SCC IS Heads up newsletter Summer 2016

Heads Up SUMMER 2016

INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER

Inside this issue Page 2

Message from Director, Andrew Ryan And the festive season is here!

How quickly Christmas has arrived – the trees are up, tinsel out and holidays are just around the corner.

It doesn’t seem that long ago that we were planning for 2016 and now we are almost at the end! This has been another huge year for IS, that has been made successful by your sheer hard work, effective planning and management - I thank you for this.

Here’s a few examples of what IS has achieved during 2016: • Nambour Youth Activity precinct – stage 3 completed with two IPWEAQ Awards • Automated Waste Collection System (AWCS) – media launch for inclusion in Maroochydore City Centre

Safety Symposium Page 5

• Mary Cairncross Park – building renewal commenced • Mooloolaba Place Making – consultation and design completed and the Master Plan won two awards at the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects State Awards • Beach protection – pumped more than 20,000 cubic metres of sand onto Maroochydore beach as part of ongoing renourishment program and to help with successful staging of 2016 Australian Surf Lifesaving Championships • IS park maintenance included: - 6273ha of open space - 541ha of recreation parks - 299ha of landscape and amenity reserves • IS road maintenance included:

• Solar farm – first panels installed

- 2316km sealed roads

• Bulcock St Streetscape – stage 3 is almost complete

- 532km unsealed roads

• Coolum Sports complex – completed and launched at official opening ceremony • Sippy Creek Animal Pound – construction of new facility Page 1 / Heads Up / Summer 2016

- 1140km pathway • Community Conservation Partnerships - continued and attracted a $30,049,189 or 744% return on investment!

Safety Award Page 7 One door closing…

Page 8 Mountain bike trails Page 10 Parks and Gardens charging ahead Page 11 Quarry update Page 13 Sunshine coast achieves excellence in public works Page 15 Evans St upgrade ahead of schedule Page 16 Smart City team grows Page 18 TravelSmart Page 19 New staff – traffic and transport Page 20 Let’s talk rubbish

• Waste collection services – continued to service the region with 10 million waste and recyclables collections (domestic and commercial) • Living Lab – located in Bulcock St, Caloundra to showcase Smart City technology being used in Caloundra Streetscape project • Disaster Hub – our disaster management online tool, just keeps winning more awards!

• All delegations for IS reviewed and updated documentation available via IQMS

With safety being front of mind from the recent IS Safety Symposium, I’d like to wish you all a safe and happy festive season. Look out for your mates at work, family and friends as you enjoy all the celebrations that Christmas and the New Year bring.

Solar panel installation at Valdora

I look forward to working with you in the New Year and may 2017 bring us all much happiness, health and prosperity.

Merry Christmas!

Safety Symposium It’s not often we have the opportunity to come together as a department and the Safety Symposium last month did just that, with the focus being on “Work safe, Live well”. Former Brisbane Bronco and current Qld Safety Ambassador, Shane Webcke

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shared his personal safety story with over 500 staff – the ultimate goal being a further reduction in WHS incidents in IS. Whilst there has already been a reduction in the number of WHS incidents over the past 12 months, there are still needless incidents happening.

This is why we continue to promote, educate and support staff to stay safe. This year’s safety symposium encouraged staff to keep up the good work but reminded us that there is still work to be done on safety and we all need to “stand in the gap”.

Directorate

Sunshine Coast Council Disaster Hub wins national disaster resilience award On November 17th, Sunshine Coast Council was announced as the winner of the 2016 Resilient Australia Award, at a national awards ceremony hosted by the Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience in Melbourne.

Sponsored by the Federal AttorneyGeneral’s Department and delivered in conjunction with the states and territories, the awards recognise individuals, groups or organisations that demonstrate excellence and innovation in projects that help communities to be better prepared and more disaster resilient. The SCC Disaster Hub (www.disaster. sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au) gathers disaster intelligence from numerous sources to improve decision making for council, first-response agencies and community members. It provides comprehensive real-time information that can be accessed from any internet-connected device before, during and after disaster events.

In accepting the award, John Gallina, Coordinator Disaster Management said the SCC Disaster Hub connects council, disaster agencies and the community in the united goal of safety and preparedness before, during and after disaster events.

Real-time information delivered through the hub, reduces public risk from hazards such as flash flooding, storms, cyclones, east coast lows, bushfires, earthquakes and landslides.

A key innovation is the use of geofencing technology to produce instant disaster impact profiles for any specified location. During Tropical Cyclone Marcia in 2015, the Disaster Hub received more than 293,000 page views.

Disaster Hub is a one stop shop – before, during and after a disaster.

IQMS (Integrated Quality Management System) Quality Reference Group renewed The Quality Reference Group met in November with the introduction of some new members to the group. The group will meet quarterly to provide advice and assistance to the department on quality issues.

The group members are: • Sharnie Morton (Quality Systems Officer) • Civil Asset Management – Anthony Balshaw, Simon Carter and Simon Prytherick • Disaster Management – Melanie Ferguson • Environmental Operations – Shane Coffey and Michael Anderson • Fleet & Quarry Services – Kelly Nash and Lauren Baker • Parks and Gardens – Clare Staines and Tracey Sait • Project Delivery – Chris Sturgess and Selina Harper • Transport Infrastructure Management – Darren Meredith • Waste and Resource Management – Sascha Tolsdorf Quality issues or improvements can be directed to your branch representative.

For queries relating to the IQMS contact IS Quality Systems Officer, Sharnie Morton.

John Gallina, Coordinator Disaster Management, IS and Shirley Hall, Project Manager Business Solutions & Strategy, ICTS, accepting the award

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Directorate

Exercise ‘Sudden Deluge’ The Sunshine Coast Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) was put to the test on November 9th in a real-time practice exercise.

Exercise Sudden Deluge was a realistic scenario based on a supercell severe weather event affecting widespread areas of the Sunshine Coast.

Evaluators and observers all made the point that within about 5 minutes of the exercise commencing the Local Disaster Coordination Centre was operating as if this were a real event, rather than an exercise – all participants take this kind of training quite seriously and it is a great learning experience. In carrying out exercises such as this we continually improve our disaster coordination preparedness and many other Council’s look to the Sunshine Coast as a leader in this area. It was great to see all LDMG and liaison agencies represented.

Exercise Sudden Deluge focussed on flash flooding, evacuation processes, emergency broadcasting and warnings, and a scenario involving a failure in the wall of Wappa Dam. The exercise also tested the readiness of LDMG, police, fire, ambulance, SES and other emergency services, testing systems and processes for the upcoming summer storm season to ensure they are ready if needed.

The key goals for this exercise were first and foremost the protection of community and testing our communication processes.

Exercise Sudden Deluge also linked in with the State Government and RACQ “Get Ready” initiative,

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which urges all Queenslanders to be prepared for this year’s storm season.

The training exercise and Get Ready campaign are both timely reminders for all of us to be prepared for disaster events, whether they are man-made or natural disasters.

It is important for all residents to prepare their homes in advance of the summer storm season, to have an emergency plan in place, organise an emergency kit, prepare an evacuation plan and tune into warnings and emergency advice.

Important too - don’t forget to check on your neighbours and keep your pets safe.

We encourage everyone to visit council’s Disaster Hub (www.disaster. sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au) – a one stop shop – before, during and after - for all disaster information, including road closures, weather conditions, emergency warnings and community advice messages issued during a weather event.

We’re always looking for more staff to become involved in the Disaster Management response, particularly during storm season.

If you would like receive more information and take part in some very useful training, please contact Melanie Ferguson, Project Support Officer – Disaster Management on 0409 768 548.

View Exercise Sudden Deluge here: https://youtu.be/2ZSpRde1Fes The Local Disaster Coordination Centre in action during Exercise Sudden Deluge in November 2016

U-matter safety award

Safety Award Maintenance work

Evans Street Project

Alan Weir works with another team member named Greg Beattie carrying out maintenance work for the CAM Maintenance team.

At the Evans Street and Plaza Parade Project the traffic signals were incorrectly synchronised allowing both right turns to operate at the same time.

Alan and Greg started work one Monday and not long after, Alan noticed Greg was looking a bit off colour and asked if he was feeling ok. Greg said he had a sore neck and a pain in the back of his head. Alan also noticed Greg’s face drooping a bit and that he was slurring his words. Alan, being concerned for his workmate, made the decision to take Greg immediately to the Nambour hospital emergency department. There Greg was reviewed and treated by the medical staff and later discharged to go home.

Under our mantra of Working Safe and Living Well, Alan displayed one of the essentials of our safety program and that is looking after yourself and your workmates.

This caused driver confusion and increased traffic flow creating a greater likelihood of a major accident occurring.

Glen Gordon identified the issue and called his supervisor to make arrangements for rectification of the situation by engaging a contract electrician. Glen also asked his supervisor to immediately deploy traffic controllers to manage the current traffic situation and potentially avoiding a serious incident occurring.

Glen took it upon himself to “STAND IN THE GAP” until the situation was controlled potentially saving a lot of people, and council, distress.

Spotter award

Spotted at the IS Safety Symposium If this is you in the picture, you were spotted attending the recent IS Safety Symposium.

Please call Sharnie Morton on 5420 8765 to claim your Spotters Award.

Greg has made a great recovery thanks to the quick thinking of Alan who “Stood In the Gap” for his workmate. Well done Alan.

To claim your U Matter awards please contact Sharnie Morton on 07 5420 8765.

Left: Alan Weir and Glenn Gordon

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A note from your Branch Manager one of hundreds of our roadwork sites in 2016 – sorry about that.

Craig Young Branch Manager Civil Asset Management

How time flies when you’re having fun! It’s hard to believe that it’s already been 2 months since I joined the CAM team and now Christmas is just around the corner.

As our teams prepare for the shut-down it’s a great time to reflect on the achievements for the year: from the completion of multi-year construction projects to the successful establishment and management of multi-million contracts, from the business case to increase our asset management budgets to keeping the billion dollar transport network maintained to a safe and enjoyable standard. It’s also a great time of the year to be mindful of all the other branches that we interact with and the community that we impact each and every day, so for anyone that’s been caught at

Passing on the baton After 45 years of local government service, John Jefferies has retired for a life of leisure, travelling, camping and fishing. John commenced as a labourer and after a few years progressed to operating various plant items including rollers, loader and grader. Following a few health issues, John took on a Ganger role before securing a Foreman position which he held for the past 25 years. John has certainly

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Commencing on 1 November, the Maintenance Delivery team implemented a functional realignment where crews are now grouped by work function e.g. drainage, lines and signs, bridges and boardwalks, sealed road repairs etc. The benefits of this approach mean that our services are now provided on a regionally consistent basis where crews will work outside of the traditional depot boundaries dependent on the network needs.

Our internal customers also benefit in now having a one stop shop for all maintenance requests thanks in large part due to the fantastic effort by the administration team and support businesses to make all our systems work together.

Following the staff satisfaction survey we ran a workshop to focus on areas for improvement within the Branch. With a group of volunteers we worked through a handful of the lower rating satisfaction results.

left his mark throughout the region constructing major road projects which included Maroochy Boulevard, Airport Entrance Road and Sippy Downs Drive.

John was also a leader who cared and mentored his staff including Jim O’Brien. With John’s guidance, Jim has progressed from his first role as a “nipper” 25 years ago to Ganger.

Jim was recently appointed to the Supervisor position following an extended period as Acting

Communication was identified as an area of major improvement for the branch, including between the various levels within the branch, between branches and with our customers. We have commenced identifying opportunities to improve, so please send through any innovative suggestions to help us.

One question I’ve been asked a bit is, “what’s it like coming back?” and I have to say I’m really enjoying the new SCC. The willingness of people to push the envelope, to try new ways of business to better meet the community’s needs is a brilliant outlook for our future, one I’m proud to be part of. On a personal note I’d like to thank everyone, old faces and new, for all the support in my transition into the new role.

As we head into the hot Qld summer remember it’s also storm season, so please take the necessary precautions and stay safe – if it’s flooded, forget it! Have a wonderful break and look forward to working with you all in 2017.

Supervisor on the $20M Evans St Project. We wish John all the best on his retirement and congratulations to Jim on his new role.

Civil Asset Management update

One door closing and another door opening Within the next few weeks Landsborough Depot will be closing its gates permanently and relocating to Roys Road in Beerwah where the depot is in its final stages of preparation.

Landsborough Depot has seen a lot of changes over the years, from a bustling hive of activity with 70+ staff responsible for a wide range of activities including

maintenance, construction, mechanical repairs, parks maintenance etc. to now with the consolidation of crews and advances in technology over the years approximately 30+ staff are now relocating to the Beerwah depot.

All the past staff who had a stint at Landsborough will have some interesting tales from years gone by, some humorous,

some sad and many memories of the unbelievable camaraderie between staff.

Thank you to all those staff past and present who have called this depot “my workplace�.

Today, as we close the door to the past, we also open the door to the future, take a deep breath and step on through to start the next chapter.

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A note from your Branch manager

Chris Allan, Branch Manager, Environmental Operations

Hard to believe that the festive season is upon us again and as the Christmas lights are being switched on across the coast, it’s a good time to reflect on all that we have achieved so far this financial year.

Once again, the Environmental Operations branch have been hard at it with various triumphs and challenges along the way, including: • Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve Rainforest Discovery Centre Work on the new building continues apace as we aim for completion by February 2017.

Invitations will shortly be going out for a ceremony to be held on 3 March 2017 which will see the official opening of the new world class Rainforest Discovery Centre at Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve.

• 2016 Fire Management Programme Council’s fire management staff completed another successful planned burn program this year.

Nine burns were completed covering an area of approximately 60 hectares in locations that included Lake Weyba, Peachester, Currimundi and Ninderry. SCC crews also worked in partnership with three local Rural Fire Brigades to complete a complex burn on Mt Ninderry which included 16 adjoining private properties.

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• Illegal Tree Clearing

• Marine Clean Up

Sadly, this quarter has seen EO’s Natural Areas team (in conjunction with Response Services) having to respond to an increasing number of unapproved vegetation clearing incidents within council’s conservation reserve estate. Over the last ten months the three more serious and extensive incidents have included the Lake Weyba Bushland Reserve, Crohamhurst Ecological Reserve and, most recently, Tanawha Tall Gums Reserve adjacent to the Bushland Botanic Gardens. In what is becoming a concern, many of these most recent occasions have involved the use of heavy plant in the clearing of native trees.

EO’s coastal team recently helped to coordinate a ‘beach clean-up’ project that saw a number of volunteer groups and individuals coming together to help clean up our beaches and remove harmful rubbish and marine debris from two sites, namely Mudjimba beach front, and North Shore Road beach front in Twin Waters.

The project was a resounding success and highlighted the enthusiasm and commitment of our local schools and community groups. Watch this space for further marine clean-up projects going forward as this is definitely something that is gathering momentum around the region.

Whilst an earlier incident that occurred within the Bokarina Foreshore Reserve was successfully prosecuted in the local courts, the recent events are currently under investigation with council’s Response Services and with the relevant State Government agency.

Finally, my thanks go out to all EO staff for their hard work, dedication and passion, this shines through in everything that you undertake.

I would also like to take this opportunity to wish the entire Infrastructure Services Department a very safe and happy Christmas and New Year. I look forward to engaging with you all during 2017.

Environmental Operations update

Mountain Bike Trails Rolling Ahead at Sugar Bag Road Since the State handed over the town reserve to council in late 2015, Environmental Ops has been committed to formalising and embracing the community’s desire to keep an interesting bike trail close to Caloundra town centre. Here are some highlights from the past 12 months of the mountain bike trail development that has taken place at the site: • Statistics indicate that between 12,000 to 15,000 rides per year are taking place on the more popular trails.

• Council signed a MOU earlier this year with the Caloundra Off-Road Cycling Association (CORCA) to assist with trail maintenance.

• Council has already attracted 1,017 hours of volunteer time on site during this calendar year alone; conservatively this could be valued at over $30k of donated time.

• Actions that CORCA has already undertaken in conjunction with council include: - all trails have been refreshed during the past few months to meet International Mountain Bicycling Association standards - maintenance of the timber features on the trails has begun with a number of them being reworked to meet new construction standards - two trailer loads of rubbish were removed from the reserve on ‘Clean Up Australia Day’, and - the reserve was used to host the main mountain bike event at the recent Australian Police & Emergency Services Games in October.

By far the main development at the site has been the growth in use by a range of users, from families with

small children to older riders keen for a new challenge. People can be seen there every day and at all times.

Whether you’re new to mountain biking or an old hand, do yourself a favour and check out this great trail that’s just 10 minutes from the Caloundra office. Kurt Martin, Recreation Trail Activation Officer is always happy to show people around the trails before work, just drop by and see him or call 0438 651 158.

Pumicestone Passage Seagrass Habitat Did you know we have Seagrass habitat in the Pumicestone Passage?

The Pumicestone Passage is recognised as having international and national significance and as such council was requested by the state and federal government to map seagrass communities since 2011. As surveyed in 2015, the Pumicestone Passage contained 11.5 hectares of seagrass habitat with a variety of seagrass meadows.

Seagrass beds are often the most productive communities in nature, forming meadows in estuaries and shallow coastal waters with sandy or muddy bottoms.

Seagrasses, such as those found

in Pumicestone Passage, are important breeding and feeding grounds for large numbers of fish and invertebrate species, and provide a critical food source for dugongs and turtles. These areas provide important functions in our waterways including carbon and nutrient sinks, water and sediment filters.

Seagrass may look like some seaweeds but is actually quite different. In reproduction, it bears flowers, fruits, and seeds just like many terrestrial species that live on land. Their leaves support an array of seaweeds and tiny filterfeeding animals, and they help to keep the water clear. Animals such as the pictured Idiosepius paradoxus (Northern Pygmy

squid), have been identified in the Pumicestone Passage and shelter in the seagrass beds.

Mapping surveys have been carried out in 2011, 2014, 2015 and 2016 and it would appear that seagrass communities in the Pumicestone Passage generally appear to have changed little over the last two decades. If you’d like the full version of this article prepared by Michele Jackson in our Coastal Constructed Water Bodies & Planning team please email coastalandcanals@ sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au.

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A note from your Branch manager

Kev Jones, Branch Manager, Fleet and Quarry Services

Fleet and Quarry Services staff joined with the rest of IS to attend the Safety Symposium on 23 November to hear the important safety messages delivered by Shane, Mike, Andrew and other staff.

This was a great reminder to us all to not take shortcuts with safety, in particular with plant and equipment.

We are undertaking a trail of an

electronic plant pre-start process via Cintellate which should remove the need for paper books in trucks and plant items. More information on this will be provided next year.

As we reach the halfway point of the financial year we have spent over half of our capital program with a number of major assets on order.

These include a grader, 2 x large maintenance rollers, 2 x dedicated water trucks, a road maintenance truck and 2 x reel mowers. We have also submitted specifications to Civil Asset Management and Parks and Gardens to lease replacements for 28 job trucks.

While most of our staff will be enjoying a well-earned break over the Christmas period, we will have a skeleton staff in the Fleet office to assist with maintenance and breakdowns and external hire.

Please note that the Fabrication team will be unavailable between 26/12/16 and 6/1/17 and the quarry will close between Christmas and New Year.

Enjoy your Christmas break and remember to stay safe, especially if you are travelling to visit family and friends.

Parks and Gardens charging ahead Following a query from the Coolum Parks & Gardens crew about the availability and suitability of battery powered small plant items, a demonstration day was organised at Lions Park, Fishermans Road. The demonstration was attended by Parks and Gardens staff from Coolum, Maroochydore and Nambour depots and allowed staff to trial battery powered items including chainsaws, polesaws, hedgers, pole hedgers, hand held blowers, brushcutters and a push mower. While these items weigh about the same as a standard two-stroke model, the reduced noise and zero emissions provide greater comfort for the operator. The reduced noise was evident when members of the public using the park were not interrupted by more than six machines working at the same time.

Fleet has already received requests to replace existing two-stoke assets with the battery powered versions. We will continue to offer these battery powered units as an option when further assets fall due for replacement. A similar demonstration day is planned for Caloundra and Landsborough based staff in January 2017.

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Fleet and Quarry Services update

Fatal Five As another year draws to a close and our attention is drawn to Christmas holidays it is important that we continue to keep safety as our number one priority. For those of you travelling during the break please ensure you consider the Fatal Five while on the road. These are: • Don’t drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs • Be aware of driver fatigue and take regular breaks and change drivers where possible • Pay attention while driving and don’t allow mobile phones to distract you from the road • Slow down and follow the speed limit – better to arrive 5 minutes late than not at all

• Ensure that all occupants of the vehicle are correctly retrained by a seat belt – for children under 7 this means the correct style of child restraint to suit their age Fact sheets on the Fatal Five can be found on the Queensland Police website at www.police.qld.gov. au/EventsandAlerts/campaigns/ fatalfive.htm.

Some other tips to consider include turning off your cruise control when driving in wet conditions and ensuring that items being towed such as trailers, boats and caravans are correctly connected and secured prior to travel.

Quarry Update Continuing with the safety message, the Quarry is currently sitting at 551 days Lost Time Incident free as at the end of November.

This is especially impressive considering the increase in asphalt supply to the reseal program. During November 9,600T of asphalt have been supplied which is equivalent to 53% of our production for 2016/17 (17,899T total production). 3,874T of road base and other materials were sold during November, the bulk of this being 2.5 road base.

We currently have ample stockpiles of 2.1, 2.3 and 2.5 road base as well as rhyolite products available for supply.

An alternate to 7mm and 10mm basalt for drainage applications is 16mm basalt which is readily available in significant quantities.

With the Christmas break looming, December and January are expected to be smaller than normal months with regards to supply. With a full month of supply in February 2017 we are hoping to break the magic 10,000T of asphalt supplied.

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A note from your Branch manager

Mark Presswell, Branch Manager, Parks and Gardens

Firstly I would like to thank all the staff involved in the Dicky Beach storm clean up. The quantum of work was significant and I congratulate you on both the speed and expertise with which the task was completed.

In some instances, as with the trees growing in the centre median of Beerburrum Street, it is obvious that the trees had not been planted properly in the first instance.

Obviously more excavation beyond the compacted road base was required.

Our new structural changes in the Parks & Gardens management area are now complete, with the Business and Technical unit established under the guidance of Nick Coluccio.

This new unit will be a driver for appropriate change, improvement of function and refinement of business practices.

I would like to congratulate Kristi Howe on her appointment as Coordinator Parks Operations & Contracts. It is very pleasing to have someone rise through the ranks to become a manager at this level.

I would also like to congratulate Kerrie White and her team on winning the IPWEA awards last month for Nambour Youth Activity Precinct and RSL War memorial and for Jack Morgan Park. Such awards are a testament to the quality of our design staff and the thought

and expertise that goes into each project. Congratulations Clayton Farmer and Tennille Docherty!

From all accounts this summer is going to be a hot one. I would remind all staff of the dangers of heat stroke. Please ensure you are amply hydrated and are taking appropriate rest breaks. Large shade hats are mandatory.

Finally I want to thank you all for your ongoing commitment and all your hard work. Your efforts continue to make the Sunshine Coast region a place of attraction for tourists and visitors and a haven for residents. I wish you and your families the very best for a joyous Christmas season and best of luck in the New Year.

Mark

Parks Horticultural Trainee For trainee Bailey Boreham, Christmas has come early in the form of a full time position with the Sunshine Coast Council.

Council received 574 applications for the latest Traineeship program (including 109 applications for the Trainee Horticultural position), Bailey successfully secured a traineeship and began working with Parks & Gardens in March 2016.

During Bailey’s traineeship he has developed skills in landscape/ mowing maintenance, horticulture, arboriculture and sports turf management practices.

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Bailey learns quickly and has always led the pack in his horticultural studies, his training assessor sighting him as “one of the best students I have ever had”.

Bailey has consistently brought a capable positive and energetic attitude to his work which he recently displayed during an interview for a permanent role within Parks & Gardens, to which he has now been successfully appointed.

Congratulations Bailey, keep up the great work!

Parks and Gardens update

Sunshine Coast achieves excellence in public works Sunshine Coast Council have taken out three accolades at this year’s Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia, Queensland (IPWEAQ) Excellence Awards.

The awards, which have been running since 2002, recognise councils and individuals who have demonstrated best practice and innovation in public works projects across Queensland.

Sunshine Coast Council collected awards for both innovation in public works and design and construction of a public works project under $2 million.

The team took out the Innovation Award for the Nambour Youth Activity Precinct (including RSL Memorial) under the design management of Mark Presswell, Kerrie White, Clare Staines and Clayton Farmer, and the construction management of Tom Jamieson, Peter Osborne and Neale Kurtz & Mitch Carolan. The involvement of Rhys Pollett, Amanda Wiggs at the front end of the project regarding site selection processes and confirmation, along with preliminary concept development should also be noted.

The Nambour Youth Activity Precinct project has resulted in an under utilised site identified to

be developed as a car-park being transformed into a significant community asset. The Nambour Youth Activity Precinct and District Skate Park is a modern urban street plaza with a twist. Themed and characterized by industrial relics from Nambour’s rich European heritage, the project hosts a memorial that cleverly integrates the untold stories of the local heroes from World Wars One and Two. The second win for the evening was the Under $2 million Innovation Award for Jack Morgan Park at Coolum upgrade under the design management of Mark Presswell, Kerrie White, Clare Staines, Tennille Docherty, Jesse Bampton and Darren Meredith and construction management of Tom Jamieson, Peter Osborne and Stephen Porter.

We also had fabulous support from Community Services with Helen Szabo leading the charge with community liaison.

Designed to revitalise an underutilised precinct of Coolum the $1.3 million Jack Morgan Park Upgrade resulted in a new civic centre, library, child care centre, community centre additional parking facilities, landscaping improvements and an increase in green space.

The hat trick of the evening was being awarded the Overall Winner for the Nambour Youth Activity Precinct (including RSL Memorial).

A great result and continuing success on the back of Andrew Ryan’s Award last year (Engineer of the Year).

A total of 15 awards were presented at the gala dinner and awards ceremony held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre where 400 of the state’s leading authorities on engineering gathered for the three day conference.

Dicky Beach Precinct Plan The Dicky Beach Precinct Plan was endorsed by council at the November Ordinary Meeting. The development of the plan was in response to the partial removal of the SS Dicky wreck in 2015. The plan identifies key cultural heritage features to be incorporated within the precinct – including a hull-shaped viewing platform and seating inspired by barnacles.

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A note from your Branch manager

Tom Jamieson, Branch Manager, Project Delivery

Another Christmas is almost upon us and unbelievably the year is almost half-way through.

Everyone is working so hard and my thanks go to all for their efforts so far. I hope everyone gets a well-earned break over the holidays.

In the Branch we are introducing two programs in 2017 as a result of your feedback from the Climate Survey, to address the issue of career development and overall health and well-being.

The first is a program to assist with Sustaining Peak Performance: training and learning, which is focussed on developing and enhancing project management capabilities. The second, in line with council’s Fresh Program, is a series of events targeting health and wellbeing. Stay tuned for more details.

I also wish to congratulate everyone who received a CEO Excellent Award recently. Adam Stewart, Employee of the Year, a fantastic achievement, but one I know Adam would acknowledge is due to the support of the team, and in particular from Chris Sturgess and Russell Higgins.

To Hela Warden, Chris Campbell, Selina Harper, Damian Drouyn,

Gary Taylor, David Greenwood, Tanya Peters and Jessica Joyce, congratulations for their outstanding work in the creation and development of the PMO. As we saw at the last Capital Works Review Meeting, PMO has transformed the organisations visibility of all of its capital projects. For sure there are things to improve, but within a year, we have introduced, which no other council has, a complete, real time, line of sight from cradle to handover of every capital project. Great achievement one and all.

Have an outstanding Christmas everyone, and I wish you all the very best for 2017.

Stay safe.

Tom

Eumundi Skate Park – renewal upgrade Asset renewal works have now been completed at Eumundi Skate Park. Completed work includes a new shade structure, improved access with new entrance stairs, concrete footpath and

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landscape work. The entry walls are designed for skating which is a new element for skaters to test their level of skill. Construction work was overseen by Mark Knight in the Recreation Unit and

was delivered in readiness for the up and coming holiday season.

The upgrade is part of council’s Skate Park and BMX Strategy and was undertaken in partnership with park users.

Project Delivery update

Evans Street Upgrade completed ahead of schedule’ Construction of the $20 million Evans Street Upgrade is on track for early completion with an official opening ceremony scheduled for Thursday 15 December 2016.

The upgrade will deliver significant benefits to the local community including increased road safety, improved traffic flow, pedestrian and cyclist connectivity, and streetscape beautification elements.

Originally forecasted to be complete in February 2017, this key infrastructure upgrade in the heart of Maroochydore’s CBD has been managed by Paul Rickert with a council site-based crew of 20.

During peak construction periods during 2015 and 2016, the total number of workers on site including contractors ranged up to 54.

Importantly, the work will improve access to the new Maroochydore City Centre, including the expanded Sunshine Plaza, and will significantly improve access and the visual amenity for local residents and businesses.

Work has involved duplicating the original two-lane Evans Street configuration to a four-lane arterial road between Maroochydore Road and Plaza Parade. The original roundabout at Millwell Road has been upgraded to a signalised intersection, and the existing intersections at School Road, Plaza Parade and Maroochydore Road have been expanded to incorporate the duplicated Evans Street carriageway.

New pedestrian paths, cycle lanes and landscaping treatments, including entry statements at the Plaza Parade and Maroochydore Road intersections, have been installed.

The project also involved the successful management of the endangered Tusk Frog that was identified in Trail Park prior to construction. The project team utilised the State Government approved species management plan for the project and engaged qualified ecologists during construction to ensure that work was completed with the least impact on the Tusked Frog.

Evans St Upgrade Facts and Figures • 11,300 m3 earthworks • 6,100m3 of pavement material • 22,300 m2 bitumen seals • 3,100 tonne asphalt • 742 linear meters culverts • 42 gully pits • 2474 linear meters kerb • 350 Lm 500 dia water main • 9134 Lm Energex conduit • 11000 Lm Telstra conduit • 20,485 plants installed

The local community were consulted about the upgrade during the design phase in 2014, and regular communication continued throughout the construction phase.

Over 5,000 construction notifications were issued during the 18-month construction period, advising the community of night work, traffic realignments, changed pedestrian movements, landscaping work and service upgrades.

Asset Management Information System Update

Motorists have already been enjoying the benefits of the upgrade for the last few months, with additional lanes and features opened for use as early as possible. This has helped relieve congestion along Evans Street and surrounding roads, confirmed by positive feedback from residents and businesses.

• change management & communication

The early completion date has been achieved by undertaking additional working hours, efficient construction staging and favourable construction weather.

Council is thrilled to deliver this project ahead of schedule and on budget to the Sunshine Coast community.

The Asset Management Information System (AMIS) project is in full swing, with tenders being received. The team is currently going through the evaluation process as well as a lot of “behind the scenes” work, looking at:

• data migration/conversion • “As Is” business process mapping • risk analysis From a Capital Planning perspective, the development of the 2017/18 ten year Capital Program has begun with a presentation to councillors and executive team. Program staff are now putting together scoping and bid documentation aiming for a 13 January deadline.

Members of the Asset Management and Capital Planning Team will then meet with individual councillors, starting 16 January 2017.

Heads Up / Summer 2016 / Page 15

Smart Cities team grows At the beginning of November, the Smart Cities team, led by Michael Whereat, was joined by Jacqui Gray who returned to her native SE QLD after 16 years living and working overseas in Japan and the UK. Exciting time to come on board as the Bulcock Street streetscaping is almost done and that means the next stage, installation of council’s own fibre optic network, can commence. Combined with purpose built smart poles, catenary lighting and public Wifi access points, Bulcock Street is on track to become Australia’s first Smart City Urban Testing and Demonstration Facility. The positive feedback from local residents and

Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve Building Renewal Construction milestones continue to fall on the building renewal project at Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve in Maleny. Hutchinson Builders have reached 70% completion ahead of schedule and the Guymer Bailey Architects designed building is really taking shape. The café’s commercial kitchen, cool room and fireplace are well under way. Work is also advanced on the outdoor learning facility, maintenance and storage shed, meeting theatrette and the first floor viewing platform. Offices and amenities are being built to accommodate the council staff and the fantastic volunteers who dedicate their time to the Reserve. Landscaping is about to kick off and the elevated boardwalk is also nearing completion. The Rainforest Discovery Centre will incorporate a combination of traditional interactive displays, multi-sensory experiences, augmented reality interactives, a movie pod and exhibits that will be change seasonally to encourage repeat visitation. Mitch Carolan and the Project Team promise to deliver a world class building which will offer an exceptional visitor experience by using smart technology and capitalising on the Reserves’ unique environmental assets.

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business owners who have come into the Smart Centre and are excited about how council’s Smart initiatives are putting the Sunshine Coast on the map has been great to see.

In addition to looking after the Smart Centre, Jacqui will be supporting Michael in delivering the Smart Cities Program. Please pop in to the Smart Centre at 63 Bulcock St from Monday to Friday, 10am - 3pm to introduce yourself and see how innovative technologies are making our region smarter, improving the quality of life for residents and stimulating economic growth sustainably.

Transport Infrastructure Management update

A note from your Branch manager

John Clarke, Branch Manager, Transport Infrastructure Manageemnt

As another calendar year comes to an end, like many people, I reflect on how quickly the year has seemingly past.

But with deeper reflection, I recognise that a lot has happened, a lot has been achieved and that perhaps the year hasn’t just flown by …we have used our time wisely to continue delivery of a huge array of great services to the residents and visitors of the Sunshine Coast.

We have also had a few changes in staff, nine friends have moved on to seek new challenges (or retire) and we have welcomed 14 new faces, as well as some agency staff have assisted us for varying short periods.

I am sure that everyone has their own opinion on our most significant achievement. To remind you of some of our accomplishments, staff from TIM Branch have been entirely, or heavily, involved in the following during 2016: • Adoption of the Master Plan for the revitalisation of Mooloolaba • Overseeing the development of the concept design for the revitalisation of Mooloolaba foreshore • 53 designs completed internally by the designers • 15 designs overseen by external consultants • Hannah Richardson and Victor Mantilla both achieved their RPEQ

registration, Tynan Morrison successfully completed an Associate Degree of Engineer and Andrew Priest completed his Bachelor of Engineering (Honours). Well done to all in achieving their professional goals • Initial changes to some Units, including Unit Name, some position title changes, and minor changes in organisational structure.

• Achieving 75% completion of the 2016/17 forward design program by 30 June 2016, and the Design Unit is working toward completion of the 2017/18 and 2018/19 design program by 30 June 2017.

This great achievement will allow for time to plan the project delivery and the development of a more accurate estimate to deliver the project.

• Significant time by many people to assist in the implementation of EDDIE, Assetic and PMO. • The development of documentation to assist with the identification and scoping of new capital projects in each of the 13 sub-programs TIM is responsible for.

• Development of council’s first Electrical Reticulation Guide document.

• Up to the end of November: - The completion of nearly 3000 customer requests.

- The handling of nearly 900 requests for new or repair of lights in streets and parks.

- Responding to over 1200 Land Activity Notices submitted by various telecommunication companies.

- Overseeing the data capture on the condition of 19 km of underground stormwater pipes.

- Assisting with nearly $1million of relining of council’s stormwater pipes.

• Providing various technical advice and assistance to the Maroochydore City Central Project and the Smart City team.

• Identifying and correcting 5 significant emergent drainage failures, valued at around $325,000.

• Huge improvement in cycling participation events organised by TIM Travel Smart staff: - Ride to School Day had nearly 2,000 student ride to school, an incredible 51% increase from 2015, and - Ride To Work Day saw an amazing increase of around 100% participation • Around 250 survey projects were undertaken involving the TIM surveyors, of which nearly onequarter were construction related.

I am sure you will agree the above list is very impressive and reflects the significant quantum and diversity of work undertaken by TIM staff.

I extend to all TIM Branch staff my gratitude for their endeavours and contribution in the delivery of a vast array of services during 2016. I also extend to everyone my personal best wishes for a safe and relaxing festive season, and hope to see you returning in 2017 ready for another exciting and challenging year.

Heads Up / Summer 2016 / Page 17

Transport Infrastructure Management update

Design Services At the recent IPWEAQ Excellence Awards for 2016, Sunshine Coast Council won the Award for Excellence for a Project under $2 million category. During the design phase an additional 500m² (that was once roadway) was utilised to create a Library forecourt area, Civic Centre Plaza area, additional parkland and an improved pathway network through the site. A multi-

Stormwater Management Andrew Priest from the Stormwater Management Team has recently completed a Bachelor of Engineering, with Honours, from the University of Southern Queensland, and is pictured holding his Deans Commendation award.

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disciplined team was established early in the project’s life with a schedule of regular meetings staged between the team, enabling consistent communication and a timeline to be followed with project issues resolved in a succinct, collaborative manner.

Rather than outsource all work to external contractors, council utilised

TravelSmart TravelSmart will be doing their best to keep the kids active during the Christmas holidays with the delivery of some Children’s Intermediate Cycling Workshops in various locations.

These locations aim to target school suburbs, whilst providing participants with the skills and road safety knowledge to prepare them for their trip to and from school. A great way for them to get active and get familiar with their local pathways. Full details and registration on council’s website

internal resources and expertise for the Civil and Landscape Architecture Design and Project Management roles, This approach saved council and the community a significant amount of project planning time as well as financial resources as well as reducing the during of the project and resultant construction impacts.

Transport Infrastructure Management update

Traffic and Transportation

Shirlene Yee Yet

Sharon Beattie

Our Traffic and Transport Team delivery of traffic & transport has two new staff members solutions across the region. starting in December 2016. Firstly, Secondly, Communications our new Traffic & Transportation and Community Engagement Coordinator – Shirlene Yee Yet. Officer – Sharon Beattie. Sharon Shirlene is currently working as has been recently working with a team leader in the traffic area Transport & Main Roads in the at Gold Coast Council and has area of community engagement been working in various traffic and project communications. She and transportation roles for has over 20 years of experience councils in three states since in both public and private sector 2002. She is very experienced Funding Oppor tunity One community consultation and in working with residents The Palmwoods Stairwayand stakeholder engagement, and will councillors to achieve an effective addSquare a newwilland skill to the The entry stairway from Main Street to the new Town be avital unique gateway outcome.

I know that Shirlene experience, blending the stairs with an heritage inspired art installation. Features include team. will make significant positive stained glassaartworks inspired by the windows of Palmwoods heritage buildings, framed in a structure that draws inspiration from the history of the local railway. contribution to leading the Traffic & Transportation team in the

Fund The A

Key ele craftsp lighting

Funding Opportunity Two The Artful Town Square

n Square will be a unique gateway Key elements of the town square will be designed and fabricated by local artists and Place Making ired art installation.

Features include craftspeople. Items may include bespoke seats, benches, tables, shelters, balustrades, almwoods heritage buildings, framed in a lighting, sculptures. Final details will be developed with the community and Council. e local railway. The Palmwoods Streetscape Project (PLACE MAKING PALMWOODS - THE NEW TOWN SQUARE) was successfully approved for a grant application to the Heritage Bank. The Palmwoods Heritage Community Branch announced this November that they will contribute an additional $75,000 towards one of the creative opportunities within the project. this is a stained glass detail from a The Bank was impressed by the local heritage building, able to be collaborative design process that designed into the entry staircase Council is following to deliver The New Town Square. Council is working with the local community to give some of the great Opportunity for contribution = $75,000 creative talent in the local area (estimated total cost = $150,000) an opportunity to build feature elements within the site.

Oppo

PLACE MAKING PALMWOODS - T FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE this is a stained glass detail from a local heritage building, able to be designed into the entry staircase

Heads Up / Summer 2016 / Page 19

Waste and Resources Management update

A note from your Branch manager

John Hogg, Branch Manager, Waste and Resources Management

Welcome to Let’s Talk Rubbish Well its coming up to that time of year again when we are all looking at winding down for a well- earned Christmas break, a special time spent with our loved ones.

Not to mention the man in the big red suit making a visit down the chimney chute… for those that have one in the Sunshine State.

It has been another big year for Waste and Resources Management Branch rolling out exceptional customer service 365 days a year.

The Disposals team have welcomed 410,000 customers through the waste facilities during 2016.

Not to be outdone the Collections team also operating at a high level

of servicing over 200,000 bins each week! 52 weeks a year.

The admin staff keep us in line dealing with CRM’s and liaising with commercial customers and ensuring that extra waste collection services are in place to cater for the tourist season demand.

Thanks WRM team on your great work in 2016.

Merry Christmas to you and your families.

John

Where does your WASTE go?

Have you ever wondered what happens to your rubbish after your wheelie bin gets emptied into the garbage truck?

You probably went to the ‘dump’ as a kid with dad a couple of times a year and just saw piles of rubbish waiting to be buried.

Well, I can guarantee you the story these day is a whole lot different to what you saw back then.

The waste collection vehicle, when full, drives to the landfill and empties its contents into a hole in the ground. Here a large compactor machine drives over it, covers it with soil and it is hopefully never seen again.That was the simplified, condensed version.

In order to be able to place rubbish into a hole in the ground these days a number of environmental factors must first

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be met.

Firstly, Council must find a suitably large parcel of land that meets the relevant financial, physical, geological and environmental factors which make it suitable as a landfill. Council must then undertake a suite of environmental assessments relevant to the proposed landfilling activity and the associated impact on receiving environments. A Development Application must then be submitted to the State Government seeking approval for the appropriate licences to be issued that will enable council to operate the site as a Landfill.

Development Approval conditions are likely to include a commitment that Council will design and construct a series of specially engineered ‘double lined’ landfill cells that will be used to bury the waste on the following basis: • The base of each cell must

be sealed with a densely compacted clay liner.

• A high density ‘water tight’ plastic liner will be formed and moulded on top of the clay liner.

- The ‘double lined’ base of the cell prevents contaminated liquid (leachate) that is generated from decomposing waste being released off site where it could otherwise contaminate receiving surface waters or groundwater.

• Above the double liner, a leachate collection system comprising of a drainage medium (gravel) and a series of pipes will be installed to collect liquid (leachate).

• The ‘double liner’ is to be covered with a geofabric layer designed to keep solid waste out of the leachate collection system.

• Leachate that drains to the bottom of the cell is collected

Waste and Resources Management update

and transferred to holding tanks on site. From there it is trickle fed to sewer where it is treated and eventually released as clean water.

Once the double liner is fully installed and all associated Quality Assurance and Environmental Approvals are in place, the cell is ready to be filled with waste. To maximise efficient use of the available airspace in each cell, waste is deposited in a series of ‘lifts’ and is compacted to a density of 1,000 kg per cubic metre.

There are two landfill cells currently being constructed. The larger of the two is ‘Cell 10’ at the Caloundra Landfill. The cell covers an area of approximately 16,000 square metres and represents a $3 million plus undertaking.

Waste and Resource Management also arrange bi-annual landfill survey fly overs to ascertain the volume of ‘airspace’ consumed compared against the amount of waste deposited. This process is undertaken to determine exactly how much airspace is remaining and when we need to commence

planning design and construction of future landfill cells.

This is a shortened version of the process from vacant land to landfill and as you can tell, the technology and science behind a simple ‘dump’ has come a long way in the last few decades.

The design and planning of landfills and their individual cells is a full time job managed by a small team of professionals based in the Eddie De Vere building in Nambour.

Heads Up / Summer 2016 / Page 21

Safety Symposium

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Safety Symposium

Heads Up / Summer 2016 / Page 23

61907 12/16.

www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au mail@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au T 07 5475 7272  F 07 5475 7277 Locked Bag 72 Sunshine Coast Mail Centre Qld 4560