WDRC Community Update newsletter December 2011

community update Issue 7 – DECEMBER 2011

Mayor’s Christmas Message The past year has brought with it some exciting milestones and some unexpected challenges.

I am immensely proud of the positive work Council has done this year to manage adversity and growth, while providing our community with reliable, economical services and essential infrastructure.

Planning for future growth has been our focus with the setting of a future vision for the region through our long-term

Community Plan - Western Downs 2050. This Plan aims to prepare us to meet the challenges of the region’s booming resource sector and increasing population growth.

We were pleased to see essential community projects, such as the Myall Youth Community Network Centre and the redevelopment of a local PCYC, come to life this year thanks to significant investment of funds

by Council. Council also initiated substantial projects such as the desalination plant, a new recycling wastewater treatment plant, and a new regional garbage and recycling collection service to all towns across the region.

Council has also started work on a new regional planning scheme to ensure more efficient and sustainable land use and development. In doing so, we are mindful of the challenge of striking a sustainable balance between agriculture, energy development and lifestyle.

As Mayor, I am proud to work with a dedicated group of Councillors who share a common passion for our local communities and are united in their commitment to our long-term vision.

I sincerely thank my colleagues for their hard work throughout the year, the

community for its valuable input and the dedicated council staff for their ongoing support.

Kicking off 2011 with floods meant we spent much of the year restoring roads and community infrastructure and providing support to those affected by this natural disaster. It’s had profound impact on our region’s economy. Amid the devastation, the one thing that shone strong everywhere you turned was the community spirit that brought the best out of all our communities.

I hope you will take that same spirit of compassion and strength with you into this festive season. May this Christmas offer you a chance to spend time with family and friends and may 2012 bring our region much prosperity.

Cr Ray Brown Mayor Western Downs Regional Council

Cr Ray Brown

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New Centre Offers a Warm Welcome Western Downs Regional Council has breathed new life into the iconic Dalby building on the corner of Drayton and Marble Streets with its new Corporate Office – Western Downs on Drayton – opening for business in November.

With an inviting colour scheme and friendly staff to greet customers as they enter, Council expects the new centre to become more than just a building, but a place where people gather, meet and interact with the WDRC team.

The WDRC team took up residence in November, with the move staged over a four-week period to ensure minimal disruption to customers, culminating in a Community Open Day on Saturday December 10.

Improved efficiencies was one of the main drivers for the move to the new premises.

Until now, WDRC was operating with some departments in Wood Street and others in the Drayton Street building. Now, instead of driving across town just to check some plans or discuss a matter with another staff member, it means a quick trip via stairs or elevator. Customers will reap the benefits of having divisions of Executive Services, Building and Planning, Environment and Health, Information Communication Technology, Engineering Services, Corporate Services, Community Services and Economic Development, all under one roof.

The new building has been part of the

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streetscape since the early 1980s (with the annex section constructed in 1971).

Council was conscious of the need to provide a comfortable and professional office complex for its 160 staff, while keeping costs to a minimum. The choice to refurbish an existing building was about one-third of the cost of constructing a new building.

Over a seven-month long refurbishment, the project team worked hard to achieve a cost effective fit-out including using existing structures and retaining floor coverings where possible.

A host of energy efficiency measures have been incorporated into the design including motion-detection lighting that means lights automatically turn off 10 minutes after people leave the room.

As customers walk through the entry doors (either from Marble Street or from the car park on the Red Rooster side), a Customer Contact Officer will look after the enquiry or give customers access to the elevator. The design cleverly includes a raised floor, allowing Customer Contact Officers to sit at eye level with customers who are standing. The front

counter also offers a more private area with a wide counter top designed for laying out plans.

Tucked away on the ground floor are some of the friendly voices who answer calls to 1300 COUNCIL (1300 268 264). All calls and counter enquiries are logged through a computer system and can be tracked until completed. Other Customer Contact Officers are based in Chinchilla, Miles and Tara.

Staff involvement has been an important part of the success of the project. Staff worked on the layout of their own sections and had direct consultation with the Project Manager. A staff committee designed the first floor staff training room, creating a versatile space incorporating fold-back doors to allow the large open room to be broken into smaller rooms.

Fate of former offices to be determined Options for the future use of Council’s former administration buildings in Wood Street and Drayton Street are still being considered by Council. Options include the sale or redevelopment of either building. While there has been some general discussion in the community about the potential for the Drayton Street building to be developed into a cultural precinct incorporating the Library service, it is still very early days and no formal proposal has been considered. Council’s final decision on the future use of these buildings will be based on the best outcomes for Dalby and the Western Downs community in general.

Council is proud to offer its customers and staff this new facility and to see an underutilised Dalby building restored to its former glory.

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WDRC Highlights Here are just some of the achievements by WDRC over the past 12-18 months…

•A dopted the Western Downs 2050 Community Plan

• C ompleted Dalby $6.7 Million PCYC Indoor Sports Centre Upgrade

• F unded and tendered the construction of a skate park at Wandoan

• Constructed a grandstand at the Tara Swimming Pool

• Finalised Stage II Dogwood Crossing at Miles construction

• Commenced construction on Dalby $4.6 Million 25 metre indoor heated pool adjacent to existing heritage listed 50 metre pool

• Purchased and renovated the old Ergon building on corner of Drayton and Marble Street, Dalby as Council’s Corporate Office

•D esigned amenities building and commenced construction at Wandoan O’Sullivan Park Football Oval and Waterloo Plains

• Started work on Bell $1.2 Million Community Centre Project

• Upgrade swimming pools at Jandowae, Miles, Tara and Wandoan

• Completed outdoor area at Moonie Community Sports Club Facility

• F inalised construction of Dalby MYCNC building project and organised the occupancy of centre • Completed redevelopment of the bar area ($100,000 private contribution) at the Tara Showgrounds and undertook maintenance of grandstand • Constructed a block retaining wall along banks of Myall Creek adjacent to the Marble Street Arts Centre to protect buildings • Refurbished interior of older section at the Tarcoola Retirement Village, Tara and constructed outdoor area

• R efurbishment of Meandarra Home and Community Care Building • I mplemented Western Downs Libraries new visual identity and established new library web portal •H osted RockOn Community Music Tour 2011 •H eld Youth Shoots photographic competition •D eveloped a Strategic Marketing Plan for Visitor Information Centres across the Western Downs Regional Council area • L aunched the new Western Downs Tourism Brand ‘Our Western Downs’ •D istributed the Flood Voucher system 2011 - Present • P rovided support to community events including Chinchilla Melon Festival, Opera at Jimbour, Moonie Yabby Races, Wandoan Bucking for Cancer Rodeo, Jandowae Timbertown Festival, Delightful and Delicious Dalby, One Long Table Chinchilla, Miles Beef, Bells and Bottle Trees Festival, Christmas celebrations across the region •M ade the decision to continue to own and operate Dalby Saleyards • Hosted Major Projects Business Investment Tour • Hosted inaugural Business Leadership Conference • E stablished business specific website and weekly Business News Monitor under the banner of Advance Western Downs • F acilitated Western Downs Economic Development Task Group and sub groups of IT, Education and Training Task Group and Business Growth Task Group • P rogressed work on a review of the current

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six town planning schemes with a view to combining them into a single Western Downs Planning Scheme.

• Commenced construction of the Wandoan Washdown facility • Repaired the priority sections of wild dog fences after flood damage • Successful rollout of the new, region-wide garbage and recycling collection contract • Expansion of the greenwaste recycling program • Continuation of a concrete recycling scheme in Dalby • The introduction of a waste education program that was incorporated into the garbage and recycling contract • Undertook a successful public information campaign for the new requirements of the Animal Management (Cat and Dog) Act • C onducted successful trial of greenwaste mulching at Chinchilla Landfill • Progressed plans for new waste and recycling centres at Dalby, Miles and Kaimkillenbun • Completed the second stage reverse osmosis

desalination plant at the Dalby Water Treatment Plant • Completed upgrades to the Miles Water supply • Completed the 50 Megalitre off stream water storage for the town of Warra • The automatic read meter replacement program has continued, with the new meters being installed in Tara, Meandarra, Bell, Jimbour, Warra, Kaimkillenbun and Kogan • Asset replacement works included mains replacements in Dalby, Chinchilla, Warra, and Tara • Major asset replacement works were undertaken with sewer main relining projects completed in Dalby, Tara and Meandarra • C onstruction of the new Dalby Gas Gate Station has been completed • Commenced planning for new Tara Water Plant • Implemented a 10-Year Works Program for each of the five districts • Developed a Western Downs Regional Council Airport Strategy

• C ompleted an extension of the Dalby Cemetery • Planning for studies into several stormwater catchments occurred in Chinchilla and Dalby • I ntroduced a suite of seven Local Laws supported by 22 Subordinate Local Laws to replace the superseded 157 Local and Subordinate Local Laws •D eveloped Council’s new Community Engagement Policy with associated Guidelines and Toolkit •H eld seven Community Connect Flood Debrief sessions across the region to gain the community’s insight into the 2010/11 Summer flood events • I mplemented the 2010/2011 Budget Communication and Community Engagement Strategy which included hosting eight Community Connect Forums across the region • Developed a new regional Customer Request Management System complete with new forms, automatic workflows with end points to improve reporting capabilities • L aunched 1300 COUNCIL and new Contact Centre approach including after hours call service and Snap Send Solve services 5

Quick facts about waste

Waste Plans Win Award Waste facilities and services are being transformed across the Western Downs, with Council moving forward a major upgrade to the landfill facility at Winfield’s Road near Jandowae, and new Waste and Recycling Centres at Dalby and Kaimkillenbun.

The developments are part of a long-term region-wide plan - Toward a Waste Wise Western Downs - which places a stronger focus on recycling and reusing waste.

This approach was recognised at the 2011 Queensland Sustainable Cities Awards, winning the State Resource Recovery and Waste Management category award.

Receiving this award is a major achievement for Western Downs Regional Council, especially considering it is one of the largest councils in the state servicing a vast area of approximately 38,000 square kilometres.

Managing waste is big business, and Council has made a commitment to continue to improve its scorecard in this area so that it can meet all the new State legislative changes and provide a higher standard of service to residents across the region.

Over a year ago Council kicked off a new roadside collection recycling service which resulted in the average household in the Western Downs region generating nearly five kilograms of recyclables per week – waste that would have previously ended up in landfill.

The total would be equivalent to filling 38 6

Olympic sized swimming pools in just a year.

Council would like to congratulate the community for its positive attitude and commitment towards recycling and reducing waste and encourage residents to get involved in future workshops to learn more about responsible waste management (such as the composting workshops that were held in October).

While changing habits is important, it is still vital that WDRC upgrade its facilities. The region’s current landfill sites are not viable over the long-term and Council is proactively working towards gradually phasing out the old style ‘rubbish dumps’ and phasing in new modern waste and recycling centres and landfill options which not only look better but are better for the environment.

The Dalby and Chinchilla landfills are reaching capacity, other landfills in the region are in need of attention and the increasing population is placing pressure on these facilities.

Plans include Waste and Recycling Centres at Kaimkillenbun, Dalby, Miles and Chinchilla, improvements at Tara, and new fencing and better security at other landfill sites.

The big ticket item is the Winfield’s Road facility, three kilometres outside of Jandowae, which will undergo a staged transformation and be ready in its new form by 2016. The upgrade is being conducted in close consultation with the Jandowae community to ensure that the

• 50 per cent of the domestic waste disposed to landfill by the average Australian family each week is actually garden waste and food scraps that could be composted • Aluminium and steel cans including aerosol cans can be recycled • Forget if it’s recycling week?

A calendar is available at www.wdrc.qld.gov.au • Scrap steel, second hand goods, waste motor oil, waste cooking oil, green waste, paper, cardboard, car batteries, plastics, glass and aluminium can be dropped off at Council’s supervised facilities at Chinchilla and Dalby.

• Items for recycling must be placed loose in the bin with the yellow lid, NEVER placed in bags.

• Mobile phones and accessories, empty printer and photocopier cartridges can be dropped off Council Customer Service Centres for recycling. facility is environmentally sustainable, aesthetically pleasing, and cost effective.

A community reference group has been established and has provided a vital link to the community. The group recently returned from a trip to Bundaberg to view the new style of landfill first-hand.

Like to know more about the plans for Winfield’s Road? Check out the dedicated web page with Q&As and site drawings at www.wdrc.qld.gov.au/wrlu

Water Projects Flow Water is vital. Not only do we need water to survive, but it’s an important ingredient for enhancing our region’s liveability and continued economic viability. Developing a plan to ensure a secure long-term water supply for all the townships and villages on the Western Downs is a key priority for Council.

New Dalby desal plant That’s why there was much excitement in September, when Dalby’s new $6.4 million Stage Two Desalination (desal) Plant was officially opened by the Energy and Water Utilities Minister Stephen Robertson.

Most of Dalby’s water has traditionally been from shallow alluvium bores, which are now showing signs of receding water levels.

Other water projects that are underway across the region…

• Western Downs Regional Council is negotiating with Sunwater for Chinchilla to receive an allocation from a new 20 kilometre pipeline. The pipeline, which will carry up to 100 megalitres a day of treated coal seam gas water from the QGC Kenya water treatment plant to the Chinchilla Weir, could help drought-proof the town. The Department of Environment and Resource Management will ensure the quality of the water is confirmed before any water is discharged into the Weir.

• In Miles there has been a complete upgrade to the water filtration, high lift pumping and electrical control systems, resulting in better efficiencies and more even pressure. This is

More water therefore needed to be sourced from the deep alluvium bores which require desalination. Dalby also sources peak water from Loudoun Weir on the Condamine River when in flow.

This new desal plant, which was jointly funded by the Queensland Government and Western Downs Regional Council, sources water from deep alluvium bores, offering alternative water options and a more secure water supply for the town.

It uses the same reverse osmosis water treatment technology as used in the first desalination plant that has now been operational for seven years.

While talk of high rainfall is predicted for summer, the impact of drought cannot be forgotten and Council is developing water infrastructure for a range of potential scenarios. The town’s water consumption generally ranges from an average 3.5 megalitres (ML) in winter to 5ML a day in the summer months. The two desal plants can provide up to 4ML of water per day, and when supplemented with the shallow alluvium bores and Loudoun Weir supplies will provide an adequate supply for Dalby over the coming years. the first major upgrade to the water plant in Miles in about 20 years and has been funded via the Federal Government’s Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program.

• Final planning is underway for new water and sewage plants for Wandoan which will be funded by Xstrata.

• Planning has commenced for an upgrade to water supply in Tara within the next 18 months.

• Construction is completed on a 50ML dam which will allow up to two years supply of water for Warra to be stored. At present, Warra is very reliant on the weir being in flow and it has a habit of going dry very quickly. The storage facility will allow collection and storage of surplus water when the weir is in flow. The project is being partly funded by the State Government’s Water Supply Subsidy Progam.

Healthy smiles As part of a State Government program to assist with dental health, fluoride is now being added to the Miles and Chinchilla town potable water supplies.

The measures, which kicked off in Miles in November and Chinchilla in early December, are stipulated under State Government legislation which requires WDRC to add fluoride to the public water supplies in communities with a population of greater than 1,000 people.

Fluoridation does not change the smell or taste of water and tight controls and regular monitoring ensure that the correct levels are maintained.

Council is fortunate to have staff who have long-term experience with fluoridation as Dalby’s water supply has been fluoridated since the 1960s. These staff knew exactly the kind of equipment and practices needed for this program to be successful, and have provided training to the Miles and Chinchilla staff.

While water fluoridation is reported to give extra protection against tooth decay, it’s important to remember that a healthy diet, regular brushing and flossing and regular dental check-ups are essential for good oral health.

• Water mains and asset replacement is continuing in various communities throughout the region.

• The installation of new remote read water meters is progressing throughout the region.

Kaimkillenbun was the first scheme to be completed and equipment was commissioned here. These meters have now been installed in all communities with the exception of Chinchilla where installation is currently in progress, and Dalby which is programmed over the next five years. The new scheme, which is supported by the National Water Security Plan, is expected to provide more information and efficiencies to residents.

With these projects unveiled and on the way, WDRC is on the path to achieving its vision to establish itself as a leader in sustainable water solutions to deliver reliable long-term water supplies.

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Be Prepared this Summer

Stay connected Be the first to find out what’s happening in the Western Downs by registering for eNews. Distributed via email, eNews keeps you informed with media releases, public notices, event promotions, community updates and emergency alerts. You can also receive important Council alerts via SMS by including your best contact number (mobile and/or landline) when completing the subscription form on Council’s website.

It’s that time of year again, as the summer season approaches so to does the bushfire and flood season. While you cannot prevent a natural disaster from occurring, you can help minimise the damage to your property and also ensure your own safety.

After the flood event last year, and a fairly dry winter, the ground vegetation in our area has become overgrown and widespread creating a high fire danger for our region.

FIRE

Fire plan get your fire plan in place.

Instruct all your family on your fire plan.

Remove all dead grass and leaves.

Evacuate when the risk is high, or authorities instruct you to do so, evacuate safely. Human life is more valuable than possessions.

Flood

Find out what your home is covered for under your insurance and if you have flood insurance.

List all emergency phone numbers in your mobile phone and sign up for our SMS alerts for up-to-date information.

Objects need to be removed from your yard such as loose toys, debris and any items that could cause localised flooding.

000, triple zero, ensure your children know how and when to call.

(112 from mobile phones) Don’t forget your neighbours make sure they are ok.

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The fire danger period has been officially declared by the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service for 2011, effective midnight 4 September right through to midnight 1 January 2012.

So, are you bushfire prepared? Prepare, Act, Survive is the message this season. Prepare your property and family for a bushfire.

Act on warnings and advice to ensure you and your family survive.

Contact Council Calling 1300 COUNCIL (1300 268 264) puts you in touch with WRDC no matter where you live in the region and is managed by a professional contact centre team with officers located in Dalby, Chinchilla Tara and Miles. Our friendly team is equipped to answer all kinds of queries or to quickly transfer you to the right person.

All correspondence should With the Bureau of Meteorology predicting be addressed to: more wet weather (storms and flood) in the The Chief Executive Officer region this summer, it is important that your PO Box 551 household is prepared. One of the easiest Dalby QLD 4405 ways is to register for the Western Downs

By E-mail info@wdrc.qld.gov.au Regional Council emergency alerts. To get Internet www.wdrc.qld.gov.au up-to-date predictions and alerts this summer season make sure you register for the eNews You can contact WDRC in person at any of our SMS alert service. It’s easy, all you need to Customer Service Centres. do is text ‘subscribe’ and your postcode to 0408 063 733 or visit our website, www.wdrc.qld.gov.au and follow the ‘Connect with Your Council’ it r emergency k u o y in k c a link on the homepage. p What to portant • Copies of im o di With an expected 70% chance of ra ated th • B at tery oper documents (Bir receiving above average rainfall s ie er port and • S pare batt certificate, pass from November 2011 to January aled bag • Torch scripts) in a se 2012 we encourage all residents t • F irst aid ki to check around the house and yard d scripts • Medication an Also have an and prepare by clearing gutters, od t with fo e bl ha evacuation ki on peris •N removing over hanging branches, • T oiletries • Can opener scripts storing loose items from the yard, es ov edicines and •M • S turdy gl and considering how to keep pets cuments er proof • I mportant do eavy duty wat •H te, safe and secure. Please set up an (Bir th certifica plastic bags ripts) emergency and evacuation kit atches passport and sc ater proof m •W (see our checklist right) and s (baby in a sealed bag • B aby supplie s) ie encourage your neighbours to be pp formula and na prepared too. e and charger • Mobile phon DMS 1111091