Western Downs Wire quarterly update August 2013

QUARTERLY UPDATE | ISSUE 10 | AUGUST 2013

Message from the Mayor Cr Ray Brown

Welcome to the special 2013/14 Budget Edition of Council’s Quarterly Update Newsletter.

Following a comprehensive budget process that focused on balancing the delivery of quality services to the community with longterm financial performance, Council adopted its second budget of the term on Friday 26 July.

This is a significant budget for Council with record expenditure of $334.9M, comprising of Where does the money Where come does from? the money come from? operating expenditure of $135.6M and capital Rates and utility charges Rates form only andabout utility charges form only about works investment of $199.3M. 38% of the income Council 38% relies of the on income Council relies on

Rates for and utility charges Rates 38.01% and utility charges This budget focuses on delivering value Capital Grants and Subsidies Capital20.95% Grants and Subsidies money services that the communityCapital not only Contributions Capital17.07% Contributions wants, but can afford. It also focuses onof Major Services Sales of Sales 11.46% Major Services Operating Grants, Subsidies Operating Grants, Subsidies building essential infrastructure, including and Contributions and Contributions 4.53% water, sewerage, waste, and roadsFees needed and Charges Fees and 4.48% Charges Loans for Capital Purposes Loans2.06% for Capital Purposes to sustain growth and support ongoing Interest Revenue Interest 0.66% Revenue development within the region. Rental and Levies Rental0.62% and Levies Other Income

Other Income 0.16%

38.01% 20.95% 17.07% 11.46% 4.53% 4.48% 2.06% 0.66% 0.62% 0.16%

In a nutshell, this budget is about ‘Delivery and Sustainability’ ­enabling Council to deliver essential projects and services to means how*we * Governance Governance do means how we do business business and to govern our region and our communities while demonstrating its to govern our region provide services that deliver provide liveability. services that deliver liveability. commitment to financial accountability, now and into the future.

Our towns are changing rapidly, with Miles, Wandoan and Chinchilla in particular facing unprecedented growth and land valuation increases as a result of economic activity associated with the energy sector.

One of the resulting challenges has been to fund infrastructure projects with minimal impact on traditional ratepayers while ensuring that the energy sector continues to meet its share of the financial risk associated with rapid growth.

Where does the money Where go?does the money go?

By Councillor Portfolio By Councillor Portfolio

Works and Plant (footpaths, Works roads, and bridges, Plant (footpaths, roads, bridges, stormwater, parks and gardens, stormwater, streetlighting) parks and gardens, 54.85%streetlighting Utilities (Water, Wastewater, Utilities Gas)(Water, Wastewater,17.00% Gas) Finance, Information Technology Finance, Information Technology and Information Services and Information Services 8.95% Environment and Health (waste, Environment pests, and Health (waste, pests, stock routes, local law enforcement, stock routes, local law enforcement, natural resource management) natural resource management) 6.30% Cultural Development andCultural Community Development Services and Community Services (libraries, health services,(libraries, cultural, events, health services, grants) 3.76% cultural, events, gra Community Facilities, Sport Community and Recreation Facilities, Sport and Recreation (public toilets, showgrounds, (public caravan toilets, parks, showgrounds, caravan parks, swimming/fitness centres,swimming/fitness sport and centres, sport and recreation grounds, halls,recreation housing, cemeteries) grounds, halls, 3.05% housing, cemeterie Economic Development and Economic TourismDevelopment and2.73% Tourism Governance,* EmergencyGovernance,* ManagementEmergency and Management and Major Projects Major Projects 2.26% Planning Planning 1.11%

Yet another complexity has been meeting our statutory obligation to establish rating parity, a significant achievement particularly given the huge variances in rating of the former council areas particularly in the rural categories.

Throw into the mix the legacy of the 2010/11 flood damage, with the resulting $90M road restoration works underway across the region that must be completed by 30 March 2014 under funding arrangements.

Despite the challenges, I believe Council has delivered a balanced and responsible budget, one that for the first time predicts an operating surplus of $1.85M. An operating surplus will ensure Council has the ability to fund the replacement of its assets at the rate at which they are being consumed, a key indicator of financial sustainability moving forward.

Cr Ray Brown, Mayor Western Downs Regional Council

Billie Standfield Waste Management Trainee at “The Recycling Market” at Dalby Waste and Recycling Centre

Recycling centre has tonnes of appeal with locals It’s a recycling statistic that you cannot rubbish. Less than a year after opening its gates, the Dalby Waste and Recycling Centre is taking recycling in the region to new heights – so far diverting approximately 6,300 tonnes of waste from local landfill. That is the equivalent of filling about 152 Olympic–sized swimming pools.

The state-of-the-art facility has proved a big hit with residents since it opened last November. People have been coming from all over the district and beyond to bring their green waste, timber, scrap metal, glass, plastics, cardboard, concrete and DrumMuster containers and drums to be recycled onsite.

Once the word spread, residents have been quick to take advantage of the onsite recycling services. So much so that in the first few months of operation the stockpile areas for the greenwaste, timber and scrap metal recycling programs were expanded to double the size just to keep up. Local businesses have been getting in on the act too, doing their bit to reduce their carbon footprint by recycling unprecedented amounts of motor oil and batteries. During this period, the agricultural sector has strongly supported the new DrumMuster facility bringing several thousand containers and drums in for recycling.

any unwanted scrap metal and old batteries. Or if you have unwanted timber, building materials and concrete at home or on a building site, remember to bring these items to the Centre where they can be recycled into reusable products.

If you’re considering a spring clean and have furniture, books, toys, bicycles and homewares cluttering your home that you no longer want but are too good to throw away then the Recycling Market is the perfect place to take them. The market offers pre-loved and near-new goods for reasonable prices and is open

The Dalby Waste and Recycling Centre is situated on the Warrego Highway approximately seven kilometres west of Dalby on the way to Chinchilla, and is open seven days a week from 7am to 5.30pm.

Residents win ‘gold medal’ in recycling Congratulations Western Downs residents, you deserve a pat on the back for achieving the region’s lowest ever recycling contamination rate of 7.1 per cent since October 2010, down from 20 per cent earlier this year.

In June Council, along with Envirocom Australia, conducted a random audit of recycling bins to assess the level of contamination and this latest quarterly figure of 7.1 per cent shows you’re becoming keen and diligent recyclers.

The facility has been purpose built, making it more convenient for residents and businesses to bring all types of waste and much easier for Council’s onsite contractor to separate it correctly.

By placing the correct material in recycling bins, the average Western Downs household has managed to surpass the State average of diverting 5 kilograms of waste from landfill weekly, to achieve an average of 5.5 kilograms.

So visit the Dalby Waste and Recycling Centre next time you’re cleaning out your shed/workshop of

Whilst the vast majority of residents are going the

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every Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 4pm.

Twenty-five per cent of the revenue raised is poured back into the community through a new Community Grants Fund set up by Council’s Environment and Health section and JJ Richards and Sons Pty Ltd to support local not-for-profit organisations and community groups.

‘extra mile’ to correctly sort and place household waste in the correct bin, there are still some common problems that cause contamination.

Previously, the biggest mistake people made was putting bagged recyclables in the yellow-lidded bin, however, people are now increasingly using the yellow-lidded bin as if it’s a second general rubbish bin by putting normal bagged garbage in the recycling bin.

Some other tips to help you keep up the good work is to check the bottoms of plastic bottles to make sure you’re putting all plastics numbered one to six in the recycling bin, but all other plastics in the normal garbage bin.

Let’s continue to work together towards becoming a waste wise Western Downs.

Vote ‘yes’ in this year’s referendum to recognise local government in the Australian Constitution therefore securing the Federal Government’s ability to directly fund local community projects.

A ‘yes’ vote will give councils certainty about funding for vital infrastructure and community services. As it stands, the door is open to legally challenge such funding programs as Roads to Recovery, Regional and Local Community Infrastructure, Pathways to Adaptation, Regional Partnerships and the Regional Development Australia Fund.

The loss of direct funding from the Australian Government for local roads, community infrastructure and services, would impact on Council’s ability to provide the services the communities of the Western Downs need.

Over the last ten years successive federal governments have increasingly called on local governments to assist in delivering national initiatives at a local level to meet the needs of local communities.

For example, the Roads to Recovery program has seen an additional $13.5 million spent on Western Downs roads since 2009. This type of local service and infrastructure program cannot be funded by the State because it simply doesn’t have the revenue.

By amending Section 96 of the Constitution – which relates to funding only and not lawmaking abilities – the Federal Government will be able to directly fund grass-roots projects (effectively formalising what has already been happening for more than ten years).

Constitutional recognition won’t change the status of local government, its powers, or its relationship with state governments. The states will still make decisions about amalgamating or de-amalgamating councils, changing council boundaries, or dismissing non-performing councils.

The referendum is supported by the Federal Government, the Federal Opposition, the Greens and the Independents.

Construction underway on Wandoan water and wastewater treatment plants

Big ticket water projects underway 2013/14 will see Council deliver several largescale water and wastewater infrastructure projects throughout the region with many already underway or ready for construction.

The projects form the cornerstone of Council’s significant investment to build a reliable network of water and wastewater infrastructure for the Western Downs. Residents are set to reap the benefits as these capital projects will provide local communities with essential and sustainable water supplies for the long-term.

This critical infrastructure is essential to keep pace with developments that are happening across the region and the forecast population growth of our communities.

Council’s plans are in motion, with upgrades underway to the Wandoan wastewater and

water treatment plants, as well as the Tara Water Treatment Plant, which are on track to be commissioned this financial year.

Stage three of the Dalby Reverse Osmosis (RO) Plant is earmarked to begin operation by March 2014, and following major upgrades the Miles Water Treatment Plant is scheduled to be commissioned by the end of July 2014.

Under the Utilities Capital Works Program, this financial year will also see $10 million of water and wastewater reticulation upgrades completed in Miles.

The rollout of these projects represents Council’s long-term vision to deliver first-class water and sewerage services so our communities can enjoy access to clean, high quality and sustainable water supplies into the future.

Key Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Projects Projects

Phase of Development

Dalby Reverse Osmosis (RO) Plant Stage Three

Tender evaluation

Miles Water Treatment Plant upgrade including Reverse Osmosis (RO) Plant

Tender evaluation

Tara Water Treatment Plant upgrade including Reverse Osmosis (RO) Plant with evaporation pond construction

Tender evaluation of Evaporation Ponds and Main phase

Wandoan Water Treatment Plant upgrade

Under design

Wandoan Waste Water Treatment Plant upgrade

In construction 3

What do I get for my Rates?

Every $100 of your rates is used the following way: Legend IN MY Home Directly outside MY Home Wider Community

$10.75

$2.58

*Governance (other), Finance, Information Technology

Environment and Health Management (other than waste, such as parking meters, pest management, stock routes, natural resource management)

$3.95 $0.27

Aerodromes

Tourism $1.11 $0.14

Planning and Development

Disaster Management

$1.59 Aged Care and Health Services

$3.75 Waste Collection and Management

$48.86 Roads and Bridges

$0.18

$2.46

Cemeteries

Saleyards

$0.30

$1.87

Footpaths

Drainage $2.10

$17.00

Cultural Facilities (such as art galleries) and Community Facilities

Utilities (water, wastewater, gas)

$0.91 Libraries $0.85

$0.15

Pools and Sporting Fields

Streetlighting

$0.32

$0.86

Parks and Showgrounds

Community, Cultural and Youth Programs (including grants and donations)

Visit Council’s website for the full Mayoral Budget Statement and more 4

* Governance means how we do business to govern our region and provide services that deliver liveability.

Top 5 Capital Projects by District Whole-of-Region – total 35 projects Flood Reconstruction Budget Winfields Road Landfill QGC Resource Projects APLNG Resource Projects Mains Replacement Programme

DULACCA DRILLHAM

BRIGALOW WARRA

CONDAMINE

BELL

JIMBOUR KOGAN

KAIMKILLENBUN

GLENMORGAN MEANDARRA

MOONIE

Rates and Charges Council faces the same budgeting pressures as households in our region, with the economic climate forcing continual rises in the cost of living and business. So it is important to strike the balance between keeping rates and charges increases to a minimum while maintaining Council’s capacity to deliver.

Rate revenue from the traditional ratepayers will, on average, increase by a modest 3.7% on last year. This equates to an extra per week amount for the average ratepayer of $0.59 for residential, $2.02 for rural, $2.74 for industrial, and $3.59 for commercial.

Properties associated with the expanding intensive industry, resources and energy sector (oil and gas extraction, coal mining, power stations etc.) will increase by around 20.7%.

Water charges will increase by 4%, equating to an extra $0.20 per week on average for water access only.

Waste collection and gas charges will increase by 4%; importantly however there is no increase to the gas access charge.

Sewerage charges will continue to be phased to the new regional charging methodology over three years with revenue this year increasing on average by 4%.

Regional Regional Regional Regional Regional

Chinchilla and District (Brigalow, Chinchilla, Kogan) – total 65 projects Gaske Lane Drainage Scheme Chinchilla Widen and Seal Goombi Chinchilla Fairymeadow Road Chinchilla Waste and Recycling Centre Chinchilla Chinchilla Washdown Bay Chinchilla Chinchilla Resheeting Chinchilla Dalby and District (Bell, Dalby, Kaimkillenbun) – total 139 projects Redevelopment of Dalby Saleyards Dalby - Stage 1 Bitumen and Construction Dalby Kumbarrilla Lane Flood Damage Repair Edward Street Dalby (Cunningham to Hogan) Reconstruction Charles Street Dalby (Operation Road Restore) Reconstruction Alice Street Dalby (Operation Road Restore) Jandowae and District (Jandowae, Jimbour, Warra) – total 11 projects Jandowae Subdivision Jandowae Warra Water Plant Redevelopment Warra Jandowae Water Main Jandowae Jandowae Filter Repair (as part of Jandowae normal operational processes) IPWAN Link Upgrade - Jandowae WT Jandowae to Jandowae CSC Miles and District (Condamine, Drillham, Dulacca, Miles) – total 65 projects Miles Aerodrome Miles Widen and Seal Fairymeadow Road Miles Reverse Osmosis (RO) Water Miles Treatment Plant Reverse Osmosis (RO) Concentrate Miles Storage Dam Edith Street Gravity Sewer Miles

$32.7M $1.80M $1.70M $0.92M $0.80M

$4.22M $2.75M $2.47M $1.30M $1.20M

$8.23M $2.47M $2.40M $2.00M $1.17M

$0.79M $0.27M $0.20M $0.08M $0.02M

$14.8M $3.05M $2.60M $2.42M $1.29M

Ratepayers will still receive a 10% discount on most rates and charges when paid by the due date. And all qualifying pensioners will receive a 20% Council remission on rates and charges up to the increased maximum of $200 per year.

Tara and District (Glenmorgan, Meandarra, Moonie, Tara) – total 44 projects Upgrading of Tara Water Treatment Plant Tara - Stage 2 Tara Reverse Osmosis (RO) Concentrate Tara Storage Dam Tara Resheeting Tara Reverse Osmosis (RO) Connection Mains Tara Weranga North Road Tara

In summary, this is a budget we can deliver – balancing long-term financial sustainability and the delivery of essential services and infrastructure to our local communities with the demands of regional development.

Wandoan and District (Gulugubua, Wandoan) – total 20 projects Upgrade to Bitumen Horse Creek Road Wandoan $10.3M Wandoan Potable Water Wandoan $3.78M Wandoan Waste Water Plant Wandoan $3.64M Gadsby Road Wandoan $2.61M Wandoan Recycled Water Scheme Wandoan $1.00M Residential/Industrial Subdivision Wandoan $0.80M

$3.16M $2.60M $1.68M $1.49M $1.24M

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Kick start your career with Local Government If you’re thinking of becoming a ‘tradie’, technical professional, field or office based worker, are looking at full-time study, or have recently graduated, then Council is a great place to kick start your career.

Apprenticeships, cadetships, and traineeships are a great way to put textbook theory learnt one day into the real world the next. By working full-time while you study you’ll have access to an experienced and supportive work team to help ensure your career gets off to the right start.

Along with some financial support for your study expenses, bursaries have the added benefit of optional vacation work in the field you’re studying full-time. The vacation works means you’ll finish your degree with some industry specific work experience under your belt.

Being employed as a graduate is a significant way to reinforce your new qualification with real world experience. You’ll be exposed to a broad range of duties and areas within your chosen profession that’ll give your career a head start.

The Civil Design Cadets, Sam Robertson (left) and Luke Porter (centre) with Steven Forbes, the Civil Design Coordinator

Daniel Chapman is a 2nd year Vehicle Mechanic Apprentice

Over 700 people work for Western Downs Regional Council, of which about half are in the field, who are providing essential services across an area over 38,000 square kilometres (an area the equivalent size of Switzerland).

All vacant positions are advertised on Council’s website, www.wdrc.qld.gov.au/careers-with-council, local newspapers and at times regional newspapers, www.seek.com.au and www.mycareer.com.au.

To talk to someone today about a career with Council call 1300 COUNCIL (1300 268 624).

Gavin Bartkowski, Traineeship Graduate, is an Assistant Water Sewerage Treatment Plant Operator

Ed farewells Council Council has paid tribute to Community and Development Division General Manager Mr Ed Hoffmann, who retired last month after 44 years in public service.

CEO Mr Phil Berting said Mr Hoffmann was an important part of amalgamation and will be missed.

“Ed has been an integral senior leader throughout the establishment and progress of Western Downs Regional Council. He has overseen the development challenges of the Western Downs, with one of his key achievements being the development of the first Western Downs Community Plan.

“After serving the community for more than 30 years in senior roles across State and Local Government, Ed’s experience, expertise and drive will be missed 6

at Council and we wish him well in retirement.”

Mr Hoffmann said he is proud to have been part of the senior management team throughout amalgamation and is looking forward to the beginning of the next phase of his life.

region through infrastructure development that will take advantage of the enormous growth the region faces.”

“During my 27 years on the Darling Downs I’ve seen rural communities go from losing population due to low commodity prices, declining businesses, and droughts, to the current situation of new resources, long term sustainable industry base, jobs, growing populations, and extended infrastructure,” Mr Hoffmann said.

“I thank Mr Berting for his kind thoughts and am confident that I leave Council’s Community and Development Division in a position to successfully face future challenges of supporting development, business and industry, and communities in the

Caricature presented to Ed upon his retirement

Trust launches first residential housing project

Blockbuster plans for cultural hub in the making Art buffs, book lovers and movie goers alike can look forward to a vibrant, welcoming place to take in fine art, read the latest bestsellers and watch blockbuster films as plans for Dalby’s exciting new cultural destination are drawn up.

The first seeds for the transformation of the existing building at 107 Drayton Street into the new Dalby Cultural Centre have been sown, with design/construction consultants and the project reference group down to business formulating comprehensive concept designs that will shape this long anticipated redevelopment.

Relocating the Dalby Library from existing premises at Stuart Street into the building to co-locate with Gallery107 @ Dalby and Dalby Cinema is the centrepiece of Council’s renovation plans.

When the revamp is finished, the multipurpose centre will give Dalby a modern community space that will attract an array of events, activities and services local residents and visitors will enjoy for years to come.

Residents will not have to wait long to get their first look at what their new town cultural centre could become, with Council and the design/construction consultants set to unveil the concept shortly.

More people will now have a place to call home with the Western Downs Housing Trust launching its first affordable housing project at Longford Lane in Wandoan.

This will be the Trust’s maiden foray into the rollout of affordable housing and future residential developments throughout the region since it was established in 2012 by Western Downs Regional Council.

The Trust’s mission is to provide affordable accommodation options for the low to moderate income market and key service workers in the Western Downs region.

The project forms part of an Affordable Housing Strategy developed by Council to ease accommodation pressures caused by the mining and energy boom.

Libraries building collections and making connections Gone are the days when libraries were only a place to borrow a book. A revolution of digital proportions is sweeping the Western Downs and you’re about to discover a big wide world at your fingertips.

Members of Western Downs Libraries can now access a virtual library with a wide range of resources and services free of charge, any time of the day or night from the comfort of their own home or on the go.

If you’re not already a library member, there is a good chance this new technology could spark your interest. You can listen to the audiobooks and music with or without earplugs, while in the car, through a home media system, or an iPod dock.

Not to mention the convenience of accessing your favourite books, magazines or songs on a single portable lightweight device.

For the not-so-tech savvy who want to learn about these resources, or get up-to-speed on

library services and keep up-to-date with the latest trends, call into your local library today, visit the Western Downs Libraries website www.libraries.qld.gov.au, or go to your app store and download the Sorcer app for mobile access to your library, anywhere, anytime.

If you are one of those eager to embrace the digital experience why not get connected with your local library today.

All nine branches are embracing new digital technology offering thousands of free eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines and eMusic to choose from as part of their collections.

The new products, which are being offered alongside traditional library services such as free internet, DVD and music collections, books, and databases, are quick and easy to download on to your computer, smartphone, tablet device, kindle or eReader. People can access the eResources via the Library website or go to their Apple or android app store and download the product apps.

There are many nifty things you can do including browse the library catalogue, reserve and borrow books, renew loans, add a review, share with friends and download the new eResources at your leisure. It is a whole new convenient and flexible way you can access and enjoy your local library.

At the Dalby launch were Library Services Support Officer Lisa Harth with residents Harold and Mary Coggan

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Draft Western Downs Planning Scheme The Draft Western Downs Planning Scheme (WDPS) is a draft statutory document that will guide the use and development of land and buildings in the Western Downs Region and is set to replace the current six planning schemes in operation.

Public Notification of the WDPS Council has been working on the new WDPS in consultation with the community over the past three years. The Queensland Government has now reviewed the draft WDPS and provided Council with approval to proceed to the statutory public notification stage.

From 12 August to 23 September you can make a formal submission.

Start of summer watering times Western Downs Regional Council communities will revert to summer watering times and restrictions as of 1 October until March 2014.

New watering times for households under allocated water restriction levels as follows: • Level One – All watering devices allowed between 5am–9am and 4pm–8pm • Level Two – All watering devices allowed between 6am–8am and 5pm–7pm • Level Three – Handheld hoses and dripper systems allowed between 6.30am–7.30am and 5pm–7pm • Level Four – Handheld hoses and dripper systems allowed between 5.30pm–6.30pm

Once the statutory public notification period is complete and all submissions have been considered you will receive notification about how your submission was considered and the outcome.

• Level Five – Watering with buckets only between 5.30pm–6.30pm

How can I find out more and make a submission?

Contact Council

From 12 August • Factsheets and information on how to make a properly made submission will be available on Council’s website • Talk to a Planner at Council’s offices Dates and times of community workshops will be notified through Council’s website, local press and via direct email to RSVPs. Prior consultation participants will also be invited via email.

• Level Six – Total ban on all outside water use

No matter where you are located or the Council service you require just remember one number – 1300 COUNCIL, that’s 1300 268 624 – for enquiries during normal business hours, weekdays 8am to 5pm.

By email info@wdrc.qld.gov.au Internet www.wdrc.qld.gov.au

Help tackle wild dogs Wild dogs cause serious problems to the region’s agricultural areas and ecosystem.

The ability of wild dogs to kill or maim livestock is well known, and this causes considerable impact on the viability of local graziers. With numbers on the increase, the only way to effectively control this pest is for all landholders working together. Council will commence its 8

second Wild Dog baiting program of the year from 16 to 20 September and all interested landholders are invited to participate. Further information on baiting station locations can be found on Council’s website and will be advertised through local papers and businesses.

Alternatively, contact your local Council Rural Services Officer on 1300 COUNCIL.

Stay Alert. Be Informed...

Sign up to receive a free email, SMS or message to your landline to warn of severe weather and flood conditions.

Visit www.wdrc.qld.gov.au and follow the ‘Connect with Your Council’ link to complete the subscription form or text your postcode and “GENERAL” or “EMERGENCY” to 0428 417 811 to register for your preferred type of alert.

Stay connected Be the first to find out what’s happening in the Western Downs by registering for eNews.

Distributed via email eNews is another way you can keep informed of latest news, events and emergency alerts.

Register for one option or both, it’s your choice.

For all Council enquiries call 1300 COUNCIL (1300 268 624)

DMS 1307040