Council Connection October - November 2013

COUNCIL

CONNECTION GLADSTONE REGIONAL COUNCIL NEWSLETTER OCTOBER - NOVEMBER 2013 ISSUE 56

INSIDE Countdown to GECC opening

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4 Celebration time at Gardens

7 Spray equipment available

13 HACC Taxi Service gives residents access

MAYOR'S MESSAGE Partnership keeps CBD safe The Gladstone Region has many success stories and an endless number of initiatives that contribute to making this a great place to live.

Cover

Early Warning Network Alerts are now available free of charge.

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Council Connection

This newsletter is produced by Gladstone Regional Council to give residents a bi-monthly update on Council events, activities, services and projects.

Delivery

Council Connection is delivered directly into all residential letterboxes

by Australia Post as “unaddressed mail� but 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. Cost of printing and distributing the newsletter is 49.2 cents per household per edition.

But there's one I'd like to discuss this edition because it is has been a personally and professionally rewarding journey for me the CBD Community Safety Initiative.

Established by the CBD Community Safety Committee, the initiative was established last year to address a significant increase in alcohol-related crime within the Gladstone city heart during weekends.

The response I received from representatives across the board has been overwhelming; from new and emerging industries, hotel, motel and work-camp accommodation providers, the Gladstone Liquor Accord, community members, the taxi service and police, to key Council staff.

All representatives have remained active participants in this cooperative venture and the results are telling, with statistics proving we have made significant inroads in wresting back alcohol-related crime in the Gladstone CBD that had coincided with rapid population growth.

Industry came on board with a zero tolerance to alcohol-related crime for their

workforce and implemented inductions for every employee to ensure they know they risk losing their accommodation, and potentially their job, if they misbehave in the CBD. The Gladstone Liquor Accord has been an ally in curbing alcohol-related incidences in and outside of licensed premises; the Office of Liquor, Gambling and Fair Trading and licensed premises operators have worked hand-in-hand with the Queensland Police Service to ensure offenders are noticed and excluded from premises in the future; and recently, a night chaplaincy program was established to provide support for those who find themselves intoxicated and in a vulnerable situation after a night out and while they await transport home.

The latest initiative is an education campaign, "Keep Your Cool, Don't Be A Tool!", that provides strategically placed visual reminders to people that alcoholrelated crime in Gladstone CBD has stern repercussions.

When considering the whole program and its success to date, it is clear the CBD Community Safety Initiative is a fantastic example of how social issues can be collectively addressed by developing proactive, collaborative partnerships.

I extend my sincerest appreciation to everyone involved in this initiative.

Environmental Impacts

Council Connection is printed on Revive Pure Silk 100% Recycled is certified carbon neutral and FSC 100% Recycled certified. It is manufactured process chlorine free (PCF) by an ISO 14001 certified mill.

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Council Contacts

Mail: PO Box 29, Gladstone DC Qld 4680 Email: info@gladstonerc.qld.gov.au Phone: 4970 0700 Fax: 4975 8500 A/Hrs Emergency Phone: 4979 1134

Gladstone Office 101 Goondoon Street, Gladstone Qld 4680

Calliope Office

5 Don Cameron Drive, Calliope Qld 4680

Miriam Vale Office 36 Roe Street, Miriam Vale Qld 4677

Contents 5 Be alert! Be warned!

Council has launched a free early warning weather system to alert people to emergency alerts.

10 E-waste diverted from landfill Residents have been commended on their use of e-waste drop off and recycling collection points.

12 New playgrounds a benefit

Large playgrounds and expansive recreation areas in new residential estates are receiving the thumbs up.

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Gladstone Enter tainment Convention Centre takes shape in the Gladstone City hear t.

Countdown to opening of GECC Centre to serve as centre-piece of CQ entertainment The new-look Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre (GECC) is on track to be finished by mid-to-late October with doors due to open in early November.

The external structures of the expanded entertainment centre are almost complete with the colourful feature walls highly visible from the surrounding streets.

Construction work is now focused on the internal finishes in the main function auditorium while fit out work is under way on the new kitchen and bar facilities.

Structural steel and concrete pavements are complete in the new entry forecourt - also now highly visible from Goondoon Street.

The lining and cladding in the forecourt will be completed over the next month.

Once complete, the expanded entertainment centre will feature a new state-of-the-art auditorium with a 1000 square metre flat floor space, new industrial size kitchen, expanded bar facilities, conference rooms, new box office, public piazza entry from Goondoon Street and cafĂŠ.

Meanwhile, work on removing the scaffolding around the extended car park building is continuing with the exterior feature screens in place. The scaffolding will be completely removed by early October.

The car parking levels are being cleaned, sealed and line-marked ready for use.

New afternoon time being trialled in October and November

The internal fit-out work on Level 7 for Maritime Safety Queensland’s new office is also under way.

The extended car park building provides an extra three levels of public car parking, an office level for GPC and the top office level will become the new headquarters for Maritime Safety Queensland.

The car park provides direct access into the new entertainment convention centre and features three elevators.

The project is a joint venture between Council and Gladstone Ports Corporation and will be officially opened in late January.

For more information visit www.gecpe. com.au

Book Now

Thursday, October 31, 4 - 6.30pm

CouncillorConnect visits will continue in October and November at various locations throughout the region but at a new time.

appointments with individual residents.

Wartburg

This month's visits are scheduled for Thursday, October 31 at Wartburg, Builyan, Boyne Island and Raglan.

Baffle Creek Sport and Recreation Shed

Builyan

Builyan Community Hall

Visits are scheduled from 4pm rather than the traditional morning tea time slot but will continue to be held on the last Thursday of each month to provide some of the region's smaller communities with an opportunity to meet with elected representatives.

November 28 visits are planned for Miriam Vale, Turkey Beach, Yarwun and Lowmead and will be the last CouncillorConnect visits for the year.

Boyne Island

Boyne Island Environmental Education Centre

Raglan

Raglan QCWA Hall

Councillors attend individually or in pairs for afternoon tea and a chat session from 4pm and are then available from 4.45pm to 6.30pm, for 20-minute pre-booked,

Residents or community groups wanting to book an appointment with Councillors can send a request to councillorconnect@ gladstonerc.qld.gov.au outlining the issue, concern or idea, or phone Council's Communications and Marketing Unit on 4970 0700.

Gladstone Regional Council - The Council Connection October - November 2013

Thursday, November 28, 4 - 6.30pm Miriam Vale

Miriam Vale QCWA Hall

Turkey Beach

Turkey Beach Rural Fire Brigade Station

Yarwun

Yarwun Hall

Lowmead Lowmead Hall

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Harbour pipelines a national first Curtis Island water and sewerage project on track The Curtis Island Water and Sewerage Infrastructure Project continues to progress as scheduled, following the recent completion of civil and electrical works.

Wet weather from January to May threatened to delay the project but concerted efforts by all involved parties to make up for lost time, without compromising safety standards, has ensured all deadlines have been met without incident.

The $175 million project provides water and sewerage services to the proponents of the four liquefied natural gas plants (LNG) being constructed on Curtis Island.

A joint initiative of Gladstone Regional Council and Gladstone Area Water Board, the project involves the construction of two pipelines, each 14km in length, crossing under the Gladstone Harbour bed for

2.1km of that length and up to 70 metres below sea level.

The project is supplying potable water to the LNG proponents and return their sewerage to Council's mainland waste water treatment plant.

The pipelines are believed to be the longest and deepest harbour crossings constructed in Australia using horizontal directional drilling technology and the first in the nation's history to use the intersect process by which drilling is conducted from both ends of the crossing to intersect at a chosen spot beneath the sea bed.

The project is operational with the Gladstone Regional Council and the Gladstone Area Water operating the sewerage and water infrastructure.

Work progresses on the Cur tis Island pipeline project

Celebration time at Tondoon Botanic Gardens Residents invited to help mark Silver Anniversary Gladstone Tondoon Botanic Gardens turns 25 years this month and residents are invited to join the birthday celebrations.

Then the main event, the Family Fun Day, starts at 9.00am and continues to 2pm on Sunday, October 6, with free parking available at Meteors Sports Field.

A big line-up of activities are planned for the first week of October, including a movie night, gardening with television personality and landscape architect Costa Georgiadis and a family fun day.

There's a Come and Meet Costa session organised between 9.30am and 11am; a guest appearance of Professor Tim Entwisle, of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne, at 10am; the launch of a Children's Trail at 1pm at the visitors centre; art and craft markets, food stalls and a native plants stall.

The free Movies in the Gardens event starts at 7pm on Friday, October 4 at the Arboretum lawn area and features the popular PG-rated movie "Tad the Lost Explorer" from 7pm.

Movie-goers just need to bring a chair or blanket and food and drinks will be available for purchase.

Saturday, October 5 is the day that ABC's Gardening Australia personality Costa Georgiadis hosts a 'Create a Garden from 10am in the Arboretum area. Bookings for this event are essential and can be made by phoning 4971 4443.

Free activities on the day include Fantasy Face Fairies, Jump Jump Castle, craft activities, laser skirmish, a merry-goround and a cup and saucer children's ride and art and craft markets.

A program is available at Council's website by clicking on the flashing promotional banner from the home page or via http://www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/ web/guest/walking-trails

Children's activities are par t of the bir thday celebrations Gladstone Regional Council - The Council Connection October - November 2013

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Residents can register for warning of threats through Council's Early Warning Network Aler t Service.

Be alert! Be warned! EWN offers free emergency updates Register for Council's free early warning alerts Council has launched a free early warning weather system to alert people to the danger of damaging storms, floods and other serious events such as bushfires.

The Gladstone Region Early Warning Network Alert Service is available via Council's website by following the Emergency & Disasters link from the home page at www.gladstone.qld.gov.au Residents who register for the free service receive warnings via SMS to mobiles, email, voicemail to landlines and web alerts that relate specifically to their registered location.

This service is one of several Council initiatives designed to improve community safety by providing advanced warning of adverse weather or potential threats, such as flash flooding, hail, damaging winds, cyclones and bushfires.

It should be used in conjunction with other information gathering methods, as recommended by Emergency Management Queensland (EMQ).

Early Warning Network is managed 24 hours a day by the system's provider, Early Warning Network, whose experts gather information from sources

such as the Bureau of Meterology National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service (NOAA).

In addition to the EWN, Council: • Has, in conjunction with the Federal and State Governments, installed flood gauge stations on the Baffle Creek and Boyne River systems so residents can view water levels via the Bureau of Meteorology website (via 'Qld' - 'Rainfall & River Conditions' - 'Mackay to Maryborough' - 'Fitzroy River' links); • Is in the process of installing Electronic Flood Warning signage south of Miriam Vale on Tableland Road and Round Hill Road just south of Rocky Crossing; • Has a Disaster Hub and Road Condition Reports available at its website; and • Has published a wealth information to keep residents informed, including flood maps, brochures, and Emergency Action Guide, at its website www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/ web/guest/emergencies

FACT FILE: The Early Warning Network • EWN provides emergency alerts for severe thunderstorms, hail, bushfires, floods, tropical cyclones, tsunamis, heavy rainfall, damaging winds and other threats.

• Early Warning Network (EWN) has been used successfully throughout Australia for several years.

• EWN monitors and tracks potentially dangerous weather systems and uses the network to alert people directly in the path of an event.

• EWN alerts are based on a registered recipient's physical location.

• The EWN differs from the emergency alert service used in some of the nation's worst bush fires. It addresses localised weather events and enables people to opt-in and receive alerts based on where they live, while providing information about the specific areas they request.

• There is a limit of one free registration per household.

• To register, fill out a form online at www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/web/ guest/emergencies or call 07 4970 700 for assistance.

Gladstone Regional Council - The Council Connection October - November 2013

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BRIEFLY

 Council meetings Did you know that you are welcome to attend Gladstone Regional Council's general meetings? The meetings are held at the Gladstone Administration Centre boardroom, 101 Goondoon Street. Upcoming meeting dates are October 1, October 15, November 5, November 19 and December 3. Agendas and minutes can be found at Council's website www. gladstone.qld.gov.au at meeting time.

 12th Annual Christmas This year, the Boyne Tannum Community Centre is celebrating its 12th Annual Christmas Tree Extravaganza on Wednesday, December 4 from 3.30pm - 4.30pm in the Port Curtis Room. Children's activities include decorating the Christmas Tree, a singa-long and a visit from Santa Clause with afternoon tea provided. For enquiries

contact Boyne Tannum Community Centre staff on 4971 9700.

 Rates reminder Residents are reminded they have until close of business on October 22 to pay their rates notices in full to receive a 5 per cent discount. No discount will apply after October 22.

Several payment methods are available including BPAY, POSTbillpay, in person at Council offices, by mail or by credit card. Ratepayers are advised to make BPAY or POSTbillpay payments at least two days prior to the discount deadline to ensure Council received the payment in time. For information or assistance phone 4976 6999 or visit www.gladstone.qld.gov.au

 Discovery Coast Icons Residents have until midday on October 31 to enter the Discovery Coast Icons Photographic

Competition, being run by the Agnes Water Rural Transaction Centre. Three winning photographs will be selected in the categories: People, Place and Thing. Photographs will be displayed at the RTC and judging will be done by members of the public between November 5 and 28. Winners will receive a double pass to the Blues and Roots Festival next February. To find out more, visit www.gladstone.qld.gov. au and click on the flashing promotional advertisement on the home page.

 Workmans Beach Camping Closure

Workmans Beach Camping Grounds and Day Use Area at Agnes Water will be closed to the public between October 14 and November 2 to enable Council to conduct maintenance works. The planned maintenance includes tree lopping; revegetation to

Councillor Update Cr Maxine Brushe Phone: 0448 882 609 Email: maxineb@gladstonerc.qld.gov.au Portfolio: Community Services Building and strengthening community through a well planned project including a Child and Family Centre, inclusion Centre, long awaited retirement village, affordable housing, residential development and parkland has been the target of Council for over five years. Positioned close to Kin Kora shopping centre, medical centres and on public transport routes, the Philip Street Community Precinct will address many of the identified and growing needs of our residents. Making this important project a reality has proven to be a major challenge. The integrated model proposed will undoubtedly give best value for investment dollars and support a cohesive, thriving and caring community, that we all should be striving for. Criticism of the project has focused on the $40 million price tag and ratepayers contributing to the cost. Road and drainage infrastructure cost is large, but retaining this land in public ownership with a plan that ensures over 50% of the block remains "green" and open space, and facilities that will be used extensively by families, young people, people with disabilities, and seniors, surely is exactly what all governments should be supporting by investment of dollars.

More information on this proposed project is available at http://www.gladstone.qld. gov.au/web/guest/philip-street-communites-precinct

illegally cleared campsites; the construction of four additional camp sites; amenities maintenance; and, fencing to protect environmentally sensitive areas. Council will not be accepting camping payments or permitting camping during this time.

 Australia Day Family Fun Day

Council's 2014 Australia Day Family Fun Day is scheduled for the Gladstone Marina from 3pm to 7pm. A huge program is being organised for the day so don't forget to visit Council's website at www.gladstone.qld. gov.au and download the program once it is published in December. Residents are also welcome to find out who our Australia Day Awards recipients are at the presentation night at the Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre on the eve of Australia Day, January 25, from 6.30pm.

Dive into Learn to Swim lessons A new term of Learn to Swim classes are being offered at the Gladstone Aquatic Centre.

Bookings are being taken for Term 4 Learn to Swim lessons being conducted Monday to Saturday with new lesson times being offered.

Now is the time to improve your child’s swimming skills through these Learn to Swim classes; operating under the guidance of qualified instructors.

Learn to Swim class times are: Monday and Friday – 3.30pm-6pm; Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday – 9am-12pm and 3.30pm-6pm; and Saturday – 9am-12pm.

Parent and Baby classes are also being conducted on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9am10.30am.

Cost is $14 per lesson with a 10 per cent discount available for a second family member.

To book phone the Gladstone Aquatic Centre on 4972 6822.

Gladstone Regional Council - The Council Connection October - November 2013

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LOCAL LAWS AND ENVIRONMENT Spray equipment available to help stamp out noxious weeds The right equipment and approach needed for weed control Council supports landowner efforts to eradicate noxious weeds and can provide the equipment and expertise to help get the job done.

Council's Rural Lands Protection Department has various styles of spray equipment for hire and its staff can also provide advice, including preparation of control plans, to help land managers control declared pest species.

Hire equipment costs range from $5 per day to $25 per day depending on the type of gear required and is available from Council's offices at Calliope and Miriam Vale.

A $50 refundable bond deposit is required when booking equipment and payments can be made by credit card, cheque, or in person at any Council administration centre.

Rural Lands Protection staff can provide important information on how to maximise the effectiveness of herbicide spraying

while reducing damage and contamination to off-target areas.

The accurate spraying of herbicides is important with drifts on to neighbouring properties, and the potential impact this has on crops and other commercial purpose plantations, to be avoided whenever possible.

Before spraying, always check for susceptible crops in the area, for example broadleaf crops such as grape vines, vegetables or pulses if using a broad leaf herbicide; check sensitive areas such as houses, schools, waterways and riverbanks; and notify neighbours of spraying intentions.

During the conduct of spraying, it is important to monitor weather conditions as this can have an effect on spray drift, maintain a downwind buffer, and, if there are sensitive crops in the area, use the herbicide that is the least damaging to them.

Noxious Weeds Officer Rob Teakle with a gas splatter gun.

Pest fact sheets for weeds can be downloaded from the Department of Primary Industry website www.dpi.qld. gov.au For equipment hire, or more information, phone Council's Rural Lands Protection Department on 4970 0700.

Calls for pet owners to ‘register’ their responsibilities Gladstone Regional Council is calling on local pet owners to show their responsibility by ensuring their cats and dogs are registered, microchipped and de-sexed.

It is compulsory for cats and dogs throughout the Gladstone Region to be registered as per The Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008.

Under the Act, all cats and dogs must be registered from 12 weeks of age or within 14 days of arriving in the Gladstone Region. Microchipping is also compulsory for animals from 12 weeks of age.

Exemption from mandatory registration and microchipping is only given to working dogs.

De-sexing of cats and dogs is also recommended at an appropriate age.

Council offers owners discounted

registration fees for dogs and cats that are de-sexed and microchipped. Aged pensioners are also entitled to a reduced fee to register their pets.

Stray or lost animals wearing a collar and registration tag and/or microchipped have a greater chance of being reunited with their owners.

The cost of registering your pet is also cheaper than paying impounding fees for unregistered animals.

Gladstone Regional Council - The Council Connection October - November 2013

For further information on animal ownership visit Gladstone Regional Council’s website at www.gladstone.qld. gov.au and select the Pets and Animals link or phone Council’s Local Law Enforcement Office on 4970 0700.

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october

EVENTS CALENDAR OCTOBER 1 & 15

General Council Meeting

9am 101 Goondoon Street Gladstone Community members are welcome to attend Council’s General Meetings.

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Welcome to Gladstone Morning Tea 10am - Noon Gladstone City Library The welcome to Gladstone Morning Tea is held monthly, allowing newcomers to find out more about the Gladstone Region. For more information phone 4976 6300.

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Movies in the Gardens 7pm Gladstone Tondoon Botanic Gardens Enjoy a family night out with "Tad The Lost Explorer" (PG) on show at the Gardens.

Food and drinks are available to purchase on the night.

A 25th Gardens birthday celebration event.

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Gladstone Tondoon Botanic Gardens 25th Birthday Celebrations

9am - 2pm Free Parking at Meteors Sports Field The Gardens will celebrate its 25th birthday with a Family Fun Day with market stalls, jumping castle, laser skirmish, face painting and special guest appearances from ABC Gardening Australia Costa Georgiadis and the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne Professor Tim Entwisle.

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Our Priceless Past

1pm Official launch of publication Gladstone Regional Art Gallery and Museum Official opening of Our Priceless Past with a light lunch served from 12pm. The exhibition features the stories of local seniors, over 70 years of age and who have lived in the area for more than 30 years, as prepared and presented by Year 8 Miriam Vale State School students.

The exhibition opens on October 8 to November 2. RSVP on 4976 6766 or email gragm@gladstonerc.qld.gov.au

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Living Positively Optimistic 6pm - 9pm Community Advisory Service 142 Goondoon Street, Gladstone Council's Family Support Officer will host this free community education workshop

november

to explore the benefits and strategies to leading an enjoyable and positive life.

Bookings are essential. Phone 4976 6300 to book your place.

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Community Information Session 10am - Noon 10 Tank Street Council in partnership with Welcoming Intercultural Neighbours will host an information session for new and existing residents focusing on health services.

Bookings are essential. Phone Luis on 4676 6352.

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Councillor Community Awareness Session 9am - Noon Stockland Gladstone Councillors are available to discuss any issues, topics or concerns that residents may have.

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101 ways to treat yourself well 6pm - 9pm Community Advisory Service 142 Goondoon Street, Gladstone Council's Family Support Officer will host this free community education workshop to look at how you can get better at treating yourself well and why this is important. Bookings are essential. Phone 4976 6300 to book your place.

NOVEMBER 5 & 19

out more about the Gladstone Region. For more information phone 4976 6300.

9am 101 Goondoon Street Gladstone Community members are welcome to attend Council’s General Meetings.

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General Council Meeting

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Welcome to Gladstone Morning Tea 10am - Noon Gladstone City Library The welcome to Gladstone Morning Tea is held monthly, allowing newcomers to find

The 38th Annual Art Awards supported by local industry and the community will be exhibited from November 9 - December 5, 2013.

2013 Rio Tinto Alcan Martin Hanson Memorial Art Awards & Exhibition

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Opening Events: 11.30am Judge's Floor Talk 2pm Judge's Illustrated Lecture 6pm Official Opening & Awards Presentation Gladstone Regional Art Gallery and Museum

9am - Noon Stockland Gladstone Councillors are available to discuss any issues, topics or concerns that residents may have.

Councillor Community Awareness Sessions

Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre es Morning Melodi m

Splash into summer at Splash Zone New state-of-the-art, interactive water play area opens in November Gladstone Aquatic Centre, 60 Tank Street, Gladstone Find out more about the opening from late October at www.gladstone.qld.gov.au The wait is nearly over for the families itching to try out the new Splash Zone water play park at the Gladstone Aquatic Centre.

Designed for interactivity and educational appeal, Splash Zone water play park will open to supervised under 12-year-olds in November.

With an anticipated opening in midNovember, the play park is evolving daily as part of the $2.5 million aquatic centre redevelopment into a stateof-the-art facility, unlike any other in regional Queensland.

Residents will be able to find out more about the opening from Council's website www.gladstone.qld.gov.au once the plans are finalised in mid October.

regular features

REGULAR FEATURES Free Guided Walks in October

Thursdays from 10am - 11.30am Tondoon Botanic Gardens Visitors Centre Free guided walks are available every Thursday morning, departing and arriving at the Visitors Centre. Contact Heather on 4971 4443.

Story Time

Various Days and Various times Regional Libraries Story time and crafts for children aged up to five years. Bookings not required.

For more information contact your local library. Contact details can be found by visiting www.gladstone.qld.gov.au, under the ‘Gladstone Regional Libraries’ link.

Baby Bounce

Various Days and Various times Regional Libraries A lap-sit program is being held for a parent and their child less than two years old. Bookings are not required.

Contact details can be found by visiting www.gladstone.qld.gov.au, under the ‘Gladstone Regional Libraries’ link.

Learn to Swim

9am - 6pm Weekdays Gladstone Aquatic Centre Gladstone Aquatic Centre is offering a

progressive Learn to Swim program.

Contact the Gladstone Aquatic Centre on 4972 6822.

Parent Baby Classes

9am - 10.30am on Tuesdays and Thursdays Gladstone Aquatic Centre Introduce both child and parent to the aquatic environment and learn the basics of water safety at Gladstone Aquatic Centre. Phone 4972 6822 for more information or to make a booking.

Happy Hour

8am - 9am Weekdays Gladstone Aquatic Centre This program allows pensioners (over 60) to use the Aquatic Centre for free to encourage staying fit and active. Phone 4972 6822 for more information.

Library Square Performances

Every Friday, noon – 2pm and Saturday night, 6pm – 8pm.

Library Square Goondoon Street Gladstone If you’re looking for something to do, come down and enjoy the free live and local music. Phone 4972 2822 for more information.

Tues, October 8, 11a GEC Marina Marquee

ian cabaret act Black tie is a unique Austral Con and Yuri Mavridis, rs, the bro two of consisting Pianist Valerie. They and Sue and their wives, cellist hest accolade, the Mo have received Australia’s hig up.

Gro et Award for Best Cabar

TIME Arj Barker: GO8pm Saturday, October 12, GEC Marina Marquee

s to Australia with his Comedian Arj Barker return According to Arj, Go e.

Tim brand new show, Go ces expect from me Time is both "what audien ect from me, which if exp y AND the last thing the t, will make for a great my calculations are correc show."

p 2013 Melbourne11.Cu 30am Tuesday, November 5, GECC

out your best fascinator Gather up your friends, get of fun, laughter and day and glam it up to enjoy a ds for Parkinson's fun ing rais ile fabulous food wh . disease and breast cancer

The King and I

0pm

Friday, November 8, 7.3 GECC

g and I’ by Rodgers and The classic musical ‘The Kin w Thailand) in the (no Hammerstein is set in Siam ry. ntu Ce h 19t late

uel Tommy Emman8pm Friday, November 8 GECC - Hall B

e Tommy Emmanuel Two-time Grammy nomine internationally respected is one of Australia’s most al career spanning musicians with a profession ring has garnered tou less five decades. Relent usands of loyal fans Emmanuel hundreds of tho worldwide.

agan Hello Kitty Flan8pm Friday, November 15, GECC

anticipated new show Kitty returns with her highly all the difficult questions. and this time she answers

ld.gov.au www.gec.gladstonerc.q Ph: 4972 2822 ok.com/ facebook: www.facebo entre entC GladstoneEntertainm

SUSTAINABLE LIVING Abundance of electronic waste diverted from landfill Residents have been commended on their use of e-waste drop off and recycling collection points.

In partnership with TechCollect, Council recently introduced the e-waste recycling initiative to the Gladstone Waste Management Centre, Benaraby Landfill and the Agnes Water Waste Transfer Station.

A 40-foot shipping container housing 341 items of e-waste and weighing a total 7.86 tonnes was collected from the Gladstone Waste Management Centre in late July.

Reduce your electricity bill by employing energy saving techniques in your loungeroom.

Reduce lounge room energy consumption Simple steps to reduce power usage and save money For many people, the lounge room is the ideal place for doing nothing much at all just kicking back and relaxing.

• Reduce the amount of energy consumed by your air conditioner by following these easy steps:

However, the lounge room can be a hive of activity when it comes to adopting sustainable living practices which reduce energy consumption while saving money.

1. Open windows and turn fans on to encourage air circulation in your house;

Following are a few tips for reducing energy used in the lounge room: • Open curtains to allow natural light in; • Turn lights off when you leave the room.

• Turn appliances off at the wall. Power is still consumed by the little red 'standby' dot that stays illuminated when you switch off the TV with the remote; • Turn all power points off when you go away on holidays; • Wear jumpers and snuggle under blankets instead of using a heater, to reduce your energy consumption;

2. Paint your roof a light colour to reduce the amount of heat absorbed by your roof and stored in the roof cavity;

The e-waste consisting of undamaged televisions, computers, printers, monitors and associated components was diverted from landfill and will enable the recovery and reprocessing of glass, plastics and metals for the manufacture of other products.

Residents are reminded it is free to deliver e-waste items to collection points with more information on what is and is not accepted at www. techcollect.com.au Residents can help divert computers, printers and televisions from landfill by dropping off at e-waste and recycling collection points.

3. Install insulation in your roof to keep it cool over summer and warm through the winter; 4. Install a 'whirly bird' to encourage air circulation in your roof cavity; 5. When you absolutely need to turn your air conditioner on, close windows and curtains to retain the cool air.

For more energy saving tips visit Council's website at www.gladstone.qld.gov.au

Gladstone Regional Council - The Council Connection October - November 2013

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INFRASTRUCTURE WORKS

Council has scheduled essential roadworks at Callemondah from mid-October.

Road works planned at Callemondah estate Motorists advised of traffic disruptions There will be disruptions and diversions of traffic at Callemondah Industrial Estate between mid-October and midDecember this year while essential road works take place.

Council will conduct subsoil drainage works and replace the pavement along the entire length of Callemondah Drive, from its intersection with Blain Park Drive to the intersection with Roseanna Street.

Callemondah Drive will be reduced to

one-way access and Neil, Helen and Roseanna Streets utilised to divert traffic away from the works during the project.

Motorists who park on the southern side of Callemondah Drive are advised that parking in this area will be closed for the duration of the project.

There will be periods of up to two days' duration when Neil and Helen Streets will be closed but alternative routes will be utilised at those times to ensure continued

access for all.

Businesses fronting Callemondah Drive will incur most disruption as a result of the works but to alleviate inconvenience, Council will conduct cutting across driveways during weekends, where possible.

A project outline is available from Council’s website under the ‘Council Works’ tab on the home page.

Electronic flood warning signs to help provide advance warning to motorists Two southern region locations have been chosen for installation of electronic flood warning signage.

with the system operating via a phone data stream enabling flood information to be relayed to appear on the sign.

The electronic, solar powered, LED display signs will be located south of Miriam Vale on the BundabergMiriam Vale Road and in Agnes Water on Round Hill Road, south of Rocky Crossing Road.

Selected locations were determined taking into consideration factors including sign visibility, the requirement for phone coverage and the number of residents the sign would service.

The signs are devised to provide motorists with advance flood warning

Gladstone Regional Council - The Council Connection October - November 2013

The project was partly funded by the Federal and State governments via the Tigalee Creek project.

Page 11

DEVELOPMENT SNAPSHOT Does your pool or spa comply with current safety laws?

With summer fast approaching, Council reminds residents who have pools and spas to ensure they comply with State Government legislation.

Maintenance of pool fences and safety barriers is essential to help reduce serious injury or drowning and pool owners are responsible for ensuring barriers are maintained and damages are fixed immediately.

All swimming pools in Queensland must be registered on the Government's pool safety register and need to comply with pool safety laws by November 30, 2015, or earlier, if their property is sold or leased.

Swimming pool applications received

by Council are automatically placed on the register.

Residents can request a swimming pool advice inspection generally with a 24 to 48 hour response time.

A Pool Safety Inspection will cost $245 and includes a Pool Safety Certificate.

Residents are also reminded the same legislation applies to inflatable pools, portable or fixed, if it is capable of holding water to a depth greater than 300mm.

To check the pool safety register, apply online for registration or for more information visit the Department of Housing and Public Works website at www.hpw.qld.gov. au

Ethan and Phoebe Kreddie love the new playground equipment at Riverstone Rise.

New playgrounds to benefit Council and the community Residents enjoy suburban recreation areas in new estates Large playgrounds and expansive recreation areas in new residential estates are receiving the thumbs up from the community.

Several new playgrounds have been installed throughout the region in new estates including Little Creek off Kirkwood Road and Riverstone Rise, Wurdong Heights.

These community/public facilities include play equipment, seating and barbecues and create a place where residents can relax, hold neighbourhood events and take advantage of green open spaces close to home.

Stay safe around the pool this summer

Walk and cycle pathways also wind through the newer developments for those keen to stretch the legs.

Gladstone Regional Council - The Council Connection October - November 2013

Under Gladstone Regional Council's planning scheme Council conditions applicants, as part of the Development Approval, to construct playground and recreation facilities when developing the estate.

Some developers in the region have exceeded Council's requirements and created recreational spaces that will benefit the community for many years to come.

Once the development is completed, the developer hands over the playground and associated facilities to Council as assets of the organisation.

These assets are then maintained by Parks and Environment staff for residents and visitors to enjoy.

Page 12

COMMUNITY LIVING

Dave Byars and his guide dog Queeny enjoy using the Home and Community Care Taxi Service.

Taxi service delivers more transport options for residents HACC service allows residents to access vital facilities in Gladstone Council has recently expanded its Gladstone Regional Home and Community Care (HACC) Taxi Service to include Gladstone City.

The service, which is specifically for the frail, aged and younger people with disabilities, has been available for those residing within Calliope, Boyne Island, Tannum Sands, Mount Larcom and the Boyne Valley areas to access their GP, therapy and respite services as well as shopping and other personal and social needs in Gladstone.

Now incorporating Gladstone suburbs for eligible clients over 65, the service offers two scheduled days per area for transport, with the aim to help clients retain their independence and stay in their own home.

includes wheelchair accessible vehicles.

Clients are collected from their home, for a small fee, and transported to their various destinations within Gladstone in a shared door to door ride.

Council's Community Support Officer will then contact those eligible to discuss transport needs.

Blue and White Taxis are contracted by Council to transport clients and their fleet

Residents wishing to access the service can be assessed for eligibility by the Community Care Access Point by calling 1800 600 300.

To find out more about this service please contact Council's Community Support Officer on 4976 6315.

Signage to help region's walkers, cyclists Walking and bicycling are two of the most popular recreational activities in Australia and the Gladstone Region is no exception.

Regional Council installed informative way-finding signage in Boyne Island and Tannum Sands to promote the use of designated paths for exercise.

People choose to walk for any number of reasons, including their health and fitness, environmental concerns and economic frugality.

The signs at Boyne Tannum have assisted thousands of locals and visitors to explore the location by providing useful information about different paths and key destination points.

As a result of this, many local governments throughout Australia have recognised the value that significant paths and trails play in providing the avenue for residents and visitors to accommodate healthy lifestyle choices and to further explore the region.

Pedestrian way-finding signage has been utilised to further encourage such activities and, in 2012, Gladstone

Stage Two of the project commenced this year with Agnes Water, Benaraby, Calliope, Miriam Vale and Seventeen Seventy now featuring the new-look walk and bike path signage.

Stage Three will complete the project with walk and bike path signage installed on significant trails throughout the Gladstone City area.

Gladstone Regional Council - The Council Connection October - November 2013

Page 13

YOUTH UPDATE

2014

A scorching summer of school holiday action has been organised with the release of SUNfest 2014 tickets set for early December.

The long-running youth holiday program for 10 to 17 year olds returns this summer and offers almost 50 activities to be hosted at locations across the greater Gladstone region from January 6 to 17, 2014.

Also back by popular demand will be SUNfest Lil" Kids which is open for children aged 10 and 11 years.

This year's program sees the debut of several new events, plus the running of two sessions for selected events to give more young people the chance of participating.

Favourites such as drama and music, a variety of sport events and surfing at Agnes Water are back in 2014, plus there's new and extended activities including a two-day Awoonga Headwaters adventure with an overnight camping experience and horse-riding, plus an exciting Zorb balls activity at the Gladstone Aquatic Centre.

Tickets to SUNfest 2014 go on sale at 10am on December 4 and tickets are expected to sell out rapidly.

SUNfest 2014 programs will be issued to schools in the region in November and be available from all Council administration centres, Rural Transaction Centres, offices and website www.gladstone.qld.gov.au Tickets will be available for purchase from the following ticketing website: http://gec.gladstonerc.qld.gov.au, by phoning 4972 2822 or in person at the Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre Box Office, the Boyne Tannum Community Centre, Miriam Vale Council Office and Mt Larcom and Agnes Water Rural Transaction Centres.

Council continues its commitment to region's youth development Meet our Youth Officers Gladstone Regional Council recognises that youth are the future of our region and has committed resources; funding and time into ensure local youth are represented, are heard and are involved in decisions that affect them.

businesses, schools and community organisations to ensure youth programs are developed to address youth needs and desires.

Council runs several programs for youth including the popular SUNfest Youth Holiday Activity program in January each year and works with communities to provide youth services to the 12 to 25 year age group.

Michael Cusack works with the youth to ensure young people have input into the development of youth activities, programs and events; and is point of contact for youth who need support in identifying where to get help and advice they need for their daily living or to help them plan events or activities.

Council has two Gladstone based officers in Youth Development Officer Vernetta Perrett and Youth Worker Michael Cusack who located at the Gladstone Community Advisory Service at 142 Goondoon Street.

Council is also in the process of appointing a Youth Officer on a part-time basis to the Discovery Coast area through the services provided at the Discovery Coast Community Health Service.

Vernetta is responsible for liaising and advocating across all levels of government,

Below is a list of the different roles each of the two Gladstone youth officers perform:

Vernetta Perrett

Michael Cusack

• Liaising and/ or advocating with government agencies, businesses, schools and community organisations to ensure the region has an inclusive community and youth plan.

• Ensuring young people are consulted and participate in the development of youth activities, programs and events.

• Implementing and previewing/ reviewing youth programs.

• Develop collaborative partnerships for new programs with service providers.

• Coordinate information sessions for 18-25 year olds on topics such as financial planning and purchasing your first home.

• Facilitation of youth involvement in the decision-making processes of Council.

• Consulting and involving young people in the development, initiating and reviewing of youth plans for the region.

• Addressing any issues or concerns identified by young people in the community.

Gladstone Regional Council - The Council Connection October - November 2013

• The key point of contact for young people so as to connect them to various types of support they may need, whether it be health, legal, housing or just how to get something happening in the community.

• Advertising and marketing of youth programs and events.

• Create and maintain relationships/ partnerships with organisations (local and external) to increase education, health, cultural and career opportunities for young people.

• Working with Council's other youth workers to addressing any issues or concerns identified by young people in the community.

Page 14

ARTS & CULTURE Join Peter Pan on a musical adventure in 2014 Join Peter Pan, Wendy, Michael, John, Nana the Dog, and many more as they enter the magical realm of Neverland, brought to life on stage by the 2014 Combined Schools Musical cast.

The Combined Schools Musical is a partnership between the Gladstone Entertainment Centre, Gladstone Regional Council, State and Independent primary and secondary schools and the community.

2012 Judge Dr Miranda Wallace and Belynda (Bindi) Waugh with her winning work We Exist Beside You - Not Apart

2013 Rio Tinto Alcan Martin Hanson Memorial Art Awards Gladstone Region's largest art award now calling for entries The Gladstone Region’s most prestigious and much loved art prize - the Rio Tinto Alcan Martin Hanson Memorial - is now calling for entries for 2013.

Every year artists from all over Australia and sometimes the world enter the Awards, to experience the kudos of exhibiting in a major gallery and to ensure they get their chance to share in the lucrative prize pool of over $20,000.

Last year the coveted overall prize of $10,000 went to local Indigenous artist Bindi Waugh with her work We Exist Beside You Not Apart - proving that the work of Central Queensland's prolific arts community can compete with the best in the country.

"Bindi winning the overall prize last year demonstrates that as always, our region's artists are well represented at the Awards and a force to be reckoned with." said Gallery/Museum director Pamela Whitlock. “We are eagerly anticipating hundreds of wonderfully inspired entries to be featured in the 2013 Awards, that are themselves now recognised as one of the most respected

regional art prizes in the country," she continued.

All entries for the 2013 Rio Tinto Alcan Martin Hanson Memorial Art Awards should be submitted to the Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum between 30 October and 2 November 2013. Entry cost is $11 per art work including GST. The exhibition will open to the public at 10am on 9 November 2013 with the official opening and presentation of awards at 6.30pm that evening.

More than 280 students from 17 Gladstone Region schools auditioned for Peter Pan: A Musical Adventure, with 129 performers cast, ranging from Years 4 to 12.

Rehearsals commenced on August 4 and will continue after school, on weekends and during school in the lead up to the performance week, scheduled for March 24-29, 2014.

The Combined Schools Musical production team has produced and performed seven major, highly successful productions for the region including Honk (2011); Oliver (2009); Sheik Rattle 'n' Roll (2007); Jungle Fantasy (2005); Pinafore Pirates (2003); The Pied Piper of Hamelin (2001) and Pirates of Penzance (1999).

Entry forms can be downloaded from the Gallery / Museum's website http:// gallerymuseum.gladstonerc.qld.gov.au/ For all enquiries contact the Gladstone Regional Art Gallery and Museum at gragm@gladstonerc. qld.gov.au or on 07 4976 6766.

For more information, visit http:// gallerymuseum.gladstonerc.qld.gov.au/ The Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum is open 10am-5pm Monday to Saturday with free entry and is located on the corner of Goondoon & Bramston Streets, Gladstone.

Gladstone Regional Council - The Council Connection October - November 2013

Page 15

Do you know someone who has excelled at sport, done something for others or are active contributors to our community?

GLADSTONE REGION

Gladstone Regional Council

AUSTRALIA DAY

Australia Day 2014

COMMUNITY

AWARDS 2014

EVENTS GRANTS NOMINATE ay fu n *

Sh are in th e A ustra lia D

Run an event in your community

w.gladstone.qld.gov.au and To find out more or to apply, visit ww ut the Gladstone Region' 'Abo the following the 'Events' link under 7 6513. tab on the home page or phone 497 3.

Applications close October 31, 201

*Subject to conditions

NEW AWARD CATEGORIES

NOW

NOMINATIONS CLOSE

Why not have them recognised by Gladstone Regional Council and the community by nominating them for a 2014 Australia Day Award?

To nominate, either request a nomination form by emailing communications@ gladstonerc.qld.gov. au or complete an online application at www.gladstone.qld. gov.au and follow the link under the 'About the Gladstone Region' and 'Event' drop down menus.

Phone 4977 6513 for more information.

OCTOBER 31, 2013

January 26

2014

Youth Holiday Program January 6-17, 2014

Youth & Lil' Kids

Activities Tickets on S

ale from 10am W Book online at ednesday, http://gec.gladstonerc.qld.gov.au/ December 4 Ticket Enquiries: 4972 2822 General Enquiries: 4972 5111 See Full Program at www.gladstone.qld.gov.au

3pm-7pm

Celebrate Y

A D IA L A R AUSatT the Gladstone Marina Stage

Fireworks

Local Band

free sausage sizzle

FLAG RAISING CEREMONY

tition lamington eating com-pe “Popeyed�

Onstage Performers

Roving Performers