What’s on in Middlemount? July 2015
Middlemount Race Day - Saturday August 1 Middlemount’s favourite community event is on again this weekend! Join us for a day of fashion, fun and flutters at the Middlemount Race Club 11am - 5pm. There will plenty of action both on and off the track with signature horse and dachshund races, a silent auction and of course Fashions on the Field. For more information visit www.middlemountraceclub.com.au
Senior’s Week, August 15-23 It’s on for young and old! Seniors Week is an opportunity for Queenslanders of all ages to come together and celebrate the valuable contribution of older people. Keep an eye on Council’s website and Facebook page for events and library programs held throughout Senior’s Week.
Flying Fox Season
SES Volunteers Needed
We are approaching flying fox season. If you spot flying foxes camping in residential areas during the day please let them rest and contact Council immediately on 1300 ISAACS (1300 472 227).
Want to make a difference in your community? Volunteer for the Isaac SES and you could help your community in times of need! For more details or to register your interest call Local SES controller Alex McPhee on 0412 880 577.
In our neighbourhood Cr Jane Pickels Division 7 Middlemount M E
0427 635 124 jane.pickels@isaac.qld.gov.au
I’m excited to announce a new urban design framework for Middlemount. It sets out to create a fresh modern plan for parks and reserves, the town centre and street, paths and trails across town based on our community’s input and vision. The first step is a short community survey aimed at giving you the opportunity to share your ideas and earmark areas that could be improved. The survey is can be found on Council’s website, or available at Council's Middlemount office or library. The project will evolve over the coming months, and provide opportunities for your input along the way.
Middlemount Urban Design Planning for Middlemount’s future
Middlemount Urban Design Share your ideas Isaac Regional Council invites you to have your say on the future urban design of Middlemount.
Visit our event stalls
Council is committed to developing a strategic, long-term direction for Middlemount.
Middlemount Markets Stall 9am to 12pm Saturday September 5
With your input, Council aims to develop an urban design framework to increase economic development, attract new residents and improve the community’s quality of life.
Attend a Community Drop In Session Location Middlemount Library
How you can share your ideas Your responses will help guide the direction of the framework and the vision of the Town. Take part in our Community Survey Available online at Council’s website and in hardcopy from your local Library or Council office. The survey takes 10 minutes and closes 12pm Friday September 11.
Middlemount Race Day Stall 11.30am to 1pm on Saturday August 1
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10am to 4pm Wednesday August 12
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10am to 4pm Friday August 14
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10am to 4pm Wednesday August 19
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10am to 4pm Friday August 21
Project enquiries Kirra Alexander, Senior Projects Officer 1300 ISAACS (1300 47 22 27) More details Visit www.isaac.qld.gov.au or our Facebook events page: ‘Middlemount Urban Design’
Visit www.isaac.qld.gov.au or call 1300 ISAACS 1300 47 22 27 to find out more
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.
Where worlds connect...
Term 3 2015 Children’s Services Program
Middlemount Library Date: Monday 13 July - Friday 18 September 2015 Monday 10am - 10.30am (2 – 5 Years) Storytime & Craft*
Thursday 9.30am - 10am (2 - 5 Years) Craft*
3pm – 4pm (School Age) Homework Help*
3pm – 4pm (School Age) Reading Hour*
*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
Wednesday 10am – 10.30am (0 - 5 Years) Rhymetime*
Friday 10am - 10.30am (2 - 5 Years) Storytime & Rhymetime*
3pm – 4pm (School Age) Craft* Please note: children must be accompanied by an adult to all activities.
Visit www.isaac.qld.gov.au or call 1300 ISAACS to find out more
Adult’s Services Program Middlemount Library Current as at 27 July 2015
Tuesday 9am - 10am Digital Doorways Basic Computing Workshop
Thursday 6pm – 7pm English One to One
* Bookings are required for all programs Please phone 4985 7752 or visit Middlemount Library for more information.
10am – 12pm* (every 2nd Tuesday) English Conversation
10.15am – 11.15am Digital Doorways e-Resources Workshop
Visit www.isaac.qld.gov.au or call 1300 ISAACS to find out more
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
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, to deliver free workshops in Dysart, Middlemount and Moranbah libraries each week. Chris Pozza
Bookings are essential phone 1300 472 227 or drop into the Middlemount library.
Skate Park Shade Structure Closed during installation: 13 July - 24 August A new, hardcover roof shade structure has been commissioned for Middlemount Skate Park. The cover will provide users with plenty of protection from the elements, and is currently being installed.
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
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.
In case of an emergency dial 000 For repairs please contact 1300 ISAACS (472 227)
Free Digital Photography Workshop Clermont Historical Centre
The free Digital Photography Workshop is facilitated by local country and lifestyle photographer Liz Speed and digital media artist Anne-Marie Joubert. Suitable for those with a fundamental understanding of digital photography, the workshop will build your techniques and use historical items at the Clermont Historical Centre as subjects. Ten chosen images will form a static exhibition.
Location: Clermont Historical Centre Time: 9am to 5pm Date: Tuesday August 4 Bookings required, limited places. Conditions apply. To book or for more information contact Clermont Historical Centre Co-Ordinator Deb Alvoen on ph. 4983 3311 or email debbie.alvoen@isaac.qld.gov.au The Regional Arts Development Fund is a Queensland Government through Arts Queensland and Isaac Regional Council partnership to support local arts and culture.
Water Quality and Water Leaks Frequently Asked Questions
Water Quality What is safe drinking water? Safe drinking water is free of harmful concentrations of chemicals or pathogenic microorganisms. The Australian Drinking Water Guidelines are used by Isaac Regional Council to provide safe, good quality drinking water. Council’s Drinking Water Quality Management Plan (DWQMP) is approved by DEWS (Department of Energy and Water Supply).
How do I know my water is safe to drink? As detailed in the DWQMP, Council strictly follows various testing and monitoring regimes to ensure drinking water is always safe. Contaminated water may not look, taste, or smell different to safe drinking water. This is why monitoring and testing of water is so important. The Australian Drinking Water Quality Guidelines (ADWQG) are followed stringently by Isaac Regional Council with implemented monitoring programs to ensure a safe drinking water supply and protect public health. Each year, we conduct over 10,000 tests at our water treatment plant for more than 100 parameters. We conduct daily operational testing and continuous online monitoring at our water treatment plants and many of our water storage tanks and dams. In addition to this, compliance sampling, verification monitoring and analysis is also conducted by a NATA (National Association of Testing Authorities, Australia) certified Laboratory run by Mackay Regional Council. All of this data is closely monitored by our Drinking Water Quality team.
What happens when E.coli is detected in drinking water? All E.coli detections are reported to the DEWS as required under section 95(3) of the Act. Response to E.coli detection may vary depending on site, system and sampling results; however it will include flushing the water mains and retesting the site. A ‘boil water notice’ may be issued in consultation with the Department of Energy and Water Supply.
Why can I taste/smell chlorine in my drinking water? Chlorine is added to drinking water to kill microorganisms (i.e. E.coli) that may be present. It is important that chlorine residual is maintained in the drinking water leaving the plant to prevent microorganisms from regrowing in the distribution system. Some people may detect this chlorine residual through smell or taste. The chlorine concentration is generally very low (less than 1 part per million) and can be reduced further by letting the water sit in the fridge in an open jug for a short period prior to consumption.
Is aluminium monitored in my drinking water? Aluminium based salts (coagulants) are used to aid the removal of particles in conjunction with filtration which also removes residual aluminium. Isaac Regional Council monitors this as part of operational monitoring, testing to ensure levels in drinking water meet the ADWG. Samples are also measured by the NATA Laboratory run by Mackay Regional Council on a weekly basis.
What is turbidity? Turbidity is a measurement of the light scattering property of water. It is caused by the presence of fine suspended matter such as clay and silt and can result in the water having a muddy or milky appearance. Turbidity can shield microorganisms from disinfection so it is important that turbidity is low in drinking water. Turbidity reduction most commonly occurs via coagulation, clarification and filtration water treatment processes. Isaac Regional Council monitors this with online systems and daily testing to ensure levels in drinking water meet the ADWQG.