MEET YOUR ELECTED MEMBERS
MAYOR TANYA MILLIGAN
CR JULIE RECK Liveability and the Circular Economy
CHERYL STEINHARDT Environment and Regulatory Services CR MICHAEL HAGAN Infrastructure
GET TO
YOUR ELECTED MEMBERS, VISIT
Civic Leadership and Regional Development CR ANTHONY WILSON Sport and Recreation CR DAVID NEUENDORF Planning and Development DEPUTY MAYOR CHRIS WILSON Corporate Services
www.lockyervalley.qld.gov.au
IN THIS EDITION
• Council hands down its 2024-25 Budget - page 3
• 2022 Flood Works Program Complete - page 5
• Planning Scheme Adopted - page 6
• Progress for Lockyer Valley and Somerset Water Security - page 7
• Upcoming Works - AUG-SEPT 2024 - page 7
• Tourism in the Lockyer Valley is now more accessible - page 8
• Australia Day Nominations now open - page 9
• Council determines future of North Street units - page 10
• Lockyer Valley Libraries to host budgeting workshop - page 11
• What’s On - page 12-14
• Stay in the Know - page 16
Council hands down its 2024-25 Budget
Council handed down its 2024-25 Budget on Wednesday 26 June – one that ensures we protect and maintain the assets we currently have while continuing to build a firm foundation for the future of our region.
Lockyer Valley Regional Council handed down its $115.55M Budget in June, with the aim of providing a Budget that gets the balance of a growing community and cost-of-living challenges just right.
The 2024-25 Budget provides an operating revenue of $83.00M and an operating expenditure of $82.91M, with a further $32.64M earmarked for capital projects including road network upgrades.
Deputy Mayor, Chris Wilson said it showed a strong commitment from Councillors to keep rates as low as possible while achieving the perfect balance between the rising cost of services with the community’s everchanging expectations.
The balanced 2024-25 Budget predicts a very small operating surplus of $0.096M for the year.
“The very small surplus reflects Council’s efforts to keep the Budget as tight as possible in these tough economic times, which are having a notable impact on households across our region.
“The average general rate increase in this Budget is 3.9 per cent, while fees and charges will increase by 5 per cent to meet the rising cost of providing those respective services,” he said.
Council has retained its rating concessions for pensioners and for ratepayers who pay their General Rates and Waste and Recycling Collection Charges in full by the due date. The Rural Fire, Emergency Preparedness/Disaster Management, and Resilient Rivers Levies also remain unchanged.
DURING CONSTRUCTION
Robinsons Road (Liftins Bridge) October 2023
CONSTRUCTION COMPLETE
Robinsons Road (Liftins Bridge) July 2024
2022 Flood Roadworks Program Complete
Lockyer Valley Regional Council has officially delivered a $50M flood repair roadworks program following the weather events of 2022.
Lockyer Valley Regional Council’s infrastructure crews have worked tirelessly over the past two years to complete the extensive recovery program that was triggered by the major flood events of February and May 2022.
Infrastructure Portfolio Councillor Michael Hagan said a variety of works were completed across every maintenance zone throughout the region.
“By August 2022, Council had spent $7.6M on Emergency Works response for the two events, which focused on re-establishing access to all parts of the region.
“We also prioritised addressing the worst damaged infrastructure to make our road network as safe as possible throughout the temporary repair process,” Cr Hagan said.
Permanent repairs began with the Reconstruction of Essential Public Assets (REPA) program in August 2022, ending just last month.
Large projects have included:
• Major repairs to four landslip/erosion sites;
• Stabilisation of landslips on Berlin Road, Mountain View Drive and East Egypt Road;
• Reconstruction and protection of significantly scoured road and creek banks at Litfins Bridge, including the reconstruction of completely washed-out floodways and culverts;
• Upgrade of 800m of Brightview Road to a more floodresilient pavement;
• Extension of 20 floodways to prevent scouring and damage to road approaches;
• Construction of a new drainage channel on Old Laidley Forest Hill Road, to improve the flow of water and reduce the length of future road closure periods due to flooding; and
• Significant bridge protection works at Clarke’s Bridge, Thornton.
“In addition to that, crews have also completed road repairs and grading to some 400km of unsealed road, more than 35,000 m2 of sealed pavement reconstruction and repairs and some 2200 m3 of debris and silt clearing.
“This program of works was made possible under the Disaster Relief Funding Arrangements, jointly funded between the Commonwealth and State governments, and we extend our sincere thanks to all parties involved for their assistance in returning our road network to its pre-flood status.
“We also thank our community, for their continued understanding while the extensive program was completed.
“We will always attend to major road safety and access issues in order of priority, and this inevitably takes time,” Cr Hagan said.
CONSTRUCTION
East Egypt Road
Landslip Site July 2024
Planning Scheme Adopted
In exciting news for the long-term future of the region, Lockyer Valley Regional Council has adopted the Lockyer Valley Planning Scheme.
Council endorsed the long-awaited Draft Scheme late last year and following approval from the Hon. Meaghan Scanlon, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Planning has adopted the final document at the 17 July Council Meeting.
Council’s Mayor Tanya Milligan said the Planning Scheme represents an enormous milestone for the Lockyer Valley and its growing community.
“The Planning Scheme is the basis for ensuring development in the Lockyer Valley is orderly and sustainable and offers opportunities for people to live, work and invest.
“Through the Scheme, Council allows for the development of affordable, attractive housing that is serviced by the necessary infrastructure and facilities.
“Importantly, our prime agricultural land, natural assets and cultural heritage remain protected and sustainably managed under the new Scheme.
“This Planning Scheme will reduce red tape and improve development opportunities and consistency across the region and allows for refinements in the future through both minor and major amendments.
“Since amalgamation, our Council has been on a long journey to bring this Planning Scheme to fruition, and I’m so pleased we’re finally there,” Mayor Milligan said.
Mayor Milligan acknowledged it had taken several attempts to get the Planning Scheme finalised due to genuine consultation processes leading to significant changes in the draft versions.
“The delays haven’t been ideal, but they have allowed us to get the Scheme right – which is of great importance to both Council and the community.
“Council also adopted Temporary Local Planning Instrument (Flood Regulation) 2024, which will regulate development within the flood hazard area.
“Following the considerable community consultation we undertook last year, we removed the flood hazard overlay from the Planning Scheme in response to concerns raised by the community about how this overlay was determined.
“Council is currently undertaking a review and remodel of the flood hazard overlay and will bring this revised overlay to the community for consultation later in 2024,” Mayor Milligan said.
The new Scheme and Temporary Local Planning Instrument took effect on Monday 22 July 2024 and all development applications received by Council from this date will be assessed against the Lockyer Valley Planning Scheme.
For the intervening period, development in a flood hazard area will be regulated with the use of a Temporary Local Planning Instrument.
Progress for Lockyer Valley and Somerset Water Security
The Lockyer Valley and Somerset Regional Councils continue to work together to garner positive outcomes for not only both communities, but the state and nation too.
Recently, the Lockyer Valley and Somerset Regional Councils met with members of the Lockyer Valley and Somerset Water Collaborative and representatives of the Queensland Government for an update on the Lockyer Valley and Somerset Water Security Scheme (LVSWSS).
The LVSWSS proposal would ensure long-term water security and agricultural sustainability by supplying additional water, through a pipeline network, to ensure regional growth in the Lockyer Valley and Somerset.
Lockyer Valley Regional Council Mayor, Cr Tanya Milligan spoke highly of the opportunity.
“The gathering was a chance for councillors from both regions to meet, allowing for the continued strong and successful working relationship between our Councils.
“I have long spoken of the importance of partnerships when it comes to getting things done in Council, and this is yet another prime example of that.
“We’re not interested in competing – but rather working with our neighbours,” Mayor Milligan said.
UPCOMING WORKS - AUG-SEPT 2024
Road Works
Postman Ridge Road
Thanks to Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme (TIDS) partial funding, works on a full width road rehabilitation and upgrade from the Warrego Highway through to Paynter Road are now underway. The project will also include pavement strengthening to cater for heavy vehicles, drainage and culvert works and intersection improvements. Weather permitting, the $3.6M project will be completed in October.
Forest Hill-Blenheim Road Floodway
Works are set to include the demolition of the existing concrete floodway and installation of a new concrete floodway and culverts, as well as drainage works and pavement and seal works, in order to provide greater visibility to motorists when the floodway is inundated. The $1M project is earmarked for completion in early August.
Biggs Road Upgrade
The $1M South East Queensland Community Stimulus Program (SEQCSP) funded road upgrade will involve road widening, footpath connection and culvert works to result in improved road geometry and is set for completion in September.
To keep up to date with current road works, visit www.lockyervalley.qld.gov.au/road-works
Tourism in the Lockyer Valley is now more accessible
Tourism in the Lockyer Valley is set to become even easier, with a range of accessibility tools now available.
In exciting news for the region’s already growing tourism industry, the accessibility tools will mean more visitors can explore the Lockyer Valley.
Council has partnered with Vacayit, the Australian Tourism Export Council and web platform AccessiBe on the accessibility project.
Tourism/Visitor Information Centres Portfolio Councillor Julie Reck said three local experiences were transformed into self-guided tours for visitors to listen to, or read about, available on the Luvya Lockyer tourism website or the Vacayit app.
“How wonderful to receive this Access Starter Grant of $5000 to continue our accessibility journey,” Cr Reck said.
Audio guide locations include the multi-sensory playground experience of Fairways Park at Kensington Grove, the Lake Apex Precinct featuring the Cultural Centre, Lockyer Valley Art Gallery, Queensland Transport Museum, and the Library’s Story Paths, as well as the Helidon Heritage Trail.
Lantana now added on Council’s Herbicide Subsidy Program
Treating Lantana has now become more affordable after Council added the weed to its Herbicide Subsidy Program.
Under the program, eligible landowners can receive a 50 per cent subsidy off the cost of herbicide to treat and prevent invasive restricted matter.
Invasive weed infestation and spread causes environmental and economic impacts to the Lockyer Valley through loss in productive horticultural and pastoral land, and often causes toxicity and even death in livestock.
The Biosecurity Act 2014 requires everyone to take all reasonable and practical measures to minimise the biosecurity risks associated with invasive plants under their control.
To be eligible for a subsidy, landholders must contact Council’s Pest Management Team on 1300 005 872 to complete a Property Pest Management Plan.
In addition to Lantana, subsidies are available for herbicide for the treatment of 16 other invasive weeds.
For more information on the program and for the full list of eligible weeds, visit www.lockyervalley.qld.gov.au/pest-management
Residents urged to be on the lookout for Fire Ants
Council is sending an urgent message to the region’s landholders – look out for and report fire ants.
Fire ants are a category 1 restricted pest under the Biosecurity Act 2014 and, if left uncontrolled, can cost the Australian economy $2 billion per year.
Council’s Environment and Pest Management Portfolio Councillor, Cheryl Steinhardt said everyone has a part to play in looking for and reporting fire ants.
“The Lockyer Valley not only has a strong agricultural focus but is also home to a varied range of flora and fauna.
“Early detection is essential to prevent the spread of fire ants, and we urge our landholders to report suspected sightings of fire ants on their property to Biosecurity Queensland within 24 hours,” Cr Steinhardt said.
To report fire ants, visit www.fireants.org.au or contact 13 25 23.
Australia Day Nominations now open all year round
Did you know you can nominate community members, events and groups for the 2025 Lockyer Valley Australia Day Awards NOW?
Nominations are now open for the 2025 Awards and will remain so until late November.
The Awards provide an opportunity for residents of the Lockyer Valley to recognise and celebrate those who have made a positive impact on their community.
With nominations now open for the 2025 Australia Day Awards, we’re encouraging locals to nominate a deserving individual, group or community event.
Our Australia Day Awards are a wonderful way to acknowledge the unsung heroes who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make the Lockyer Valley the vibrant and inclusive community it is today.
Award categories include: Citizen of the Year; Young Citizen of the Year; Junior Sportsperson of the Year; Senior Sportsperson of the Year; Community Organisation of the Year and Event of the Year.
Nomination forms are available from Council offices in Gatton and Laidley, the Lockyer Valley Libraries, the Lake Apex Visitor Information Centre or online at, lockyervalley.smartygrants.com.au/AustraliaDayAwards2025
Council determines future of North Street units
Council has resolved to invite tenders to purchase and remove the former community housing units on North Street, Gatton before surrendering trusteeship of the land back to the State.
At the July Ordinary Council Meeting, Councillors unanimously voted to remove the assets and hand back the land, after an agreement was unable to be reached with the State to upgrade the existing buildings.
This is a sensible and responsible decision that has been made after exhausting all other avenues available to Council at the time.
Housing is a State Government responsibility, and as a Council we can’t justify spending more than $1M to bring the existing buildings up to code when we have so many other core responsibilities the wider community expects us to meet.
Council has been seeking a resolution to the matter since 2020, when the Department of Housing, Local Government, Planning and Public Works retracted its original offer to take back ownership of the units after determining they did not meet current compliance standards.
Read more here: www.lockyervalley.qld.gov.au/north-street-units
Council resolves future of Merryfields Environmental Park
The future use of Merryfields Environmental Park at Withcott will now be directed by the State Government.
At its July Ordinary Council Meeting, Council resolved to return management to the State Government in the first instance, thereby saving Council any future costs associated with the site.
This decision ensures ratepayers’ funds are used in the most appropriate and responsible way that benefits the wider community.
The property has been of some value to local non-profit groups, which we hope continues, but it is inefficient for Council to be managing this property on behalf of the State Government.
In a time when higher levels of government are regularly shifting the cost of services onto local government and the community, it’s only reasonable they manage their own land.
This move will allow Council to direct funds into facilities that better serve the wider community, such as our sporting fields and parks.
Read more here: www.lockyervalley.qld.gov.au/merryfields
Next rates instalment to be issued in August
Residents are reminded to keep an eye on their inbox or mailbox for their next rates instalment due to be sent out next month.
Council is scheduled to issue rates notices for the period 1 July through to 31 December 2024 in August, with payment due in September.
Council urges anyone experiencing financial hardship to contact us sooner rather than later on 1300 005 872 or email mailbox@lvrc.qld.gov.au to discuss flexible payment arrangements and other hardship options.
We understand the financial strain many families are under at the moment, and we are here to help where we can.
Residents are also encouraged to go paperless and save by signing up for e-notices to avoid a $2 fee per notice. Approved pensioners are exempt from the fee.
To sign up, visit www.lockyervalley.qld.gov.au/enotice-signup or collect and return your form at the Gatton or Laidley offices.
Lockyer Valley Libraries to host budgeting workshop
Lockyer Valley Libraries will host a targeted workshop next month to put the spotlight on how to ease the cost-of-living crisis for the region’s residents.
Lockyer Valley Libraries has partnered with the Salvation Army Moneycare team to bring their budgeting workshop to both the Gatton and Laidley Libraries.
Our community is telling us how hard it is financially in this economy, and this is a great way to improve how you manage your money in these difficult times.
We can all relate to the increased cost of living – be it groceries, fuel or mortgage repayments.
Come along to Laidley Library on Wednesday 21 August or Gatton Library on Thursday 22 August at 10am to discover practical tips for increasing revenue and cutting costs, and leave with insights to enhance your financial wellbeing.
To book, visit library.lockyervalley.qld.gov.au/events or call Gatton Library on 5466 3434 or Laidley Library on 5462 0351
WHAT’S ON
BE DISASTER READY!
Quilt and Craft Expo
Get Ready Lockyer Day 2024
SUNDAY 4 AUGUST, 10AM - 2PM | FERRARI PARK, LAIDLEY
This fun (and free!) family event will give you the opportunity to chat with emergency services and other agencies who are the experts in disaster preparation, response and recovery.
There will be plenty to see and do, as well as the chance to win some great prizes.
There will be a variety of demonstrations, workshops and interactive activities to help you get ready and stay ready.
Visit www.lockyervalley.qld.gov.au/get-ready-lockyer-2024 for more information.
Laidley Spring Festival 2024
6-8 SEPTEMBER | LAIDLEY, QUEENSLAND
The Laidley Spring Festival’s website, www.laidleyspringfestival.com is the easiest way to stay across all there is to see and experience at this year’s event!
The 61st Laidley Spring Festival is jam-packed with events, markets, expos, demonstrations, art, live bands, solo singers, roving entertainers, gardening tips, market stalls of every description, food trucks and so much more!
It’s a great weekend to invite visitors to the region, so grab a flyer from our Customer Service or Libraries and call your friends now!
6-7 SEPTEMBER | UNITING CHURCH, CORNER PATRICK AND AMBROSE STREET, LAIDLEY
Craft enthusiasts will feel like they have stepped through the gates of heaven when they see the wide range of displays, market stalls, hands-on demonstrations and sweet treats when the Laidley Quilt and Craft Expo returns to the historic Uniting Church this September.
The Quilt and Craft Expo will be held from 9am-4pm on 6-7 September at the Laidley Uniting Church, located at 45 Patrick St, Laidley.
To see what other activities are on offer, visit www.laidleyspringfestival.com/quilt-and-craft-show
Twilight Feast and Fest
6 SEPTEMBER, 5PM - 10PM| LAIDLEY
RECREATIONAL RESERVE
Join us for an evening under twinkling lights with live music, food trucks and a boutique makers market as we celebrate Springtime in the Lockyer Valley. The stage program celebrates our local music scene as well as bringing new acts from across Southern Queensland. Enjoy a night of FREE entertainment and discover your new favourite band. Bring the picnic blanket and wind down the week with family and friends.
Saturday Festival Street Parade
7
SEPTEMBER
| LAIDLEY CBD
A highlight of the stellar program will be the Spring Festival Grand Parade, in Patrick Street which kicks off at 10am in the Laidley CBD. The parade will showcase stunning decorative floats, as well as heritage trucks, vintage vehicles, community groups, schools, businesses and bands.
Bee Happy Day
8
SEPTEMBER
| FOREST HILL SCHOOL OF ARTS
For its second year running, the village of Forest Hill comes alive for a full morning program dedicated to immersing kids in the arts and culture space. With bee themed craft activities, live circus entertainment, face painting, balloon twisting and story time, the young ones are bound to be buzzing between activities all morning!
Follow Laidley Spring Festival on social media!
@laidleyspringfestivalofficial
@laidleyspringfestival
Beyond Bounds Exhibition
25 AUGUST | LOCKYER VALLEY ART GALLERY
See the skills and innovative works of the Darling Downs Textile Art Group at our latest exhibition, Beyond Bounds!
Observe how the artists challenge textile traditions, deconstructing and reinterpreting materials and methods and showing their limitless potential.
Well worth a visit, the exhibition is on now until 25 August at the Lockyer Valley Art Gallery.
Author Talk - Maya Linnell
23 SEPTEMBER | GATTON LIBRARY
Australian rural fiction author Maya Linnell will visit Gatton Library to share her new title Wallaby Lane, a pitch-perfect new rural romance.
This conversation and Q&A will introduce you to Wallaby Lane’s creative cast of characters and rural themes – including country shows and competition baking, set in South Australia’s Limestone Coast.
WHEN: Monday 23 September, 6pm WHERE: Gatton Library
COST: Adults 16+: $10, Concession/pensioners: $8 (refreshments provided)
Bookings required. To book, visit library.lockyervalley.qld.gov.au/Events
Photo Credit: Leesa Cook
Summer Sports Bash
31 AUGUST | CAHILL PARK, GATTON
Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just curious about trying a new sport, then our Summer Sports Bash is for you and your family!
Come and try, play and enjoy multiple sports all in the one location and find out what’s available in the Lockyer Valley.
WHEN: Saturday, 31 August, 10am – 2pm
WHERE: Cahill Park, Gatton COST: Free!
This project has received grant funding from the Australian Government managed by the Australian Sports Commission.
Engagement Hub
Council’s online consultation platform, Engagement Hub offers a range of opportunities for the local community to have their say. Be sure to register to find out about new projects open for community review, to have your say, and to keep in touch. Keep an eye on Council’s Have Your Say page for a full list of consultation projects.
https://lockyervalley.engagementhub.com.au
Major Community Grants
Council’s Major Community Grants Program is for non-recurrent grants between $1000 and $4000 and are available for not-for-profit community organisations to undertake projects, activities or events which benefit the wider community. Applications are assessed on merit and the availability of funds.
www.lockyervalley.qld.gov.au/major-community-grants
Current Vacancies
To keep across the career opportunities available at Council and to apply, visit the Current Vacancies page on Council’s website.
www.lockyervalley.qld.gov.au/current-vacancies
Get it Sorted!
Make sorting your recycling simple by having a dedicated recycling bin or basket inside.Separating recycling into a nominated container or second kitchen bin makes recycling easier and helps prevent recyclable items from winding up in landfill.
www.lockyervalley.qld.gov.au/recycling-FAQs
Visit our local Libraries on a Saturday
Gatton and Laidley Libraries are both open on Saturday morning from 9am - 11.30am.
Drop in to pick up your reservations, browse the shelves, use the wi-fi, just enjoy the space, or see the Justice of the Peace (JP) - available between 9.30am - 10.30am.
Follow our Libraries on Facebook - @LVLibraries
www.lockyervalley.qld.gov.au/subscribe-to-councilnews