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APRIL - MAY 2015
REMEMBERING
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The
T
he importance of Anzac Day
20
2015
has not escaped Council’s
attention.
a
atten
t
We’ve actively engaged with
groups across the region to ensure
group
tthe
th
e ccentenary of the famed Gallipoli
llanding
la
and
is appropriately observed and
rremembered.
em
Council has had direct
iinvolvement
nvo
with memorial projects
att Bundaberg, Bargara, Woodgate
a
Beach,
B
eac
Gin Gin and Moore Park
Beach. Council prepared the design
Beach
documents for the Bargara initiative and
docum
compiled the funding application which
compi
resulted in a $45,000 grant from the
resulte
Department of Veteran Affairs supported
Depar
by a Council grant of $15,000. The
Bargara initiative comprises a dedicated
Barga
memorial area incorporating a battlefield
memo
grave marker depicting a .303 rifle with
fixed bayonet supporting a Diggers
slouch hat. This part of the memorial
is fully demountable and will travel the
rregion
re
gion as an educational tool for schools
and
a
nd the
th community. Council financially
new memorials at Woodgate
ssupported
uppo
Beach
B
eac and Moore Park Beach with
$15,000
plus “in kind” support. The
$
15
additional
work at Moore Park Beach
a
dd
irrigation and electrical
iinvolved
nv
provisions,
some concrete work and
p
ro
bollard
b
olla installation. BRC also assisted
the Gin Gin community with an
application to the State Government
a
ap
ffor a major restoration to the town’s
fo
prominent
cenotaph. In addition
p
r
to a cash co-contribution, Council
will be instrumental in supervising
tthe
he restoration work. The War Nurses
memorial,
which was unveiled earlier
m
e
tthis
his year, commemorates the work of
nurses in all theatres of war and is
nu
designed as a place of reflection and
des
contemplation. Council is committed
cont
ensuring the sacrifices of the men
to e
and women from this region who
so bravely and patriotically served
our country are forever remembered
tthrough
hrou these local memorial locations.
h
Mayor
Cr Mal
Forman
MOORE GREENERY: Bundaberg’s Green Army team has planted hundreds of native rainforest
trees on the Moore Park Beach foreshore including Burdekin Plum, Red Ash and White Cedar.
Most army officers wear green but
there is an “army” currently infiltrating
the Bundaberg region that thinks
green.
The Green Army project, a
partnership between Council and
the Federal Government, has
seen thousands of trees planted
throughout the region in an effort to
restore natural rainforest pockets.
Council’s branch manager parks,
sport and natural areas Geordie
Lascelles said many parts of the
region where you see red soil would
once have been rainforest.
“By the 1890s, much of the region’s
natural rainforest had been cleared
for agricultural purposes,” he said.
“The goal of this project is to improve
the size and condition of the patches
of rainforest that we do have left.
“We have identified five locations
throughout the region which will see
the expansion of 2.4ha of nationally
threatened rainforest species by
planting native trees.”
So far, the Green Army has planted
750 trees in Baldwin Swamp
Environmental Park, 600 in the
Moore Park Beach foreshore area
and 1108 in the Barolin Nature
Reserve.
“In addition to planting local native
trees, Green Army participants will
be controlling weeds, fencing off
areas of wetland from cattle and
repairing tracks to prevent damage
to vegetation from foot traffic. We’ll
also be installing tree identification
signs which we hope will increase
public awareness of the conservation
significance of our local rainforest.”
Tree identification signs will also be
installed at Queens Park and the
Green Army will work to repair the
walkway at Avondale Reserve.
BRC offers Community Care Programs throughout the region and day respite
centres in Bargara and Bundaberg for frail, aged and disabled residents and
carers. Find out more at bundaberg.qld.gov.au or phone 4130 4120.
Council is currently engaged in
producing its 2015/16 budget
document.
We are very much aware that we are
formulating our budget during a period
of tight financial circumstances for the
ratepayers of our community.
I understand that the weekly pay
packet can only stretch so far and
constant demands on the average
wage earner through cost of living
increases are placing pressure on
families right across our region.
As a consequence, Council is actively
exploring every avenue of saving
and implementing every efficiency
to ensure our ratepayers receive full
value for every dollar we invest in our
community.
This will allow us to deliver a budget
which remains affordable yet meets our
growth and service responsibilities.
I am pleased to say that a general
air of confidence has returned to our
community with the business sector in
particular leading the charge through
significant investment, both locally and
in the shape of numerous franchised
companies.
There are exciting things happening
across the Bundaberg region and
Council must keep pace with the needs
of our community and also provide the
necessary infrastructure to ensure we
can accommodate every beneficial
investment opportunity.
Your rates money, every single dollar
of it, is invested in this region for
the benefit of the residents of the
Bundaberg region.
As Mayor, I have a long held vision for
this region that is based on economic
growth, job creation, affordable rating
and an enhanced lifestyle for every
resident. We live in a region that I am
sure is the envy of the rest of Australia.
Our people are genuine, caring,
supportive and above all, resilient.
Council continues to follow a wellplanned direction through its Corporate
Plan and the Bundaberg Region 2031
Plan which has identified community
aspirations and Council goals. Be
assured we continue to work in the
best interests of every resident across
our great region.
Zoo gets back to those
monkey park days
If you lived in the Bundaberg
region in the 1950s and ‘60s
you may remember a time when
Alexandra Park Zoo was better
known as “the monkey park”.
Well, prepare for a trip down
memory lane because Biosecurity
Queensland has given Council
approval to get back to those
monkey park days!
Zoo supervisor Leon Spencer said
Council had acquired three female
cotton-top tamarin monkeys.
“This particular species of monkey
is actually critically endangered
but we have been lucky enough
to acquire them from Perth Zoo
as part of the Zoo and Aquarium
Association breeding program,”
Leon said.
“They are known as cotton-tops
because of their shock of white
hair. I’ve no doubt they will quickly
become the star attractions at
Alexandra Park Zoo.”
As part of the Biosecurity approval
Council was required to upgrade
its enclosure which has now been
custom-designed to accommodate
these pint-sized primates.
The Burnett River is 300km long with
a catchment area covering 33,000km²
and plays a vital role in the recreation
and industry of towns and cities along
its banks.
The recent threat of Tropical Cyclone
Marcia served as a reminder of the
risks associated with living alongside
such a large coastal catchment.
Council’s disaster management
coordinator Matt Dyer said it was
important for residents to be aware of
how weather events and subsequent
river rises could impact their homes.
“There are a number of towns in the
upper catchment area that regularly
become isolated during storm season
and these residents know they need
to be constantly prepared for the
threat of river rises,” Matt said.
“However major flooding and isolation
in the middle to lower catchment area
requires large scale rainfall across the
entire catchment.”
He said the unprecedented flooding
in January 2013 was as a result
of 800mm of rain falling in the
Burnett River catchment in the week
preceding the flood.
“The Burnett River catchment area
is five times the size of the entire
Bundaberg region, with the majority
of the catchment located in the North
Burnett and South Burnett Local
Port earmarked for
$70m development
BRC has welcomed news that worldleading plasterboard manufacturer Knauf
has selected the Port of Bundaberg for the
location of a new factory.
Knauf announced its intention to construct
a $70 million plasterboard factory at the
port in January, subject to the construction
of a State Government funded gas pipeline
and related approvals and agreements.
We expect significant economic benefits
will flow into the region as a result of this
project, with a Council commissioned
economic impact statement revealing the
project will create around 120 direct full
time jobs with an additional 645 positions
supported through the establishment of
industries interwoven with Knauf and
the broader economic flow-on effect. We
estimate that the factory’s direct output
and the known flow-on effects will have an
economic impact of $195 million.
Government areas.
“Rain that falls across the catchment
ultimately makes its way to sea
through Bundaberg however it would
be unlikely to pose any major threat
to properties within the Bundaberg
region if rainfall totals did not exceed
200mm within 48 hours. We in no way
want residents to become complacent
about the risk of riverine flooding
however, if armed with the right
information, they can manage their
own individual flood
risk.”
BRC’s awardwinning flood
mapping tool can
show residents
how rainfall totals
at various river and
rain gauges along
the Burnett River
catchment can
impact individual
properties.
“I would strongly
recommend all
residents living in
a suburb or town
with the potential
to be affected by
The Burnett River
riverine flooding take catchment area is five
times the size of the
advantage of this
Bundaberg region.
tool. It uses river and
rain gauge data to project flood levels
on a specific property which residents
can use as a guide in future weather
events to assess their flood risk.”
The mapping system can be
accessed at bundaberg.qld.gov.au/
floodgaugemaps. During weather
events residents are also encouraged
to stay tuned to warnings via radio
and TV broadcasts and qldalert.com
and check river and rainfall conditions
at bom.gov.au.
Road reseals and new
footpaths underway
Regional economic growth and
prosperity remains a key focus
for BRC with infrastructure and
development initiatives continuing
to be rolled out across the region.
While obvious signs of
development through bricks and
mortar may not be evident in
regional areas like Childers and
Gin Gin, BRC has been working
to ensure the future growth and
sustainability of these communities.
Council has been working hand in
hand with the business community
right across the region to foster
economic development, including
the roll out of the Bundaberg Digital
Enterprise Program. The program,
funded by the Federal Government,
aims to assist business operators
increase the scope of their online
activities. In line with this new
digital technology Council has also
been engaged in the NBN rollout
and residents in rural areas will
have seen the new towers, notably
in areas surrounding Childers and
Gin Gin.
A number of developments in
Woodgate Beach and Childers
were incentivized under our Open
for Development initiative which will
assist in promoting job creation and
economic growth.
The combination of the four existing
planning schemes into a unified
document is another step Council
is taking to ensure consistency in
planning and development at a
regional level.
BRC is committed to a unified
region and is working to ensure the
best outcomes across the entire
6500km² of the Bundaberg region.
Council’s annual reseal program is currently
underway across the region with the work
expected to continue until the end of April.
Roads targeted for bitumen reseals as part of
Council’s maintenance program are located in
Apple Tree Creek, Branyan, Burnett Heads,
Childers, Gooburrum, Horsecamp, Kensington,
McIlwraith, Moore Park Beach, North Isis,
Norville, Qunaba, Redridge, Wallaville,
Welcome Creek and Woodgate Beach. All work
will be undertaken during daylight hours. An
extension of the region’s pathways network
will also be undertaken in the final months of
this financial year. Tenders have recently been
finalised to undertake work across the region.
Boaties welcome
new Fairymead ramp
Boaties and fishing enthusiasts welcomed
news that the new Fairymead boat ramp is now
operational. The boat ramp is a joint project
involving Transport and Main Roads and BRC.
TMR was responsible for the construction
of the boat ramp while Council arranged the
purchase of the property from Bundaberg
Sugar and the construction of the car and
boat trailer park. The boat ramp is a facility
especially sought by members of the Moore
Park Beach Boating and Fishing Club who
had no nearby boat ramps and faced difficulty
in getting their boats to the ocean. The State
Government contributed $550,000 to the
project while Council chipped in with a further
$360,000.
Services to entice
developers to Port
SITTING PRETTY: Four subdivisions have been incentivised in Woodgate Beach under
BRC’s Open for Development initiative.
Work has commenced on water and
wastewater mains at the Port of Bundaberg
in an effort to entice further commercial and
residential development in the area. Council
has engaged contractors to carry out the
work, which commenced in late February and
involves the installation of new water and
wastewater infrastructure including a water
main and a wastewater rising main. The
wastewater rising main will connect with two
new wastewater pump stations. Construction
of the wastewater pump stations is scheduled
to commence in April. For more information or
enquiries email water&wastewater-bargara@
bundaberg.qld.gov.au or call project manager
Paul Viljoen on 1300 883 699.
Transforming North Bundy streetscapes
OUTDOOR DINING: North Bundaberg businesses have installed outdoor dining areas as part of a three month trial. CREDIT: Creative Regions
There’s plenty of good food to be had
in North Bundaberg and under a new
initiative, we’re taking it to the streets!
Council has partnered with Creative
Regions and local businesses in a
project that has seen North Bundaberg
streetscapes transformed in to whimsical
outdoor dining spaces.
The project, which was funded through a
Regional Art Development Fund (RADF)
grant, involved creating themed areas at
Nightingales Pies, Bundy Bake House,
Oodies Cafe and Bella Martinos with
help from well-known local artists.
Council strategic planner Alicia Otto said
the project was a three month trial and
had proven to be a win-win situation for
everyone involved.
“Not only is this an opportunity for
businesses to trial how customers
respond to unique outdoor dining
spaces but it allows Council to evaluate
the initiative and see if it is something
we can better incorporate in future town
planning,” Alicia said.
“It gives Council an idea of how these
alternative planning projects work and
how we can simplify regulations to see
Council’s roads and drainage crews
have work scheduled on a number of
major projects throughout April and May
including:
• The next stage of the Childers
Streetscape - North of McIlwraith
Street;
• Road widening and drainage works
on the raising of Fairymead Road
from McKenzies Road to Bonney
Street as a Flood Evacuation Route;
• Continued drainage upgrades on
Zorzan Drive and Belluna Crescent,
Gooburrum;
•
Continuing drainage upgrades at the
Port of Bundaberg;
• Commencement of St Kilda Road, St
Kilda floodway upgrade.
Council crews will also be commencing
a number of minor roads and drainage
works during April and May including:
• Anthonys Rest, Qunaba – Drainage
upgrade;
• Airport Drain - Scour protection;
• Barolin/Crofton Streets, Bundaberg
Central - Intersection upgrade
(Blackspot funded project);
• Bathurst Street, Elliott Heads -
outdoor dining more widely used by
hospitality businesses throughout the
region.”
Alicia said the spaces were installed and
launched in early March and would be on
display untilAWARD:
May. Dwayne Honor accepts the
awardused
for thereclaimed
flood mapping
tool.
“We predominantly
and
recycled materials to create the outdoor
dining spaces and I think residents will
agree the end result is quite impressive.”
RADF is a partnership between the
Queensland Government and Bundaberg
Regional Council to support local arts
and culture in regional Queensland.
•
•
•
•
•
•
Drainage improvements;
Beach Street, Burnett Heads - Open
Earth Drain;
Clayton Road, Alloway – widening
and drainage improvements;
Farnsfield Road, Farnsfield –
Shoulder widening;
Mill Street, South Kolan - Drainage
improvements;
Willis Street, Sharon – Drainage
improvements;
Woondooma Street, Bundaberg
West – widening and car parking
installation.
This information was correct at the time of printing however all road work programs are subject to weather, approvals and land
acquisitions where applicable. For more on Council’s roads and drainage program visit bundaberg.qld.gov.au/services/roads
ON THE JOB: Engineering student Jordan Maultby is undertaking practical experience in project management on Fairymead Road evacuation route.
Offering engineering scholarships at
CQUniversity’s Bundaberg campus is
already showing a positive return for
BRC.
Third year engineering student Jordan
Maultby, a recipient of a Council
scholarship grant, is on six months
placement with Council and will assist
with the project management of the
Fairymead Road evacuation route
upgrade valued at $2.5million. Jordan
is part of Council’s own workforce
engaged in bringing this important
project to fruition for the residents of
North Bundaberg. He will undertake site
visits and liaise with the design team,
contractors and other stakeholders
during the construction process.
Jordan said he was delighted with the
opportunity to engage in a practical
project and especially one that has
a significant safety aspect for the
residents of North Bundaberg.
“I am currently undertaking studies
in Bachelor Engineering (Hon) and
Diploma of Professional Practices
(Engineering) and really appreciate the
scholarship and support of Council and
CQU,” Jordan said.
Council, in consultation with
CQUniversity, identified a shortage
of engineering professionals in rural
and regional Queensland and the two
organisations now work together to
offer scholarships in an effort to entice
students to engineering studies.
Feedback sought on sites
of heritage significance
Breakfast to raise funds
for school chaplains
The Bundaberg region is rich with history so we’re
proposing to recognise more sites of heritage significance
as part of the draft Bundaberg Regional Planning Scheme.
We’re seeking feedback on 70 locations identified for
inclusion in our Heritage and Neighbourhood Character
Overlay. Sites being considered include the Cordalba War
Memorial, Gin Gin Courthouse (former), the Hummock
Lookout and North Bundaberg Railway Station. While
there are a number of sites within the region listed on
the Queensland and Commonwealth Heritage Registers,
Council’s heritage provisions are less restrictive and do not
seek to replicate these other registers. Feedback is open
until April 17, call 1300 883 699 or head to bundaberg.qld.
gov.au to make a submission or for more information.
Bacon and eggs with a side of motivation is on the menu for
the annual Mayor’s School Chaplaincy Breakfast on June
2. The breakfast will feature guest speaker Bernie Kelly
who will share his incredible journey from being one of five
Young Australians of the Year and running the New York
Marathon to establishing two youth leadership development
organisations. Funds raised go towards supporting the great
work of school chaplains throughout the region. Sponsors
include WBC Battery Recyclers, Insite SJC, Ken Landt
Diesel Repairs, The Waves, Bundaberg Brewed Drinks,
Alowishus, Rowers on the River, Corporate AV, Bundaberg
Broadcasters and East Rotary. Tickets are $25 and can be
purchased at Council’s Bundaberg Office, by calling 1300
883 699 or emailing [email protected].
Lanes promote
cyclist safety
EAT SAFE: Look for prominently displayed three, four or five star ratings when choosing where to eat.
With Eat Safe Bundaberg Region
now in full swing, BRC is encouraging
residents to look for Eat Safe signage
when eating out. The star rating
program is based on food safety
and hygiene practices and allows
residents to make informed decisions
about where they choose to eat. While
five stars is the highest achievable
rating, Council’s coordinator of
environmental health services David
Zorzan said businesses achieving
three or four star ratings were also
achieving high standards in food
safety and hygiene practices.
“Ratings are awarded to those
businesses who have registered with
our Eat Safe program and are based
on the compliance requirements of
our existing food safety inspections as
detailed in the Food Act 2006,” David
said.
“Three stars is awarded to a business
which achieves a high level of
compliance with the Act and four and
five star ratings are awarded to those
businesses going above and beyond
the required compliance levels.”
He said any businesses rated three,
four or five stars could choose to
display the rating from their shop
fronts.
“While eateries can choose to
participate and display their rating, Eat
Safe gives customers the opportunity
to question those businesses who do
not have a star rating displayed.”
A list of businesses rated three stars
or above can be found at bundaberg.
qld.gov.au/eat-safe-bundaberg.
Motorists and cyclists alike may have
noticed green “cycle lane” markings on
road surfaces in Bourbong and Takalvan
Streets.
The cycle lanes were marked under the
authority of Transport and Main Roads in
the interests of cyclist safety.
The cycle lanes are there as a reminder
that our roads are shared with cyclists and
to afford a level of protection for bike riders
at these busy intersections.
While cyclists are not legally required to
use the lanes, they are there in the interest
of road user safety and it is recommended
that cyclists do use the lanes.
Even when a cyclist is in a dedicated
bicycle lane, motorists still need to follow
the bicycle overtaking laws which state that
when a motorist is passing a cyclist they
must stay wider then 1m when in a 60km/h
or less speed zone and for any speed zone
over 60km/h the motorist must stay 1.5m
away from the cyclist.
More info on cycle lanes in Bundaberg can
be found at bundaberg.qld.gov.au.
Grow your potential in
the digital marketplace
Significant boost to
region’s building figures
Businesses and not-for-profit organisations are urged to
register now for the final workshops of the region’s popular
Digital Enterprise Program. The free workshops, funded by
the Federal Government, are an opportunity for businesses
to grow their potential using digital tools. Through the Digital
Enterprise Program we can help you to enhance your online
presence, increase efficiency, improve communication,
expand your market and keep important data safe and
secure. The final two workshops will be held on May 5
and June 1. Participants who complete at least one group
workshop may be eligible (subject to availability) for four
hours of one-on-one mentoring. More information about
workshop dates, times, locations, and topics can be found
at businessbundaberg.com.au/digital-enterprise.
Economic confidence is returning to the region with a
massive 43% spike in new home construction in 2014.
Housing figures released by the Housing Industry
Association of Australia earlier this year showed the
Bundaberg region had achieved 305 detached home
approvals in 2013 rising impressively to 435 last year.
Initiatives like BRC’s Bundaberg Open for Development
have played a major role in boosting development
within the region by offering discount incentives on
infrastructure charges and application fees in relation to
eligible applications. Council is keen to see this growth
trend maintained and is investing in major infrastructure
projects that will continue to facilitate the opportunities for
development across our region.
The MOVE it Expo is back in 2015 to showcase the best of health and fitness within the Bundaberg
region.
This year the expo has partnered with the Ring Road Run to bring residents one big weekend of fun and
fitness in May.
MOVE it coordinator Sandie Borg said entry was free to the health, fitness and wellbeing expo which
would be held at St Lukes Anglican School from 11am to 3pm on Saturday, May 23.
“The expo is now in its third year and it has gone from strength to strength,” Sandie said.
“It is always very well received by residents and health and fitness providers alike.”
She said the day would include demonstrations and displays from professional fitness trainers, health
experts, fresh food producers and local sporting clubs.
“It’s basically your one-stop shop for better health and wellbeing. I would
encourage anyone interested in improving their quality of life through healthy
lifestyle changes to come along to MOVE it. Our region has so much on offer for
healthy lifestyles - a strong sporting tradition, a wide range of professional fitness
providers and some amazing fresh food producers.”
For more info call 1300 883 699 or visit bundaberg.qld.gov.au/moveit.
WHAT’S ON April & May
For more information on events head to bundabergregionevents.com.au
Contact Council
Gin Gin
Family Frolic
Fun is on the agenda for the Gin
Gin Family Frolic on Wednesday,
May 20.
Gin Gin Neighbourhood Centre
coordinator Tricia Cross said the
Gin Gin Showgrounds on King
Street would be filled to the brim
with family-friendly activities.
“We will have plenty of fun and
games on offer throughout the
day so I’d encourage everyone
to come along with the kids for a
great day out,” Tricia said.
“We will have novelty races as
well as pony rides, face painting
and a toy van just to name a few!”
The fun day is being held in
conjunction with Under 8s Week
and will also feature information
stalls from a number of service
providers relevant to Gin Gin
families.
The Gin Gin Family Frolic will be
held from 9.30am to 12pm.
Box 3130, BUNDABERG QLD 4670
Local Call 1300 883 699 | Fax (07) 4150 5410
Email [email protected]
Every effort is made to ensure this information
is true and correct at the time of printing.
®