What’s on in Middlemount? June 2015
Budget backs long term future Isaac Regional Council demonstrated its commitment to the long term future of the region, investing $37.5 million in new capital works in essential infrastructure, as part of its 2015-16 Budget, unanimously adopted on June 23. Mayor Anne Baker said she was pleased to deliver the 2015-16 Budget themed ‘Our Infrastructure, Our Future,’ on behalf of Council and Isaac communities. “Council is not immune to the challenging economic conditions faced by our communities, businesses and industry and has worked hard to deliver a fiscally responsible budget.” “Our key priority this financial year is to invest in essential infrastructure, ensuring that vital community services meet the long-term needs and priorities of our people.” Roads and drainage, water and sewerage infrastructure and resource recovery are the focus areas of improvement across the region. Isaac’s Capital Works Budget will deliver 221 new projects worth $37.5 million. Mayor Baker said Council continually reviews and adjusts its rating categories to ensure an equitable distribution of the cost of its operations across all rating categories. “We have worked hard to keep the average general rate increase across the Principal Place of Residence category to 2.2 per cent,” she said. “Around 78 per cent of the 1,425 ratepayers in this category will receive an increase of 2.2 per cent or less in their next general rates.” “This is a responsible increase in the current economic climate.”
Our Infrastructure, Our Future
2015-16 Budget Snapshot
NEW CAPITAL BUDGET
$37.5
MILLION
GENERAL RATE*
2.2% ďƒ?
*Average Principal Place of Residence
$16.7M Roads & Drainage Bitumen resealing, road gravel resheeting, drainage works, road rehabilitation and road bitumen seal extensions
$5M Water Water treatment plant and water network works including installation of meters
$4.8M Sewerage Sewage treatment plant and sewerage network works
$4M Resource Recovery Works to improve compliance at waste management sites
$2.7M Facilities & Recreation Includes works at pools, recreation, sports and show grounds, civic centres, halls, saleyards, offices and depots
$1.8M Parks & Gardens Parks, playground, landscaping and irrigation works
$1.2M Plant, Fleet & Workshops Includes capital replacement of regional fleet
$1M Service & Support Includes regional disaster management information and alert systems and IT servers
$0.3M Planning & Development Clermont Hoods Lagoon and estate planning and development works
Community, Library & Arts Council will continue to deliver community, library and arts programs and services
Our Infrastructure, Our Future 2015-16 Budget Snapshot Mayor’s Message I am pleased to deliver the 2015-16 Budget on behalf of Isaac Regional Council and Isaac communities. Council is not immune to the challenging economic conditions also faced by our communities, businesses and industry and has worked hard to deliver a fiscally responsible budget. Our key priority this year is to invest in essential infrastructure, ensuring that vital community services meet the long-term needs and priorities of our people. This means that our roads and drainage, water and sewerage infrastructure and resource recovery are the focus areas of improvement across the region.
We look forward to delivering on $37.5M in key infrastructure over these next 12 months, and will continue to work hard to help guide Isaac towards a positive and sustainable future. This Budget is carefully aligned with our recently refreshed key planning documents. As a Council we are committed to doing our best to serve our communities, so Isaac continues on its journey towards being a vibrant and attractive region to live, work and play. Anne Baker MAYOR
“Our key priority this year is to invest in our essential infrastructure.”
Middlemount budget highlights Councillor’s Message Under this year’s capital works budget, Middlemount residents will benefit from projects that are essential to our quality of life. The Water Treatment Plant will receive a number of significant upgrades set to improve water quality. Underground, the sewerage network will undergo durable upgrades to match our long term outlook. On the surface we’ll see footpaths and park improvements, including Blue Mountain and Cam Park thanks to Anglo American’s commitment to stage two of these projects. Cr Jane Pickels Division 7 - Middlemount
Water
Parks & gardens
Various improvements including: • Water Treatment Plant upgrade and safety works • Water supply network works including monitoring, safety and a chlorine booster station
Improvement works including: • Blue Mountain Park • Cam Park • Town entrance • Skate Park • Mulligrub amenities • footpath upgrades and extensions
Sewerage Improving our sewerage plant and network including: • installing of valves and backflow devices • repairing defects in network discovered through smoke tests • safety improvements on site
Resource Recovery Works to improve compliance at Council’s waste management sites to ensure a healthy and sustainable environment.
Skate park shade structure After recieving a colourful facelift by an enthusiastic group of local students and graffiti artist Mark Paddick, the Middlemount Skate Park is set to receive a major infrastructure upgrade. A hard roof shade structure has been commissioned to provide plenty of protection from the elements, and will be installed in the coming months. The skate park will be closed during the installation. The shared area between the skate park and basetball courts has also received a new shade structure, two picnic settings, water bubbler and additional bin.
Middlemountmemorial skatepark Wear protective gear including helmets • Skate at your own risk • Look after your safety and safety of others • Skate to and within your own limits • Fair go for all users • No alcohol on or near the park • Put rubbish in bins provided
In case of an emergency dial 000 For repairs please contact 1300 ISAACS (472 227)
Middlemount Water
Blue Mountain Park
Council is undertaking a program of works to improve water quality in Middlemount, through upgrades to the Water Treatment Plant and water pipe network.
The toilets at Blue Mountain Park have been repaired and are again open. Council would like to thank the community for your patience while rectification works were underway.
Council will keep you up-to-date as works progress. View our first water quality and water leaks fact sheet on the below link: www.isaac.qld.gov.au/water-quality
New Library Program opens digital doorways Through a Brighter Futures partnership with Arrow Energy, Isaac Regional Council Libraries are bridging the digital divide with their new Digital Doorways Program. Under the partnership, Isaac libraries welcome a new dedicated part-time informatics officer, Chris Pozza
Chris Pozza, to deliver free workshops in Dysart, Middlemount and Moranbah libraries each week. Bookings are essential phone 1300 472 227 or drop into the Middlemount library.
Where worlds connect...
2015 Children’s Services School Holiday Program Middlemount Library Date: Monday 29 June – Friday 3 July 2015
Monday 10am -10.30am (0- 5 Years) Story / Craft Time*
Thursday 10am - 10.30am (0 - 2 Years) Craft*
2pm-3pm (3-School Age) Craft Activities
2pm – 3pm (School Age) Reading Hour*
Wednesday 10am – 10.30am (0 - 2 Years) Rhyme Time*
*Bookings are required for all programs Please phone 4985 7752 or visit Middlemount Library for more information.
Parents, please collect a copy of Isaac Regional Library Service— Children and Young Adults Policy when booking your child into these programs. Copies are available at Middlemount Library.
Free iPad & Technology Workshop
3pm – 4pm (School Age) Mozaic Craft* Art Workshop (TBC)*
Friday 10am – 10.30am (2 - 5 Years) Story / Songs Time 2pm – 4pm (School Age) Movie Day*
Visit www.isaac.qld.gov.au Or call 1300 ISAACS to find out more
Please note: children must be accompanied by an adult to all activities.
2015 Children’s Services School Holiday Program Middlemount Library Date: Monday 6 July – Friday 10 July 2015
Monday 10am -10.30am (0- 5 Years) Story / Craft Time*
Thursday 10am - 10.30am (0 - 2 Years) Craft*
2pm -3pm (3 - School Age) Craft Activities
2pm – 3pm (School Age) Reading Hour*
Wednesday 10am – 10.30am (0 - 2 Years) Rhyme Time* 2pm – 3.30pm (Primary & High School Age) Boomerang Art Workshop with Lloyd Hornsby
Friday 10am – 10.30am (2 - 5 Years) Story / Songs Time
*Bookings are required for all programs Please phone 4985 7752 or visit Middlemount Library for more information.
Parents, please collect a copy of Isaac Regional Library Service— Children and Young Adults Policy when booking your child into these programs. Copies are available at Middlemount Library.
2pm – 4pm (School Age) Movie Day* Visit www.isaac.qld.gov.au Or call 1300 ISAACS to find out more
Please note: children must be accompanied by an adult to all activities.
Middlemount Library is holding a free Boomerang Art Workshop with traditional artist Lloyd Hornsby at 2-3pm on Wednesday July 8 (primary & high school ages). Themed art and craft during the week for littlies.
WIND SYMPHONY Conductor David Law, Vocalist Hannah Macklin
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al
Les MisĂŠrables Harry Potter Close Encounters Superman West Side Story Raiders of the Lost Ark ET
moviemagic QYO with Hannah Macklin, including movie themes by
John Williams
7pm Thursday 16 July 2015 Moranbah Community Centre Free Concert - Bookings Essential Tickets from qmf.org.au/moviemagic Guest appearance by Combined Moranbah State Schools Band, conductor Matt Fellows
Major Corporate Sponsor
This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body.
Light Graffiti Photography Workshop.
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Sat 1st August 4pm – 10pm
A hands on workshop that combines people moving with light sources and taking long exposure photography to create imagery. Bring your camera & your imagination.
Limited numbers – Call Dysart Council Office for details & to secure your place. Ph. 49581166. $40 person.
Long-exposure portrait of 2 people sharing 3D computational light painting.
Limited numbers. Bookings essential! Call the Dysart Council Office for more details and to secure your booking. Ph. 4958 1166. $40 per person. 18yrs & older.
The Regional Arts Development Fund is a Queensland Government through Arts Queensland and Isaac Regional Council partnership to support local arts and culture.
Middlemount Community Round Table Join us to have a say on your community’s future: Isaac Regional Council would like to invite you to attend the Middlemount Community Round Table Meeting.
When: 10.00am – 3.00pm Tuesday, July 14 Where:
per
Middlemount Bowls Club 89 Centenary Drive Middlemount Community Round Table Meetings are your chance to discuss opportunities and challenges in your town and surrounding region with Councillors, the Chief Executive Officer and Council staff. As an individual, community group or organisation you are invited to bring your voice to the table to discuss:
Visit: Isaac Regional Council website: www.isaac.qld.gov.au/communitystakeholder-engagement for details.
• Community opportunities • Community challenges • Local government • Advocacy • Assistance/advice • Information share
Email: roundtables@isaac.qld.gov.au Phone: 1300 ISAACS (1300 472 227)
Middlemount July 23, 2015 2pm to 5pm 55 cars!
Flying fox management at home
Tips to manage your property and what to do if flying foxes camp in your yard Flying foxes naturally migrate through the Isaac region and generally establish temporary camps in residential areas from August through to November. Flying foxes are a natural part of the Isaac landscape and regularly pass through our towns on an annual basis. There are a number of steps you can take to prepare for flying fox season including how to make your yard less attractive; how to manage your property if flying foxes do camp in town; and what to do if flying foxes establish a camp in your trees.
eg. Rubber snakes, aluminum foil or CDs. •
Provide shelter for your pets and horses at night.
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Do not to leave your washing out at night.
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Park your car underneath shelter to avoid flying-fox droppings.
Things you need to know: • If you have flying foxes roosting in your trees, contact Council immediately and our environmental team will investigate the roost. •
Do not disturb flying foxes resting during the day. Disturbing, harming or causing nuisance towards flying fox colonies without a permit is illegal. Day time harassment stresses the colony, it lowers their health which means they are too weak to migrate away from town areas, actually prolonging their stay.
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If you notice anyone else disturbing the flying foxes during the day, contact Council immediately.
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Keep pets away from flying foxes. If they eat or bite a dead or live flying fox, take them directly to the vet.
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In the unlikely event you are scratched or bitten by a flying fox seek medical attention
To make your yard and trees near your house less attractive to flying foxes: • Clear the under-storey and remove some branches of the trees. •
Plant low, dense trees and shrubs around fence lines, forming a barrier around your yard to deter flying-fox roosts.
To discourage flying foxes camping in your trees and/or to minimize their impacts, it is suggested you: • Consider positioning lights under your trees, shining upwards, being considerate of your neighbours. Beware of exposed electrical connections and seek professional advice if you’re unsure. •
Consider sprinklers in trees at night. Be responsible with water use.
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Try predator decoys or shiny objects in trees
Visit www.isaac.qld.gov.au or call 1300 ISAACS 1300 47 22 27 to find out more