(50) Council Connection August - September 2017

COUNCIL

CONNECTION GLADSTONE REGIONAL COUNCIL NEWSLETTER August - September 2017 ISSUE 79

INSIDE

4

Latest Community Directory out now

6 Rates split into manageable portions

8 Annual plan and budget snapshot

11 Garage Sale Trail seeks record regos

Mayor's Message Council budgets for short and long term regional growth

Cover Gladstone's Round Hill Lookout has a fresh new look including a series of interpretive and regional information signs. The signs are part of a $200,000 upgrade for the site.

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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.

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

Council's operational plan and budget for 2017-18, each delivered on July 4, are about consolidation.

They ensure the fundamental economic, social, environmental and legislative elements are in place for the community to flourish as per Council's four pillars - People, Place, Prosperity and Process.

You can read more about 2017-18 elsewhere in this newsletter and on our website but, essentially, the end product is about much more than dollar amounts on paper.

The operational plan and budget are the vehicles for creating a resilient local economy robust enough to negotiate market downturns but with the versatility to respond to new opportunities present during periods of growth.

It is about Council providing fair and transparent leadership that inspires and works in partnership with the community.

The budget also aims to keep rates manageable, limiting the increase to half that of the Consumer Price Index (CPI), continuing Council's record in recent years of keeping rates increases below CPI growth.

Council will also charge the water, sewerage and service components of the

overall rates notice half-yearly, meaning ratepayers will pay half of their charges for these components in August and the other half when they receive their water rates notices in February.

Council is already displaying the type of leadership called for in the operational plan with its ground-breaking Benaraby Landfill Gas-to-Power Project and Memorial Park Pumptrack initiatives featuring prominently in national awards recently.

The sense of community Council is seeking to generate via the plan will be in evidence when some of the region's most popular public events arrive in the coming months.

First off the rank is the 125th Gladstone Show which will celebrate its memorable milestone on August 9 with promises that this year's event will be the biggest in its renowned history.

Following soon after is the Botanic to Bridge fun run which draws serious runners searching for a victory or a personal best performance as well as those who see it as an opportunity to exercise in a popular social event.

Focus will then turn to the much-loved Calliope Rodeo and Ute Muster, a huge night on the township's social calendar, at Chapman Park, Calliope, on September 29-30.

There's always plenty on offer for residents and visitors in the Gladstone Region.

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 Councillor Phone: 0407 289 139 Email: GlennChurchill@gladstone.qld.gov.au

Cr Peter Masters Councillor 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 Councillor Phone: 0437 642 081 Email: CindiBush@gladstone.qld.gov.au

Cr Rick Hansen Councillor Phone: 0448 885 047 Email: RickHansen@gladstone.qld.gov.au

Cr PJ Sobhanian Councillor Phone: 0412 544 201 Email: PJSobhanian@gladstone.qld.gov.au

Council staff compost Ecofest waste Biodegradable materials left over from Ecofest 2017 are now, for the first time, being composted at Gladstone Tondoon Botanic Gardens.

A biodegradable retaining bin was built prior to the event using hay bales, organic fertiliser pellets and lawn clippings.

The biodegradable event materials have since been added to the mix and will now be composted over the next six to 12 months.

Popular lookouts receive smart new look Gladstone city's popular Auckland Point and Round Hill scenic lookouts now offer enhanced visitor experiences after undergoing extensive upgrade works completed in May and June.

Visitors to the Round Hill Lookout will notice the installation of a series of interpretive and regional information signs designed to identify various points of interest which are visible from the site.

Points of interest include natural features and locations, townships and industrial sites, all of which are identified by use of a numbered pin drop on a panoramic image contained on the signs, and are accompanied by additional information.

The $200,000 Round Hill upgrade consisted of the provision of bench seats, picnic tables and waste facilities, repair and cleaning of concrete paths and kerbs, enhanced safety fencing and resurfacing of

the car park and bus stop areas.

The $110,000 Auckland Hill upgrade included the redesign of the facility to optimise pedestrian access and improve parking including provision for motorcycles, the installation of a large regional information sign, and resurfacing of the car park and bus stop areas.

Once ready, the compost will be used in the gardens to enhance soil fertility and plant health.

The initiative was made possible thanks to Council's Tondoon Botanic Gardens and Conservation and Cleansing teams.

Both projects were completed with assistance from the State Government's Scenic Lookout Upgrade Program which provided $100,000 for the Round Hill Lookout upgrade and $50,000 for the Auckland Hill Lookout upgrade.

The program was designed to help councils throughout Queensland revitalise existing lookouts in order to promote tourism and it is hoped that visitors to Gladstone, as well as residents, will make greater use of the superb views available at both venues.

Rate notices for the past financial year now available online Rate notices for the previous financial year are now available online to registered users of Council's Online Services website.

www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/OnlineServices

The availability was delivered in time for 2016-17 tax return lodgements, to enable ratepayers to conveniently source rate expenses for their business or investment properties.

Once your entered details have been matched with Council's rates database, you will receive a confirmation email enabling you to sign in to Online Services and access your rate notice by clicking 'Rates Enquiry' under the 'General Enquiry' menu item.

To view rate notices online, ratepayers will need to sign in as a registered user of Online Services.

Rate notices for the current financial year will be available online soon after their postal issue in August.

If not already registered, ratepayers can request to become a user by clicking the 'Register for online services' button on

Rate notices issued before last year are not available online but can be requested by phoning Council on 4970 0700.

Council's free Community Services Directory now available Council's 2017-2018 Community Services Directory is available for free across the Gladstone Region.

The popular community resource lists contact details for a broad range of general community services, which includes special interest, sporting and recreation groups and health and support services for all ages.

Information in the directory is updated and published annually by Council as a free community service.

Register before breeding cats or dogs Government bodies are working together to reinforce responsible pet ownership and put a stop to backyard breeding.

The State Government, on May 26, 2017, introduced new animal management laws that require pet owners who wish to breed their dog to register as a breeder.

After registering, pet owners will receive a unique identification number which needs to be displayed on every sale advertisement.

The number will also need to be added to the dog's microchip information and be passed on to the new owner if the dog is sold.

Registration is free and valid for a 12 month period. Pet owners have up to 28 days after the first litter is born to register as a breeder.

For more information or to register as a breeder, visit the Queensland Dog Breeder Register website at www.qdbr.daf.qld.gov.au

In addition, Council has introduced cat breeding approvals to align with the State Government changes.

As at June 16, 2017, all pet owners who wish to breed their cat are required to seek approval from Council under the new local law amendment.

Once approval is granted, cat owners will be issued with a breeder approval number (supply number) which they will need to include as part of any sale advertisement.

The change is actioned on a complaints received basis, so residents are encouraged to contact Council if a cat and/or kitten is being advertised for sale without a breeder approval number.

Council will issue relevant approval conditions and penalties will apply to owners who either fail to adhere to the conditions or allow their cat to breed without prior approval.

Each year not-for-profit groups and organisations are invited to promote their contact details and general information at no cost.

The sought-after booklets are available from Council's customer service centres, regional libraries, rural transaction centres and the Community Advisory Service.

Electronically, the directory can be accessed online via Council's website, or can be viewed on tablet or mobile devices with search functions and links to Facebook and web pages.

View the directory at www. gladstonecommunitydirectory.com.au Administration officer Jo Antoine with Council's free 2017-2018 Community Services Directory.

For more information, visit Council's website at www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/ breeding-permits

Infrastructure plan open to consultation Council's proposed Local Government Infrastructure Plan (LGIP) is open for public consultation until 5pm on August 7.

The proposed LGIP identifies Council's plans for trunk infrastructure, such as water supply, sewerage, transport, stormwater and parks, necessary to service urban development in areas of

anticipated urban growth.

The document would then provide the basis for Council imposing conditions on development approvals to provide this trunk infrastructure.

The proposed plan would replace the interim LGIP under Category 4 of Council's planning scheme.

The document and feedback forms can be obtained online at www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/ have-your-say or at Council administration centres in Agnes Water, Calliope and Gladstone.

For more information visit the website or phone Council on 4970 0700.

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Pursuit of excellence leads to state award The pursuit of water service delivery excellence is the driving factor behind Council's Glenn Cook being named Queensland Water Directorate Operator of the Year (Civil/Allrounder).

Glenn, who is Overseer for Council's Water Services Division, has wasted little time in implementing improvements to water and wastewater treatment plant processes and building a strong team around him since starting with Council in April, 2016.

It is these efforts to improve efficiency at a number of facilities, while also overseeing the training and development of plant operator staff that were the catalyst for his award.

In particular, Glenn's insights during construction of the Miriam Vale Water Treatment Plant proved invaluable, identifying a number of problems during proof of performance testing and the commissioning process and working with the contractors to resolve them.

His experience also proved vital when

complications caused by heavy rain associated with ex-Tropical Cyclone Debbie in March meant Glenn and his team had to operate the plant manually.

Glenn has also identified potential solutions to address algae issues experienced at most of Council's effluent ponds and is in the process of developing algal testing and management strategies across all plants.

His implementation of an improved sampling regime at all of Council's wastewater treatment plants has enabled Council to work towards a better understanding of the causes of algae issues and other problems.

Glenn has moulded a relatively new processing team into one that is thriving on the daily challenges of their jobs and identifying ways to improve efficiency at the various plants, reducing costs for Council and Gladstone Region ratepayers in the process.

Council helps to control wild dogs and feral pigs Council's Pest Management Team will roll out a 1080 baiting program in early September to help control wild dogs and feral pigs.

The second baiting campaign for the year will take place during whelping season to maximise landscape control outcomes.

Baiting stations will be present at Calliope and Galloway Plains on September 7 and Colosseum Creek on September 9.

To support rural landholders in controlling wild dogs and feral pigs, Council offers up to 10 free injected meat baits to each approved landholder on the day.

Glenn Cook (left) with his QWD Operator of the Year award.

To participate or for more information, phone Council's Pest Management Team on 4970 0700.

Tutors sought for Council's SUNfest 2018 youth school holiday program Potential tutors willing to share their skills and talents with youth are invited to submit an Expression of Interest to take part in Council's summer youth school holiday program, SUNfest 2018.

SUNfest will be held from Monday, January 8 to Friday, January 19 and provides our residents aged between 11 and 17 years with a chance to participate in a selection of affordable activities across the Gladstone Region.

Expressions of Interest are being taken from potential tutors for SUNfest 2018.

Prospective tutors and presenters are sought to deliver youth workshops or activities related to arts and culture, performing arts, health, sport and recreation, social events and environmental education.

SUNfest is managed by Gladstone Regional Council's Youth Development team and is guided by input from the Gladstone Region Youth Council.

SUNfest participants often return home with an object they have made, a new skill or a new interest.

Expressions of Interest for SUNfest 2018 tutors will be open until September 15 with details available at www.gladstone.qld. gov.au/sunfest SUNfest queries can be directed to Vernetta Perrett or Di Paddick at Council on 4976 6983 or email sunfest@ gladstone.qld.gov.au

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Change to rates breaks costs into manageable portions

New CEO to start on August 7

Council has split water access and sewerage charges into two six-monthly bills to assist ratepayers to manage their payments and meet early payment discount deadlines.

Council has appointed its new Chief Executive Officer with Roslyn Baker to step into the role on August 7.

Roslyn, who was most recently the Chief Operating Officer at Energy Queensland Limited, boasts extensive experience as a CEO and senior executive across a number of industries over a distinguished 20 year career.

Instalment options are available to ratepayers unable to meet notice due dates.

August's rate notice will now include only half of its annual water access and sewerage charges; the other half will be a new addition to February water consumption notices.

Eligible pensioners can apply for a Council subsidy and State Government remission, and ratepayers who demonstrate Financial Hardship – an inability to meet basic requirements such as food and accommodation – may be eligible for relief.

This means between $264 and $706, depending on a property's location (see table below), will be transferred from August notices to February notices.

On average, residential properties will experience an increase in annual rates and service charges of $1 per week or two per cent, which is below CPI.

A 10 per cent discount will apply to early payments received within 30 days of notice issue, and a five per cent discount applies to sums received in the period of 31 to 60 days after issue.

However, due to fluctuations in the distribution of valuations across the region, more than half of properties will experience a decrease or no change to their annual charges.

How your rates and service charges will be split

Roslyn's proven record of growing business value and achieving financial results within the petroleum, dairy, education and energy sectors resulted in her landing the much sought-after role ahead of a strong field of candidates.

August rate notice

February notice

• General rates • Garbage collection charge • Half of water access and sewerage charges • Half-yearly water consumption

• Half of water access and sewerage charges • Half-yearly water consumption

Water access charges

Ahead of her arrival at Council Roslyn said she was a passionate advocate for the regions, having spent most of her life living and working in regional Queensland.

"I understand the important role regional councils play in enhancing lifestyle and economic prosperity," she said.

Scheme

2017-18 fee

Lake Awoonga

$235.50 per 6 months

Miriam Vale/Bororen; Agnes Water/Seventeen Seventy

$264 per 6 months

Sewerage charges:

"I feel very fortunate to be given the opportunity to work with the community and lead the Gladstone Regional Council workforce to ensure it adapts in line with community needs."

Service area

2017-18 fee

Gladstone

$350 per 6 months

Boyne Island / Tannum Sands / Calliope

$372 per 6 months

Agnes Water / Seventeen Seventy

$442 per 6 months

Council provides new SES vehicles Council support has enabled the Rosedale and Calliope State Emergency Service groups to purchase new vehicles to help them continue their vital work in the community.

Council contributed $57,000 towards the purchase of a Toyota Troop Carrier 4WD for the Rosedale group and $32,000 towards an Isuzu D-max Crew Cab 4WD for the Calliope group.

Councillors attended the official handover of the vehicles at the Gladstone SES facility

in June.

Councillors were also on hand to present national service medals to Diane McDonald of the Calliope group and Trevor Lynch of the Rosedale group for their 25 and 15 years' service with the SES respectively.

The SES is the primary responder for storm and flood events, and provides support to other agencies such as the Queensland Police Service through search and rescue and road crash rescue services and emergency traffic management.

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Exhibition celebrates QAL's half-century An exhibition of objects and photographs will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Queensland Alumina Limited (QAL) in August.

Going strong since 1967, QAL has played a big role in our community, particularly as a major employer and notably in establishing the significant Gladstone Greenbelt.

The exhibition shares stories of QAL's growth and development and some of the many community members who played a part in the organisation's halfcentury journey.

The Giant that Never Sleeps: 50 Years of QAL opens at 6pm on August 4 at the Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum and continues until October 7.

This photo of QAL in the early 1970s is part of an exhibition chronicling the industry giant's 50 year history.

Goondoon Streetscape Project well under way New seating, plants and raised garden beds are just some of the many new features that Goondoon Street now boasts.

The Goondoon Street beautification project is the forerunner to Council's Jumpstart Our City Heart Urban Renewal Strategy.

Council's Parks and Environment crew

has completed gardens and other features along Goondoon Street, between William and Roseberry streets.

The crew will now commence work on two additional garden beds between Roseberry and Yarroon streets.

The project is due for completion midAugust.

US delegation promotes Yarwun biofuels potential The Gladstone Region is poised to play a prominent role in Queensland's efforts to establish itself as a biofuel hub of the AsiaPacific region.

Gladstone Region Mayor Matt Burnett's recent visit with the Trade and Investment Mission to the USA in June helped open the way to potentially lucrative overseas contracts for Northern Oil Advanced Biofuels Pilot Plant in Yarwun.

The facility is the only one in Queensland capable of recycling waste lube oil back into base lube oil, providing a sustainable oil supply for truck fleets, heavy vehicle operators, mines and local governments.

However, it is the pilot plant's capacity to produce biodiesel and the potential the product has on the lucrative US market, particularly the US Navy, which promises to really put the Gladstone Region on the world biofuels supply map.

The pilot plant will convert waste products into renewable diesel and energy, including from plastics, wood waste, waste tyres, sugar cane, green waste and macadamia shells.

Councillor Burnett joined the State Government's Trade and Investment Mission in order to promote the plant's potential as a biofuel source, attending the

QUT Biotechnical function in San Diego and a number of biofuels summits.

The US Navy's Great Green Fleet initiative, a commitment to source 50 per cent of its fuel from renewable sources by 2020, provides an obvious market for the Queensland Government and Northern Oil to attempt to tap into.

It is hoped that the Mayor's visit to promote the refinery's potential as a renewable energy source will ultimately help create new jobs through further diversification of the Gladstone Region's economy and industry.

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2017-18 Plan & Budget Snapshot Council has released its plan and budget for the 2017-18 financial year, containing the first year of actions to achieve the outcomes of its recently adopted five-year plan.

The plan supports four pillars of sustainability for Council and our region - a strong, resilient community; a prosperous, diverse economy; an environment that supports our needs and lifestyle; and rigorous Council processes.

People: a strong community

Place: supporting our needs,

Our vision is for the Gladstone Region to have community spirit and pride that stems from being a resilient, creative, healthy and inclusive community.

Our vision is that the Gladstone Region enjoys a natural and built environment that supports the needs and lifestyle of our unique communities for this generation and the next.

In 2017-18 we will:

In 2017-18 we will:

• Identify opportunities to attract sporting events • Deliver commitments under the new Indigenous Land Use Agreement • Secure external funding for community and health services infrastructure

preserving our lifestyle

• Reduce road safety incidents • Assess the retention of our region’s characteristics in development approvals • Facilitate the Gladstone Region Environmental Advisory Network

We will invest in our community's wellbeing:

We will invest in a safe transport network…

Community assistance: inclusion, seniors, youth, legal advice and more. $6.6m Arts & culture: premier performance facility, exhibitions, programs, six libraries. $9.8m Sport & recreation: Advancement and support, including grants and pools. $9.5m

Road resurfacing at 104 sites and gravel road resheets at 38 sites. $13.8M Harvey Road upgrade, Clinton. $3.4M Red Rover Road upgrade, Callemondah. $1.8M … and open spaces that provide for diverse activity and social connections…

• Lions Park redevelopment, Gladstone. $3.6M • Tom Jeffery Memorial Park redevelopment, Agnes Water. $1.2M • Mount Larcom Community Recreation Hub (Golding Park). $220K … and a water and sewerage network that provides for our existing and future needs Improving and maintaining 700km water mains network and 678km sewer main network. $89m

Disaster Management

Prosperity:

resilient, diverse economy Our mission is the Gladstone Region enjoys a diverse, resilient economy that provides for sustainable, responsible growth.

In 2017-18 we will: • Reduce development application processing times and cut commercial licence red tape • Fast-track applicable commercial ventures • Actively participate in the delivery of Australia’s first intergenerational village We have secured external funding for job-creating projects:

We will invest in the economic development of our region: • GAPDL funding to assist the promotion of the region as a tourism destination. $430k • Funding contribution to cruise ship welcomes, including the Feast on East Markets. $40k • Funding to attract conferences to the region and for economic development initiatives. $200k Keeping rates and service charges manageable: • Annual water access and sewerage charges will be split into six-monthly bills (see article page 6) • On average, residential rates and services will increase by $1 per week, less than CPI

Funding for three major open space redevelopments (see projects under 'Place') and rural gravel seal program, secured on the basis of their job creating ability $6m

To view more plan and budget highlights, or to see the full 2017-18 Operational Plan and Budget visit www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/budget

BRIEFLY  Support for

Army Reserves awarded Council's support for its employees in the Australian Defence Force recently earned a State award from the Defence Reserve Support Council of Queensland. Council won the Public Sector Employer Support Award following its nomination by Council Senior Engineering Officer Ed Dahlheimer. Outside of his work in Water Services, Major Dahlheimer is in charge of all infantry soldiers in Central Queensland. Ed said Council's leave support for employees who are in the Australian Defence Force along with the support he has personally received to continue his important work in the Defence Reserves motivated him to nominate Council for the award.

 Speed limit changes New Auckland A uniform 50km/h speed limit now applies on Shaw and Beak streets in New Auckland, Gladstone, replacing the mix of 60km/h, 50km/h and 40km/h sections that previously applied.

 Local businesses invited to register If you're interested in doing business with Council, don't forget to join our local contractor register on VendorPanel Marketplace to ensure opportunities to quote don't pass you by. Businesses can also register with LG Tender Box to receive notification of any tenders released by Council. Visit www. gladstone.qld.gov.au/TendersContracts

 Home library for residents in need

Council provides a home library service to residents of Gladstone and the areas of Boyne Island, Tannum Sands and Calliope who are unable to visit a library due to medical, physical or other special reasons. Applications can be sought by phoning 4976 6400.

The gross pollutant trap being lowered into place

Trap prevents litter reaching harbour waters The Gladstone CBD's first gross pollutant trap was installed in May and is busy reducing the amount of rubbish entering Gladstone Harbour.

Lowered by crane into its location beside the Gladstone Yacht Club on May 24, the installation of the 13.5 tonne concrete structure was a joint initiative of Council and Gladstone Ports Corporation.

Additional traps are to be installed in Gladstone, Boyne Island and Tannum Sands in future years to prevent pollutants, particularly cigarette butts and plastics, from entering local waterways.

The location was chosen to install the first of the traps after a CQUniversity study found that the Auckland Creek and Boyne River catchments were of particular concern.

The same study found that cigarette butts were, by far, the largest contributor to

the pollution entering these ecosystems, accounting for about 50 per cent of the total waste products.

In addition to capturing pollutants, the first trap also serves as an educational tool for students and others interested in learning more about preventing pollution from reaching waterways.

The trap features a glass top to enable viewing of its inner workings, including pollutant material captured, and its close proximity to the yacht club, East Shores and the CBD makes it ideal for groups or individuals to visit and learn more about its function.

In addition to capturing small items including cigarette butts, the trap also features a pollutant separating screen that filters out large debris including plastics, leaves and other litter which can endanger marine animals and plants and pollute waterways.

Gladstone Tondoon Botanic Gardens' volunteers lead the way New plant specimen records are now kept electronically at Gladstone Tondoon Botanic Gardens.

The data transfer project, involving volunteers from Tondoon and Queensland Herbarium, has been four years in the making.

During this time, volunteers have transferred all specimen identification paper records into an electronic database.

The Gladstone facility is the first botanic gardens in the state to undertake the transfer of records with the Queensland Herbarium in this way.

The database ensures all of Tondoon's records are accurate and kept up-todate. Volunteers will no longer have to rewrite identification records if a mistake is made.

Council thanks Tondoon Herbarium volunteers for their assistance in achieving this milestone.

Page 10

Council targets 100 registrations for Garage Sale Trail 2017 Council is aiming for a record number of Gladstone Region registrations in this year's Garage Sale Trail.

Council has supported the national Garage Sale Trail initiative for four consecutive years with the event growing to become the largest reuse and community event in the country encouraging residents to reduce, reuse and recycle and divert the amount sent to landfill.

In 2016 the Gladstone Region registered its highest number of Garage Sale Trail sellers with 80 individual and group sales listed within our region.

This year the Garage Sale Trail will be held on October 21 and 22 changing from a one-day national event to a weekend of garage sales.

Office National was one of many local suppliers to be awarded Council contracts in the last financial year.

Registering for the Garage Sale Trail is free and participants are provided with selling hints and tips and can access various materials to help promote their sale.

Council buys local In the first financial year of Council's Local Preference Policy more than $59.3m in tenders and contracts were awarded to local suppliers.

The 2016-17 figure is almost double that of the previous financial year and represents 75 per cent of the value of all Council contracts awarded via a formal tendering process.

While the remaining 25 per cent was awarded to non-locals, a significant portion of these contracts did not receive local applications from which Council could choose.

This in part is due to project scopes being outside of local interests or abilities, but Council is also taking action (see articles this spread) to increase the number of applications it receives from able local suppliers.

Council's $59.3m local investment is estimated to directly support 147 jobs and indirectly support a further 144 jobs, according to REMPLAN economic profiling, supporting Council's vision for a prosperous community (see plan and budget highlights on page 8).

Garage sale followers can access 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.

Register your interest for Garage Sale Trail 2017 at www.garagesaletrail.com.au or find out more by phoning Council's Strategic Community Inclusion Officer Luis Arroyo on 4976 6300.

Workshop for businesses wanting to tender for Council projects Businesses interested in securing Council contracts are encouraged to attend an information session about the organisation's upcoming capital works.

The session will also cover how to apply for Council tenders, how tenders are evaluated and information about Council's local procurement plan.

Aimed at designers, contractors and suppliers, the Capital Works 2017-18 Information Session will be held at the Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre on July 27 from 10am to noon.

To register interest in attending the session email Council at contracts@ gladstone.qld.gov.au

The information session will provide attendees with a valuable insight into the type of capital projects for which Council will call for contractors.

If you miss the session, but would like more information, you may view a copy of the presentation at www.gladstone. qld.gov.au/tenderscontracts or phone the Contracts team on 4970 0700.

Garage Sale Trail 2017 registrations will open online soon.

Page 11

Library card offers access to fun collection of books Your Gladstone Regional Libraries' membership card can help make children's books even more exciting.

By using your library card you can access TumbleBooks, an extensive database of children's e-books for free.

TumbleBooks are animated, talking picture books which use a fun format to promote the joy of reading.

TumbleBooks are created by taking existing picture books and adding animation, sound, music and narration.

The result is an electronic picture book which youngsters can read, or have read to them.

Your Gladstone Regional Libraries' membership card makes the books accessible online.

One of the great features of Tumblebooks is that children can enjoy these books at home, on a tablet or a laptop.

It effectively makes library resources available 24 hours a day, as long as you have a library card and can access the website.

The TumbleBooks collection also includes read-along chapter books, national geographic videos, non-fiction books, playlists, graphic novels and Math Stories.

TumbleBooks can be accessed via Gladstone Regional Libraries website at www.gladstonelibraries.qld.gov.au/ elibrary/

Mount Larcom thoroughfares get a facelift The Mount Larcom town centre streets upgrade was completed in mid-June.

Ex-Tropical Cyclone Debbie and unseasonal wet weather had hampered progress but, with the asphalt laid and the paint dry on the reconfigured line markings, it is now business as usual for store owners, service providers and residents in the vicinity.

The project featured the replacement of deteriorated road surfaces, infrastructure and construction of kerb and channel on Raglan and King George streets, as well as the creation of a roundabout at the intersection of King George, Gladstone

and Balfour streets.

The roundabout's central island sits just 50mm above the road surface providing access to trucks and other large vehicles which would otherwise have trouble manoeuvring around the facility.

The roundabout was introduced in order to address safety concerns raised by the close proximity of the Balfour Street and Gladstone Street exits off King George Street.

Council thanks the Mount Larcom community for its patience and cooperation throughout the course of the project.

Free WiFi in Library Square The grassed deck and comfy seating created in Library Square last April for the 7 Day Makeover of the Gladstone CBD are certainly inviting.

But residents and visitors might be further tempted to the Goondoon Street

square by the recent addition of free WiFi. The internet access can be used by anyone at any time by scanning for the 'Library Square FREE' network.

Patrons can also recharge their devices at powerpoints in the square's deck.

Lala Yu-ru Yang enjoys the free WiFi in Library Square, Goondoon Street.

Page 12

BRIEFLY

Community CALENDAR

 Sport event funding

ALL MONTHS Date

Name of the event

Location

Contact

1st & 3rd Tue

Council general meeting

Gladstone Civic Centre

4970 0700

Every Mon

Library card games 10am-noon

Agnes Water Library

4902 1501

Every Mon

Social scrabble, 10.15am-noon

Boyne Island Library

4971 9700

Every Tues

Kids happy hour 10.30-11.30am

Mount Larcom Library 4975 1205

Every Tues

Library scrabble 11am-noon

Agnes Water Library

4902 1501

1st Tues

Library book club

Agnes Water Library

4902 1501

2nd Tue

Kids time 10am-11.30am (except school holidays)

Miriam Vale Library

4974 6241

4th Tues

Tech Savvy Tuesday 10am-noon

Gladstone City Library 4976 6400

Every Wed

Toddler time 9.30am & 10.30am (except school holidays)

Boyne Island Library

4971 9700

Every Wed

Story time 10am

Agnes Water Library

4902 1501

Wed & Thurs

Story time 11am

Gladstone City Library 4976 6400

2nd Wed

Bots 'n' Tots 10.30am

Calliope Library

4975 8105

2nd Wed

Playtime 9.30am-11.30am

Calliope Library

4975 8105

2nd Wed

Toddler time 9.30am

Calliope Library

4975 8105

Every Thurs

Story time 9.30am

Calliope Library

4975 8105

2nd & 4th Thu Baby Bounce 10.30am (except school holidays)

Boyne Island Library

4971 9700

Every Fri

Story time 10.30am

Calliope Library

4975 8105

Every Fri

Story time 10.30am

Boyne Island Library

4971 9700

Every Fri

Baby Bounce 11am

Gladstone City Library 4976 6400

AUGUST - SEPTEMBER Until Aug 12

Arts Naidoc 2017

Art Gallery & Museum 4976 6766

Aug 1

Morning Melodies, 11am, $15

GECC

Aug 9-Oct 7

Intercity Images: Combined Images Art Gallery & Museum 4976 6766

Aug 16

A Midsummer Night's Dream, $45

GECC

4972 2822

Aug 18

Arj Barker, 8pm, Adults $49.90

GECC

4972 2822

Aug 18-25

Children's Book Week events

All libraries

4970 0700

4972 2822

Council is offering grants of up to $3000 to assist the delivery of significant sport or active recreation events, to be held between September 1 this year and March 31 next year. Submissions are accepted until midnight, July 31 and more information is available at www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/sport-andrecreation-funding

 Culture shared in Four Yarns

exhibition as part of Arts Naidoc Stories from local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, in conversation with young people, are accopmpanied by photographic portraits in Four Yarns: The Link Project. It is one of the many Arts Naidoc 2017 exhibitions on display at the Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum until August 12.

 Free funding workshop Council's Major Events Advisory Panel (MEAP) will host a free three hour workshop covering event governance, sustainability and details of how to find funding opportunities on August 30.

The Events Bootcamp, at the Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre, is open to all community event organisers.

Secure your seat at www.gladecc.com. au/meap

 Bin collection days online Council has introduced an easy way for residents to source their bin collection day online.

To do so, visit www. gladstone.qld.gov. au/OnlineServices, click 'Bin Collection Day', enter your address, then click the links to view your property's bin collection day and recycling collection week.

Aug 25-Sep 23 Our Priceless Past

Art Gallery & Museum 4976 6766

Sep 1

Mzaza Children of the Road, $25

GECC

4972 2822

Sep 16

Anh Do, 8pm, Adults $59.50

GECC

4972 2822

Sep 19

Morning Melodies, 11am, $15

GECC

4972 2822

Sep 19

Robotics with Ozobots & Cubelets. Calliope Library

Sep 19

Things that are green and grow craft, 9.30-11.30am

Gladstone City Library 4976 6400

Sep 19

Talk Like a Pirate Day

Gladstone City Library 4976 6400

Sep 20

Kids Coding 9+yrs Books rqd

Gladstone City Library 4976 6400

 Standing committee meetings cease

Sep 20

Bug Out Craft, 9.30-11.30am

Calliope Library

4975 8105

Sep 20

Robotics, 10.30am-12pm

Agnes Water Library

4902 1501

Sep 20

Messy Craft, 9.30-11.30am

Boyne Island Library

4971 9700

Sep 27

Games Day & Robotics, 9.30am

Boyne Island Library

4971 9700

Sep 21

Robotics workshops (4) Codeybots Gladstone City Library 4976 6400 9+yrs bookings rqd, 9.30am-1pm

Sep 29

Messy craft & paper fans, 10.30am

Council standing committees have dissolved and will be replaced with councillor portfolios. All Council decisions will now be made at general council meetings, held at 9am on the first and third Tuesday of every month, reducing the number of meetings the public, staff and Councillors need to attend.

Agnes Water Library

4975 8105

4902 1501

Page 13

Online applications now available A wide range of applications can now be conveniently lodged online, including driveways, building, plumbing, development, works on roads and building over sewers.

The new service provides a faster, easier way for customers to lodge their applications, anytime, virtually anywhere and on almost any device.

Tondoon's visitor services volunteers share passion for flora and fauna Gladstone Tondoon Botanic Gardens volunteers are always keen to share their passion for flora and fauna.

The Gardens' Visitor Services volunteers host free guided tours of the grounds every Thursday from 10am.

with the national curriculum.

Volunteers also help conduct other Gardens activities and events.

Participants learn the history of Tondoon before being taken on an informative tour through all aspects of the tranquil gardens.

Volunteer numbers have almost doubled in the past four months, and Council thanks the Visitor Services volunteers for sharing their knowledge, assisting when required and providing visitors with great experiences.

Schoolchildren also value the contribution of the volunteers during educational tours and the Lessons in the Gardens program, which are aligned

If you would like to become a volunteer, phone 4971 4439 or visit Council's website at www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/ volunteers

This next phase of Online Services streamlines Council's business procedures and provides customers with a more pleasant experience.

To make an application, gather PDF copies of all necessary documents, such as IDAS forms and plans, then visit www.gladstone. qld.gov.au/OnlineServices and click on the 'Application' icon.

Secure online payments can be made using Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Visa Debit Card.

Customers who are registered users can track the progress of their application by signing in, clicking on the link next to the 'Application Enquiry' icon and going to 'My Applications'.

Friends of Gladstone Library donations boost library resources Book sales organised by the Friends of Gladstone Library have been successful in more ways than one.

with games and recently five Codeybot smart robots were purchased to teach youngsters the basics of coding.

The group of volunteers regularly host book sales at Gladstone City Library offering the public an opportunity to purchase from a wide selection of used library resources at bargain prices.

Further donations have seen the recovering of couches and armchairs, a trolley for the Language CafĂŠ and DVD shelving and new picture book shelves in the children's section.

Friends of the Gladstone Library book sales are promoted at the Gladstone City Library and on Gladstone Regional Libraries' and Gladstone Regional Council's Facebook pages.

Anyone interested in becoming a Friend of the Gladstone Library can chat to staff at Gladstone City Library on 4976 6400.

Patrons can choose from used magazines, audio books, jigsaw puzzles, DVDs, CDs and books of all types and genres and decide the price to pay.

Friends of Gladstone Library then use proceeds from the book sales to purchase more library resources.

In recent years funds raised at book sales have enabled the Friends of the Library to make several donations to the Gladstone City Library.

The group's efforts have led to the refurbishment of the library's meeting room with new blinds, paint, recovering of chairs and new tables.

Three iPads have also been donated to the children's section to replace old computers

Friends of Gladstone Library Nita Mehta and Linda Warne help to raise funds at a book sale Page 14

Sewage back up is largely avoidable

More ways to help prevent sewage infiltration There are other ways you can help to ensure that your residence or business does not experience sewage infiltration during heavy rain events.

Connecting roof guttering via a downpipe to the sewerage system can be a major factor in such instances occurring, causing large volumes of water to enter the system which is sometimes too substantial for pipelines to handle.

Flushed and forgotten.

of time.

Too often, the phrase sums up people's approach to inappropriate products being disposed of via their toilets.

Blockages caused by items such as those listed above only exacerbate the problem.

The same can be said for other unsuitable items washed into private sewer lines via kitchen sinks and rooftop gutters.

Many residents may not know that pouring fat down the kitchen sink can also contribute to sewerage entering a household or business.

The need to keep private sewer lines clear of items such as disposable nappies, baby wipes, toilet fresheners, rags, toys and fat may not be that apparent until heavy rain events occur.

As fat washed down the sink cools it can stick to the inside of pipe work, trapping toilet paper as it passes through and causing blockages.

Council receives an increased number of reports of sewage backing up into homes and businesses during and after heavy rain, many of which are preventable if sewer lines are kept clear.

Far from being flushed and forgotten, inappropriate items can linger in sewerage pipelines for long periods of time, possibly causing issues the next time heavy rain is experienced.

Heavy infiltration of Council's sewer mains and pump stations during rain events results in a large amount of water trying to pass through the system in a short amount

The best way to prevent sewage from entering buildings in heavy rain is to ensure that sewer lines are not blocked with items that should not be there in the first place.

Making sure gutters are connected to the stormwater system and not the sewerage system will prevent this from happening.

Another major contributor is the failure of the overflow relief gully (ORG), a drain-like fitting located outside the home which is designed to release sewage overflow away from the interior of homes or businesses.

Problems can also occur if an ORG is not located at a level below the lowest floor drain of the adjacent residence or business and the ORG cap should be checked to ensure it comes off easily.

Tree roots can also pierce and block piping and residents can help ensure their sewer lines remain optimal by taking sewer mains and private sewer line locations into account when planting trees.

Planning scheme amendment adopted Council's first major amendment to the Gladstone Region Planning Scheme was adopted in early July following community consultation and State Government approval.

All development applications must now be lodged under the amended version of the planning scheme unless a superseded planning scheme request is made within the first 12 months.

Applications submitted before the amendment's adoption will remain unaffected.

Terminology within the amended planning scheme has also been aligned with the State Government's new planning act.

The amendment has removed development application red tape and streamlined application processes.

Indigenous milestone celebrated at fun day The 1967 National Referendum, which gave greater recognition to indigenous Australians, was celebrated by people of all backgrounds at the National Reconciliation Week Community Fun Day in May.

Council, acting on behalf of hosts Nhulundu Health Services, secured $5000 via the Federal Government's National Reconciliation Week Grants Program to ensure attendees could celebrate the significant milestone.

Page 15

s r o i n Se ek e W 2017 August 19 - 27

Programs available now Bookings commence August 1 Declutter your home, meet your neighbours, fundraise or find bargains at thousands of garage sales on one big weekend of selling and shopping.

Free

tax help 50,000 or $ d n u ro a n r Do you ea x needs? ta le p im s e v less and ha

nteers are tax help volu turn.

ATO trained h your tax re it w u o y t is s as available to

Appointments available July - October at the

Community Advisory Service 142 Goondoon Street, Gladstone

Bookings essential phone 4976 6300 Create your myGov account and link to the ATO before your Tax Help appointment

Celebrating a Queensland for all ages Phone 4976 6300

cas@gladstone.qld.gov.au

Online Services Access a range of Council services online at any time from almost any device • Animal registrations - new registrations or the updating of details (renew registrations under ‘online payments’) • Secure payments - animal registration renewals, rates, water, licences, infringements and more • Lilley’s Beach vehicle permits • Lodge non-urgent requests or report an issue - animal nuisances, missed wheelie bins, illegal dumping and more • Make an enquiry or give feedback • Rates and property enquiries - view your rates information, notices and payment history (registered users) • Applications - building and plumbing, development applications, driveways and more IMPORTANT: Urgent Council related issues need to be reported via Council’s 24 hour number - 4970 0700. If the matter is life threatening please dial 000.

Visit www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/OnlineServices