Live.Explore.Grow Christmas 2021

Christmas 2021 TOWNSVILLE MAYOR’S MESSAGE

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MESSAGE FROM OUR COUNCILLORS

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BRINGING CHRISTMAS TOGETHER

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SUPPORT LOCAL THIS CHRISTMAS

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RECYCLE RIGHT

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COUNCIL PROJECTS

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WET SEASON PREPARATION

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LIFESTYLE

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#TOWNSVILLESHINES

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DECEMBER 2021

Contents

Contact

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Visit Customer Service Centre 103 Walker Street, Townsville 8am - 5pm, Monday to Friday (closed public holidays) Phone 13 48 10 Email enquiries@townsville.qld.gov.au Online (live chat) townsville.qld.gov.au Post PO Box 1268, Townsville QLD 4810 Fax 07 4727 9050

Acknowledgement of Country Townsville City Council acknowledges the Wulgurukaba of Gurambilbarra and Yunbenun, Bindal, Gugu Badhun and Nywaigi as the Traditional Owners of this land. We pay our respects to their cultures, their ancestors and their Elders, past and present - and all future generations.

Townsville City Council advises that all content is correct at time of printing. All information is subject to change without notice.

Townsville City Council © 2021

Get mobile with iCouncil or Snap Send Solve, download through the app store.

Townsville City Council is proud to be a White Ribbon accredited organisation.

MAYOR’S MESSAGE One of the best gifts you can give yourself and your loved ones this Christmas is to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. As Queensland continues to open up as vaccination rates rise, we must not become complacent. If you are not fully vaccinated, I strongly encourage you to get the vaccine at participating GPs, pharmacies or the Woodman Court Vaccination Hub.

Keep up-todate with what’s happening in Townsville!

Receive news on Council projects, community events and more.

SUBSCRIBE SCAN CODE OR VISIT TOWNSVILLE.QLD.GOV.AU K ENEWS

Despite the continuing impact of COVID-19, Townsville was thrust onto the national and international stage in 2021 as a city capable and worthy of hosting truly world-class events. These events ranged from the Council’s very own North Australian Festival of Arts and Ephemera: Seaside Sculptures to international rugby union, rugby league finals, State of Origin and a Supercars Championship double-header.

While Christmas should be a happy time of year, for some it can also be one of the toughest. For those in a position to help I encourage you to support our local community through the Mayor’s Christmas Appeal. This year you can donate by visiting mayorschristmasappeal.com.au where your donation will put food on the table for a family or individual in need this Christmas.

I hope the Festive Season provides some time for you to take a break and enjoy the company of those special to you. If you are travelling, please stay safe on our roads, and I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year.

Jenny Hill

Mayor of Townsville

Locals Helping Locals.

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What can you give?

Donate Now.

Donate Now. mayorschristmasappeal.com.au

MESSAGES FROM OUR COUNCILLORS

Cr Margie Ryder Division 1

Cr Sue Blom Division 2

Cr Ann-Maree Greaney Division 3

There is nothing like the Festive Season to bring everybody together, but for some people it can be a particularly difficult and lonely time. Please take time this holiday season to connect with your family and friends. Have a safe and relaxing Christmas and I hope 2022 brings you health, peace and prosperity.

Another year has gone past and we are still learning to live with COVID-19.

I hope the year has been good for you and your family, and you are looking forward to a rest at Christmas. From my family to yours, I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year. Bring on 2022, and let’s hope it is a safe and prosperous one for all.

It seems like 2021 has flown by and I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very happy, safe and joyous Festive Season. As a community, we have weathered the challenges the year has thrown at us and I would like to thank you for your ongoing support as we continue to deliver for Townsville.

We live, work and play in such a great city! Enjoy the Festive Season with your loved ones. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from my family to yours – bring on 2022!

Remember my door is always open, and I am always happy to meet for a chat.

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Cr Mark Molachino Division 4

Cr Russ Cook Division 5

Cr Suzy Batkovic Division 6

As 2021 comes to an end it’s always a great time to reflect on what our city has achieved in the last 12 months.

I would like to wish all the residents of Townsville, their families and friends a safe, joyous and memorable time this Christmas. Make more loving memories during this time and for those who cannot be with family during this period I wish you a safe return to loved ones when you are able to.

With the Festive Season approaching, I would like to thank our wonderful community for your support this year and I look forward to meeting many more of you in 2022. From my family to yours, I wish you Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

There have been many positives, from upgrading major infrastructure throughout the city, to hosting State of Origin Game 1 and The Rugby Championships in Townsville. I am very excited to see what 2022 has in store for our great city. Thank you for your ongoing support. I look forward to working with you all next year, and I wish you all a wonderful and safe Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Cr Kurt Rehbein Division 7

Cr Maurie Soars Division 8

It is hard to believe we are at the end of the year again. It has been great meeting residents, schools, sports clubs and businesses, and hearing of your successes, struggles and suggestions. I’m proud to be able to deliver upgrades to the Bayswater Road turning lane and the long-awaited street lights and footpaths, along with the Angus Avenue roundabout in Heatley.

Amongst other projects, we have also seen the reconstruction of roads that were affected in the 2019 monsoon. We are an awesome community and I wish you all the best for Christmas 2021 and a Happy New Year.

Congratulations Townsville, you have shown Australia and the world what a fantastic place we live in and what we can do with national and international events. With that effort, we can look forward to 2022 with confidence even in these uncertain times. As we head into the Festive Season, please take time to reflect on your achievements, recharge your batteries and connect with your family and friends. From my family to yours, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year - and I look forward to catching up with you in 2022.

Townsville City Council invites you to participate and have your say on a range of projects and initiatives in our community.

Your feedback will contribute to shaping our city, and guide Council on decision making and planning for the future. haveyoursay.townsville.qld.gov.au

We’ve Gone Digital!

Cr Liam Mooney Division 9 Well, that went fast! 2021 has been another big year for Townsville. A few lockdowns here, a wet season that didn’t know when it finished, the first-ever regional State of Origin and so much more. Townsville, you are punching well above your weight, and I love every second of it. Thank you to the community for all the incredible support, and let’s continue to see our little corner of the earth thrive. I hope you have an amazing holiday season and a wonderfully Merry Christmas!

Cr Fran O’Callaghan Division 10 I wish the Townsville community a happy and safe Festive Season.

Residents can now receive updates straight to their inbox.

Divisional News Updates contain the latest information on Council works, projects and opportunities in your area.

To subscribe visit townsville. qld.gov.au/councillor-profiles, select your local Councillor and complete the online form.

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Christmas

I N N T H E C I T Y SA T U R DA Y 4 D E C E MBE R F R O M 5 . 3 0 PM OFFICI AL TURNING ON OF THE LIGHTS LIVE AND ROVING ENTERTAINMENT SANTA PHOTOS POP UP OUTDOOR CINEM A SANTA’S WORKSHOP PROVIDING FREE ARTS AND CRAF TS AUGMENTED CHRISTM AS CARD M AKING

1 – 31 DE C EMBE R TIME RESTRICTIONS STILL APPLY

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R I V E R W A Y O VA L

PRE-SHOW 5PM 1RAR BAND LOCAL PERFORMERS AND A SPECIAL VISIT FROM SANTA!

AUSLAN INTERPRETATION

M AGNE TIC ISL AND, RIVERWAY & THE STRAND

THURSDAY 31 DECEMBER

7 For more information on Council’s family-friendly initiatives visit

townsville.qld.gov.au/christmastogether

SUPPORT LOCAL

Shop Local this Christmas Christmas is just around the corner and for those who are yet to battle the carparks and big shopping centres in a frantic last-minute, all-night shopping trip, why not check out a local business or save the date for one of our upcoming community markets for that special gift. Buying local means the money stays local, the jobs stay local, and you support the success of a local homegrown business or start-up. Every time we choose to support local, we increase our options for shopping, working, playing and eating. By making the choice this Christmas to shop local you will help our community and local businesses grow.

Head to our Support Local page to find a list of local Townsville businesses you can support this Christmas.

TO READ MORE SCAN CODE OR VISIT TOWNSVILLE.QLD.GOV.AU K SUPPORT LOCAL

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Let’s Get Active and Healthy!

Beat the Heat

Read and Be Challenged!

Summer is a great time to get outdoors and enjoy one or more of Council’s 372 parks, 203 playgrounds, 21 off-leash dog parks, three world-class botanical gardens or five pools.

Did you know Council has five swimming pools open across Townsville to keep you and the family cool this summer? Now in summer hours, all pools are open for you to beat the North Queensland heat.

Children and families can test themselves by reading books and completing challenges as part of the Summer Reading Club. Join us online or by visiting your local Townsville CityLibraries branch!

✓ Tobruk Memorial Baths

CityLibraries remain open over the Festive Season and all fully airconditioned facilities provide endless school holiday activities.

Visit activetownsville.com.au to see the many opportunities available to improve your health, and more importantly find ways to get out and move. With more than 300 days of sunshine, don’t forget to slip, slop and slap and stay sun safe while enjoying the region’s open spaces and activities.

For more information, visit activetownsville.com.au

✓ Long Tan Memorial Pool ✓ Kokoda Memorial Pool ✓ Northern Beaches Leisure Centre ✓ Riverway Lagoons For more information, visit townsville.qld.gov.au search pools

Check out CityLibraries Townsville on Facebook for upcoming events.

For more information, visit townsville.qld.gov.au/libraries

SAVE THE DATE: NAFA IS BACK IN 2022 10 JUNE TO 10 JULY 2022 NAFA-TSV.COM.AU

RECYCLE

Recycle Right Did you know Townsville residents recycle approximately 12,500 tonnes every year through Council’s kerbside recycling scheme?

As we head into the holiday season, a time of year when we get together with friends and loved ones, we tend to generate a lot more rubbish than usual.

These include items like wrapping paper and napkins, disposable plastics, glass bottles and steel or aluminium cans.

You can do simple things at home during the holiday season to keep your household waste to a minimum.

Keep it: › Simple (items like hard plastics, containers, steel and aluminium cans, paper, and cardboard). Recycle these items by putting them in your recycling yellow lid bin › Loose (don’t box or bag your recyclables) › Clean (give items a quick rinse before recycling › Nappies, general waste, and fabrics do not belong in your yellow lid bin) › Safe (no hazardous or harmful items).

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Keep out: › Christmas lights (no wire, rope, or cord) › Plastic bags and soft plastic packets (no bread bags or lolly and chip packets) › Seafood and leftovers (no food or garden waste) › Unused Christmas crackers and bonbons.

Remember, recyclables should never be bagged and should be free from food and other contaminants, broken glass, and hazardous material.

You can find a handy A-Z Guide to Waste and Recycling at townsville.qld.gov.au.

At home, you can also: › Go reusable and reduce your use of single-use items (i.e., plastic bags, disposable coffee cups). › Recycle and compost. Consider composting all those leftover food scraps and use the contents for an at-home fertiliser.

TO READ MORE SCAN CODE OR VISIT TOWNSVILLE.QLD.GOV.AU K RECYCLE RIGHT

RESOURCE RECOVERY

Go For FOGO Townsville City Council and the Queensland Government have launched a trial organics collection service. As part of this trial, around 1,500 households across Townsville have received either a new Food Organics Garden Organics (FOGO) bin or Garden Organics (GO) bin.

The trial aims to reduce the amount of organic material being sent to landfill and help achieve Council’s goal of zero waste to landfill by 2030. Currently, 32 to 46% of the average Townsville general waste red lid bin is made up of this organic material. This valuable material can be converted to compost or used to improve soil health.

The roll-out of the Food Organics Garden Organics (FOGO) / Garden Organics (GO) bins is an action outlined in the Australian Government’s National Waste Policy. The Australian Government have set an action to introduce FOGO and/or GO collection services to households and businesses by the end of 2023. The diversion of organic material from landfill is also supported in the Queensland Government’s Waste Management and Resource Recovery Strategy.

TO READ MORE SCAN CODE OR VISIT TOWNSVILLE.QLD.GOV.AU K FOGO

Bin Audits How well do you know your waste?

Throughout the year, Townsville Waste Services carry out regular audits of kerbside general waste and recycling bins to help track patterns of household waste diversion to improve Council’s ongoing education to the community around recycling.

Some of the most recent audits this year have revealed: › Overall, Townsville residents are utilising their recycling yellow lid bins in the right way.

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28.3% of red lid general waste bins had items inside that belong in the yellow lid recycling bin. Around 15 eligible containers per household per week were eligible for return under the Container Refund Scheme.

Between 2019 and 2021, there has been a 17% increase in recyclable items placed in the general waste red lid bin instead of the recycling yellow lid bin. The main culprits are scrap metals and glass.

Lets’ get our waste sorted and recycle right.

S E O G T A H W W O N K U O Y O D IN THE YELLOW LID BIN?

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E T H G I L R C S ’ T Y E L REC

townsville.qld.gov.au

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COUNCIL PROJECTS

Castle Hill Connection

Rediscover Palmetum

Construction of a new walking trail connecting Castle Hill to the central business district is now complete.

Townsville’s iconic Palmetum is now more accessible to more people.

The $1.24 million Castle Hill Connection features a new walkway linking the existing public carpark located at the western end of Walker Street to Jones Street Reservoir located above ‘The Cutting’ carpark.

Work finished earlier this year to improve the pathways, accessibility and irrigation across the 17-hectare botanical garden.

This section features permanent lighting so it can be enjoyed during the day or at night. From this location there is also a new track connecting to the existing Maidenhair Track and on to the Goat Track.

This project received grant funding from the Australian Government.

TO READ MORE SCAN CODE OR VISIT TOWNSVILLE.QLD.GOV.AU K WALKER ST CONNECTION

Nelly Bay Pedestrian Link Construction of the Nelly Bay Pedestrian Link is now underway.

With over 300 days of sunshine a year and an eco-tourism paradise, Magnetic Island is the ideal place to explore on foot.

The Nelly Bay Pedestrian Link will enhance both visitors’ and residents’ experience on Magnetic Island by better connecting Nelly Bay and Picnic Bay. This new walkway is expected to be completed by end of December 2021.

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This project is jointly funded by the Queensland Government and Townsville City Council.

TO READ MORE SCAN CODE OR VISIT TOWNSVILLE.QLD.GOV.AU K NELLY BAY PEDESTRIAN

The upgrades also saw the re-opening of the garden’s café, Tumbetin Lodge.

The work has helped to future-proof the garden and its array of plants for decades to come.

The Palmetum is one of three world-class botanical gardens in Townsville ready to explore.

FOR MORE INFO SCAN CODE OR VISIT TOWNSVILLE.QLD.GOV.AU K REDISCOVER PALMETUM

COUNCIL PROJECTS

Southern Suburbs Rising Main The third and final stage of the Southern Suburbs Rising Main is in construction.

The project will relieve pressure on the sewerage network and cater for future growth in Townsville’s southern suburbs. Council committed $13 million to stage three in the 2021/22 Budget, which includes construction of a new wastewater pump station, gravity main and pressure main in Wulguru.

The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2022, with a total investment of approximately $54 million.

TO READ MORE SCAN CODE OR VISIT TOWNSVILLE.QLD.GOV.AU K SOUTHERN SUBURBS

Lab Expands Services Blood cells from the Atlantic Horseshoe Crab are helping Council’s laboratory detect for the presence of endotoxins in the water.

Magnetic Island Tip Shop

Townsville Laboratory Services has expanded its range of services to include the Limulus Amoebocyte Lysate method of testing.

More than 13 tonnes of waste has been saved from landfill since the opening of the Magnetic Island Tip Shop last year.

The method is used to test for endotoxins in water used for dialysis, rinsing of clinical and surgical equipment and testing products that may be administered to people.

The Magnetic Island Tip Shop is one of three tip shops around the Townsville region.

The shops are a Council initiative to reduce the amount of rubbish going its Waste Transfer Stations as it works towards its Corporate Plan goal of zero landfill by 2030.

Council’s laboratory is the only one in North Queensland that can provide this method of testing.

FOR MORE INFO SCAN CODE OR VISIT TOWNSVILLE.QLD.GOV.AU K WATER TESTING

Sustainable Destination Townsville is one of five Australian locations to be named as a top green destination.

The region joined the likes of the Daintree, Falkland Islands, Kyoto City and Alberta as one of 2021’s Global Top 100 Sustainable Destinations by global certification group Green Destinations.

The criteria for being listed as a Top 100 Destination include meeting 30 certified sustainability standards across a range of categories and the addition of a Top Quality Story demonstrating sustainability efforts in the region.

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COUNCIL PROJECTS

Townsville Water Update New Water Clarifiers

Initiatives to Minimise Algal Blooms

$27.5 million is being invested to construct two new water clarifiers at the Douglas Water Treatment Plant.

These clarifiers will enhance the facility’s capacity to produce clean, healthy drinking water for the city.

Blue-green algae is a common issue in waterways right across Australia. As we shift into summer, our warm and tropical North Queensland climate can increase the potential for algal blooms to develop. Several new initiatives to minimise algal blooms have been rolled out across Townsville’s water system.

Clarifiers are part of the filtration process raw water from the dam goes through before being treated to the highest possible standard.

This project doubles the number of clarifiers at Douglas Water Treatment Plant, increasing treatment capacity during the wet season by 90 megalitres per day and reducing the likelihood of drinking water issues caused by algal blooms, including blue green algae.

Construction is now underway and is expected to by completed by mid 2022.

Townsville’s population is expected to reach 200,000 people in 2022 and with all the positive developments on the horizon, this investment at Douglas Water Treatment Plant will ensure we can continue to meet the demand for clean, healthy drinking water in Townsville as it grows.

Algal blooms can produce toxins and taste-and-odour compounds that can impact rivers, creeks, reservoirs, urban lakes and lagoons.

Council has: › Commenced construction of two new clarifiers at the Douglas Water Treatment Plant, due for completion in 2022 › Installed Powdered Activated Carbon dosing › Installed aerators at the Ross River Dam › Installed new onsite analysers at Ross River Dam and Douglas Water Treatment Plant › Added pre-chlorination to all modules at Douglas Water Treatment Plant.

These projects help reduce the impact of algal blooms during the raw water treatment process and allow council to continue to produce water that meets the drinking quality standards.

TO READ MORE SCAN CODE OR VISIT TOWNSVILLE.QLD.GOV.AU K WATER CLARIFIERS

Council is investing in Magnetic Island’s future.

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Constructing and maintaining infrastructure built for our community, that will entice investment to this connected and sustainable destination driven by lifestyle and nature. townsville.qld.gov.au

TO LEARN MORE SCAN CODE OR VISIT TOWNSVILLE.QLD.GOV.AU K BLUE GREEN ALGAE

EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS Emergency Calls

000

State Emergency Service (SES) Tarping/branches down

13 25 00

Queensland Police Service Policelink (non life-threatening calls)

000 13 14 44

Queensland Ambulance Service Queensland Ambulance Service (non life-threatening calls)

000 13 12 33

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services

Are you DISASTER ready?

Townsville City Council 13 48 10 Emergency after hours, flood information, Dengue outbreaks, sun safety information Townsville Local Disaster Management Group 1800 738 541 Disaster Coordination Centre (only activated during declared emergencies) Disaster Dashboard

disaster.townsville.qld.gov.au

Ergon Energy Loss of supply and emergencies Origin Energy Natural gas and LPG emergencies (leaks only) North Regional Gas LPG emergencies

Like the rest of the world, Townsville has been hit hard again this year by COVID-19, but this doesn’t stop natural disasters from happening. You still need to be prepared.

Emergency services may not always be able to reach you. Emergency services will be focused on assisting the most vulnerable in the community during an event. You need to be prepared to stay in your home or evacuate for at least three days.

13 16 70 1800 808 526 4774 5111

Telstra

13 22 03

Optus

13 13 44

Townsville Hospital and Health Service

When it comes to extreme weather events in North Queensland, it’s not a matter of ‘if’ but ‘when’.

000

4433 1111

Department of Transport and Main Roads Road closures

13 19 40

Translating and Interpreting Service

13 14 50

Veterinary Emergency Centre and Hospital

4781 3600

EMERGENCY KIT CHECKLIST This kit should contain the provisions for your essential needs in the event of an emergency, whether you are sheltering in place or evacuating.

It is also handy to have a basic tool kit, extra supplies and a portable cooker.

Prepare for a disaster well before one is even on its way. Organise your emergency plan, prepare your emergency kit, and know where you are going to evacuate to if needed.

Get your COVID-19 vaccination to keep yourself and your loved ones safe. Scan the QR code on the front page to book your vaccine now.

Make sure you are disaster ready this wet season.

Cyclones and floods may be part of life in the north, but we must not become complacent.

Essential medications

Fresh water for three days

Important documents and cash in sealed bags

First aid kit

Torch

Batteries

Portable radio

Sturdy gloves

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Visit disaster.townsville.qld.gov.au for reliable information.

Keep up-to-date with handy tips and alerts before, during and after disaster events. Scan the QR code below.

Mobile phone and charger/car adapter

Toiletries

Three days’ worth of Face masks, hand non-perishable food sanitiser and and a can opener sanitising wipes

WET SEASON CALENDAR NOVEMBER-MARCH SWITCH OFF YOUR IRRIGATION DURING THE WET SEASON.

November

December

It is the beginning of the wet season with rain and humidity returning this month.

Townsville soils typically get enough more than enough rain from December to March.

Switch off your irrigation and let the rain do the heavy lifting.

Listen to your lawn. Only water if the leaves have curled or wilted in the late afternoon.

January

February

March

January is hot, humid and wet and is the peak of the mowing season.

February is typically the wettest month of the year.

It is often very humid with rapid lawn growth.

Start training your lawn for the dry season with deep, infrequent watering for stronger roots.

Avoid high water wastage by turning off automatic systems during rain.

Check and repair your irrigation for leaks and blockages.

Let your soil breathe and use a catcher on your mower to avoid grass clumps choking your yard.

Scan here for more watering and lawn care tips.

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townsville.qld.gov.au

WET SEASON PREPARATION Protect Your Family from Mosquitoes this Wet Season As we enter the wet season, the chance of king tides increases. King tides, along with rain, can cause high numbers of saltmarsh mosquitoes to hatch. Saltmarsh mosquitoes are aggressive biters, and their activity usually peaks around dawn and dusk.

Council has a program for controlling mosquito breeding on State and Council-owned land. Residents must take measures to ensure mosquito breeding does not take place in their backyards.

Control the mosquitoes and you will control the disease: › Cover up when outside by wearing long and loose-fitting clothing › Use repellent › Light mosquito coils › Check your backyard for any items that hold water and empty them to prevent the spread of mosquito-borne diseases.

FOR MORE INFO SCAN CODE OR VISIT TOWNSVILLE.QLD.GOV.AU K MOSQUITOES

Grass Growth During the Wet Season

Train your lawn to be tough during summer

As the weather heats up Townsville grass grows faster and requires more frequent mowing.

Did you know more than 70% of Townsville’s water is used on residential lawns and gardens?

The best time to mow Try mowing in the late afternoon or early evening.

This will allow your lawn to get about 12 hours of shade, keeping moisture in the roots and giving it time to recover before the sun comes out Should I mow when it’s wet?

No. It’s best to hold off mowing if your grass has been watered, has morning dew or it has just rained.

Wet grass is more likely to cause uneven mowing, clump up and block much needed sunlight and spread disease by the lawnmower.

How much to remove?

Aim to cut no more than 1/3 of the grass height each time you mow. This will help reduce heat stress and encourage room growth.

Take care of yourself Drink plenty of water and keep hydrated, take regular breaks when needed and dress for the job with sturdy shoes, sun-safe clothing, ear protection, a hat, glasses and sunscreen.

Townsville residents love their lawns and take great pride in keeping them luscious and green.

You can train your lawn to be tough and handle periods of heat and water stress.

From September to December is when your lawn training efforts pay off, with water loss from evaporation at its highest.

Grow strong roots and build a more resilient lawn by making some water-wise changes to your yard care.

TO LEARN MORE SCAN CODE OR VISIT TOWNSVILLE.QLD.GOV.AU K LAWN CARE

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LIFESTYLE

Pet Safety at Christmas Keep your pet safe this Christmas by following our tips! › Be careful not to overindulge your pet with rich foods such as Christmas ham or table scraps. › Some foods may lead to an upset stomach, diarrhoea or pancreatitis, which can be a life-threatening condition.

Fatty foods are also not good for your pet. › Certain herbs have essential oils that can cause upset stomachs and central nervous system depression if a dog eats them in large quantities. › Crowds, boisterous children, and loud noises can be

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stressful to your pets. Provide a quiet place with a familiar blanket and freshwater for your pets to retreat to for some time-out when festivities get too stressful.

Holiday lights look good but mean more electrical cords are around for kittens and puppies to chew on. Be sure you have your cords secured and out of the way of sharp teeth and claws to prevent accidental electrocution.

To prevent accidents, make sure your tree is well secured if you have a tree-climbing cat or curious dog.

Contact your vet if your pet becomes unwell or injured.

Pets and Warm Weather

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Heatstroke is dangerous – and can even be deadly. Learn how to protect your dog or cat from overheating during the summer months. Take the following precautions to help keep your pet cool: › Use pet sunscreen or protective clothing – do not use human sunscreen, as some of the ingredients can be toxic to pets. › Ensure pets have access to shade, ventilation and fresh drinking water. For pets that often tip over their water bowl, choose one made of heavy material (e.g, ceramic) and provide more than one source of water. › Bring pets into air conditioning on extremely hot days, and/or provide covered shelter outside. › Provide access to water for cooling off in the shade, like a dog wading pool, or a wet towel to lie on – always supervise animals in a wading pool. › If exercise is one of your New Year resolutions, make sure you consider your dog during exercising and climbing

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Townsville’s walking tracks. Exercise with your dog in the cooler times of the day, either early in the morning or late in the afternoon to prevent heat exhaustion.

Hot pavement and bitumen can burn paws, just like our own bare feet. Do not leave your pets in the back of utes without shade and never leave your pet locked in a car unattended.

It can take less than six minutes for your dog or cat to die if left inside an unventilated car. Even with windows left open, the temperature inside a car quickly rises, and heat exhaustion and death become real dangers. Never leave your pet unattended in a hot car, and always take a water container for your animal to prevent dehydration.

TO LEARN MORE SCAN CODE OR VISIT TOWNSVILLE.QLD.GOV.AU K KEEP PETS COOL

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