(54) Connect April-May 2018

connect Issue 83

Ban the Bag before July 1

Reading rewards at our libraries

C

t c e n on

WITH COUNCIL

PO Box 29, Gladstone Qld 4680

Phone 4970 0700 to lodge an urgent request or report an issue any time, day or night.

Use our online service for non-urgent requests.

Email: info@gladstonerc.qld.gov.au www.gladstone.qld.gov.au

www.online.gladstone.qld.gov.au

@GladstoneRegionalCouncil

@GladstoneRegionalCouncil

@GladRegCnl

Cr Matt Burnett - Mayor P: 4976 6903 E: Mayor@gladstone.qld.gov.au Cr Chris Trevor - Deputy Mayor P: 0437 757 839 E: ChrisTrevor@gladstone.qld.gov.au Cr Cindi Bush - Councillor P: 0437 642 081 E: CindiBush@gladstone.qld.gov.au

A message from our Mayor Youth focus for upcoming community events There are some fun and interesting events ahead this month and next for young Gladstone Region residents – and for the young at heart.

Council’s National Youth Week events are so jam-packed, the program perhaps needs a title change given that seven days is not enough to contain them all.

This year’s activities, extending from April 13-22, include the Glad-STEM and Innovation Expo which is designed to ignite passion in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

young-at-heart residents ready to get into costume and into the spirit of the event to enjoy a fun day out.

And don’t forget the famous Boyne Tannum Hook Up on May 4-6, a fantastic community event that not only showcases our region to a wider audience but raises much needed funds for worthy local charities.

Unlike too many places around the world, we are fortunate to have the necessary peace and freedom to be able to celebrate fun events like this.

There is also the Creatures of the Night event at Tondoon Botanic Gardens, skate park action and music under lights at the Agnes Water Skate Park, and a two-day Cricket Queensland training camp at Gladstone’s Clinton Park.

Budding entrepreneurs can gain valuable experience working alongside business leaders in the Gladstone Region StartupAthon and serious aspects of youth existence are also addressed in the safeTALK suicide alertness training session.

The full program can be viewed at www. gladstone.qld.gov.au/youth-events-andactivities Another fun event coming up soon is the second Pop Con event, which follows on from the outstanding success of the inaugural event last year.

Cr Glenn Churchill - Councillor P: 0407 289 139 E: GlennChurchill@gladstone.qld.gov.au

We get the opportunity to express our gratitude for such freedoms when we mark the sacrifices of our fallen armed services personnel on Anzac Day, April 25, and acknowledge the struggle granted fair conditions for Australian workers on Labour Day, May 7.

Cr Kahn Goodluck - Councillor P: 0433 944 302 E: KahnGoodluck@gladstone.qld.gov.au Cr Rick Hansen - Councillor P: 0448 885 047 E: RickHansen@gladstone.qld.gov.au Cr Peter Masters - Councillor P: 0438 145 780 E: PeterMasters@gladstone.qld.gov.au Cr Desley O'Grady - Councillor P: 0437 837 148 E: DesleyOGrady@gladstone.qld.gov.au Cr PJ Sobhanian - Councillor P: 0412 544 201 E: PJSobhanian@gladstone.qld.gov.au

I expect plenty of youngsters to be at this event too but, unlike National Youth Week, Pop Con is not restricted to the youth and there will, no doubt, be many

Mayor Matt Burnett

Gladstone Regional Council

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Sewing a solution to plastic bag ban In an Agnes Water backyard shed, volunteers meet once a week to sew their way to sustainability.

They’re making shopping bags out of old pillowcases to get ready for the single use plastic shopping bag ban starting on July 1.

Agnes resident, Georgia Hughes (top right), began the community initiative because she wanted to do something positive for the environment, bring people together to meet each other and encourage sustainable living.

Statistics on how dominant single use plastic bags have become in our lives are astounding. Every year in Queensland people use 900 million of them. Worldwide, around one million plastic bags are used every minute.

Plastic is fast becoming a shunned product in our lives because more sustainable solutions are available that don’t pollute our oceans for kilometre stretches and do break down in landfill.

No money will change hands as part of the initiative because the bags will be given away to anyone who wants them.

You only have to look on social media to see videos of plastic’s environmental impact.

When it enters our waterways and doesn’t breakdown, it causes significant damage to animals. They can ingest it and small plastics bioaccumulate in them, including those we consume.

Each reusable bag sewn by these volunteers will replace up to 700 plastic bags in its lifetime.

For more information about the State Government’s plastic bag ban and how it will be enforced go to www.qldbagban.com.au

Everything used at this ‘Ban the Plastic Bag Sewing Bee’ is donated including sewing machines, fabric and tables.

Did you know? f.

2018 is the International Year of the Ree ding inclu ld, wor the Coral reefs around sure the Great Barrier Reef, are under pres ats. thre r othe and from climate change Everyone – regardless of where you live by – can help look after the environment le wab rene g usin use, reducing electricity e coffe like s item use e energy, avoiding singl ing leav and s straw and cups, water bottles your car at home.

21 - 27 MAY 2018 Page 3

300 years of living full lives The 1957 hit ‘Got a Lot of Livin’ to Do!’ could be the theme song of the lives of three incredible women from the Gladstone Region who each celebrated their 100th birthday in March.

Miss Thelma Eiseman (below right), Mrs Gwen Coyle (above right) and Mrs Pat Kelly (above left) have packed a lot in to their collective 300 years of living life, accumulating many stories along with wise advice for everyone.

That advice is to do as they did – keep busy, enjoy everything you do and do a lot for others.

The three women were honoured last month for achieving the century milestone with tree planting ceremonies, morning teas and cake cutting at the Gladstone Tondoon Botanic Gardens. Special plaques were also unveiled in the Centenarian Tribute Garden.

Miss Eisemen was born on March 4, 1918 in Emerald. After leaving school, she became renowned in Gladstone for her dressmaking skills.

She was very passionate about her dressmaking, proudly making garments for businesswomen, wedding parties, debutantes and to be worn at other important functions.

Miss Eiseman only gave up her occupation about 14 years ago, but not before she had made the garments for her youngest niece’s bridal party. She has never married but has always been closely surrounded by her siblings and their families.

Mrs Gwen Coyle was born in England on March 11, 1918 and came out to Australia with her husband in the mid 1970s.

At one time, she worked as secretary to the Gladstone Power Station manager and gained life membership of their social club. She ran old time dances and, until a year ago, was still teaching the steps to newcomers.

Mrs Coyle, who still lives independently, devoted time to various committees such as Evenglow. She also spent 12 years working with the A-Z disability workshop.

Mrs Pat Kelly was born on March 16, 1918 just missing out on a St Patrick’s Day birthday. Incredibly, she weighed only three pounds at birth and at five years of age was hospitalised in Barcaldine with pneumonia.

After recovering, Mrs Kelly never looked back while growing up at Bracewell, living in Gladstone, Melbourne and then moving to North Queensland later in her

life. She believes she’s had better health in old age than she did when she was young.

Her life has been full of hard work from washing up as a four year old, milking cows and cleaning up in the kitchen at the Mount Larcom pub as a teenager. She returned to the same hotel with all her family to celebrate her birthday on March 16.

In raising a family with her husband Michael, Mrs Kelly instilled in her children not to be greedy and to pull their weight.

Her cousin was the legendary Australian bushranger, Ned Kelly, of ‘such is life’ fame, and her stories paint a colourful picture of her family’s past generations.

National Seniors Gladstone president Terry Freyling congratulated our region’s three centenarians saying turning 100 was a major achievement to be proud of.

“Reaching 100 is a milestone, ask any cricketer who got out on 99,” he said.

Time to celebrate

ked with • Since the year 2000 Council has wor stone Glad n ciatio Asso ors the National Seni region our in ians enar cent ur branch to hono oon Tond e ston Glad the at y with a ceremon Botanic Gardens.

• There have been 29 Gladstone Region centenarians honoured. ning • Centenarians are honoured with a mor placed ue plaq and y mon tea, tree planting cere en.

Gard te Tribu rian in the Gardens’ Centena

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Gladstone Region Anzac Day services

Gladstone Region Anzac Day services Residents in their thousands will rise before dawn on Tuesday, April 25, to attend Anzac Day services across the Gladstone Region.

Dawn and morning services will be conducted in Agnes Water/Seventeen Seventy, Bororen, Boyne Island, Calliope, Gladstone, Miriam Vale, Mount Larcom, Rosedale, South End on Curtis Island and Turkey Beach.

Mount Larcom Main Ceremony: Assemble outside RSL Hall at 10.30am for 10.45am step off to 11am ceremony at the Showgrounds Memorial Garden Cenotaph Mount Larcom and District Armed Services Centre (RSO Building). Ice cream for school aged children, barbecue lunch and bar, raffles and music on conclusion.

This year’s Anzac Day will mark 104 years since the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War. Calliope Agnes Water /Seventeen Seventy Dawn Service: Meet at Latino's CafÊ, Shop 10, Endeavour Plaza, Agnes Water at 5.30am for coffee. Dawn service commences at 6am at Agnes Water Cenotaph, 2 Captain Cook Drive, followed by Gunfire breakfast at Agnes Water Tavern, 1 Tavern Road, at 7am.

Community Memorial Service: March at 10am from the Agnes Water Tavern to the Agnes Water Cenotaph.

Service starts at the cenotaph at 10.10am, then back to the tavern for morning tea and activities.

Bororen Dawn Service: Service starts at 6am at the Bororen Memorial Park Cenotaph, Bruce Highway.

Boyne Island Dawn Service: Service starts at 5.30am at Cenotaph, Stirling Park. Followed by a barbecue breakfast after service in Lions Park, adjacent to Stirling Park, for a gold coin donation.

Morning Service: March at 8.40am from Boyne Plaza Carpark to Stirling Park with service, led by Tannum Sands State High School Band, to start at 9am.

Activities and refreshments at 11am hosted by the Boyne Tannum RSL Subbranch at the Community Hall on the cormer of Pacific Avenue and Ocean Street, Tannum Sands, for ex-service personnel and invited guests.

Morning Service: March to start at 10.45am from Bunting Park to the RSL Hall Cenotaph, Stirrat Street for 11am service. Followed by luncheon at the Railway Hotel for members, returned and service veterans, serving ADF personnel and invited guests.

Gladstone Dawn Service: Form up at 5.25am with march to start at 5.30am from Valley Shopping Centre, facing Herbert Street.

Service follows at Anzac Park.

Main Parade and Civic Ceremony: Form up at 10.25am with march to start at 10.30am from Gladstone Regional Council Civic Centre, 101 Goondoon Street, followed by the service at 11am.

Invited guests are welcome to attend a luncheon at the Gladstone RSL, Bowls and Citizens Club, 6A Ferris Street, at 12.30pm. Mayor to take the salute at the Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum.

Rosedale Morning Service: Assemble at cenotaph for 5.45am service which will conclude about 6.30am. Flyover at 6.31am. A gunfire breakfast (open to the public) will be hosted at the Memorial Hall on James Street.

South End (Curtis Island) Dawn Service: Janson Park by The Anchor on the Headland at 5.30am. This is not an RSL service but is organised by residents.

Turkey Beach Dawn Service: RSL Memorial on Turkey Beach Esplanade at 5.30am.

Gunfire breakfast to follow.

Morning Service: Muster for a 9am march from the Rural Fire Service to the RSL Memorial.

Ubobo

Miriam Vale Dawn Service: Assemble at 4.15am for 4.30am service at Miriam Vale Hotel, 9 Blomfield Street, followed by public breakfast (small fee, part of which will go to Legacy) and entertainment. Hotel has a special licence to operate from 5am.

Afternoon Service: Assemble for march at 1.45pm under the Memorial Trees at Ubobo State School, 16 Cedarvale Road. Services start at 2pm in the Memorial Hall. Afternoon tea will be provided by the Ubobo Progress Association.

ANZAC DAY

Every second counts for pool safety

Water meter replacement starts

Residents in Clinton, New Auckland, Miriam Vale and Agnes Water could experience temporary water interruptions in coming months.

A licensed contractor will complete proactive water meter replacements for Council in these areas until midJune.

Properties in these areas have water meters of varying ages and as the measurement accuracy of these assets declines, Council identifies them for replacement.

Summer may be officially over but, given our warm climate, it is vital Gladstone Region residents remain pool safety conscious at this time of year.

One and two-year-old children are the most vulnerable of all, making up 73 per cent of children under five who drowned during the same 12-year period.

From 2004 to 2016, more than 60 Queensland children under the age of five drowned in swimming pools, accounting for 82 per cent of child drownings.

Preventing such future tragedies is the aim of the Queensland Family and Child Commission’s new Seconds Count campaign.

Never  Prop pool gates open  Leave furniture or toys near the climb! pool fence - children love to

The campaign, headed by Queensland Olympic silver and bronze medal winning swimmer Mitch Larkin, carries the message every second counts when children are in or near the water.

Even just a few seconds inattention can have tragic consequences.

 Rely on other children to supervise  Relax your pool rules - rules keep

For water safety tips and ways to prevent the key causes of child death happening, visit the Queensland Family and Child Commission website at www.qfcc.qld.gov. au/seconds-count-0

kids safe!

Contractors will display an identification badge to enable them to access private property during reasonable hours to replace water meter infrastructure where required.

For information or queries contact Council’s Water Services division on 4970 0700.

Every second counts when we are watching, staying at arm’s reach and taking steps to keep children safe in water.

or  Leave a young child in the bath er the shower unattended to answ door or prepare dinner

Some properties in these areas will have their water supply interrupted for a short period of time to enable the replacement works to occur.

Taking toadbusting to a whole new level Gladstone’s toad busting season is over after a record number of volunteers turned out on Tuesday and Saturday evenings to hunt down the introduced pest.

Tuesday of the season when 40 excited Scouts and Cubs from the Dolphin Sea Scouts bagged 1,048 toads at the Gladstone Tondoon Botanic Gardens.

Council has been funding ‘Toadbusters’ for 17 years while Conservation Volunteers Australia’s Gladstone group has been running the program at different locations in Gladstone, Calliope and Tannum Sands.

Over the three months, 4,820 toads were caught weighing in at 488.5kgs. They all ended up in the Botanic Gardens’ compost heap to enrich the nationally recognised facility’s plants.

A total of 286 volunteers attended the 12 sessions from December to late February.

This season, for the first time, tadpoles were targeted as well as adult Cane Toads.

As part of the Cane Toad Challenge, special tadpole traps were built and the University of Queensland supplied baits to lure the young into the trap.

For some, it became a competition of family versus family to see how many toads they could catch in an hour.

The biggest haul was on the second last

Page 6

Countdown is on to historic NRL match more major sporting events to Marley Brown Oval in the future,” Councillor Burnett said.

100 years of rugby league in Gladstone in the best possible way, by hosting the city’s first NRL match,” he said.

When the whistle blows to start the clash between the Gold Coast Titans and ManlyWarringah Sea Eagles, Marley Brown Oval will enter the history books as the latest venue to host an NRL match.

“The Titans have already said that the possibility of bringing more games to Gladstone was dependent upon the level of support they received for this match, so on that score the Gladstone Region community has done its part already.

“We are bringing some of the biggest stars of the strongest rugby league competition in the world to Gladstone and it is shaping up to be a celebration to remember.”

The match is an official home game for the Titans who have taken two games from their Cbus Stadium headquarters on the road to accommodate the Commonwealth Games.

“Fox Sports’ live coverage of the match will take Gladstone to the nation while visiting Titans and Sea Eagles supporters will provide a valuable boost to the local economy.”

Tickets for the encounter were snapped up eagerly by Gladstone Region rugby league fans with grandstand tickets selling out within 60 seconds of going on sale on March 1.

Cr Burnett said bringing the Titans-Sea Eagles clash to Gladstone had been a high priority for him from the moment he learned that the Gold Coast team was searching for a suitable venue to host the fixture.

We are just days away from making history when the Gladstone Region’s first NRL fixture kicks off at Marley Brown Oval on Sunday, April 8.

Mayor Matt Burnett said the community’s positive response to the match had ensured it would serve to showcase the region to a national audience.

“Reaction to the match has been fantastic and, when we prove on April 8 that Gladstone can successfully host an NRL fixture, we will be in a position to bring

He said Council, the Titans, Gladstone Area Promotion and Development Limited and Tourism and Events Queensland personnel had worked together productively to ensure all was in readiness for the April 8 kick off.

“The end result is that we can celebrate

Team recordssions with The teams have met on 16 occa e. the Sea Eagles holding a 10-6 advantag 0 Titans highest score v Sea Eagles – 30-1 June st, at Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coa 20, 2016.

Sea Eagles highest score v Titans – 38-4 5, at Brookvale Oval, Sydney, September 9.

200 es Year entered the premiership: Sea Eagl 1947, Titans 2007.

Premierships: Sea Eagles 8, Titans nil.

Overall playing records: Sea Eagles – played 1562, won 898, drawn 36, lost 628. Titans – played 245, won 108, drawn 1, lost 136. *Records current as of the end of the 2017 season.

Page 7

Public meeting to discuss 1770 Marina carpark upgrade Council invites interested parties to attend a community consultation meeting regarding the proposed 1770 Marina carpark upgrade.

The meeting will be held at the Volunteer Marine Rescue (VMR) Round Hill headquarters on Saturday, April 7 from 2pm to 3.30pm.

Libraries start new chapter in delivery of activities Avid reader Joan Green (above left) loves reading books filled with crime and suspense.

So, when two of our local authors held talks at Gladstone City Library about their writing careers, Joan was keen to take a front row seat.

Our Gladstone Region is home to several published authors including young adult novelist, LJ Higgins, who was born and bred in Gladstone and proudly calls Calliope home.

Fellow writer, popular author DL Gallie moved to the region, found her passion for writing and happily pens romantic suspense novels from her Gladstone residence.

Regional Writers group.

Author talks are just one of the activities offered as part of Library Sideshow.

Regular library patron Joan is highly supportive of the new program with activities like beginner Facebook workshops and film showings attracting her interest.

The program, which started in February, will develop and evolve to suit the interests of library visitors across our region and provide greater social opportunities.

Each month different activities will be held ranging from technology workshops to book discussions, writer’s workshops, social gatherings and movie showings.

The self-published authors were special guests at the February launch of Gladstone Regional Libraries’ new program of events for adults, Library Sideshow.

Some of our regional libraries already cater to specific interests with library patrons meeting to play card games or Scrabble.

They shared tips with other residents who are keen to write, offered insights into publishing and spoke about their writing, books and support through the Gladstone

The program is constantly developing and if there’s something you’d like to see added to the Library Sideshow program, mention it to our regional libraries’ staff.

Those attending will be able to discuss with Council representatives feedback arising from earlier community consultation and possible solutions to issues raised.

The proposed upgrade would deliver car and trailer parking spaces and rigging de-rigging spaces exceeding the existing 41 parking spots only, but site and budget restrictions must be overcome to deliver that outcome.

Council’s concept plans indicate some modifications to driveways, street trees, footpaths and garden beds along Captain Cook Drive may be needed, along with major modifications to its road alignment.

The meeting will provide members of the public with another opportunity to discuss the project and provide feedback for Council’s consideration.

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Children learn and experience adventures through books

Calliope brothers Jacob Van Itallie, 7, and Noah, 4, (pictured) share a love of reading with their parents Kirsty and Jon.

Kirsty home schools, starting each day for the children with couch time when they read with a basket of books at the ready.

The family places high value on the importance of reading, a trait, which according to Kirsty was instilled in her own upbringing.

“This morning one of the boys brought me a book about disasters to read and we’ve also been reading about great Aussie icons and big things like the big pineapple,” she said.

“When I was a child there seemed to be a lot of stories but not the range and variety of interesting books as there is today,” Kirsty said.

“We travel around to most of our regional libraries. We haven’t made it to Miriam Vale yet but hope to plan a day trip and maybe tie in a visit to the park while there.

“I remember reading well into my teenage 20 18 #N SS org .au /n ssyears and was often told ‘get your nose out of that book and do something’,” she laughed.

23 MAY 2018 WEDNESDAY

Kirsty’s love of reading has been inherited by her sons.

rY I K H CKORY IC n Wilso Tony

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laura wood

D DASH

“We’ve read to the boys since they were born, reading with them every day since the day they came home from hospital,” she said.

“This year we’re not sure which library we’ll go to for National Simultaneous Storytime, but we’ll definitely be at one.”

She said the family enjoyed reading together with Jon reading a book from a popular Australian children’s series to Jacob and Noah at bedtime.

“It’s fun to read using different voices for characters and you can learn about new things and places without even leaving your home,” Kirsty said.

She said reading was always a joy but was now even more enjoyable.

“Jacob has started reading, so it’s nice that I now get to hear his little voice read,” she said.

National campaign promotes reading Each year, National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS) aims to encourage more young Australians to read and enjoy books.

NSS is an annual Australian Library and Information Association campaign and is part of Library Week, Under Eights Week and the Gladstone Children’s Festival.

Now in its 18th successful year, every year a picture book, written and illustrated by an Australian author and illustrator is selected to be read simultaneously at libraries,

educational facilities and many other places around the country.

The book chosen for NSS 2018 is Hickory Dickory Dash, written by Tony Wilson and illustrated by Laura Wood.

Wilson and Wood’s The Cow Tripped Over the Moon was also selected as the 2017 NSS book.

The NSS 2017 event was the largest to date with more than 686,324 people participating across Australia.

National Simultaneous Storytime Hickory Dickory Dash readings

MAY

22

Mt Larcom Library

10.30am MAY

23

Agnes Water, Boyne Island, Calliope and Gladstone City Libraries

11am MAY

24

Miriam Vale Library

10am

Page 9

Dogs can enjoy freedom at off leash areas

Lady Elliot a diver’s dream

The clear blue water off Lady Elliot Island at the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef is perfect for scuba divers and snorkelers who want to follow their passion.

Located 46 nautical miles off the coast of Bundaberg, the Eco Resort there is eco-certified and draws divers from around the world who want to swim with super-sized manta rays.

Owning a pet, especially a dog, brings with it rules and responsibilities.

Please follow these rules when using off leash areas:

Council can’t stress enough the need to comply with the local law, especially for dog owners who want to exercise and walk their dogs in public places.

• Remove and dispose of dog faeces properly (Always carry and use a bag to pick up dog waste. Dog bag dispensers are provided at various popular parks for owners who’ve forgotten theirs.)

That’s why we’ve created several locations across the Gladstone Region designed specifically for dogs to go off leash and enjoy some freedom. They will still need controlled supervision and should be on leash all the time in other public areas.

In Gladstone, dog off leash areas are at Webb Park on Palm Drive and William Misken Park at 13 Morgan Street, while Calliope has Chapman Park at 3 Taragoola Road.

At Tannum Sands, the off leash areas are Cashin Park on The Oaks Road, Canoe Point and Sandpiper Park in Parkside Street.

Seventeen Seventy/Agnes Water has two areas for dogs to go off leash. They are the SES Grounds on Captain Cook Drive and Agnes beach north of the Surf Club.

The total ban on fishing or taking anything from the surrounding waters means sea life here is plentiful.

Manta Rays are everywhere as they’re attracted to the plankton around the island.

• Keep dogs away from other people • Declared dangerous dogs are prohibited • Keep dogs 10 metres from playgrounds, fitness equipment or barbecues • Dogs should be under effective control, stay close to their owner and understand commands In all other areas, dogs must always be on a lead or owners risk being fined.

For the most up to date information about where you can/cannot take your dog, please visit our website at http://www. gladstone.qld.gov.au/walking-your-dog

Other attractions include sea turtles which nest there between November and March and Humpback Whales swimming north from Hervey Bay. The island was discovered in 1816

by Captain Thomas Stuart who was sailing aboard the boat Lady Elliot. Its first lighthouse was built in 1866 then a cyclone came along six years later and destroyed it.

Another lighthouse, of timber frame construction with cast iron cladding, was built in 1873 and is now on the National Heritage list. It shines about 30 kilometres out to sea.

Speed limit change on Round Hill Road The speed limit on Round Hill Road, Agnes Water will revert back to the speed limit prior to construction works.

The existing 60kph speed zone on Round Hill Road, stretching from south of the Tavern Road entrance to approximately 50m south of the Discovery Christian College southern boundary, will be returned to an 80kph speed zone in April.

This decision was made at a Gladstone Region Speed Management Committee meeting after considering the recommendations of the latest Speed Limit Review.

This section of Round Hill Road had previously been an 80kph zone but was reduced to 60kph to accommodate for the construction of the footpath connection between the Discovery Christian College and Agnes Water township.

Police have been notified of the changes and adequate signage will be in place to ensure motorists, other road users and nearby residents are aware of the speed limit changes.

Council urges road users to be mindful of the changed traffic conditions.

Lady Elliot Island is such a highlight of the Southern Reef, the legendary Sir David Attenborough has visited with his documentary cameras to capture its varied natural beauty.

Page 10

Community consultation powers Harvey Road upgrade

Local Government Infrastructure Plan considers future urban growth Development applications lodged with Council as of March 7 need to be made in accordance with Council’s Local Government Infrastructure Plan (LGIP), which is part of Council’s Planning Scheme.

Council adopted the LGIP at its March 6 general meeting following community consultation and State Government approval.

The LGIP identifies the local government’s plans for trunk infrastructure that are necessary to service urban development such as water supply, sewerage, transport, stormwater, parks and land for community facilities.

The $3.37m Stage 1 Harvey Road upgrade project is drawing nearer to completion with the major stages now finalised.

The project, which commenced in October 2017, has improved traffic flow and pedestrian safety on the busy Gladstone thoroughfare via the installation of a signalised intersection adjacent to the Clinton State School entrance.

Dedicated turn lanes into the public carpark opposite the school were also provided as part of the project, along with upgrades to street lighting and a dedicated bus bay for buses travelling southward towards Kirkwood.

Council’s Senior Technical Officer John Sullivan said the successful completion of the project owed as much to the related consultation process conducted as it did to the conduct of the actual works.

“Given the heavy use of Harvey Road as a major thoroughfare and access point to the school, a childcare centre, sports fields, commercial operators and a tavern,

the project involved wide consultation with stakeholders,” John said.

“Council and contractors QMC Group kept the needs of stakeholders, nearby residents and road users a high priority, adopting strategies, including the scheduling of night works when necessary and maintaining access and exit points whenever possible, to minimise disruptions.

“Significant rainfall at various stages of the project resulted in it being pushed beyond its original March deadline but careful project management by the contractors ensured delays were minimal.

“This project has been a great example of what can be achieved when everyone works together to attain the best result.”

The project is jointly funded by the Australian Government through the Roads to Recovery Program, which has provided $568,852, the Queensland Government through the Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme and Gladstone Regional Council.

The LGIP also identifies the desired standard of service for infrastructure required and details how the infrastructure is to be provided in an efficient and financially sustainable manner.

This infrastructure planning provides the basis for the imposition of conditions about trunk infrastructure on development approvals.

The LGIP also highlights assumptions about future growth and urban development including demand assumptions for each trunk infrastructure network, which accommodates urban growth up to 2031.

Page 11

Upcoming classes Kids Bonsai, Tuesday, April 10

Fundamentals Bonsai Class, Saturday, May 19

Bonsai grows into a consuming hobby for retiree John Holzapfel (top right) has held high pressure jobs in Gladstone and Emerald as a paramedic for 22 years and as a train driver.

Now retired, and a local bonsai enthusiast, there is one sound which can send shivers up John’s spine.

The sharp ‘snap’ of a branch when John’s shaping and wiring a bonsai is something he doesn’t want to hear potentially creating an unexpected set back and forcing him to reconsider his bonsai design.

John is passionate about his hobby, has learnt from practice, and is a Friends of Bonsai volunteer with the Gladstone Tondoon Botanic Gardens.

“Between my wife and I we have about 200 trees that we are growing suitable for bonsai,” he said.

The literal meaning of bonsai is simply a tree in a pot, with ‘bon’ meaning pot or container and ‘sai’ translating as tree.

Bonsai is simply the art and science of

growing miniature trees, shrubs and sometimes vines in pots.

John’s bonsai creations are only limited by his imagination with one of his bonsai accompanied by an ornamental statue of Gandalf from his favourite novels and film series, The Lord of the Rings.

John said working with bonsai was a relaxing hobby and it was easy to lose track of time.

Did you know?

“Sometimes I’ve gone outside to the bonsai in the evening and before I know it it’s the early hours of the morning,” he said.

• While they can look old and are trimmed to be small, not all bonsai are ancient • Bonsai are outdoor not indoor plants • Water bonsai daily (dependent on rain and temperature) • Bonsai is a hobby for all ages

“Every time you go past a plant you can do a little bit more - pruning, or clipping,” John said.

He said not all trees were suitable to bonsai and the Gladstone Region climate could be harsh.

“Bonsai is not something people should be afraid of, yes, you will lose some trees, but it’s no different to gardening,” John said.

Friends of Bonsai group grows at rapid rate A Gladstone Tondoon Botanic Gardens’ volunteer group has been growing at a rapid rate attracting residents with a common interest in bonsai.

The idea of basic bonsai workshops was sown in August last year with their popularity leading to the development of monthly classes.

From there, Friends of Bonsai group formed in October and with 19 volunteers is now the largest single volunteer group in the Parks and Conservation directorate.

Following demand and after listening to community feedback, two new bonsai classes are being developed for residents

offering a more hands-on learning approach.

Parks and Conservation senior coordinator Barry Meiring and Friends of Bonsai volunteer John Holzapfel are designing the new content and workbooks.

A fee will apply to classes which will start with a five-hour Fundamentals Bonsai Class and will later lead to participation in an allday Intermediate Bonsai Class.

Our region’s youngsters can also learn about bonsai with Kids Bonsai classes also offered.

With Rockhampton boasting the closest bonsai club, interest in the Gardens’

Friends of Bonsai has grown.

Plans are in the pipeline to create two bonsai houses at Gladstone Tondoon Botanic Gardens, one will feature our Port Curtis Region plants and the other will showcase Australian native and exotic plants.

Friends of Bonsai volunteers will assist in the bonsai houses and will be able to take along their own plants to work on and gain guidance.

For information about Friends of Bonsai or to book for upcoming bonsai classes contact Gladstone Tondoon Botanic Gardens on 4971 4444.

Page 12

2018 Look-alike Diamond dazzles in sell-out GECC show He looked, sounded and moved like Neil Diamond and had the audience entranced performing in February at Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre’s (GECC) first ever sell-out Morning Melodies show since Kamahl in 2014.

DELPLRIL 24 N U L B A JAMES

enjoy morning tea and then be serenaded by well-known Diamond hits including Cherry Cherry and Sweet Caroline.

And our Gladstone patrons were not disappointed with the Neil Diamond tribute show performer crooning his way to popularity.

Canadian singer Bobby Bruce has practised his craft for almost two decades and has entertained packed houses across the globe with his Nearly Neil and the Solitary Band show.

RACHEL BECK

Miriam Vale resident Suzie Hancock (pictured with her carer, Eric Watson) attends the Morning Melodies program with the Discovery Coast Community Centre.

And it was no different in Gladstone, with all tickets sold for GECC’s first Morning Melodies performance for 2018.

JUNE 26

Suzie is visually impaired and said the Morning Melodies program meant the world to her because it offered audio entertainment.

More than 360 seniors took their seats to

OF COUPLE JUST A D DANCE MEN AUGUST 21 N SONG A

“Sound means a lot to me because of my visual impairment,” she said.

“I love the music and entertainment that Morning Melodies offers.”

GECC offers Morning Melodies as part of its community programming with Council allocating funds to bring shows to Gladstone during the year.

FRANKLY SINATRA

- A TRIBUTE TO OL’ BLUE EYES

OCTOBER 9

Five more Morning Melodies shows are scheduled this year with performers offering different styles of singing from country to stage show songs to entertainment and dance routines made famous by celebrities Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra.

Infographic

WITH TMAS CHRIS NOWLES K KAREN BER 11 DECEM

What does my half-yearly water rates charge cover? The delivery of water from its raw source to your household requires power, chemicals, maintenance and a large amount of infrastructure, all of which is paid for by water rates charges. Water rates revenue is also applied to meet the costs of wastewater removal, treatment and disposal as effluent and biosolids.

Treatment Process 1

Aeration/ Oxidation

2

Flotation/ Filtration

Clear Water Storage

Bulk Water System

Distribution System

3 Disinfection

Raw Water 1

Aeration/oxidation - Removal of carbon dioxide, oxidated metals and other dissolved contaminants.

2

Flotation/filtration - Filtration captures the solid particles to reduce water turbidity and colouring

3

Disinfection - Chlorine added to the water to maintain disinfection levels required to preserve microbiological safety.

Page 13

Ziggy earns sweet Gingerbread Man role One of the 10 youngest cast members in Shrek, The Musical, Ziggy Page, 9, was delighted with his minor lead role as the sweettalking, yet filled with attitude, Gingerbread Man. Ziggy was introduced to the stage at age six, performing at the Gladstone Eisteddfod with his school choir.

He thanked his music teacher, Mrs Moffit, who encouraged him to audition for the musical and helped him practice his audition song, Waltzing Matilda.

“I was a little nervous going into the rehearsals but once inside I was excited and just did my thing,” Ziggy said.

“I love acting because I like to make people laugh and I’m always acting at home. I love watching Hugh Jackman and I hope to be as good as him one day.

“When I found out I got the part of the Gingerbread Man I was so excited and couldn’t believe that I got it. Mum was the first person I told and she was so excited too and very proud of me.”

Ziggy said his involvement in the Combined Schools Musical had been extremely memorable.

“I loved that I had the opportunity to be part of the musical and I love Shrek so it was a great starting point for me,” he said.

“I met some really cool kids while being a part of the musical and I had some class

mates in the musical which was great too.”

But Ziggy said despite all the fun there was hard work involved.

“I have learnt that to be an actor takes a lot of rehearsals and there is lots of work behind the show that people don’t realise,” he said.

“I loved being involved but it was nerve racking at times. I was excited and nervous but I knew that all the other cast members and production crew were there to help me and I couldn’t wait for the first show!”

Green, mean looking ogre steals hearts

The main character was green, looked mean but won the hearts of all who saw him when Gladstone’s 2018 Combined Schools Musical, Shrek, The Musical attracted almost 5000 people to the Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre (GECC).

And would he do it all again?

“100 per cent yes, I would love to be involved in more musicals,” Ziggy said.

And his advice to other youngsters keen to audition for the next Combined Schools Music was simple…

“Give it a go! Go in with lots of confidence and courage,” he said.

The figures 3 community shows 5 school matinees 27 songs performed 160 involved 15 primary and high schools 7 chorus groups + a team of makeup specialists = 183

hrs (14 wks of rehearsal)

Residents involved with the epic production were expecting big community interest in the performance and were pleasantly surprised when the public response was huge.

Tickets to three community shows sold faster than hotcakes with limited public tickets then offered for seats at week day school matinees.

Hundreds of local young actors have graced the stage in the 20-year history of Gladstone’s Combined Schools Musicals.

Council funding enables GECC to support combined school and community musicals providing students with an opportunity to perform and work with experienced theatre workers.

Council approval necessary for new or modified driveways If you are planning to construct a new driveway, or modify an existing one, then you are required to obtain Council approval first.

A driveway or vehicle crossover is defined as a vehicle access point for a property, usually extending from the property boundary to a road used for through traffic.

Whether or not the driveway features kerb and channel, or if it is intended for residential or commercial or industrial purposes, approval is required in the form of a Council driveway permit.

The ‘Application to Construct a Driveway (Vehicle Crossover)’ form is available on Council’s website at www.gladstone.qld. gov.au/roadworks and standard drawings can be accessed via the Capricorn Municipal Developments Guidelines website at www.cmdg.com.au A non-refundable fee is payable to Council on application as per ‘Council’s Fees and Charges Schedule’ which is available on Council’s website at www.gladstone.qld. gov.au/fees-and-charges Applications can be filled in online by visiting

Council’s website at www.gladstone.qld. gov.au and clicking on the ‘Online Services’ button on the left hand side of the home page, then clicking on ‘Applications’ and scrolling down to Road Services, clicking on Driveway Applications and following the prompts.

The construction or modification of driveways is regulated according to Council’s Subordinate Local Law No.1.15 (Carrying out Works on a Road or Interfering with a Road or its Operation) 2011.

Application forms can also be downloaded at http://www. gladstone.qld.gov.au/ forms or collected at Council administration centres.

For more information, phone Council’s Customer Service Centre on 4970 0700 or email info@ gladstone.qld.gov.au

Did you Requirements to keep know?

Minimum road in mind frontage of 30

metres is required for a second driveway to be approved. This ensures adequate street parking spaces are available.

A driveway permit is valid for 12 months from the date of issue and, once construction has started, the driveway must be completed within 10 working days.

The property owner is responsible for all associated costs of construction, maintenance or alteration of their driveway.

Further to this, the property owner should contact Dial Before You Dig on 1100 to ensure the driveway location is free from underground services.

If your driveway plans do not comply with Council requirements, or there is an obstacle such as a tree, water meter or utility service or other infrastructure in the way, Council may be able to help rectify the situation.

A request can be lodged for Council’s Driveway Compliance Officer to attend an on-site inspection and discuss available options with you.

QUEENSLAND

www.qld.gov.au/youthweek

6-22 April 2018

#QYW2018

Page 15

Keeping the peace over barking dogs

Why dogs bark?

One of the most common animal behaviour problems Council is asked to deal with is barking dogs.

There have been 464 complaints about barking dogs or unwanted animal noise so far this financial year, so it’s in everyone’s interest to try and reduce this number. All the better if you can do this by following some simple strategies to avoid Council getting involved.

All dogs bark but some become a neighbourhood nuisance impacting people’s quality of life.

Ongoing barking is often a symptom of another problem, so taking some time to understand what makes dogs bark, especially your pet or other dogs in the neighbourhood, is the first step towards solving the problem.

2018

People need to know and understand that dogs will bark. It could be a greeting, to warn if they think their territory is being threatened or as a way of communicating with their owners. Barking is a normal habit, but when it becomes excessive you may need to address it with the dog’s owner.

Dealing with neighbours

Try to work out why your dog is barking and once you’ve done that, you can find a cure. Simple changes like walking your dog twice a day to overcome boredom and increasing social interaction will help.

If your neighbour’s dog is the problem ut then Council suggests you tell them abo may they use beca your concerns politely, le not be aware. If they ’re unapproachab ing oach appr ble forta com or you’re not them, you could place a polite letter in their letterbox to inform them. , If the reverse applies and it’s your dog its ut abo ils deta for urs hbo ask your neig set barking behaviour and what seems to

If loneliness is a problem, leave balls or chew toys for your dog to play with while you’re at work. Offering a bone before you leave home may work wonders as well.

it off.

Other strategies include having a well designed fence to restrict a dog’s vision so it doesn’t bark at passers by, and obedience training to instil discipline.

for Generally, allow sufficient time to pass re befo lem prob the ify rect to ers dog own ial you contact Council to lodge an offic complaint.

G Tondoon Blaodstone tanic Garde n

Sunday, Jun

Turn a new leaf, love our reef Visit www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/ecofest for more information.

9am - 3pm

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