City Update August 2014

august 2014

City Update The latest events, news, reports and happenings in your city

Budget Edition

Inside... >> Budget at a glance >> Where your rates go >> Launch of city-wide security >> Energy Transformation Townsville

cityinformation

From the Mayor What an incredible time to be living in our city.

Recognised as a future economic force in Australia at the Northern Development Summit in June, Townsville is on its way to claiming the title of the second capital of Queensland.

While the federal and state governments have talked up their commitment to our future growth, what we really need is investment in infrastructure that will support new business, industry and jobs for the future.

Locally, council is leading by example, delivering a $575.74 million city budget - $215 million of this will be spent with local suppliers delivering council capital works, maintenance and infrastructure projects, and a further $147 million injected into the city through wages for 1713 local employees.

The most important part of this budget – we have

SPOTLIGHT

on Townsville Parking meter upgrade Parking meters in Townsville’s CBD are being upgraded to take new generation payWave credit cards. The upgrades will ensure machines can accommodate the new cards when banks and financial institutions phase out chip-less cards. Townsville City Council will make the modifications to the city’s 130 parking meters over the next two months. Modifying the machines will provide people with the choice of the payWave option, as well as the traditional swipe method and payment by coins.

managed to achieve this outcome with a minimal 1.26% general rate and utility rise to residents, amongst the lowest in the state.

Townsville’s parks will continue to play a central role in supporting our vibrant lifestyle, with $42.3 million dedicated to the ongoing maintenance of 330 parks across the city, and another $4.7 million to be spent on local park renewals across 17 parks in the city, starting with the redevelopment of Sister Kenny Park on the Strand.

In addition, council’s partnership with Townsville Enterprise and leading accommodation industry partners in the newly established BidFund will, for the first time, see Townsville take a coordinated approach to attracting major events to the city and millions of dollars in potential economic activity.

Tai Chi in the Square Looking for a great way to start your day?

Why not try Tai Chi for Busy People, held every Wednesday and Friday morning from 6.30am–7.30am in Flinders Square. The new wellness program offers people a relaxing and healthy start to their day for only $10 a week and is a great addition to the exercise program in the CBD. When you finish, take a walk by the river or head to one of the local cafes and grab a healthy breakfast before taking on the day!

It seems only fitting that during this time of development and change, Townsville looks ahead to the celebration of the city’s 150th birthday in 2016.

Next year we will start the festivities with a big program of events to celebrate, and also to commemorate the centenary of the Gallipoli landing.

I look forward to exciting times to come in our great city.

Regards,

Cr Jenny Hill mayor@townsville.qld.gov.au

community and remember those who serve currently and in the past.

The 3rd Brigade forms a large part of the Townsville community with over 4,000 civilian and military personnel of the brigade calling Townsville home. The awarding of the Freedom of the City to the 3rd Brigade will occur on 30 August to coincide with the Brigade’s 100th birthday.

Freedom of Entry for 3rd Brigade Townsville will open the gates to the city for 3rd Brigade when they celebrate 100 years since the regiment was formed in 1914 this month. The event will recognise the contribution that 3rd Brigade makes to the

For more informat

ion go to

www.townsville.qld

.gov.au

Contacting your Councillors CR VERN VEITCH Deputy Mayor

CR PAT ERNST

CR COLLEEN DOYLE

E pat.ernst@townsville.qld.gov.au M 0418 279 351

E colleen.doyle@townsville.qld.gov.au M 0418 273 817

division 3

division 5

Smart City Sustainable Future Committee Chair

division 9

Sport, Recreation and Parks Committee Chair

CR SUZANNE BLOM

CR TREVOR ROBERTS

CR LES WALKER

E suzanne.blom@townsville.qld.gov.au M 0427 300 364

E trevor.roberts@townsville.qld.gov.au M 0488 426 074

E les.walker2@townsville.qld.gov.au M 0418 315 705

division 1

division 6

division 10

Community and Culture Committee Chair

Infrastructure Committee Chair

E vern.veitch@townsville.qld.gov.au M 0418 729 496

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CR TONY PARSONS

CR GARY EDDIEHAUSEN APM

E tony.parsons@townsville.qld.gov.au M 0419 642 265

E gary.eddiehausen@townsville.qld.gov.au M 0418 262 786

division 2

division 7

Planning and Development Committee Chair

Healthy and Safe City Committee Chair

CR JENNY LANE

CR RAY GARTRELL

E jenny.lane@townsville.qld.gov.au M 0417 726 699

E ray.gartrell@townsville.qld.gov.au M 0447 185 772

division 4

division 8

Governance and Finance Committee Chair

Townsville Waste and Water Committee Chair

TOWNSVILLE CITY COUNCIL CITY UPDATE >> AUGUST 2014

follow council online >>

Townsville Ticketshop Townsville City Council Events Townsville Disaster Information Perc Tucker Regional Gallery Pinnacles Gallery CityLibraries Townsville

@TCC_News @TownsvilleLib @TCC_PercTucker @TCC_Pinnacles

ourcityourfuture

Council launches

city-wide security strategy Council has launched a new security strategy that uses real-time communication to provide a rapid response to anti-social behaviour.

Areas within the coverage include the CBD, the Strand, Riverway, Garbutt Operations Centre, Black Weir, Thuringowa Library and Jezzine Barracks. Additional cameras have been funded in this year’s council budget for Riverway, the Strand and Flinders Street.

The strategy commenced on 1 July and includes 24-hour monitoring of more than 120 networked CCTV cameras located across the city, around-the-clock community response patrol vehicles and direct communication with the Queensland Police Service.

MSS Security Pty Ltd has been contracted to operate the CCTV monitoring, the operation of a community response service vehicle, and security at events and council buildings.

As part of the new strategy, council has undertaken a major upgrade of the city’s networked CCTV cameras to increase coverage and switch to the newer and clearer digital technology.

The 123 camera network includes 31 PTZ high definition cameras which offer high standard pictures and broader surveillance capability with greater zoom and coverage.

Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill with Cr Gary Eddiehausen and the new community response vehicle.

ENERGY TRANSFORMATION TOWNSVILLE Council is determined to lead by example when it comes to energy efficiency.

Implementing innovative energy conservation measures in our buildings and outdoor areas saves money and benefits the environment.

Council buildings rank amongst the most energy efficient in Townsville.

Rigorous technical reviews and energy audits of council sites have led to energy conservations measures being implemented at council’s Dalrymple Road Depot,

Garbutt Operations Centre and Tony Ireland Stadium.

Outdoor pathway lighting is currently being upgraded with energy efficient, aesthetically pleasing LEDs at the Strand Park and Tony Ireland Riverway Precincts.

Council is implementing an Enterprise Energy Management System to uncover hidden patterns of energy usage in all of its buildings, leading the way to unprecedented energy efficiencies in Townsville.

Our goal is to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions from council operations and activities respectively.

TOWNSVILLE CITY COUNCIL CITY UPDATE >> AUGUST 2014

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councilworks

Southern Suburbs

Pump Station and Pressure Main The southern suburbs will get new sewerage nt infrastruc ture to alleviate pressure on the curre system.

The Diversion Pump Station and Pressure Main Project will help free up the Western Outf all pressure main so it can handle increased flows during wet weather. hern Stage one includes constructing the new Sout while on, Stati Pump rage Suburbs Diversion Sewe to stage two will continue the sewer pressure main .

Plant ment Treat rage the Cleveland Bay Sewe

Blakeys Crossing Blakeys Crossing remains closed to traffic as floodproofing work continues, and will re-open when the project is completed at the end of 2014.

Piling and deck installations are almost complete at the Pee Wee Creek and Louisa Creek bridges, and crews are prepar ing to excavate Ingham Road near Blakey Street to install an overflow culvert .

Paving and sealing of the service road in front of Ashbar Constr uctions Pty Ltd and Caravan Mart has been completed, with asphalting and line marking scheduled later.

The project has been funded by the State Government, with works contrac ted to BMD Constr uctions throug h the council.

Howitt Street

Upgrade

A major stormwater upgrade will begin in Nor th Ward shortly. phase Council is currently wrapping up the desig n ion truct of the Ryan Street tidal barrier with cons tidal the Once expected to commence in late Augu st. and t Stree barrier is complete, work on the How itt Mitchell Street inter section can begin. ade to The work s are part of a major $7 million upgr been has h whic area impr ove the water system in the s storm g durin ing flood know n to experience low-level in the past . remain Prec autionary traff ic cont rol measures will ing exist the ct prote to t Stree in place along How itt ns. begi ion truct cons drainage system before

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TOWNSVILLE CITY COUNCIL CITY UPDATE >> AUGUST 2014

Magnetic Island

Transfer Station The detailed design work for the upcoming Magnetic Island Transfer Station development has almost been completed.

Meanw hile, the state application process for the project is underw ay and expected to be finished soon. Once this process has been completed, council will be publicl y calling for tender s for construction of the facility which is due to commence late in 2014.

Arts Awards Nominations

Like it, nominate it - NQ Arts Awards 2015 The search is on again for North Queensland’s best arts, culture and entertainment talent for the prestigious North Queensland Arts Awards 2015.

With less than 10 months to go, residents are encouraged to nominate their favourite professional or nonprofessional individual, organisation, event or production that has made a contribution to the cultural development of the region in 2014/15.

Neighbours Party Kit AN EASY GUIDE TO ORGANISING A NEIGHBOURHOOD PART Y

The nomination process this year is as simple as 1,2,3 taking less than 20 seconds to fill in. Keep an eye out for nomination boxes at your local gallery, theatre, library and major events or alternatively nominate online at council’s website.

The Inclusive Community Advisory Committee of Townsville City Council 2014

Neighbours Party Kit How well do you know your neighbours? Well enough to ask to borrow a spade or an extra large saucepan?

For many in our community the answer would be “no.” Recently the Inclusive Community Advisory Committee launched the Townsville Region Neighbours Party Kit. This publication was developed as a way for the community to increase opportunities to connect with others, learn about our neighbours and build relationships in a way that is fun, safe and proactive.

The kit has an easy step-by-step guide to organising a neighbourhood party and offers hints and tips on how you can plan a get together that will provide opportunities to get to know your neighbours. The kit includes tools, templates and checklists and is available electronically at www.townsville.qld.gov.au.

TOWNSVILLE CITY COUNCIL CITY UPDATE >> AUGUST 2014

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2014/2015

at a glan ce Total budget >> $575.74 million Capital budget >> $191.85 million rate charge s breakd own:

Dear residents, I have delivered a This year, my fellow councillor s and rise of 1.26% or $0.79 budget with an overall average rate state. We have done per week, one of the lowest in the rities – maintaining this by focusing on the city ’s prio sewerage infr ast ruc ture expenditure on roads, water and provide stimulus for the to suppor t the city ’s growth and g the community ’s local economy, while understandin needs for easing the costs of living. saving up front from Ratepayer s will also receive a $20 removal of the car bon their waste utility charge due to the is more comple x – tax . The impact on general rates t saving s we receive from council will be documenting wha full flow on to the the repeal of the tax to ensure the community from the repeal.

Regards,

Cr Jenny Hill Mayor of Townsville

wh er e yo ur rate s go

For every $100 of your rates, council range of services:

$20.03 $16.96

Social and Cultural Experiences

$6.64 $5.53 $3.36

major project s >> Blakeys Crossing upgrade completion >> $5 million (Federal funding) upgrade Townsville Entertainment Convention Centre >> $7 million CBD Utilities Upgrade replacing inner-city water, sewerage infrastructure >> $3.14 million for on-shore works for $25 million Townsville Recreational Boating Park >> $6 million construction of the Magnetic Island waste transfer station >> Commencement of Dalrymple Rd Bohle River Crossing

$575 .74m

Managing our City ’s Wastewater Open Spaces and Park s Managem

ent

Waste and Recycling Services Planning a Better City

Employee and Contract labour

Drain and Stor mwater

Materials and Services

$118.84m

Depreciation

$108.25m $22.95m

$131.25m

$1.72

Protecting our Environment

Finance Costs

$1.16

Beach and Coastal Care

Other

$2.59m

Capex

$191.85m

total $100 6

>> $36m capital projects on local roads including reconstruction, reseals and overlays of 129 streets >> $53.32m Roads and Transport Management and maintenance including pot hole repairs, footpaths, traffic signals, bridge repairs >> $42.3m Parks and Open Space management including mowing, upkeep of 330 parks, Strand, Riverway, Jezzine and road verges >> $39.2m on wastewater network projects and upgrades

Better Roads for Townsville

Clean, Reliable Water

$11.99

budget highlig hts

counci l total budget

delivers a

$17.07 $15.53

1.26% overall rise in general rates, utilities (water/sewerage/waste). >> This is equivalent of $0.79 a week >> Nett general rates (after discount) $1349.34 up 2.86% >> Water standard allocation (772kl) $728 up 1.96% >> Sewerage charge $759.00 0% rise >> Waste $214 down 7.36%

TOWNSVILLE CITY COUNCIL CITY UPDATE >> AUGUST 2014

budget priorit y for roads, transport Local roads will benefit from a major focus on road projects in the 2014/15 City Budget.

“Council’s road crews will be busy again this year carrying out works on streets and roads in suburbs right across Townsville,” Infrastructure Committee chairman Cr Trevor Roberts said.

The roads capital works budget includes: >> Reconstruction of 37 streets and roads including North Beck Drive, Fardon Street, Mather Street, Angela Court, Allamanda Crescent, Eleventh Avenue, Hocking Road, and Goodsell Road. >> Reseals and overlays on 68 streets including Ingham Road, Bayswater Road, Dalrymple Road, Sir Leslie Thiess Drive, Golf Links Drive, Mitchell Street, Horseshoe Bay Road, Saunders Beach Road, Cape Cleveland Road, Rollingstone Street, Volk Road and Thunderbolt Drive.

Council’s maintenance of unsealed rural roads will also continue with $1.1 million set aside for re-gravelling and road shoulder improvements.

t150 celebrations The countdown is on for the party of the century-and-a-half after a funding boost for the city’s big birthday bash.

Almost $250,000 has been added to the events budget, which includes Townsville’s 150th birthday year where the city will come alive with celebrations to be held across the year.

The funding will also go towards next year’s ANZAC commemoration which marks the 100th anniversary of Australian and New Zealand troops’ deployment to the First World War.

keeping cit y’s parks ship-shape Townsville’s parks and open space network will continue to play a central role in the city’s outdoor lifestyle with big funding allocations in the city budget.

Headlining the parks budget is a $42.3 million maintenance budget for the upkeep of 330 parks, the Strand, Riverway, Jezzine, road verges, tree pruning and litter collection Barracks.

Sport, Recreation and Parks Committee chairman Cr Pat Ernst said the city’s parks were a key community asset and enjoyed by tens of thousands of residents every week.

“Townsville’s parks network is widely recognised as one of the best in regional Australia,” Cr Ernst said.

water, sewerage, stormwater Townsville’s water and sewerage systems will be getting a big boost with major capital works being given the green light.

“Keeping these parks up to a high standard takes an enormous amount of resources and I’m pleased this year’s budget is providing high levels of funding to get the job done.”

Find out more about the 2014/15 Budget on council’s website.

Major projects include constructing new reservoirs at Mount Louisa and West End, a booster pump main project at the Northern Beaches, refurbishment of existing reservoirs, and the new Southern Suburbs Pump Station and pressure main project, which will relieve pressure from the current waste water system.

On the other side of town, $7 million has been allocated to improve drainage in North Ward with the major reconstruction of Howitt Street’s underground stormwater drainage system.

Water billing... it’s

your choice

residential property owners can choose how they are billed for water.

Make your choice from 7 – 24 August 2014 standard plan >> Allocation of 772kL of water per year at a cost of $728 >> Charged in two equal parts over two consecutive Rates Notices >> Excess water will cost $2.79 per kilolitre

water watcher plan >> $332 service connection fee >> Charged in two equal parts over two consecutive Rates Notices >> Water consumption is $1.33 per kilolitre

how do i change my water billing option? www.townsville.qld.gov.au PLEASE NOTE: For authentication and to change your billing option you will need a copy of your last Rates Notice and identification.

TOWNSVILLE CITY COUNCIL CITY UPDATE >> AUGUST 2014

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experienceitlive

experience it www.townsville.qld.gov.au

Seniors Week Lifestyle Expo 20 August, 10am – 1pm townsville rsl stadium Make sure you get your full value of free seniors week activities and free goodies by attending the Seniors Week Lifestyle Expo. The expo attracts up to 90 exhibitors and will include a small presentation stage. Free tea and coffee will be supplied. Australian Hearing will be conducting free hearing screenings on the day. Registrations are not required to attend this event.

Live

Troy Emery: Wild Thing, 2010. Photo - Michael Myers.

Troy Emery: Into the wild 29 August – 19 October perc tucker regional gallery Troy Emery: into the wild is the 2014 Glencore Children’s Exhibition, and centres on the vibrant and engaging sculptures of Melbourne-based artist Troy Emery, which depict animals as we’ve never seen them before. Emery utilises a variety of soft sculpture materials and techniques akin to taxidermy, and explores the complex relationship between animals and humans.

> arts > culture > events

2014

La bohème 30 August, 2pm and 7.30pm townsville civic theatre The most romantic opera of all time, La bohème appeals to devotees and newcomers alike. Mimì’s love affair with the poet Rodolfo begins on a snowy Christmas Eve in Paris on the cusp of 1914, a year that changes the world forever. This intimate and revealing new production stars some of Queensland’s most exciting young singers as a group of rent-dodging flatmates living and loving precariously on the edge of society. Sung in Italian with projected English translations.

Entertainment in your inbox Keep up-to-date with the latest art, culture and event entertainment presented by Townsville City Council.

Sign up to our monthly e-newsletter.

Visit www.townsville.qld.gov.au and click ‘what’s on’

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Henry V

Cyclone Sunday

4 October, 8pm townsville civic theatre

2 November, 9am – 12pm strand park

It’s lonely at the top. When King Henry V is manipulated by church advisors, taunted by French royalty and betrayed by English nobles, he has all the ammunition he needs to lash out and invade France. Or does he? Damien Ryan’s courageous production of Henry V promises to be an unflinching examination of the questions that Shakespeare raises; about political spin, patriotism, religion, class, monarchy, brotherhood and how leaders respond during times of crisis.

Cyclone Sunday is a free community-awareness event for the public and new residents to Townsville. It informs the community on how to be ‘Cyclone Ready’ at the beginning of the cyclone season. Held in Strand Park there are predominately community and emergency organisations that have information available to assist residents prior to, during and after a cyclone. Bring the kids, bring the family and get prepared for cyclone season!

TOWNSVILLE CITY COUNCIL CITY UPDATE >> AUGUST 2014

City Backdate This photograph of the original Townsville fire station is one of the gems of the CityLibraries Local History collection. It is dated 1924, two years before the service moved into larger premises in Walker Street. This station was designed by local architect Walter Morris Eyre, former City Engineer and built in 1887 by Thomas Park for £1780. Mr Park was also a Council Alderman and committee member of the Master Builders Association. The hose tower was built

by W. Atkinson of Ross Island. To learn more about Townsville’s history, visit the Local History page on council’s website, or ‘like’ CityLibraries Townsville on Facebook.

Get active and healthy and meet new friends through council’s new, healthy lifestyle initiative – Get Active Townsville.

Get Active Townsville is about encouraging the Townsville community to get out and about in our fantastic city and participate in the many physical recreation opportunities that Townsville has to offer. This initiative showcases a range of activities to encourage the community to live a healthy lifestyle and aims to be inclusive with activities for a wide variety of ages, backgrounds, abilities, locations and interests in order to build a connected, engaged and active Townsville community. So why not live the life and get active Townsville!

Council is calling for submissions from physical recreation service providers and community groups to be involved in this new and exciting community-focused initiative. We want to identify what activities are occurring, when and where they are occurring and who they are designed for, to help encourage community involvement.

We want to hear from service providers and community groups that are keen to establish and deliver new physical recreation activities for the Townsville community and in doing so will support and promote activities that activate under-utilised spaces and facilities such as neighbourhood parks and emerging community hubs.

To submit an application to be a panel supplier for the GAT Initiative, email your interest to communityhealth@townsville. qld.gov.au. All applications received will be evaluated against criteria for eligibility.

Library to your inbox CityLibraries Townsville will soon be launching Learn Discover Connect Highlights, a monthly snapshot of library news and upcoming events.

The e-newsletter will follow a similar format to the Learn Discover Connect booklet, however you’ll be able to jump directly to bookings, websites, multimedia content and more. You’ll be first to hear about library news, including author visits, festivals and much more.

To subscribe, visit CityLibraries webpage.

Digitise it, preserve it, share it Come into CityLibraries on Flinders Street to experience the new regional digitisation centre.

Funded through a Creative Community Spaces grant from the State Library of Queensland, the space provides a range of scanning equipment to assist you in preserving your precious paper memories by creating a digital copy. There is a book scanner, a flat-bed scanner, a photograph, negative and slide scanner together with space to spread out and work on your digitisation project. Precious paper memories might include diaries, cookbooks, and family photographs, and in the centre you can digitise it, preserve it, and share it.

Recently the Local History team hosted a workshop for volunteers from local community groups and their volunteers for a workshop to understand how they might benefit by creating digital copies of their local history materials to ensure their preservation, and to make those materials available online to others.

All local history staff are trained in the use of the equipment and are available to assist you. It is best to make an appointment by: phoning 4727 9667 or emailing historyandheritage@townsville.qld.gov.au.

TOWNSVILLE CITY COUNCIL CITY UPDATE >> AUGUST 2014

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City-wide garage sale this October!

One big day of buying, selling... and old school social networking!

Garage Sale Trail is one day of garage sales all across Australia, aimed at reducing landfill and reusing household items, enabling community connections and inspiring creativity in the local community.

Mayor of Townsville, Cr Jenny Hill has welcomed the involvement of Townsville in Garage Sale Trail, a fun, creative and community-minded initiative now in its fourth year.

“Local households, schools and community groups are set to join over 300,000 Australians across the country on Saturday 25 October as part of Australia’s biggest garage sale,” Mayor Hill said.

“The campaign provides an opportunity to repurpose unwanted belongings, live more sustainably, connect with the community, and raise money by repurposing your unwanted goods,” she said.

Find treasures in your neighbourhood!

Mark Saturday 25 October in your calendar and prepare for Garage Sale Trail 2014.

Join in the fun by hosting your own garage sale or visiting some in your neighbourhood!

Australia’s fastest-growing sustainability and reuse event is a great chance to spring clean, declutter, make some money and meet the locals. To register a sale or see what’s on offer at local sales visit www.garag esaletrail.com.au.

National Water Week 2014!

19-25 October marks the 21st anniversary of National Water Week – an initiative celebrating our most precious resource. This year the theme is ‘Water Sources: There are more than you think!’ and is dedicated to raising awareness of our water sources, water treatment and conservation – especially during Townsville’s dry months.

Townsville City Council and Townsville Water are celebrating all things water including innovations that contribute to a sustainable water future. Visit our website to find out how you can get involved in local activities celebrating Water Week 2014.

Check out our website to see how you can get involved! >> Training Strong Lawns workshop and sprinkler swaps >> Sustainable House Open Day >> Optimising lawns and open spaces - Expert Forum >> Wastewater Treatment Plant Educational Tour >> Macro Invertebrate demonstration and wetland tour

National Recycling Week:

Monday 10 – Sunday 16 November 2014 Council will be conducting an audit of residential recycling behaviour in Townsville to benchmark recycling behaviour as we develop targeted campaigns for our local community. Stay tuned – results out during Recycling Week!

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TOWNSVILLE CITY COUNCIL CITY UPDATE >> AUGUST 2014

Council’s friendly recycling educator will be out and about spreading the word throughout recycling week. Visit our website in November to find out where you can catch one of these great demonstrations.

Do you know your mossies?

Just like different breeds of dogs, there are different types of mosquitos and not all of them carry the same diseases.

In Townsville there are a number of viruses that can be transmitted by mosquitoes with the most well-known being dengue fever.

Council focuses on controlling two types of mosquitoes, the Aedes Agypti which is a backyard breeder and the Aedes Vigilax which breeds in salt rash or tidal areas.

It is important to know the difference so you can take action in your own backyard.

Eliminate Dengue Townsville

Aedes Aegypti mosquito (Dengue mosquito)

Aedes Vigilax (Salt Marsh Mosquito)

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•

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Townsville is at the forefront of an international effort to reduce dengue.

Eliminate Dengue is researching methods for developing a natural and safe way to reduce the ability of mosquitoes to pass dengue between people. Research in Townsville will help to refine the method, paving the way to reducing the burden of this disease in dengue-endemic nations.

• •

The early stages of the research in Townsville will involve monitoring mosquitoes through a network of traps, to get an understanding of the local mosquito population.

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The Eliminate Dengue team will be on hand at the Seniors Lifestyle Expo at Townsville RSL Stadium on August 20 to share information and respond to any questions about research being conducted in Townsville.

DO YOU NEED A PERMIT? Most types of construction work require a ‘building permit’ or a ‘decision notice’ from a building certifier before construction can commence. This includes work for: • Swimming pools, outdoor spas and pool fences • Garden sheds, garages and lawn lockers • Decks • Shade sails • Patios, pergolas, carports, verandas • Shipping containers (long term use) • Retaining walls greater than 1m in height • Fences over 2m high • Detached signs higher than 2m or wider than 1.2m If you are thinking about doing any residential construction work, check if you need a permit before you start. For information contact council on 1300 878 001 or visit our website.

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The only mosquito that can carry the dengue fever virus Breeds in backyards in water holding containers (pots, tarps, gutters, palm fronds, toys, bird baths, tyres, bromeliads etc.)

Does not breed in grass or puddles Hides in cool dark places (under beds or lounges, behind cupboards) They are daytime biters and can be around any time The mosquito becomes infected by biting a human infected with the disease One mosquito can transmit the virus to a number of people Must be controlled by all residents by removing water holding containers regularly

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Breeds in puddles of water in tidal or coastal areas particularly after high tides or heavy rain Usually only come out at dawn and dusk Can carry diseases such as Ross River fever and Barmah Forrest virus Council treats problem areas at the onset of larval breeding to reduce mosquito numbers This mosquito can also transmit Ross River virus and breeds in freshwater areas such as grass drains or flood prone open park areas.

Personal protection measures such as repellents are recommended.

For more information visit council’s website, www.townsville.qld.gov.au.

BE A TOP TRADIE!

Who help s us fix the leak ing pipe , buil d a new fence or fit that new air con ditio ner? Our loca l tradies! One of the mos t imp orta nt part s of a tradie’s job is bein g resp onsible whe n on the job site and kno win g the local laws for ope ratin g safe ly.

tips: Noi

se - Building works can’t make audible noise on a Sunday or public holiday or at any time Monday to Saturday from 6.30pm to 6.30am. Devices like power tools must not be operated Monday to Saturday betw een 7pm and 7am, Sunday or public holidays between 7pm and 8am.

Clean bui

lding sites - A clean site is a safe site!

Council is responsible for investiga ting any work site incidents and can issue on-the-spot fines. Make sure sediment control measures are in plac e and you’re actively managing rubbish at the work site.

Parking - Do you have a current Commercial Vehicle Identification Label? This label mak es parking in commercial vehicle zones legal and helps you to avoid a parking fine. Normal road rules apply so leave areas clea r for residents to enter and exit their property and make sure there’s enough space for rubbish trucks and emergency vehi cles when parking large vehicles on the street.

TOWNSVILLE CITY COUNCIL CITY UPDATE >> AUGUST 2014

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togethertownsville CONTACT COUNCIL

Townsville City Council PO Box 1268 Townsville QLD 4810 1300 878 001 from 8am–5pm www.townsville.qld.gov.au

The Mayor’s Christmas Tree Appeal will officially launch in September with the aim of raising $100,000 for local families in need this Christmas.

The Appeal has been an annual fixture of Townsville’s Christmas calendar for over two decades and the major fundraiser for this year will be a Legends Luncheon and Charity Auction held at Jupiters Townsville on Friday 28 November 2014. Items up for grabs at the auction include a “money can’t buy” experience offered by the Defence Force, a Fender Telecaster guitar signed by Keith Urban, and paintings by Brad Blaze. Tickets for the luncheon go on sale in September through the Ticket Shop.

Do you have an item that you would like to donate for the Charity Auction? Visit www. townsville.qld.gov.au or contact council on 1300 878 001.

Solar Panels Reid Park Pit Building

TOWNSVILLE CITY COUNCIL CITY UPDATE >> AUGUST 2014

COUNCIL MEETINGS

>> 9am Tuesday 16 December

Horan and Bird installed the 10kw solar system in May last year. The system will produce an average of 16,425kw of useable energy each year, which over its lifetime equates to the equivalent carbon dioxide reduction as planting 1,450 trees.

>> Infrastructure Committee 9am Tuesday - 9 Sep, 14 Oct, 11 Nov

Horan and Bird Directors, John Horan and Scott Bird said that Horan and Bird were proud to be a Together Townsville City Partner.

Peter lives his dream

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Operating hours 8.30am–5pm Monday to Friday

Council is continually identifying opportunities for more effective and efficient operation of its facilities, and the installation of solar panels will assist in offsetting the ongoing electricity costs associated with the building at Reid Park.

Visit the Together Townsville page on council’s website for more information.

Peter was one of a number of local volunteers and charity workers selected for a DJR Hot Lap this year.

>> 9am Tuesday 26 August

The Together Townsville Program will continue to deliver these important initiatives that help make our community great.

Peter is a massive Dick Johnson fan and has attended every Townsville V8 race since its inception in 2009.

103 Walker Street, Townsville City 86 Thuringowa Drive, Thuringowa Central

Council’s Together Townsville partnership with Horan and Bird was showcased throughout the Townsville 500 race weekend, with images of the unique TSV shaped solar panel clearly visible through aerial promotion of the event.

“Supporting our local community has always been a critical part of Horan and Bird’s business plan, and always will be” Mr Horan said.

47-year old Peter Firth lived his lifelong dream at this year’s Castrol Townsville 500 with a fast and furious ‘Hot Lap’ with the Dick Johnson Racing team.

enquiries@townsville.qld.gov.au

He was chosen for his contribution to the Endeavour Foundation, where he has worked since leaving school, and for his amazing passion for the V8s.

The Hot Lap prizes and contributions to local charity groups were donated by Wingate Properties – a sponsor of the Townsville 500. Peter was nominated by Cootharinga North Queensland – a leading local organization supporting people with a disability.

>> 9am Tuesday 23 September >> 9am Tuesday 28 October >> 9am Tuesday 25 November

STANDING COMMITTEE MEETINGS

>> Planning and Development Committee 12pm Wednesday - 10 Sept, 15 Oct, 12 Nov >> Community and Cultural Committee 11.30am Thursday - 11 Sep, 16 Oct, 13 Nov >> Smart City Sustainable Future Committee 10am Thursday - 11 Sep, 16 Oct, 13 Nov >> Sports, Recreation and Parks Committee 11am Thursday - 11 Sep, 16 Oct, 13 Nov >> Healthy and Safe City Committee 9.30am Thursday - 11 Sep, 16 Oct, 13 Nov >> Governance and Finance Committee 9am Tuesday - 16 Sep, 21 Oct, 18 Nov >> Townsville Waste and Water Committee 11am Tuesday - 16 Sep, 21 Oct, 18 Nov