Council Connection August - September 2014

INSIDE

New distance markers installed

Sustainable housing One document provides uniformity

Youth Art Exhibition

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COUNCIL CONNECTION

GLADSTONE REGIONAL COUNCIL NEWSLETTERAUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2014 ISSUE 61

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Council ConnectionThis newsletter is produced by Gladstone Regional Council to give residents a bi-monthly update on Council events, activities, services and projects.

DeliveryCouncil Connection is delivered directly into all residential letterboxes by Australia Post as “unaddressed mail” but is also available for viewing or downloading from Council’s website at www.gladstone.qld.gov.au

CostCouncil Connection is automatically delivered free of charge to households in the Gladstone Region who have a residential letterbox. Cost of printing and distributing the newsletter is 49.2 cents per household per edition.

Environmental ImpactsCouncil Connection is printed on Revive Pure Silk 100% Recycled paper, it is certified carbon neutral and FSC 100% Recycled certified. It is manufactured process chlorine free (PCF) by an ISO 14001 certified mill.

CoverCelebrate Seniors Week between August 16 and 24.

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Council ContactsMail: PO Box 29, Gladstone DC Qld 4680 Email: [email protected] Phone: 4970 0700 Fax: 4975 8500 A/Hrs Emergency Phone: 4979 1134

Gladstone Office101 Goondoon Street, Gladstone Qld 4680

Calliope Office5 Don Cameron Drive, Calliope Qld 4680

Miriam Vale Office36 Roe Street, Miriam Vale Qld 4677

MAYOR'S MESSAGE

Council's free Community Services Directory has had a revamp and I think the public is going to love it.

The directory again comes in hard copy

version, as it has done since 1983, with 5000 copies of this widely used community resource to be made available throughout the Gladstone Region.

The revamp comes in the shape of the new Community Services Directory website which is easier to access for residents.

The new website is more accessible for mobile phone users and features improved search functions and links to Facebook and web pages.

This means finding contact details for, and general information about the region's sporting, community and service groups,

and other non-profit organisations, has never been easier for residents.

The website also includes the Seniors Information Booklet, Youth Services Reference Book and Children's Directory which were previously available in hard copy.

I highly commend the work of the Community Advisory Service personnel in putting together this great source of local information and the efforts of Council's IT Section to create the excellent new website.

Hard copies of the Community Services Directory are available from Council's customer service centres, regional libraries, Rural Transaction Centres, the Community Advisory Service and various not-for-profit grounds throughout the region.

For more information phone the Community Advisory Service on 4976 6300 or email [email protected]

Get your copy of our new Community Services Directory

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Gladstone Regional Council rates notices will start arriving in letter boxes throughout the region from August 27.

Ratepayers who pay by close of business on September 26, 2014 will receive a 10 per cent discount on their general rates and charges.

Land owners who do not pay by 4.45pm on the due date will forego the 10 per cent discount, plus incur interest of 11 per cent per annum, compounding daily, unless they have entered into an instalment agreement with Council.

Ratepayers should contact Council immediately upon receipt of their notice if they believe they cannot pay their rates in full by the due date so an instalment agreement can be negotiated.

For more information or assistance with your rates notice phone Council on 4976 6999 or visit Council's website at www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/rates

Rates notices to hit Gladstone Region letter boxes soon

Gladstone Regional Council - The Council Connection August - September 2014 Page 3

Residents in the region's smaller communities will have the chance to meet with Councillors over morning tea and book individual meetings during the upcoming rounds of CouncillorConnect visits.

The visits are conducted on the last Thursday of each month and involve Councillors visiting individually or in pairs for morning tea between 9.30am and 10.15am, followed by individual meetings of 20 minutes in duration between 10.15am and noon with residents who have pre-booked.

All residents are welcome to attend the morning teas and appointment bookings can be made by phoning

Council's Communication and Marketing Section on 4970 0700.

Councillor Information Booths

Councillors will also host a Councillor Information Booth at Calliope Drakes Supa IGA on August 28 and Tannum Central Shopping Centre on September 25, between 9.30am and noon on each of the days. The booths enable residents to chat with their elected representatives and collect Council information while shopping. The Stockland Gladstone (Kin Kora) Councillor Information Booth operates the third Saturday of each month as well.

CouncillorConnect ScheduleThursday, August 28

Morning tea - 9.30am - 10.15am. Pre-booked 20 min appointments with Councillors 10.15am - noon.

Builyan Builyan Community Hall

Raglan Raglan QCWA Hall

Turkey Beach Turkey Beach Rural Fire Brigade Shed

Thursday, September 25Morning tea - 9.30am - 10.15am. Pre-booked 20 min

appointments with Councillors 10.15am - noon.

Bororen Bororen Community Hall

Ambrose Ambrose QCWA Hall

Rosedale Rosedale Memorial Hall

Councillor Information Booths• Saturday, Aug 16, 9am-noon: Stockland Gladstone• Thurs, Aug 28, 9.30am-noon: Calliope IGA• Saturday, Sept 20, 9am-noon: Stockland Gladstone• Thurs, Sept 25, 9.30am-noon: Tannum Central

Shopping Centre

The Gladstone Region has plenty of local heroes and now is the time to recognise them.

Nominations for Council's 2015 Australia Day Awards are set to open on Friday, August 8.

Each year, Council hosts an Australia Day Awards presentation evening, recognising individuals and groups who have made outstanding contributions to the community or who have excelled in the sporting or cultural areas.

Awards categories include Citizen of the

Year; Young Citizen of the Year; Arts & Culture Award; Senior Sportsperson Award; Young Sportsperson Award; Sports Official Award; Community Volunteer Award; and Community Event or Initiative Award.

The awards are designed to recognise and reward members of the local community who have made outstanding achievements in their field or who have contributed significantly to the growth and development of sport, community events, arts and cultural life in the Gladstone Region.

An invitation is extended for members of the community to nominate someone they feel is worthy of an Australia Day Award in honour of their outstanding contributions or results.

Entry is open to residents of all ages and nominees must reside in the Gladstone Region.

Nominations must be received by close of business on Friday, November 7.

For further information visit Council's website at www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/australia-day

Australia Day Awards nominations open for 2015 Calls to nominate a local hero for awards consideration

Australia Day Awards 2014 Citizen of the Year Judith Young is

congratulated by Gladstone Region Mayor Gail Sellers.


New safety management system delivers results

New Council strategy aimed at cleaning up Gladstone RegionCommunity education the key to reducing littering and illegal dumping

Illegal dumping and littering is unsightly and is impacting on the local environment.

Council's OH&S Co-ordinator Craig Cousar operates the Logoss Safety Management System.

Council has adopted a new strategy targeting the battle against illegal dumping and littering across the Gladstone Region.

The Illegal Dumping and Litter Prevention Strategy was endorsed by Council at its general meeting on May 20 and has since been adopted by its Parks & Environment, Regulatory Services and Road Services divisions, who will work in partnership to deliver results.

Gladstone Ports Corporation has provided financial support for the strategy in an attempt to reduce the amount of litter entering the harbour catchment areas within Gladstone Region.

Focus is being placed on a community awareness campaign to educate residents on the harmful impacts litter and illegally dumped waste have on the local environment and to seek their support for Council's litter reduction activities.

Council encourages the community to do the right thing by correctly disposing of waste, and promptly reporting any incidences of littering or illegally dumped waste.

In recent years the Gladstone Region has been affected by a noticeable increase in litter, particularly on roadsides and within regional watercourses, sparking an increase in public complaints.

Beverage containers, cigarette butts and fast food wrappers are the key items littering the local environment.

Council has already introduced cameras to identified dumping hot spots across the region in an attempt to catch offenders, and is in the process of recruiting additional staff to increase its inspection and investigation activities.

A further option under the new strategy is for Council to advertise infringement outcomes as a deterrent for offenders.

An upgrade of Council's safety management system to align with Australian standards is delivering significant financial and safety results.

Implementation of the new tailored Local Government Safety Management System has so far resulted in a $250,000 cost saving.

The proactive initiative to improve safety management performance moves away from a paper-based system to a real-time electronic reporting environment.

This was achieved through the purchase of 'Logoss' in 2013 as Council's preferred Safety Management System via consulting service Safety Concepts.

The results are evident, with Council's lost time days drastically reduced from 914 in 2012/13 to 199 for 2013/14.

Under the former paper-based system, considerable time was spent transcribing data with no succinct way to measure trends and analyse data.

The new 'Logoss' electronic reporting system has streamlined processes and provided Council with real-time data which can be provided to department managers for analysis at the click of a mouse button.


Gladstone Aquatic Centre's Splash Zone water play park to re-open September 1 Splash Zone's winter closure nears its end Get ready to have some fun with Gladstone Aquatic Centre's Splash Zone water play park set to re-open on September 1.

After closing for the winter, the ultra-modern facility will be back for the community to enjoy during the centre's summer season opening hours.

Council, at its general meeting on May 6, voted to close Splash Zone from May 12 to August 31 due to a decline in patronage as the weather cooled down.

The decision has resulted in a significant reduction to the facility's operational costs and an increase in the life expectancy of equipment.

Since the opening of the $2.5 million Splash Zone on November 17, attendance numbers at the Gladstone Aquatic Centre have increased in excess of 60 per cent.

Entrance figures for the six month period from November 2013 to May 2014 reached 104,237.

Centre attendance for the same period

in the previous 12 months was 65,115 - equating to an overall increase of 39,122, or on average 6520 per month.

Featuring a lagoon style water play area, Splash Zone is equipped with a toddlers' pool, water jets and cannons, bubblers, sprays, slides and the centrepiece - a 500 litre Big Tipper Bucket.

Splash Zone is open to children under the age of 12 who must be accompanied and supervised by a parent or guardian.

Splash Zone will re-open to the public on September 1 in readiness for the warmer weather.

Year of Walking initiative success is all 'marked' outNow is the time to 'lace up' and join Council's Year of Walking initiative.

Council's dedication of 2014 as the Year of Walking has gained momentum through a renewed push for residents to explore the Gladstone Region via the network of walkway and bikeway path systems available.

The recent installation of new distance markers along the Tannum Sands pathway from Canoe Point to the southern end of Millennium Esplanade, and the completion of new pathway signage across the region, are aimed at benefiting the 'walking' community.

The disc-shaped markers are located

every 200 metres along the 2.5 kilometre stretch of pathway at Tannum Sands and display the distance travelled from the starting point and the distance remaining to the finish point.

Start and finish points are located near the Canoe Point Parkland toilets and directly across from the Tannum Beach Caravan Village.

Detailed maps of designated walkway and bikeway paths are included in new signage erected in locations around Gladstone, Boyne Island, Tannum Sands, Calliope, Benaraby, Miriam Vale, Agnes Water and Seventeen Seventy.

New distance markers have been installed along the Tannum Sands pathway.


Homework Help program

Did you know help is available for students struggling with their homework and assignments? Gladstone City Library hosts a Homework Help program each Tuesday from 3.30pm to 4.45pm. The free program is open to primary and high school students. Library staff and Friends of the Library volunteers can assist students to locate resources to research their homework and assignment topics. Free printing and photocopying is available to students during Homework Help.

Tax help available

Free tax help is available for low income earners through Council's 2014 Tax Help Program. Appointments are being taken for the Tax Help Program offered at the Community Advisory Service until October 31. The program is manned by volunteers who are fully trained, accredited and supported by the Australian

Taxation Office. Those earning a maximum of about $50,000 a year with simple tax affairs are eligible for the program. To book an appointment phone CAS on 4976 6300.

Exercise all mapped out

Keen on some outdoor exercise? Explore the Gladstone Region and get fit at the same time by using the many walk and cycle tracks available. Council's website features downloadable maps of walk and bikeways for each area of the region including Gladstone, Boyne Island, Tannum Sands, Benaraby, Calliope, Miriam Vale, Agnes Water and Seventeen Seventy. Check under the Recreation and Culture tab and select the Trails and Bikeways option for a full list of maps.

Free Morning Teas

Enjoy some morning tea and a chat while learning more about the Gladstone Region at Council's Welcome to Gladstone

Morning Teas. Newcomers to the region are invited to the free morning tea events held at 10am on the first Thursday of each month at Gladstone City Library, Goondoon Street. For more information phone the Community Advisory Service Welcoming Team on 4976 6300.

Pet numbers

Don't risk the chance of a fine or complaint by having too many pets on your property. Council's Local Laws in relation to Animal Management prohibit more than four dogs or cats from being kept on an allotment in a designated town area or more than one dog or cat on a multi-residential premise such as a unit. Approval must also be granted from Council for the keeping of more than two dogs or cats in a designated town area. Application forms can be downloaded from Council's website at www.gladstone.qld.gov.au or you can phone Council's Local Laws Section for further information on 4970 0700.

BRIEFLY

The $5.4million allocated in this year's budget for the Philip Street Communities Precinct opens opportunity for this region to move into the 21st Century, freeing itself of a purely "industrial" tag, and creating a place where "people" take centre focus.We have benefited from high employment levels and an enviable lifestyle, but we need to look beyond today, invest in building infrastructure, support our community and ensure our residents are able to stay, raise a family, grow positively into their senior years, and continue to call this area 'home'. Council continues to pursue a retirement village investor and other community service providers are keenly interested in being sited in the precinct. Funding the first stage of the project (including access to the site) will overcome the first hurdle in attracting such investment. This is a project that will deliver strong economic benefits of job creation (both construction and operation), investment attraction, and business growth. Professor John Cole from the Institute of Resilient Regions recently spoke of the need to diversify and focus on service industries namely, Health & Wellbeing, Learning & Development and Business Enterprise. This project ticks every box.

Cr Maxine BrushePhone: 0448 882 609Email: [email protected]

Portfolio: Community Services

Councillor Update

All Councillors contact details are available from Council's website www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/contact-a-councillor

Gladstone Regional Council is gearing up for future growth by progressing plans for a second bridge to link twin towns Boyne Island and Tannum Sands. The future four-lane bridge, to be known as Hoddinott Bridge after highly respected local identities, the late Bob and Jean Hoddinott, will connect Pioneer Drive, Boyne Island to Pioneer Drive, Tannum Sands and will provide an alternative route for commuters. It will also ease traffic congestion around the existing John Oxley Bridge and neighbouring schools and reduce the pressure on the existing road network. Major access upgrades will also happen on both sides of the river.As part of our new planning scheme, Council met with Boyne-Tannum residents earlier in the year to gauge a shared vision for the towns and creating a coordinated and well-connected place was deemed important for the growth of both communities. A second bridge crossing will also accommodate future development, which is critical for the area as the population projections for Boyne-Tannum, Wurdong Heights and Benaraby indicate an increase of 14,000 people over the next 20 years.Of the $3.5 million allocated in Council's 2014/15 Budget, $2 million was recently awarded to GHD Pty Ltd for detailed designs and supporting documents to advance the bridge from drawing to construction.

Cr Matt BurnettPhone: 0437 086 401Email: [email protected]

Portfolio: Regional Strategy


LOCAL LAWS

Dogs must be on a leash at all times when in public areas, unless within a designated off-leash area, and failure to adhere to this restriction can result in a fine.

As per Subordinate Local Law No.2 (Animal Management) 2011, there are a number of locations at which owners may walk or exercise their dogs off the leash, provided their pets are under controlled supervision at all times.

The following rules apply when using off-leash areas:

• Dog faeces must be removed and disposed of properly;

• Dogs must not interfere with other recreational users;

• Declared dangerous dogs are prohibited in off-leash areas;

• Dogs are not allowed within 10 metres of a playground area, fitness equipment or picnic/barbecue areas; and

• Dogs must be under effective control, within close proximity of the owner, and be responsive to their commands.

Dogs must be under effective control, meaning they are:

• Under the direct supervision of a person; and

• Not harassing, intimidating, attacking, stalking, mounting or body slamming another animal or person.

There are also a number of dog-free public areas across the Gladstone Region where dogs are prohibited.

For a list of off-leash and dog-free public areas, visit the Animals webpage on Council's website at www.gladstone.qld.gov.au or phone Council's Regulatory Services Division on 4977 6821.

Follow the dog leash rules or risk a fine Owners encouraged to use dog off-leash areas

Motorists are set to notice an improvement in the turnover of regulated parking spaces and the flow of traffic within the Gladstone City CBD.

Council's creation of a dedicated Parking Compliance Officer position within its Regulatory Services Division will enable the increase regulation of parking, encouraging a change of driver behaviour and reducing the instances of overstaying time limit restrictions.

This will, in turn, reduce the amount of traffic as drivers spend less time searching for vacant parks.

The Parking Compliance Officer will be able to issue on-the-spot fines for motorists overstaying the designated time periods indicated on parking signs as well as those who illegally park in loading, bus and taxi zones and disabled car parks.

Council urges motorists to take notice of signage when parking in the Gladstone CBD in order to avoid a fine for indiscretions.

For more information about regulated parking or infringements phone Council's Regulatory Services section on 4970 0700.

New officer role to help free up CBD parking

augustEVENTS CALENDAR

AUGUST

septemberSEPTEMBER2 &16General Council Meeting9am, 101 Goondoon Street GladstoneCommunity members are welcome to attend Council’s General Meetings. A list of agenda items is available from 5pm the Friday prior to the meeting.

4Welcome to Gladstone Morning Tea10am - Noon, Various LocationsThe welcome to Gladstone Morning Tea is held monthly, allowing newcomers to find out more about the Gladstone Region. For more information, phone 4976 6300.

19Talk like A Pirate DayAll day, Gladstone City LibraryGet ready to polish yer hook and say 'Ahoy me hearties' to you mates! Gladstone City Library is celebrating Talk like a Pirate Day by offering children the chance to dress up and partake in a number of activities. For more information visit www.gladstonelibraries.qld.gov.au

20Councillor Community Awareness Session9am - Noon

Stockland GladstoneResidents are encouraged to come along and have an informal chat with Councillors regarding any issues, topics or concerns. No bookings are required.

25Information Session10am - NoonWIN Office, 10 Tank StreetResidents are invited to an information session about The Australian Health System. Phone 4976 6352 to book your spot.

5 & 12General Council Meeting9am, 101 Goondoon Street GladstoneCommunity members are welcome to attend Council’s General Meetings. A list of agenda items is available from 5pm the Friday prior to the meeting.

7Welcome to Gladstone Morning Tea10am - Noon, Various LocationsThe welcome to Gladstone Morning Tea is held monthly, allowing newcomers to find out more about the Gladstone Region. For more information, phone 4976 6300.

9 & 10Mega Book SaleVarious Times, Gladstone City LibraryRun by the Friends of the Gladstone Library, the Mega Book Sale will give residents an opportunity to grab a bargain and a free sausage sizzle. This event will take place on Saturday, 9am-4pm and Sunday, 9am-3pm.

1120th Annual Golding Showcase: Port Curtis Callide Valley Youth Art Exhibition5.30pm, Art Gallery & MuseumResidents are invited to attend the official launch of the annual exhibition that showcases works in all media by local high school students aged 15-18 years.

16Councillor Community Awareness Session9am - Noon, Stockland GladstoneResidents are encouraged to come along and have an informal chat with Councillors regarding any issues, topics or concerns. No bookings are required.

16 - 22Australian Children's Book Week Various Times, Regional LibrariesRegional Libraries will be offering a variety of activities in order to help celebrate Australian books, authors and illustrators.

16 - 24Seniors Week Various Times, Various LocationsA long list of fun-filled activities are on offer to celebrate this year's Seniors Week. Programs are available on Council's website www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/seniors-week and bookings are being taken from August 4, 2014 on 4976 6300.

28Information Session10am - NoonWIN Office, 10 Tank StreetResidents are invited to an information session about Legal Rights and Responsibilities. Phone 4976 6352 to book your spot.

29Ever Present: Photographs from the Queensland Art Gallery Collection5.30pm start, Art Gallery & MuseumResidents are invited to the official launch of the Queensland Art Gallery touring exhibition. The display will showcase 30 photographs by nineteenth and twentieth-century photographers.

2014 - 2015 COMMUNITY SERVICES DIRECTORY

Copies are available from Council's customer service centres, regional libraries, Rural Transaction Centres and the Community Advisory Service or to access the online directory visit www.gladstonecommunitydirectory.com.au/

Grab your free copy of the 2014-15 edition of the Community Services Directory.

Includes contact details and general information on: Sporting clubs Disability services Housing & accommodation Seniors services Halls and facilities Health services Children's services Crisis & emergency support General community services Youth services Cultural diversity services Special interest & recreation

Story Time

Various days and timesRegional Libraries

regular featuresREGULAR FEATURES

Living Positively OptimisticGladstone Regional Council Community Advisory Service

142 Goondoon StreetTuesday, 7th October 2014, 6.00pm to 9.00pm

This is a FREE 3 hour workshop to explore the benefit of and the strategies to have a more positive and enjoyable life.

Bookings essential. Please phone 4976 6300 to book your place.

A joint display featuring about 50 Australian and Japanese photographs taken by Gladstone Region and Saiki City citizens. The exhibition is presented in conjunction with the Gladstone Saiki Sister City Advisory Committee and supported by Gladstone Regional Council.

Intercity Images: Gladstone Saiki

Photograph Exchange Combined ImagesJuly 28 to September 27

Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum

19 AUG

Soweto Gospel ChoirTickets $39.00 to $79.00

19 AUG

Morning MelodiesSimon GallaherTickets $11.50 to $12.50

15 AUG

QSO MUSIC UNDER THE STARSFree community event at the Gladstone Marina

28 AUG

Elvis to the Max

Tickets $41.50 to $65.50

5 SEPT

Queensland Pops OrchestraTickets $30.00 to $65.00

15 OCT

Cinderella performed by Queensland BalletTickets $40.00 to $60.00

27 SEPT

Henry VTickets $23.00 to $49.00

29 AUG

Swan Lake SimulcastFree community event at the GECC

What’s On

Box OfficeOpening hours – 8:30am to 5pm Monday to Friday and 1 hour prior to any advertised performance. P: 4972 2822 E: [email protected]

Follow us your way

Trish Adlum, "Enduring the Winds of Change"

Kay Fawzi, "Thrills and Spills"

Coralie Hackney, "Sunrise at Wild Cattle Creek"

Story Time

Various days and timesRegional LibrariesStory time and crafts for children aged up to five years. Bookings not required. For more information contact your local library. Contact details can be found by visiting www.gladstonelibraries.qld.gov.au

Baby BounceVarious days and timeRegional LibrariesA lap-sit program is being held for a parent and their child less than two years old. This program includes songs and rhymes. Bookings are not required. Contact details can be found by visiting www.gladstonelibraries.qld.gov.au

Learn to SwimVarious days and timesNow available on SaturdaysGladstone Aquatic CentreGladstone Aquatic Centre is offering a Learn to Swim program with the addition of an extra level and Saturday morning lessons. Phone 4972 6822.

Parent Baby Classes9am - 10.30am on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Gladstone Aquatic CentreIntroduce both child and parent to the aquatic environment and learn the basics of water safety at Gladstone Aquatic Centre. Phone 4972 6822 for more information or to make a booking.

Happy Hour8am - 9am WeekdaysGladstone Aquatic CentreThis program allows pensioners (over 60) to use the Aquatic Centre for free to encourage staying fit and active. Phone 4972 6822 for more information.

Library Square PerformancesEvery Friday, noon – 2pmand Saturday night, 6pm – 8pm.Library Square Goondoon St GladstoneIf you’re looking for something to do, come down and enjoy the free live and local music. Phone 4972 2822 for more information.


SUSTAINABLE LIVINGIt is easy being greenGladstone Region residents can help care for the environment by disposing of green waste correctly.

Too often green waste is disposed of incorrectly through Council's general waste and recycling wheelie bin collection service, or otherwise dumped inappropriately.

The incorrect disposal of green waste, including leaves, twigs, small branches and lawn clippings, increases the spread of weeds, plant pests and diseases, proving costly to Council and ratepayers.

Council provides free disposal of all green waste for residents at its transfer stations and Benaraby Landfill for loads transported by utes or single wheel trailers.

For residents without access to a ute, trailer or similar means of transfer, there are local businesses that may provide the answer.

These services includes the delivery and pickup of garden bags every four weeks or as required, allowing customers to dispose of bulk green waste in Gladstone city and surrounds.

See Waste Removal listings in your preferred telephone directory.

Did you know there are plenty of sources of helpful information for Gladstone Region residents seeking to build sustainable homes?

Designing and constructing your home to be more sustainable in water, energy and waste efficiency, while being safe, secure and cost-effective to operate, can enhance owners' comfort and lifestyle as well as generate on-going savings.

A large number of sustainable living tips for around the home are included on Council's website, including information on sustainable housing.

The sustainable housing page links website visitors to information provided by a number of bodies, including the Commonwealth Government, Building Codes Queensland, Australian Greenhouse Office, Building Designers of Queensland, and Royal Australian Institute of Architects among others.

The links provide information whether you are buying or building a new house or renovating or retro-fitting an existing one.

The material has been categorised into relevant subjects to ensure easier access to the desired information including design, climatic factors, expert design advice, products, rebates/financial incentives, projects and case studies and sustainable neighbourhoods.

With the right advice and a little extra effort, achieving energy efficiency in the home can not only benefit the environment but the home owner as well.

To discover more sustainability tips for around the home visit www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/sustainable-living or click on the Environment and Conservation tab on the Council's website home page (www.gladstone.qld.gov.au) and scroll down to the 'Tips for Around the Home'.

Good advice on sustainable housing just a click awayEnergy efficient homes benefit environment and owners


INFRASTRUCTURE WORKS

Residents are reminded to consider the placement of their household recycling and waste wheelie bins to avoid a missed collection.

On garbage collection day, wheelie bins should be placed on the edge of the kerb, facing outwards, before 6am.

On weeks when the recycling bin is also serviced, bins should be spaced at least one metre apart, or preferably on separate sides of the driveway.

Bins should not be placed under low trees, near letterboxes, sign posts, power poles, fences or parked vehicles which are known to remain stationary during collection times.

In rural locations, bins should be placed in a visible location, away from fence lines without posing a risk to passing traffic.

Use of 240 litre bin bags are not to be used in recycle bins but are acceptable in waste wheelie bins if they are tied closed

to prevent spillage of rubbish when the bin is serviced.

Lids on wheelie bins should be closed for collection. Overflowing bins, or bins where extra refuse is on the ground, may not be collected.

Waste vehicles are not capable of lifting bins weighing more than about 60kg and these then become the responsibility of the resident.

Once bins have been serviced they should be removed from the kerb and stored in a suitable location within the property boundary.

A 'user-pay' principle applies for waste collection services and under Council's rating and tracking system only Council supplied rated bins will be serviced.

General waste enquiries or service requests should be directed to Council's Waste Services on 4970 0700.

Consider the placement of wheelie bins for collectionRequirements to avoid a missed service

Council maintains an extensive number of road assets If you drove on every road within the Gladstone Region you would pass or cross thousands of Council owned and maintained assets.

Put in perspective, without leaving a Gladstone Regional Council owned and maintained road, the same distance covered roughly equates to driving from Gladstone to Melbourne and on to Adelaide.

Council's road service assets consist of 1650km of unsealed road and 1050km of sealed road, or a total length of about 2700km.

Council maintains a further 300km of road for Transport and Main Roads, under a Road Maintenance Performance Contract, effectively maintaining about 3000km of roads in total.

Across the entire Gladstone Region, Council's assets include about 50 bridges, countless concrete floodways, about 370km of stormwater culverts in urban areas, an additional 2000 culvert crossings on rural roads, tens of thousands of signs and guideposts, 50km of open drains, 4000km of tabledrains, 22 boat ramps and jetties, 5900 street lights, 25 sets of traffic lights, 253 car parks, countless bus stops and shelters and 200km of off-road shared footpaths and bikeways including numerous pedestrian bridges.

Consider how and where you place your property's wheelie bins to assist with ease of collection.


DEVELOPMENT SNAPSHOTPre-purchase building inspections a mustIt may seem like an extra, tedious step when buying yourself a home, but a simple inspection could ultimately save you both time and money.

Gladstone Regional Council offers a pre-purchase compliance inspection which details the building and plumbing approvals on a site.

The report will also highlight illegal or uncompleted building and plumbing works.

Common issues that compliance searches reveal include:

• Converting shade cloth structures to hard roof structures without approval

• Non-approved and illegal roof structures

• Sewer inspection chambers covered

• Approval applications without final sign off (often found with sheds)

• Garden sheds being built over sewers without approval

• Building retaining walls more than one metre high without approval

• Removing backflow devices from hose taps on dwellings built after 1998

• Covering or placing heavy objects over sewer Overflow Relief Gully (ORG)

• Enclosing open carports without approval

• Having shipping containers on the property without approval

• Not having organised a final inspection of building and plumbing works

Inspections cost $350 and can be arranged through Council's Building and Plumbing Division on 4970 0700.

Another milestone has been reached in the development of Gladstone Regional Council's new planning scheme.

Council's Regional Strategy planning officers and specialised planning consultants have advanced the draft planning scheme to a stage where it is now with the Queensland Government for review.

This is a mandatory step towards the adoption of the new planning scheme.

Once approval is received from the State's Planning Minister, residents will have the opportunity to make formal comment on the scheme.

This intensive project will replace the existing planning schemes from the former Gladstone City, Calliope Shire and Miriam Vale Shire councils.

Its intent is to provide greater uniformity, introducing one binding document of consistent land use planning rules and regulations across Council's jurisdiction.

The new planning scheme has been drafted in accordance with the State Government's Sustainable Planning Act (SPA) 2009 which includes the Queensland Planning Provisions - a mandatory standard format for planning schemes (QPP).

Council is working to the QPP template which allows for local content to be added to its mandatory sections.

A number of in-depth background studies

have been completed to provide input into the planning scheme, covering topics such as rural living; retail and commercial needs; industrial land; housing needs; landscape assessment; urban design; and local heritage.

A series of structure plan studies were also conducted more recently in Calliope, Agnes Water/Seventeen Seventy and Boyne Island/Tannum Sands.

These exercises were carried out with significant community involvement and all of the reports are available from Council's website.

Another addition to the planning scheme is the Strategic Framework section; the 'big picture' component that plays an important role in setting the scheme's policy direction.

The scheme also includes Council's Local Government Infrastructure Plan (LGIP) which outlines trunk infrastructure plans to service urban development efficiently and effectively.

The LGIP provides a future basis for Council to determine the scope and timing of projects, considering population growth, employment and dwelling assumptions.

For more information or to view progress on the planning scheme visit Council's website at www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/future-planning or sign up to receive email updates by submitting your name and email address to [email protected]

State Government reviews draft regional planning scheme One document to provide uniformity across region


COMMUNITY LIVING

A simple sunflower seed could give hope to those in the Discovery Coast region living with mental health issues or struggling with life.

September 11 marks RU OK? Day, a national day of action aimed at inspiring people to have regular, meaningful conversations to help change or save a life.

Locally, the Discovery Coast Community Health Service (DCCHS) will be supporting this day through a community project called Seeds of Hope.

The Seeds of Hope project is aimed at raising awareness of mental health issues,

suicide and depression.

Founded by Boots 'n Bulldust Inc., a group formed in the South Burnett Shire with the aim of raising awareness of depression in rural communities, the project is now supported by councils across Australia.

Members of the community are given sunflower seeds to grow around their homes, workplaces, businesses, schools, churches and other public places in the hope the sight of a beautiful sunflower will give hope to those who need it.

This project has inspired Gladstone Regional Council's Community Wellbeing

division to do the same in 2014.

DCCHS will, in coming weeks, distribute sunflower seeds to members of the Discovery Coast community willing to grow these sunflowers as a symbol of support.

The seeds are to be planted on September 11 coinciding with RU OK? Day and are expected to bloom in December and January when suicide rates peak around Australia.

Those interested in participating can phone DCCHS on 4902 1100.

Sowing the seeds of support for suicide preventionSunflowers give hope against life's struggles

Council is encouraging the region's older generations to celebrate Seniors Week in August.

This year, the week between August 16 and 24 will be an opportunity to recognise the valuable contributions of senior residents.

Council, in partnership with local community groups, will host activities ranging from gardening and dancing to painting and self-defence, laughter and arts workshops for residents aged 55 and over.

Seniors can also take part in organised bushwalks, cooking classes, bird watching, sports such as canoeing, lawn bowls and croquet, Mayoral morning and afternoon

teas plus rock 'n' roll and karaoke events.

Outdoor activities include a day trip to South End and Capricorn Lodge and a tour of Gladstone's Tondoon Botanic Gardens.

Activities will be staged across the region at Gladstone, Calliope, Miriam Vale, Agnes Water and Boyne Island.

A 2014 Seniors Week program is located on Council's website at www.gladstone.qld.gov.au.

Bookings for activities will be taken from August 4.

To receive an electronic copy of the program email [email protected] or phone 4976 6306 or 1300 733 343.

Gladstone Region celebrates our timeless seniors


YOUTH UPDATE

A new youth space under construction at the Gladstone Aquatic Centre will be unveiled in September.

Landscaping works are under way to transform a grassy knoll at the facility into an inviting open space to appeal to young people.

The project is part of an artist inspired revamp of the centre.

Members of the Gladstone Region Youth Council have provided input into the final design of the youth area which will feature gabion seating walls, a large-scale public mosaic installation and a renewable art wall to give local high schools a chance to display large-scale student art.

The work is being carried out as part of Animating Spaces Gladstone Frolic, a community based multi-arts project, and follows on from discussions between Artslink Queensland and Gladstone

Regional Art Gallery & Museum staff.

The Gladstone Region has secured $60,000 in funding and services through Artslink Queensland and the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) to carry out three specific, locally co-ordinated projects.

These projects include the new aquatic centre youth space; the transforming of the parkland surrounding Gladstone Aquatic Centre and the Gladstone and District Tennis Association Centre into an entertainment precinct for 14 to 28 year-olds to showcase their talent; and the projecting of digital colour and movement on the exterior walls of the Gladstone Squash Centre.

The completion of all three Animating Spaces Gladstone Frolic projects will culminate in a joint celebration at the Gladstone Aquatic Centre precinct on September 27 from 3pm to 9pm.

New youth space to open at Gladstone Aquatic CentreArtist inspired projects make "frolic-king" good fun

David Kingston (from left), Gladstone Region Youth Council member Sarah Janson, Council's Youth Development officer Vernetta Perrett, Kristel Kelly and Ernie Beale look over the plans for the new youth space at the Gladstone Aquatic Centre.

Expressions of Interest open for SUNfest 2015An invitation has been extended to become part of Gladstone Region's biggest annual youth event.

Planning is under way for the latest instalment of SUNfest, Council's annual premiere 14-day youth holiday program.

SUNfest 2015 will be hosted during the middle weeks of January, and will include a selection of events and activities for youths aged 12-17 years and Lil' Kids aged 10-11 years.

Organisers are calling for Expressions of Interest from prospective tutors and presenters for the event, and are particularly keen for newcomers to come on board.

Expressions of Interest opened on Friday (August 1) and will close at 4pm on September 15.

Briefing meetings will be hosted across the Gladstone Region over the coming weeks for those considering becoming part of SUNfest 2015.

Expressions of Interest packs are available from Council offices, libraries and venues or can be downloaded from Council's website at www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/sunfest

For further information phone SUNfest co-ordinator Kathy Andrew at Gladstone Festivals and Events on 4972 5111.

Like Our New Pagewww.facebook.com/ GladstoneRegionYouth


ARTS & CULTURE

In 1994 the Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum Society's late patron Mr Cyril Golding (1920-2012) initiated the first 'Golding Showcase: Port Curtis Callide Valley Youth Art Exhibition'.

Today, 20 years on, the much-anticipated annual exhibition is still going strong.

The Showcase encourages visual arts students from across the region to enter up to two works each, in any art medium.

The artworks by the 15-18 year olds are then displayed as a collective exhibition showing off their artistic talent.

Each year a local high school is asked to partner with the Gallery & Museum to help install the exhibition.

This year students from Gladstone State High School will learn artwork correct handling practices as well as art gallery institution hanging/displaying procedures.

Displayed to the public from August 9 to September 13, the Showcase will be officially

launched by Gladstone Region Mayor Gail Sellers at 5.30pm on August 11.

While open, visitors to the Gallery & Museum are encouraged to vote for their favourite artwork in the Showcase.

At the exhibition's conclusion all votes are tallied and the People's Choice winner is announced.

The prize is to have your artwork used in all promotional materials for the following year's exhibition.

Last year Chanel College student Jakob Perrett's work 'Morphos' was chosen and has been regularly used to promote 2014's 'Golding Showcase'.

Be sure to vote for this year's People's Choice by September 13.

The Gallery & Museum is open 10am-5pm, Monday to Saturday with FREE admission, however will be closed Gladstone Show Day on August 6.

Annual youth art exhibition 'Golding Showcase' turns 20Support local talent by voting for People's Choice Award

2013 'Golding Showcase' People's Choice winner 'Morphos' by Jakob Perrett. Image by EH. Gallaher

Symphonic sounds to shine under the stars at the MarinaJoin the Queensland Symphony Orchestra (QSO) for a free evening of superb outdoor entertainment at the Gladstone Marina Stage on August 15 from 7pm.

Picnic with the classics, under the stars, and hear the state’s best classical musicians perform favourites such as Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite, Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons - Winter and Strauss’ Blue Danube Waltz.

The evening will also feature outstanding Opera Queensland soprano Dominique Fegan and will be led by one of the most promising conductors of the younger generation, Jessica Cottis.

QSO is committed to bringing extraordinary musical experiences to regional Queensland, and is proud to partner with Australia Pacific LNG to present this free community concert to the Gladstone Region.

Residents are invited to pack a picnic, grab some family and friends and experience a magical night of orchestral entertainment under the stars with the QSO.

Young conductor Jessica Cottis will lead an evening of symphony under the stars in Gladstone on August 15.

Seniors Week16-24 August, 2014

Lawn bowls Dancing Karaoke events Cooking classes Bushwalking Day trips Morning & afternoon teas and plenty more

Bookings open for seniors aged 55 years and over on Monday, August 4

Program available from www.gladstone.qld.gov.au or phone 4976 6306 for more information.

I'm Connected Are You?

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Gladstone Regional Council's

2015 Australia Day AwardsNominations open Friday, August 8

Categories include:

Citizen of the Year; Young Citizen of the Year; Arts & Culture Award;

Senior Sportsperson Award; Young Sportsperson Award; Sports Official Award;

Community Volunteer Award; and Community Event or Initiative Award

Nominations must be received by close of business on Friday, November 7

For further details visit Council's website at www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/australia-day

Documents

Council Connection August - September 2014