June 2011 Council Update

1
Customer Service 1300 COUNCIL (1300 268 624) www.wdrc.qld.gov.au Western Downs Regional Council PO Box 551, DALBY, QLD 4405 [email protected] Western Downs Regional Council is currently reviewing its local laws and subordinate local laws, as mandated by the State Government following amalgamation, to develop a suite of relevant and functional new regional local laws. Council currently administers 157 local and subordinate local laws across the region which will be repealed by the 31 December 2011 deadline. The proposed new suite of local laws will total seven plus 22 subordinate local laws, a significant reduction which Council envisages will not only streamline the administration of local laws across the region, but also assist with ensuring consistency for all Western Downs residents. The draft laws are currently undergoing a State Interest Check conducted by State Government Agencies. The next step is for Council to display the draft documents publicly and to engage the residents of Western Downs Region in a review of the proposed new laws by mid July this year. A set of helpful fact sheets will be made available to assist community members to review the proposed new local laws. Council values the opinions of its residents and looks forward to receiving your feedback in relation to the proposed new local laws once the official 21 day public submission period is announced. During the last month detailed discussions have occurred in considering the options available for the future development of Dalby Saleyards. These are ongoing and the outcome will obviously affect the whole region as the livestock industry is an extremely vital sector of the Western Downs economy. At this stage all options are on the table. Recently, it was pleasing to welcome the Governor-General Quentin Bryce when she visited the Dalby State School in the lead up to their 150th Anniversary celebrations before meeting volunteers involved in the town’s flood response and recovery effort. Council has begun work on the 2011-2012 Budget and we will continue our push in both Federal and State Government spheres after recent Federal Budget announcements did not include the substantial infrastructure increases so desperately needed in rural regional Australia. The lack of support for the resourcing of critical infrastructure in the Western Downs was particularly disappointing. In the past couple of weeks our region has played host to visits from both sides of State Government. These opportune visits allowed Council to point out what our communities’ needs and concerns are. Lastly, I wish to acknowledge the loyalty shown by some long serving members of Council’s staff – Terry Smith who recently retired after 54 years service to the Miles and Chinchilla communities, Ron Schafer who recently retired after 29 years of service to Dalby and district and Ron Pain who will retire later this month after 45 years service to the Dalby rural community. Congratulations gentlemen and thank you on behalf of our Western Downs communities. FROM THE MAYOR’S DESK Ray Brown The State Government’s new cap on local government infrastructure charges, to be introduced on July 1, is set to simplify and standardise infrastructure charges administered by local governments and paid by developers when new dwellings and infrastructure are constructed. The proposed new measures should not affect the Western Downs region as greatly as other Queensland council areas as Council’s current charges are significantly below the recommended $20,000 - $30,000 range that is of concern. Council awaits more information to fully consider the impact of these reforms on the region. The lack of consultation with local government on these new policies and the resulting impact on ratepayers has been disappointing. Council is having extensive discussions with energy companies in the Surat Basin Province to develop a Housing Strategy in response to growing community concerns about housing and rental affordability in the region. Council has instigated The Housing Strategy Advisory Committee to work with energy companies to form a position on housing affordability. A Housing Strategy will be mandated as part of future environmental impact statements to address this issue. Regarding the floods earlier this year, Council is undertaking flood mapping for planning for major towns affected by flooding. As always, I encourage prospective developers to arrange a pre-lodgement meeting with Council to reduce the time delay that may occur with unexpected issues that evolve through the assessment process. Finally, Council bids farewell to our Planning Manager Matthew Wilson who is moving overseas with his family and I wish them all the best of luck for the future. Spokesperson for Planning Cr Ray Jamieson 0439 789 024 COUNCILLOR SPOTLIGHT WATER RESTRICTIONS Dalby Level 3 Chinchilla Level 1 Tara Level 1 Jandowae Level 1 Bell Level 1 Warra Level 1 Kaimkillenbun Level 6 Jimbour Level 1 Miles Level 1 Condamine Level 5 Wandoan Level 1 Brigalow Level 1 Dulacca Level 1 Meandarra Level 1 Kogan Level 4 Moonie Level 1 The Gums Level 1 Glenmorgan Level 1 Flinton Level 1 Westmar Level 1 6am - 10am 3pm - 7pm All devices LEVEL 1 7am - 9am 4pm - 6pm All devices LEVEL 2 6.30am - 7.30am 5pm - 7pm Handheld hoses and drip systems only LEVEL 3 5pm - 6pm Handheld hoses and drip systems only LEVEL 4 5pm - 6pm Buckets only LEVEL 5 No outside watering LEVEL 6 WATERING DAYS Odd and Unnumbered - Wed, Fri, Sun Even numbered - Tues, Thurs, Sat WORKS PROJECTS JUNE CHINCHILLA DISTRICT: Dalby Kogan Road - Intersection upgrade, finish July Various flood damage repairs DALBY DISTRICT: Bidstrups Road - Reconstruction, finish June Branch Creek Road - Reconstruction, finish June Moonie Highway (Stage Two) - Overlay and stabilise, finish June Myall Creek Pathway - New pathway construction, finish June Pirrinuan Apunyal Road - Reconstruction, finish June MILES DISTRICT: Flood Damage - Maintenance TARA DISTRICT: Chinchilla Tara Road - Widening, finish June Kogan Condamine Road/Chinchilla Tara Road - Intersection upgrade, finish July Kumbarilla Lane - Resheet and seal, start May 2011 and finish 2012 WANDOAN DISTRICT: Giligulgul Road - Resheet, finish June Waterloo Street - Widen and seal, finish June Woodside Road - Road upgrade, finish June During all works traffic and pedestrian signs will be erected for public safety and residents are requested to follow the signed instructions at all times.Your patience is appreciated. Dalby Campdraft Dalby 29 - 31 July Tara Festival of Culture & Camel Races Tara 5 - 7 August DATE CLAIMER UPDATE JUNE NEWS IN BRIEF WATER DEADLINE APPROACHES Water consumers are urged to pay their full water charges before the payment due date of 17 June 2011. A leaflet containing flood relief payment arrangements was sent with your water consumption notice. MARBLE STREET REPAIRS Council has lodged a submission to the Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA) for a $2.5 million reconstruction project to repair Marble Street, Dalby following extensive flood damage. Council advises that reconstruction will commence when the QRA grants approval and funding has been allocated. In the meantime the flood damaged section of Marble Street between Finks Lane and Patrick Street roundabout will remain closed to all traffic in both directions. CHAPLAINCIES SUPPORTED WDRC’s commitment to supporting the work of local charities has seen the Miles and Wandoan School Chaplaincies share in more than $2,000 raised at the annual Western Downs Mayoral Prayer Breakfast. Mayor Ray Brown made the donation to the Chaplaincy Committees at a ceremony in Miles on May 20. REGIONAL PUBLIC ART PROJECT A public artwork created by a local artist from the Western Downs is set to become the centrepiece of the entrance to Council’s new corporate office, Western Downs on Drayton. A workshop was held on Friday 20 May with artists from across the region joining members of the Regional RADF Committee to start the development of an artist’s brief for the project. To ensure the project is eligible for funding grants, conditions include that the artist be a resident of the Western Downs region and that the construction of the public art will include community participation. Council hopes that the regional pubic art project will help foster the community’s ownership of Western Downs on Drayton and create a unique identity for the refurbished building. Local artists are encouraged to look out for the call for expressions of interest that will be advertised soon. For more information please contact Council’s Regional Community Support Manager Carollee Murphy on 4679 4436. COUNCIL MEETINGS The next Ordinary Meeting of Council will be at the Jandowae Customer Service Centre at 9.30am on Wednesday, June 15 and at the Dalby Corporate Office on Wednesday July 6. CALL 1300 COUNCIL Council now has one number for all telephone enquiries regardless of where customers are located within the region. Customers now only have to remember one number - 1300 COUNCIL, that’s 1300 268 624 for all enquiries. It doesn’t matter where you live or whatever the Council service you require. The centre operates during normal office hours of 8am to 5pm each weekday. BELL DIGITAL TV Conversion of analogue television retransmission services to digital for Bell residents planned to occur on May 24 has been delayed. Analogue signals in Bell will now cease transmission in December. More information on the digital switchover is available from the Digital Ready website at http://www.digitalready.gov.au/ or by calling 1800 20 10 13. DALBY READY TO BLOOM Residents can look forward to a colourful display in Dalby’s central business district blooming this spring with more than 4,000 seedlings planted this month by Council’s parks and gardens team. Garden beds in the town’s centre will come to life in spring with a flower display of petunias, pansies, alyssiums, snapdragon, kale, calendulas and chrysanthemums. Western Downs Regional Council Mayor Ray Brown and Member for Condamine Ray Hopper met with State Opposition Leader Campbell Newman during a visit to the Western Downs last month as part of a state-wide tour. NEW REGIONAL LOCAL LAWS ü Plastic containers & bottles from the kitchen, bathroom & laundry Milk & juice cartons Paper & cardboard ü Glass bottles & jars (no lids please) Steel & aluminum cans & empty aerosols ü ü ü Do Not Bag Recyclables Towards a Waste Wise Western Downs Customer Service 1300 728 500 www.wdrc.qld.gov.au RECYCLING PLEASE RECYCLE ONLY THESE ITEMS WESTERN DOWNS EMBRACE RECYCLING A new fortnightly recycling service rolled out across the region by Western Downs Regional Council six months ago has successfully seen residents move into the recycling fold. Since the introduction of the new waste collection service residents have already recycled 802 tonnes of recyclable waste. That is equivalent to one football field filled with recyclables to a height of two metres. Western Downs Regional Council Spokesperson for Environment and Health Cr George Moore places recyclable material into the yellow-lidded recycling bin. OPERA at JIMBOUR Jimbour House Amphitheatre NATION’S LEADING OPERA STARS OVER 200 PERFORMERS UNIQUE AND HISTORIC SETTING MARKET STALLS For more information, visit www.qmf.org.au Afternoon of Classic Opera Sat, 30 July 2011 Music performed by the Queensland Choir and Brisbane Philharmonic Orchestra. OPERA at JIMBOUR is presented by Queensland Music Festival, Western Downs Regional Council, Jimbour Station and ERM Power.

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June 2011 Council Update

Transcript of June 2011 Council Update

Page 1: June 2011 Council Update

Customer Service 1300 COUNCIL(1300 268 624)

www.wdrc.qld.gov.au

Western Downs Regional CouncilPO Box 551, DALBY, QLD 4405

[email protected]

Western Downs Regional Council is currently reviewing its local laws and subordinate local laws, as mandated by the State Government following amalgamation, to develop a suite of relevant and functional new regional local laws.

Council currently administers 157 local and subordinate local laws across the region which will be repealed by the 31 December 2011 deadline.

The proposed new suite of local laws will total seven plus 22 subordinate local laws, a significant reduction which Council envisages will not only streamline the administration of local laws across the region, but also assist with ensuring consistency for all Western Downs residents.

The draft laws are currently undergoing a State Interest Check conducted by State Government Agencies. The next step is for Council to display the draft documents publicly and to engage the residents of Western Downs Region in a review of the proposed new laws by mid July this year.

A set of helpful fact sheets will be made available to assist community members to review the proposed new local laws.

Council values the opinions of its residents and looks forward to receiving your feedback in relation to the proposed new local laws once the official 21 day public submission period is announced.

During the last month detailed discussions have occurred in considering the options available for the future development of Dalby Saleyards. These are ongoing and the outcome will obviously affect the whole region as the livestock industry is an extremely vital sector of the Western Downs economy. At this stage all options are on the table.

Recently, it was pleasing to welcome the Governor-General Quentin Bryce when she visited the Dalby State School in the lead up to their 150th Anniversary celebrations before meeting volunteers involved in the town’s flood response and recovery effort.

Council has begun work on the 2011-2012 Budget and we will continue our push in both Federal and State Government spheres after recent Federal Budget announcements did not include the substantial infrastructure increases so desperately needed in rural regional Australia. The lack of support for the resourcing of critical infrastructure in the Western Downs was particularly disappointing.

In the past couple of weeks our region has played host to visits from both sides of State Government. These opportune visits allowed Council to point out what our communities’ needs and concerns are.

Lastly, I wish to acknowledge the loyalty shown by some long serving members of Council’s staff – Terry Smith who recently retired after 54 years service to the Miles and Chinchilla communities, Ron Schafer who recently retired after 29 years of service to Dalby and district and Ron Pain who will retire later this month after 45 years service to the Dalby rural community. Congratulations gentlemen and thank you on behalf of our Western Downs communities.

FROM THE MAYOR’S DESK

Ray Brown

The State Government’s new cap on local government infrastructure charges, to be introduced on July 1, is set to simplify and standardise infrastructure charges administered by local governments and paid by developers when new dwellings and infrastructure are constructed.

The proposed new measures should not affect the Western Downs region as greatly as other Queensland council areas as Council’s current charges are significantly below the recommended $20,000 - $30,000 range that is of concern.

Council awaits more information to fully consider the impact of these reforms on the region. The lack of consultation with local government on these new policies and the resulting impact on ratepayers has been disappointing.

Council is having extensive discussions with energy companies in the Surat Basin Province to develop a Housing Strategy in response to growing community concerns about housing and rental affordability in the region. Council has instigated The Housing Strategy Advisory Committee to work with energy companies to form a position on housing affordability. A Housing Strategy will be mandated as part of future environmental impact statements to address this issue.

Regarding the floods earlier this year, Council is undertaking flood mapping for planning for major towns affected by flooding.

As always, I encourage prospective developers to arrange a pre-lodgement meeting with Council to reduce the time delay that may occur with unexpected issues that evolve through the assessment process.

Finally, Council bids farewell to our Planning Manager Matthew Wilson who is moving overseas with his family and I wish them all the best of luck for the future. Spokesperson for PlanningCr Ray Jamieson 0439 789 024

COUNCILLOR SPOTLIGHT

WATER RESTRICTIONS

Dalby Level 3Chinchilla Level 1Tara Level 1Jandowae Level 1Bell Level 1Warra Level 1Kaimkillenbun Level 6Jimbour Level 1Miles Level 1Condamine Level 5

Wandoan Level 1Brigalow Level 1Dulacca Level 1Meandarra Level 1Kogan Level 4Moonie Level 1The Gums Level 1Glenmorgan Level 1Flinton Level 1Westmar Level 1

6am - 10am 3pm - 7pmAll devices

LEVEL

17am - 9am 4pm - 6pmAll devices

LEVEL

26.30am -

7.30am 5pm - 7pm

Handheld hoses and drip systems only

LEVEL

35pm - 6pm

Handheld hoses and drip

systems only

LEVEL

45pm - 6pm

Buckets onlyLEVEL

5 No outside watering

LEVEL

6WATERING DAYS

Odd and Unnumbered - Wed, Fri, SunEven numbered - Tues, Thurs, Sat

WORKS PROJECTS JUNE

CHINCHILLA DISTRICT:Dalby Kogan Road - Intersection upgrade, finish JulyVarious flood damage repairsDALBY DISTRICT: Bidstrups Road - Reconstruction, finish JuneBranch Creek Road - Reconstruction, finish JuneMoonie Highway (Stage Two) - Overlay and stabilise, finish JuneMyall Creek Pathway - New pathway construction, finish JunePirrinuan Apunyal Road - Reconstruction, finish JuneMILES DISTRICT: Flood Damage - MaintenanceTARA DISTRICT: Chinchilla Tara Road - Widening, finish JuneKogan Condamine Road/Chinchilla Tara Road - Intersection upgrade, finish JulyKumbarilla Lane - Resheet and seal, start May 2011 and finish 2012WANDOAN DISTRICT: Giligulgul Road - Resheet, finish JuneWaterloo Street - Widen and seal, finish JuneWoodside Road - Road upgrade, finish JuneDuring all works traffic and pedestrian signs will be erected for public safety and residents are requested to follow the signed instructions at all times.Your patience is appreciated.

Dalby CampdraftDalby 29 - 31 July

Tara Festival of Culture & Camel RacesTara 5 - 7 August

DATE CLAIMER

UPDATEJUNE

NEWS IN BRIEF

WATER DEADLINE APPROACHESWater consumers are urged to pay their full water charges before the payment due date of 17 June 2011. A leaflet containing flood relief payment arrangements was sent with your water consumption notice.

MARBLE STREET REPAIRSCouncil has lodged a submission to the Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA) for a $2.5 million reconstruction project to repair Marble Street, Dalby following extensive flood damage. Council advises that reconstruction will commence when the QRA grants approval and funding has been allocated.

In the meantime the flood damaged section of Marble Street between Finks Lane and Patrick Street roundabout will remain closed to all traffic in both directions.

CHAPLAINCIES SUPPORTEDWDRC’s commitment to supporting the work of local charities has seen the Miles and Wandoan School Chaplaincies share in more than $2,000 raised at the annual Western Downs Mayoral Prayer Breakfast.

Mayor Ray Brown made the donation to the Chaplaincy Committees at a ceremony in Miles on May 20.

REGIONAL PUBLIC ART PROJECT A public artwork created by a local artist from the Western Downs is set to become the centrepiece of the entrance to Council’s new corporate office, Western Downs on Drayton.

A workshop was held on Friday 20 May with artists from across the region joining members of the Regional RADF Committee to start the development of an artist’s brief for the project.

To ensure the project is eligible for funding grants, conditions include that the artist be a resident of the Western Downs region and that the construction of the public art will include community participation.

Council hopes that the regional pubic art project will help foster the community’s ownership of Western Downs on Drayton and create a unique identity for the refurbished building.

Local artists are encouraged to look out for the call for expressions of interest that will be advertised soon. For more information please contact Council’s Regional Community Support Manager Carollee Murphy on 4679 4436.

COUNCIL MEETINGSThe next Ordinary Meeting of Council will be at the Jandowae Customer Service Centre at 9.30am on Wednesday, June 15 and at the Dalby Corporate Office on Wednesday July 6.

CALL 1300 COUNCIL Council now has one number for all telephone enquiries regardless of where customers are located within the region. Customers now only have to remember one number - 1300 COUNCIL, that’s 1300 268 624 for all enquiries. It doesn’t matter where you live or whatever the Council service you require. The centre operates during normal office hours of 8am to 5pm each weekday.

BELL DIGITAL TVConversion of analogue television retransmission services to digital for Bell residents planned to occur on May 24 has been delayed. Analogue signals in Bell will now cease transmission in December.

More information on the digital switchover is available from the Digital Ready website at http://www.digitalready.gov.au/ or by calling 1800 20 10 13.

DALBY READY TO BLOOMResidents can look forward to a colourful display in Dalby’s central business district blooming this spring with more than 4,000 seedlings planted this month by Council’s parks and gardens team.

Garden beds in the town’s centre will come to life in spring with a flower display of petunias, pansies, alyssiums, snapdragon, kale, calendulas and chrysanthemums.

Western Downs Regional Council Mayor Ray Brown and Member for Condamine Ray Hopper met with State Opposition Leader Campbell Newman during a visit to the Western Downs last month as part of a state-wide tour.

NEW REGIONAL LOCAL LAWS

�Plastic containers & bottles from the kitchen, bathroom & laundry

Milk & juice cartons

Paper & cardboard�Glass bottles & jars (no lids please)

Steel & aluminum cans & empty aerosols

Do Not Bag Recyclables

Towards a Waste Wise Western Downs

Customer Service 1300 728 500www.wdrc.qld.gov.au

RECYCLINGPLEASE RECYCLE ONLY THESE ITEMS

WESTERN DOWNS EMBRACE RECYCLINGA new fortnightly recycling service rolled out across the region by Western Downs Regional Council six months ago has successfully seen residents move into the recycling fold. Since the introduction of the new waste collection service residents have already recycled 802 tonnes of recyclable waste. That is equivalent to one football field filled with recyclables to a height of two metres.

Western Downs Regional Council Spokesperson for Environment and Health Cr George Moore places recyclable material into the yellow-lidded recycling bin.

OPERA at JIMBOURJimbour House Amphitheatre

NATION’S LEADING OPERA STARS OVER 200 PERFORMERS UNIQUE AND HISTORIC SETTING MARKET STALLS

For more information on Jandowae & District visit www.wdrc.qld.gov.au or free call 1300 728 500

For more information, visit www.qmf.org.au

Afternoon of Classic Opera

Music performed by the Queensland Choir and Brisbane Philharmonic Orchestra.

OPERA at JIMBOUR is presented by Queensland Music Festival, Western Downs Regional Council, Jimbour Station and ERM Power.

Sat, 30 July 2011

“...this year’s performance promises to be the most spectacular yet...”

Deborah Conway, QMF Artistic Director

Opera at Jimbour Vertical.indd 1 07/02/2011 4:20:29 PM

OPERA at JIMBOURJimbour House Amphitheatre

NATION’S LEADING OPERA STARS OVER 200 PERFORMERS UNIQUE AND HISTORIC SETTING MARKET STALLS

For more information on Jandowae & District visit www.wdrc.qld.gov.au or free call 1300 728 500

For more information, visit www.qmf.org.au

Afternoon of Classic Opera

Music performed by the Queensland Choir and Brisbane Philharmonic Orchestra.

OPERA at JIMBOUR is presented by Queensland Music Festival, Western Downs Regional Council, Jimbour Station and ERM Power.

Sat, 30 July 2011

“...this year’s performance promises to be the most spectacular yet...”

Deborah Conway, QMF Artistic Director

Opera at Jimbour Vertical.indd 1 07/02/2011 4:20:29 PM

OPERA at JIMBOURJimbour House Amphitheatre

NATION’S LEADING OPERA STARS OVER 200 PERFORMERS UNIQUE AND HISTORIC SETTING MARKET STALLS

For more information on Jandowae & District visit www.wdrc.qld.gov.au or free call 1300 728 500

For more information, visit www.qmf.org.au

Afternoon of Classic Opera

Music performed by the Queensland Choir and Brisbane Philharmonic Orchestra.

OPERA at JIMBOUR is presented by Queensland Music Festival, Western Downs Regional Council, Jimbour Station and ERM Power.

Sat, 30 July 2011

“...this year’s performance promises to be the most spectacular yet...”

Deborah Conway, QMF Artistic Director

Opera at Jimbour Vertical.indd 1 07/02/2011 4:20:29 PM