This distribution typically fluctuates from year to year.

It is a common misconception that local In some years, a fall or increase in values is government rates are determined by a evenly spread across all simple 'my property ‘In other words, a property's rates properties; in others, a value' x 'rate' = 'my bill' bill is governed by the fixed costs pocket of properties will equation. of its Council and how its land have an acute change In reality, local in value compared to value compares to others in the governments apply region, not by the percentage of its others in the region. more considered fall or increase in value compared The relatively fixed cost equations to their rate to the previous year.’ of providing adequate notices, to make them services, combined with as fair as possible and in accordance with uneven levels of property value changes, the Local Government Regulation. explains why a fall or increase in a property's Firstly, the total rates revenue required to land value doesn't necessarily result in an efficiently deliver the community's wants and associated rates change. needs is determined.

In other words, a property's rates bill is A reduction or increase in a community's governed by the fixed costs of its Council land values does not typically result in an and how its land value compares to others equal reduction or increase in services' costs in the region, not by the percentage of its to that community. fall or increase in value compared to the previous year.

So the required rates revenue is spread across a community according to the As an example, land valuations for the

A rate cap is also applied to reduce the impact of large valuation increases.

How did this affect our last rates?

In the 2016-17 Budget, Council reduced the amount of rate revenue per property it required by 0.72 per cent, despite cost inflation. But, as explained above, individual rate bills varied.

Last year, 20 per cent of residential properties experienced a steep decline in value compared to the other 80 per cent.

Although Council received less rate income on average, the majority of ratepayers experienced a slight rate increase to offset the 20 per cent who received a considerable reduction.

Infographic

How general rates and charges are calculated

=

÷ Total rates revenue needed to service community

INSIDE Gladstone Children's Festival

Combined value of all rateable properties

5

$ “The rate in the dollar”

6 Local guide to region's War Memorials

+

x

Valuation of your property’s land

10 UQ students visit treatment plant

= GR

Service charges (water, sewerage, waste)

Your general rates & service charges

14 Chitty Chitty Bang Bang tickets on sale now

Mayor's Message Region events prove community spirit alive and well Anyone doubting the strength and spirit of the Gladstone Region community need only look at the amazing variety of community events that have been hosted recently.

Cover Learn more about our sea life at the turtle education display at Ecofest 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.

C

t c e n on

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

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

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

economy picks up again.

And there are still some big events to come in the following weeks with the ever-popular The Old Station Fly In and Heritage Show at Raglan on May 27-28 and Ecofest, the region's annual environmental festival, on June 4.

The Labour Day long weekend was particularly eventful with thousands of residents joining visitors from outside the region to participate in the Boyne Tannum HookUp, Baffle Creek Raft Race, Boyne Valley Country Music Campout and Labour Day March and Family Fun Day.

Another calendar date that should have us all thinking about the type of community we want to be is on May 27 when we mark the 50th anniversary of the 1967 referendum at which more than 90 per cent of Australians voted 'Yes' to include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the national census.

These events were followed soon after by the Mayor's Charity Ball which was also a great success, raising vital funds for worthy local charities.

National Reconciliation Week, from May 27 to June 3, marks the referendum and the historic Mabo decision of 1992 and is an appropriate time for us to reflect on the injustices of the past and work towards creating a society that is fair and just and provides equal opportunity for all.

It was heartening to see so many people supporting these events that not only provide great fun and entertainment, but also serve to strengthen our sense of community within the region.

It is no secret that the region is going through a difficult period but this strength of community spirit will ensure that we endure the tough times and be ready to take full advantage when the local

And we finish the month with an event that fires up the blood of Queenslanders from one end of the State to the other, perhaps even more so in our region - the first State of Origin rugby league encounter against NSW on May 31.

Go the Maroons!

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 Page 4

BRIEFLY ď Ž Other ways to find out about Council

To find out what your Council is doing in the Region, you can watch monthly video updates from the Mayor, 'like' Gladstone Regional Council's Facebook page or subscribe to our YouTube channel. In addition to this newsletter, Council also produces a fortnightly electronic newsletter called eConnect. To subscribe, visit www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/econnect

ď Ž Re-tender for Lions Park work The Lions Park redevelopment construction tender is currently being readvertised and will be awarded in June. Council re-evaluated the original process at its May 2 general meeting and, after considerable discussion, decided to re-tender for the $3.4 million project. The project, funded by the State Government, will transform the location into a vibrant, modern area for children and adults of all ages and abilities.

Celebrity Jay Laga'aia will join in the fun at the Gladstone Children's Festival hosting a children's performance and a workshop for parents.

Gladstone Children's Festival offers entertainment for 12 years and under Early Years ambassador celebrity Jay Laga'aia will join in the fun during an inaugural week-long Gladstone festival tailored for children 12 years and under.

Rhymes Today with Jay will enable children and their families to discover the wonders and benefits of the early years through singing, dancing and play.

Gladstone Children's Festival is on until May 28 and features a variety of free and paid activities, events, shows, concerts, workshops and more to keep youngsters busy.

Parents can also join Jay at a workshop to learn more about how to support their child's early learning and development as they learn and grow through play.

Council facilities, local artists and organisations will host an exciting program of events with shows including The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Jay Laga'aia Live!

Amaze workshops and a Little Day Out.

Throughout the festival there will also be opportunities for youngsters to take part in free craft and creative activities.

View the Gladstone Children's Festival program at www.gladecc.com.au/ childrensfestival

A children's performance Rhythm and

Myrtle Rust infection identified early in Gladstone Region The Gladstone Tondoon Botanic Gardens team has been working closely with members of the Queensland Herbarium to determine the condition of a local threatened species.

The herbarium is working with east coast Councils to build an information database to help determine where threatened species are located and what control efforts need to be taken.

A local myrtle rust infection has been identified affecting plants in the Gladstone Region, including Tondoon Gardens.

Myrtle Rust is a fungal disease which infects plants in the Myrtaceae family.

Myrtle rust is a fungal disease, introduced to Australia and South Africa in 2002, which infects plants in the Myrtaceae family.

South African plant species including eucalyptus and paperbark adapted

to the infection, but Australian plants unfortunately did not.

In 2010, eradication efforts were abandoned and management measures were introduced.

The disease starts as a small purple spot on leaves before turning into bright yellow spores causing leaf drop and possible death in one species.

Tondoon staff have collaborated with the Queensland Herbarium to investigate the extent of damage caused by the Myrtle Rust on the Myrtaceae plants in our local region.

The herbarium will continue to survey east coast localities during the coming months, with the completed database being handed over to Biosecurity Queensland for monitoring.

Page 5

Book serves as a local guide to our region's War Memorials Staff and volunteers of the Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum created and launched a special 112 page publication in time for ANZAC Day. War Memorials of the Gladstone Region, First Edition was presented to the public on April 25 in conjunction with this year's ANZAC Day: Lest We Forget exhibition which will be on display until June 3.

The publication serves as a local guide to the memorials within the Gladstone Region, honouring the fallen and those who served Australia in the Armed Services.

Gladstone Region Mayor Matt Burnett, Member for Gladstone Glenn Butcher, Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett and Council's Acting Overseer Water Services Glenn Cook inspect the new Miriam Vale Water Treatment Plant.

New plant delivers high quality water to Miriam Vale The people of Miriam Vale spoke about their concerns regarding water quality within the township and Council listened.

The result of that interaction is the supply of an improved water service via the new $3 million Miriam Vale Water Treatment Plant at the corner of Kellow Street and Fingerboard Road.

The new plant rectifies a number of water issues which had been experienced by the town's residents.

Chief among residents'concerns was stained clothing caused when washing with water delivered via Council's reticulated water service.

Studies revealed the stains were caused by high levels of naturally occurring dissolved iron and manganese present at the water source.

Council engaged water treatment experts to help address the community's concerns, resulting in the construction of a dissolved

Limited free copies of the book are available at the Gallery & Museum and contain details of the region's war memorials in Agnes Water, Boyne Island, Calliope, Gladstone, Many Peaks, Miriam Vale, Mount Larcom, Polmaily, Raglan, Rosedale, Turkey Beach, Ubobo and Yarwun.

The book includes handy maps and access information as well as transcribed wording and names from each memorial.

air floatation plant with pre-oxidation capabilities.

The book also features recent photographs of the war memorials as well as heritage photographs.

Following additional CQUniversity studies, Council also incorporated a carbon dosing plant to remove any taste, odour and toxins associated with blue green algae.

Alex Richardson, Maddie Cook and Harry Gallaher browse through the Gladstone Region War Memorials First Edition which was launched on ANZAC Day 2017.

The plant was successfully designed, constructed and commissioned by Stirloch Pty Ltd on behalf of Council with the assistance of State Government funding.

It is highly automated with inbuilt controls to deal with most raw water conditions.

A number of safety measures have been incorporated into the plant's design so it will automatically shut down and notify operators if it's unable to produce good quality water.

This ensures the water quality provided to the community is of a high standard.

Proudly funded by the Queensland Government’s Building our Regions program Page 6

Community Donations Program assists not-forprofit community groups Council's Community Donations Program assists not-for-profit community groups otherwise ineligible for donations from other government or non-government sources.

The program's policy offers a variety of funding categories for which not-for-profit community groups can apply.

Gladstone Region residents can join in the national Garage Sale Trail excitement with this year's event to be a weekend of garage sales on October 21 and 22.

Popular event grows to become a big weekend of selling and shopping The time is near for residents to start preparing for this year's Garage Sale Trail with the event changing from a one-day event to a weekend of garage sales on October 21 and 22.

Council is again supporting the national Garage Sale Trail initiative encouraging community groups, schools, industry, businesses and households to consider what we use, what we can reuse and what we can do to lessen our impact on the planet.

Last year across Australia 2.8 million preloved items, which ultimately could have ended up in landfill, were listed for sale on the Garage Sale Trail.

The trail is ideal for residents keen to declutter, meet neighbours, fundraise or find bargains at garage sales across the Gladstone Region.

The free initiative enables sellers to benefit from promotion of the Garage Sale Trail nationally and uses digital technologies to link sellers with buyers.

Sellers can place their items on a regional listing of sales and buyers are able to plot their own treasure trail to print and follow, or view on a mobile device.

Find out more and register your interest for Garage Sale Trail 2017 at www. garagesaletrail.com.au

Residents reminded to register their dog Is your dog registered with Council?

Council's Local Law officers remain out and about as part of the organisation's annual dog registration inspection program.

The systematic and selective door-todoor program will run until the end of July and aims to monitor compliance with Council's dog registration procedures.

Officers have inspected 1046 properties and issued 120 compliance notices to dog owners who have failed to register their animal with Council.

Owners have 14 days in which to register their animal or face a possible $243 fine.

To avoid the penalty, dog owners can

pay their dog registration online via Council's secure Online Services Portal.

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

To access Council's Online Services portal, visit www. gladstone.qld.gov. au/onlineservices For more information phone Council's Regulatory Services Section on 4977 6821.

Eligible community groups are encouraged to submit an application for Community Donations funding by May 26.

Organisations will need to attach a copy of their most recent audited financial statements or most recent profit and loss statements to their application prior to submission.

Guidelines and an application form can be accessed on Council's website at www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/ donations-and-grants Information and enquiries about the program can be directed to Council's Community Donations Officer Janine Sorrensen on 4976 6351 or email janines@gladstone.qld.gov.au

Program helps when relationship ends Rebuilding Relationships, an eight-week educational program, will run from Tuesday, July 18 at the Community Advisory Service, 142 Goondoon Street, from 6pm to 9pm.

Rebuilding Relationships helps people whose relationship has ended, to deal with issues such as grief, loss, anger or guilt.

The program is designed to turn the ending of a relationship into a learning experience and to understand how we can take charge of our lives.

Week 1 is free with following weeks costing $5 per session.

Places are limited, phone the Community Advisory Service to book on 4976 6300.

Page 7

Recover app hastens gathering of information at damage sites The recording of information by Council's Road Services staff at damaged infrastructure sites has been aided greatly by the use of the Recover app.

The app, which was purchased by Council ahead of the wild weather caused by ex-Tropical Cyclone Debbie, enables Council staff to collect information, including multiple images of each damage site, and store it in a central and secure web-based repository.

Norton Road in the Boyne Valley was one of the region's roads damaged by ex-TC Debbie.

Repair works to roads damaged by ex-TC Debbie under way Gladstone may have escaped the worst damage wrought by Tropical Cyclone Debbie's visit to the Sunshine State in late March, but still faces about $25 million worth of repairs to its road network.

government initiative.

Council's Road Services Division has logged almost 2000 sites damaged by the heavy rain and strong wind generated by ex-TC Debbie and estimates are the multi-million dollar repair program will take more than 12 months to complete.

Damaged essential public assets within the Gladstone Region eligible for NDRRA funding include roads, road infrastructure, bridges, tunnels, culverts and stormwater infrastructure.

Road Services staff will be heavily involved in the repair program but contractors have been called on to assist due to the enormity of the task and the need for the division to also meet its core duties.

In addition, consultants will provide the necessary assistance to collect and validate the data required for Council to secure funding via the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) program, a joint federal and state

The program is managed on a wholeof-government basis by the Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA).

This also minimises the amount of time needed by officers to enter data upon returning to their offices after visiting damaged sites.

Each image recorded with Recover is automatically stamped with the date and time, GPS coordinates and primary location, thereby removing the labour intensive task of matching photos with locations.

The collection of such damage site information is mandatory for Council to meet Queensland Reconstruction Authority requirements to secure funding for works completed.

Gladstone Region map showing damage sites recorded with the Recover app.

Council's immediate focus following the departure of the wild weather and receding of flood waters was to complete necessary emergent works.

Emergent works consist of minor or temporary works to essential public assets that are damaged during an event to make them safe and serviceable, including temporary pothole repairs, cleaning debris from roads or implementing temporary approaches to affected floodway structures.

Mount Larcom town centre road upgrade completed Mount Larcom's town centre boasts a smart new look courtesy of major street reconstruction work conducted by Council's Road Services team.

islands at the intersection of Raglan and King George streets were also completed in order to clarify traffic movements in the town centre.

All major works for the reconstruction of Raglan and King George streets were recently completed with new kerb and channelling replacing deteriorated infrastructure and road surfaces stabilised and resealed.

The removal of stepped kerbing also eliminated a trip hazard fronting businesses in Raglan Street.

The project experienced some delays particularly following the damage caused by strong winds and heavy rain associated with ex-Tropical Cyclone Debbie which resulted in Road Services staff members being redirected to urgent repair works throughout the Gladstone Region.

The renewal complements the work done by members of the Mount Larcom community to transform the township via the 7 Day Makeover project (see story P.11).

Council thanks residents, service providers and commercial operators in Mount Larcom for their patience and cooperation while the works were conducted.

Reconfigured line markings and traffic

Page 8

Gladstone Tondoon Botanic Gardens is one of the region's premier tourist attractions.

Gardens proves popular as visitor numbers rise It's big, green and full of wonderful things.

The Gladstone Tondoon Botanic Gardens is gaining more popularity with every year that passes.

In 2014, 154,985 enjoyed the tranquillity and beauty of the Gardens, increasing to 204,201 in 2015 and 292,122 in 2016.

There are many factors that have contributed to the increase in visitor numbers including new and improved facilities, regular events, interpretive signage and upgrades to walking trails.

The venue features Japanese Tea Gardens

and will eventually include demonstration gardens, which will be home to propagated endangered plant species.

The refurbished Centenarian Tribute Garden now includes sculpted animal structures made from recycled timber from Tondoon.

The Gardens cafĂŠ Savour the Flavour has also reopened, providing the perfect location to relax with friends over a cup of tea or fresh food.

Regular events such as cooking classes, Qigong, fun activity mornings and pruning

Children's book exchange encourages sharing of countries' cultures Children in Gladstone's sister city, Saiki in Japan, will be introduced to Australia's smallest and most common species of owl, nicknamed Mopoke due to its distinct call.

As part of an annual literature exchange program between Gladstone and Saiki, children in each country will be able to enrich their knowledge through books and learn about the other country and its cultures.

young people.

The literature exchange showcases the writing skills of Australian authors and encourages friendship, cooperation, understanding and peace between Gladstone and Saiki.

The Gladstone Saiki Sister City Advisory Committee recently selected three Australian children's books which will be sent to Saiki City Library.

The venue is also host to Central Queensland's largest free environmental event, Ecofest, held in June of each year.

Council expects visitor numbers to continue to increase, given the facility's small successes since 2014.

Download a copy of Tondoon Botanic Gardens' seasonal events guide from Council's website at www.gladstone.qld. gov.au/whats-on-at-the-gardens

Boost for Mount Larcom youth precinct Mount Larcom's young people will have more opportunities to exercise and play sport with plans to further develop the existing recreation precinct.

Council has confirmed State Government funding of $210,000 for the Community Recreation Hub after meeting with a local Youth Group representative.

Work will begin before the end of the financial year on the construction of a volleyball court and tree removal.

Books include Mopoke by Philip Bunting, Our Island by Alison Lester and Elizabeth Honey and The Special Ones by Em Bailey.

Two of the books feature Queensland places and animals, while the third is a young adult book which has received excellent reviews from librarians and

workshops draw people in from all over the region.

Gladstone Saiki Sister City Advisory Committee president Wendy Marsh presents Cr Burnett with books to be sent to Saiki City Council.

New facilities planned for the precinct include a children's play park, outdoor exercise equipment, outdoor furniture and structured shade.

The project is due to be completed in September/October.

Page 9

BRIEFLY  Water meters to be read soon Council's water meter readers will be out and about from Wednesday, June 14, for four weeks to check residents' water consumption.

Please ensure meters are easily accessible and are clear of topsoil, building and garden materials and parked vehicles. Dogs should also be secured or restrained away from the meter.

UQ chemistry students visit Tannum Sands Wastewater Treatment Plant

 Agnes Water to host committee

Students take their studies on tour

meetings in August Agnes Water residents will be able to watch Council decision making as it happens at their Community Centre on Springs Road in August. The meetings of the Finance and Corporate Governance and Environment and Community Services committees will be held on Tuesday, August 22 from 9am. Meeting agendas will be available before each meeting via www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/ councilmeetings

 Gardens' technical library helps

residents identify local flora and fauna Have you ever wondered what inhabits the Gladstone Tondoon Botanic Gardens?

Look no further than the Gardens' Technical Library located at the administration centre. The library includes books that help residents to easily identify everything from fascinating creepy crawlies to seasonal blossoms. The only catch, the books cannot be borrowed but instead need to be used within the office and returned to the library. Gardens staff and volunteers are also available should any questions arise.

 Planning scheme amendment

still to be approved Council is still waiting for State Government approval for the first major amendment to the Gladstone Region Planning Scheme. The amendment will remove development application red tape, further control residential supply and streamline application processes. Once approval is received, the amendment will be presented for adoption at a Council General Meeting.

This year's University of Queensland (UQ) second year chemical engineering students are the latest to benefit from the institution's long-standing relationship with the Gladstone Region.

UQ Industry Engagement Academic Beverly Coulter said the visit by 132 students to Council's Tannum Sands and Boyne Island wastewater treatment plants to complement their chemical engineering studies had proved insightful for them.

"The students really appreciated the opportunity to walk around the Council wastewater treatment plants to see the different unit operations in action and to talk to engineers on the site," Ms Coulter said.

"After the trip, many of our students expressed an interest in working in the water industry."

UQ has brought large groups of chemical engineering students to the Gladstone Region since 2010 after conducting smaller

visits prior to that.

"We have been bringing our second year chemical engineering students to Gladstone for many years now and we think it is a great opportunity to expose them to large-scale industrial processing plants relevant to their studies," Ms Coulter said.

Council's Manager Water Services Anna Scott, a UQ alumni who made a similar visit to Gladstone in the early 1990s, said the tours were mutually beneficial.

"The water and wastewater industry is a relatively small one and if these tours encourage one or two students to enter the industry, it is a benefit to us all," Ms Scott said.

"The students are in their second year so are only new to process engineering, and our plants provide them with a great opportunity to view biological treatment, pumping and settling all in action."

Agnes Water residents to receive local park redevelopment New ablutions facilities, pathways upgrades, upgraded gardens and shade are just some of the many new features that Tom Jeffery Park will boast.

Work is scheduled to get under way in July and finish in mid-October, weather permitting.

The project will include new ablution facilities, greatly enhancing the shower and toilet amenities. It will also feature the construction of a significant storage facility and combined office/first aid room for Surf Life Saving Queensland.

Other project elements include upgraded pathways and garden beds throughout the parklands, with irrigation infrastructure to be installed in order to maintain the turf and gardens and

the new paths to provide a more prominent thoroughfare to the adjacent beach.

There will be limited impacts on the community during the project as Council has ensured uninterrupted beach access.

Temporary ablution facilities will be provided while the new infrastructure is being built and the outside shower will continue to operate throughout.

Council has ensured construction work is not conducted during the June-July school holidays. However, there will be an impact on park patrons during the September school holidays as project funding arrangements stipulate that it must be completed by November.

Page 10

Landfill project in running for top national award A Benaraby Landfill project has powered its way to national recognition and is in the running for a prestigious local government award.

Council's Waste Powering Gladstone's Greener Future: The Benaraby Landfill Gas-to-Power Project was recently named winner of the Boosting Productivity Through Infrastructure category at the 2017 National Awards for Local Government.

The project will now go up against other category winners for the 2017 National Award for Excellence in Local Government with the winner to be announced on June 20.

Council's Benaraby Landfill project, which combines landfill gas-to-power and solar power to create a regional hub of green energy infrastructure, is an Australian first.

The National Awards for Local Government annually recognise Australian local government achievements.

The Awards celebrate local government projects that are innovative, deliver better outcomes for communities, have the potential to be rolled out across the country, and make a meaningful difference.

Business licence renewals due by the end of June Regional commercial operators are reminded that health licences are due for renewal by June 30, 2017.

Renewal notices have been issued to commercial operators falling within the food business, environmentally relevant activity, tattooing/body piercing and commercial activities categories.

All businesses which fall under these categories must continue to meet Councilapproved standards and conditions in order to retain their licences.

Commercial operators can pay the nominated fee on Council's newly developed Online Services Portal via www.gladstone.qld. gov.au/onlineservices.

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

Characters of all descriptions turned out in force to Gladstone Pop-Con.

Gladstone Region celebrates successful Pop-Con debut The Gladstone Region celebrated a successful Gladstone Pop-Con debut on April 1.

Organisers were overwhelmed with response to the event with about 1800 residents and visitors turning out in force at the Gladstone PCYC. Some attendees travelled from Brisbane, Bundaberg and Rockhampton with apologies received from keen Pop-Con fans in Mackay and Townsville who were impacted by the effects of Tropical Cyclone Debbie.

The PCYC was transformed into a Popular Culture world with decorations at every turn, including doors decorated to replicate the outside of Dr Who's Tardis, a Steampunk wall masterpiece and an area

resembling The Simpsons living room.

There were various demonstrations throughout the day, free interactive activities and light saber skill workshops with Sons of Obiwan Saber Academy.

Hundreds of entrants lined up to participate in a costume competition and had a chance to Cos Play (role play in costume).

Interactive games including Live PacMan and retro gaming entertained the crowds while market stalls offered hundreds of items of Popular Culture merchandise for sale.

Gladstone Pop-Con is hoped to continue to grow with Council handing organisation of the event over to the Gladstone PCYC.

Gladstone, Mount Larcom add vibrancy to existing communities' tapestry Vibrant new public spaces for everyone to enjoy suddenly sprung up in the Gladstone CBD and Mount Larcom during April thanks to the 7 Day Makeover program.

International place making enthusiast David Engwicht brought his experience to both places, inviting residents to transform tired or unused areas without any holdups.

Council set the parameters, including a $5000 budget, and the rest was up to the communities to see what they could come up with.

The makeovers attracted people of all ages and skills who used their imagination, along with donated materials and tools.

The Council-sponsored projects were administered by Creative Communities International, while the Mount Larcom makeover was supported by the State Government's CAT C Ex-Cyclone Marcia Community Resilience Fund.

The very positive community feedback about both place making initiatives has encouraged Council to continue building more vibrant and engaged communities.

Page 11

Young Peoples Librarian Bettina Nissen browses through one of the Dyslexie font books in Gladstone Regional Libraries' collection.

Upgrade caters for twin towns' growing wastewater needs Work on the Agnes Water Wastewater Treatment Plant Inlet upgrade project has started, providing Agnes Water and Seventeen Seventy with the facility needed to cope with future demands.

The capacity of the previously existing inlet works at the plant was insufficient to handle the increased flow resulting from current and proposed development within the area.

Library collection focuses on encouraging the enjoyment of reading Did you know Gladstone Regional Libraries has a range of books in its collection which are tailored to suit residents diagnosed with dyslexia?

Fifteen books and graphic novels, published by Dyslexic Books, can be loaned from our libraries across the region.

The selection features titles from popular international authors which have been written for young adult and junior level readers.

The books feature Dyslexie fonts, which have been especially designed to assist those with dyslexia or who experience

difficulties with reading.

The font was created by a graphic designer with dyslexia who designed the font to improve his own reading.

Dyslexie font emphasises the look of individual letters in the alphabet and adds extra distance between letters and greater spaces between words.

Capital letters are also bolder to enable the reader to easily identify the start of a new sentence.

Items in the dyslexic books collection are available for loan or can be reserved at any of our regional libraries.

The upgrade will complement the recently installed pump station at Jarvey Drive, Agnes Water and upgraded mains between the two facilities which will increase the volume and rate at which sewage can enter the plant.

The inlet upgrade is necessary in order for the plant to cater for this increase and prevent any overflow into the area's waterways.

Preventing such overflows will help avert possible incidences of waterways contamination, ensuring a cleaner environment and ensuring the community is not exposed to unacceptable health and social risks.

Being able to meet the needs of proposed future development is vital to the area's economic growth, particularly for Seventeen Seventy as the township seeks to continue attracting people to holiday or reside there.

Gardens working to secure an endangered Macadamia species

Project works will include increasing the capacity of a concrete channel and installing a grit chamber as well as a new inlet screen and associated piping.

The Gladstone Tondoon Botanic Gardens is playing a major role in securing the future of an endangered Macadamia tree species.

The plant upgrade project received $200,000 funding via the State Government's Local Government Grants and Subsidies Program.

Macadamia jansenii is related to the edible macadamia nut and is only found in the Bulburin National Park south-west of Gladstone.

The Macadamia Conservation Trust (MCT) has been trying to conserve the species by growing cloned populations.

Working with the local indigenous community, through the Gidarjil Development Corporation, four new populations have been established in the National Park and a fifth external planting is under way at Tondoon Gardens.

Curator Brent Braddick is overseeing the growth of 55 clones or genetic replicas representing 38 genotypes of the Macadamia jansenii species. One of the project's conditions was to give a full collection to a botanic gardens near where the wild species were growing.

Brent held them in the Gardens' nursery for 12 months to grow them into a healthier state. They were planted out in the Spring of 2013 and, nearly four years later, are growing well with an average height of 1.5 metres.

Under the Commonwealth’s Threatened Species Strategy, M. jansenii is included in the Threatened Species Commissioner list of ‘Improving the trajectories of 30 plants by 2020’.

One of the proposed actions is to establish insurance populations which is why Tondoon is holding a collection of these plants. The Australian National Botanic Gardens is applying for funding so Gardens' staff can propagate another four full sets of these Macadamia plants to distribute to other botanic gardens.

This is a joint initiative with the MCT, Sunshine Coast University, Australian National Botanic Gardens, Brisbane Botanic Gardens, Bundaberg Botanic Gardens and the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.

Interest sought for Sister City volunteers The Saiki-Gladstone Sister City Advisory Management Committee is seeking expressions of interest from Sister City's interested parties/stakeholders who would like to actively support and participate in a volunteer capacity in some of the proposed initiatives during 2017.

These include (but are not restricted to): • Saiki Children's Day • Sister City Intercity Images Exhibition • Sister City Stall at the Multicultural Festival • Sister City Friendship Declaration For further information contact Council's Maureen Mason on 4976 6903 or email maureenm@gladstone.qld.gov.au

Page 12

Community CALENDAR MAY Date

Name of the event

Location

April 18June 3

Lest We Forget

Art Gallery & Museum 4976 6766

May 6-June Love Bites: 2017 3

Contact

Gladstone Region youngsters explored different styles of dance at a free dance workshop hosted by the Raw Dance Company in Gladstone.

Art Gallery & Museum 4976 6766

May 19-July ShapeShifters: 3D Printing the Future Art Gallery & Museum 4976 6766 15 May 21-28

Gladstone Children's Festival

Various locations and events

4972 2822

May 24

National Simultaneous Storytime, book reading at 11am

Check starting time at your closest regional library

May 24-26

Amaze Schools Workshop and Community Workshop

Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre (GECC)

May 25

Art For Small People, 10.30am11.15am

Art Gallery & Museum 4976 6766

May 27

The Very Hungry Caterpillar, various GECC times

4972 2822

May 27

Parent's Workshop with Jay Laga'aia

GECC

4972 2822

May 28

Jay Laga'aia Children's Performance

GECC

4972 2822

May 30

Morning Melodies - A fine Romance: GECC The Magic of Fred Astaire, 11am

4972 2822

Date

Name of the event

Location

Contact

June 1

Art For Small People, 10.30am11.15am

Art Gallery & Museum 4976 6766

June 3

The Ultimate Eagles Experience, 8pm

GECC

June 3-July 22

Indo Pop: Indonesian Art from APT7 Art Gallery & Museum 4976 6766

June 8

Art For Small People, 10.30am11.15am

Art Gallery & Museum 4976 6766

June 15

Art For Small People, 10.30am11.15am

Art Gallery & Museum 4976 6766

June 15-18

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang community musical, various times

GECC

4972 2822

June 25

Miss Tamara's School of Dance

GECC

4972 2822

June 27

Eclipse: Illusion and Dance Spectacular, 7.30pm

GECC

4972 2822

June 28

Box Construction, Games & Robotics, 9.30am-11.30am (bookings for robotics)

Boyne Island Library

4971 9700

Date

Name of the event

Location

Contact

July 4

Old Macdonald's Farm and farm crafts, 2pm-4pm

Boyne Island Library

4971 9700

July 7

Cirque Africa, 7.30pm

GECC

4972 2822

July 10-12

Homunculus Theatre, 9am

GECC

4972 2822

July 12

RocKwiz Live!, 8pm

GECC

4972 2822

4972 2822

JUNE

4972 2822

JULY

Raw Untapped talent showcases dance and rhythmic beats On March 30 the Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre (GECC) brought Raw Untapped to Gladstone.

As part of their national tour, a free dance workshop with Raw Dance Company was held at Gladstone Uniting Church where 30 young residents explored different styles of dance including percussion/rhythmic demonstration, along with beginner choreography in hip hop, jazz, tap, body percussion or flamenco.

After their workshop the dancers prepared for their performance at GECC to an almost sold out event.

The charismatic beatboxers and rocking band showcased a mix of funk, hip hop, flamenco, African and jazz, paired with percussive a capella numbers showing the dancers amazing synchronicity.

Check out more exciting shows coming to our region at www.gladecc.com.au Page 13

Young residents recognised for their community contributions and achievements Congratulations to 40 of our young regional residents who were nominated to attend the Mayor's Youth Breakfast on March 31.

The invitation-only breakfast acknowledged the personal achievements and community contributions of residents aged 12 to 25 and marked the start of 2017 National Youth Week activities across the Gladstone Region.

Nominees were recognised for their leadership abilities and for their volunteering efforts within the community, including assistance to sporting clubs and youth agencies.

Each nominee was presented with a certificate by Gladstone Region Mayor Matt Burnett and had a chance to mingle with Councillors, Gladstone Region Youth Council members and invited guests.

Quirky characters will bring fun to the stage in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

Ticket sales for story about magical flying car could soar sky high The timeless story of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, based on the novel written by Ian Fleming, will make its grand appearance on the Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre (GECC) stage next month.

Members of the Gladstone community will present five shows from Thursday, June 15 to Sunday, June 18, with matinees on offer on the Saturday and Sunday.

Gladstone Community Musical Director Julianne Impiccini said tickets were on sale now and early bookings were advised as the show was sure to be a sell-out.

"Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is a comical production for the whole family that will appeal to many generations," she said.

"The production is an absolute joy and local cast, musicians and production crew are having a great time with hilarious scene work, quirky characters, delightful lyrics, memorable melodies and creative choreography.

"Ellen Terry, Janine Lester, Donna Hann and Jeannine Butler are an exceptional creative production team and it is wonderful for community members to be

provided with an opportunity to engage with others who share a love for the Arts."

The cast, musicians and production crew stem from all sectors of the regional community and include teachers, industry workers, receptionists, shop attendants, child care workers, trade persons and school students.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang show times are: • 7pm; Thursday, June 15 (opening night)

Certificate recipients were: Alison McCray, Amy Bunyan, Anita Merriman, Beau Westlake, Bec Frost, Bree-Anna Salton, Brielle McAdam, Britt Frankish, Brooke Carroll, Caitlyn Blackmore, Chloe Wheatland, Dylan Emmerton, Ella Harman, Hayley Marsten, Helena Sant, Isaac Hayes, Jacinta Thefs, Jamie-Lee Bruckner, Jarrod Lee, Joel Calis, Josh Baxter, Kate Simons, Keeley Creighton, Kianne Harris, Lachlan Pacheco, Lewis Cooper, Matthew Berry, Mellissa Neuendorf, Paige Gaffey, Paris Richardson, Parker Peterson, Regan Yea, Riley Deakin, Ruby Lawler, Ryan Bebendorf, Samantha Sipple, Sarah Ogilvie, Shae Bunge, Tom Smith and William Harvison.

• 7pm; Friday, June 16 • 1pm; Saturday, June 17 • 7pm; Saturday, June 17 • 2pm; Sunday, June 18 Tickets can be purchased at www.gladecc. com.au or call the GECC Box Office on 4972 2822 with ticket prices available for families and seniors.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is a Community Musical presented by the Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre as a part of its Public Programs, supporting Arts and Cultural Development in our community.

Cr Burnett thanks Lewis Cooper for his contributions and involvement in the Gladstone community.

Page 14

2017

Tondoon Botanic Gardens Tondoon Stall

The Gardens' employees will be selling plant tube stock and offer a facility display. Staff will have brochures on flora, fauna, upcoming events and other topics.

Pest Management The Pest Management stall will boast various displays and children's activities, aimed at creating a fun learning experience for youngsters. There will be a display of live weed samples for hands on identification, a feral animal trapping equipment display, weed and feral animal factsheets as well as a splatter gun and quick spray interactive display.

Conservation Management Children will be able to hunt for marine debris with the Conservation Team as well as create a leaf fossil and seed ball with the Gardens' volunteers.

Environmental Health Environmental Health will inform attendees on the impacts of waste on the environment, namely what ends up in stormwater drains and surrounding waterways.

Other Activities and Displays Ecofest Trail Run - Gladstone Road Runners Register on the day for a 7am start. For all runners and fitness levels, there will be a 3km and 10km run, even walkers are welcome. Entry is $5.

Rock Climbing Wall 9am - 3pm Join the fun, and try to reach the top of this Rock Climbing Wall. It will challenge your strength and agility.

Mega Slide and Littlies Bouncy Castle 9am - 3pm Children will have a blast on the inflatable slides and get fit at the same time.

ALL ECOFEST ACTIVITIES ARE FREE AND WILL OPERATE FOR THE DURATION OF THE EVENT

Audience Survey Don't forget to fill in the Audience Survey, located at the front gate, for your chance to win two nights' accommodation on Heron Island worth more than $1500. Drawn 1.50pm at the main stage.

Creative Recycling Centre The Creative Recycling Centre, with the support of the Regional Arts Development Fund and Conservation Volunteers, will create two marine-themed sculptures using ocean debris.

The public are invited to attach marine debris and recyclable rubbish to the sculpture bases that were completed prior to Ecofest. The creation of these sculptures will demonstrate to the public the types of rubbish that washes up on our beaches.

Volunteers on the day will engage with the public by discussing the impacts of rubbish on marine life. Volunteers will also provide information to the public about the three R’s – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle – and ways that they can reduce waste ending up in landfill or in the environment.

Ride your bike to Ecofest Ride to Ecofest and get a free safety check from the team at Gladstone Bicycle Centre. Riders will also go in the draw to win one of two bicycle services valued at $100 each.

Films A Plastic Ocean Saturday, June 3 at 7pm - Tondoon Botanic Gardens This feature-length adventure documentary brings to light the consequences of our global disposable lifestyle. In the film, an international team of adventurers, researchers, and ocean ambassadors go on a mission to uncover the truth about what is truly lurking beneath the surface of our seemingly pristine ocean. The results will astound viewers–just as it did the films’ adventurers–who captured never-before-seen images of marine life, plastic pollution, and its ultimate consequences for human health. "One of the most important films of our time" - Sir David Attenborough

Queensland Trust for Nature Queensland Trust for Nature (QTFN) is an independent not-for-profit organisation that works to protect and enhance biodiversity on privately owned land across Queensland.

In partnership with all levels of government, industry, the education sector and the community, the organisation works to deliver lasting scientific and conservation outcomes. Come and learn how Queensland is fast becoming a world leader in nature conservation and sustainability.

Harbour Watch Barge Tour The Gladstone Harbour Cruise and Water Testing Group are offering a free Harbour Watch Barge Tour on Saturday, June 10. It will depart from the Gladstone Yacht Club at 11am and return at 1pm.

Be part of Citizen Science Project, supported by Gladstone Healthy Harbour Partnership, by taking a tour of Gladstone Harbour and surrounding industries. Harbour Watch will discuss water quality parameters used to assess the health of waterways and will take water samples to analyse.

Refreshments may be purchased with funds raised going to the Tannum Sands Junior Surf Lifesaving Club. Interested residents are encouraged to contact Simone Boston at Boyne Island Environmental Education Centre on 4973 7312 or by emailing harbourwatch@boyneisleec. eq.edu.au

The film is presented by Queensland Trust for Nature and introduced by Nerida Bradley, General Manager Queensland Trust for Nature. A gold coin donation is encouraged. All money raised will be given to the Quoin Island Turtle Rehabilitation Centre. Attendees are encouraged to wear warm clothes and bring a picnic rug or chairs. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.

Avoid Island Sunday, June 4 at 9.15am - GREANhouse Tent Avoid Island is a permanent reserve located in the Great Barrier Reef, north east of Gladstone. The island provides sanctuary for the vulnerable flatback turtle and at least five other threatened and vulnerable species. Since 2006, the Queensland Trust for Nature has managed the island as a nature refuge. Protecting the island in this way ensures the flatback turtle and other species have a clean, safe environment for generations.

Be Great to Our Barrier Reef

F F O T LIF

7 1 0 2

Gladstone Tondoon Botanic Gardens

Sunday, June 4 9am - 3pm

Meet our Special Guests

WIN

Matthew Evans

Presenter of popular SBS programs Gourmet Farmer, What’s the Catch and For the Love of Meat, and owner of Tasmania’s Fat Pig Farm.

a holiday for 2 to

Heron Island Nerida Bradley

General Manager Queensland Trust for Nature

Fill out the Ecofest 2017 Audience Survey and be in the running to win two nights’ accommodation on Heron Island, twin share in a Reef Room with breakfast daily and return launch transfers.

This combined prize is worth over $1500. The survey will be located at the front gate. The prize winner will be announced at 1.50pm on the day at the main stage. Alternatively, if the winner is not present, event organisers will contact them via the details provided as part of the survey. Please Note: Prize is nontransferable, non-exchangeable and non-redeemable for cash.

Tim Harvey

Director of the Sea Turtle Foundation

Dr Sandra Tuszynska Mycologist (fungal biologist)

Visit www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/ecofest for full program details.

Sponsors

FREE car parking beside Tondoon Botanic Gardens. $2 car parking at Meteors Sports Club.