COUNCIL CONNECTION GLADSTONE REGIONAL COUNCIL NEWSLETTER October - November 2017 ISSUE 80

INSIDE 06 06 07 10

Excitement builds Day award Prepare for cyclone Strong attendance at for art awards nominations open and storm season Seniors Week Mayor's Message October shaping up as busy month for region It is not long now until Australasian Bioenergy and Bioproducts Lions Park at Kin Kora Symposium at Rydges Gladstone, featuring becomes our region’s a number of international speakers and first sensory park. underlining the significant role the region The upgrade to Lions can play in the state’s bio-future and Park, which is due for bioeconomy. completion in mid- While here for the symposium, another November, will create international company I met with in San a vibrant, modern area Diego in June will investigate the possibility of for children and adults establishing a facility within the region. Cover of all ages and abilities to enjoy by focussing The entity converts cellulosic biomass The free, fun morning events at the Tondoon on the seven senses – hearing, sight, smell, Botanic Gardens have proved popular with taste, touch, vestibular and proprioception. derived from plant matter into renewable children and their families. Two diesel, aviation and marine fuel, as well as more events will be held this year in spring and Featuring inclusive spaces designed to meet create bio-char and bio-plastic by-products. summer. the sensory needs of children with sensory Read more on page 11 processing disorder, auditory processing October will be a busy month for the region disorder, visual impairment, Down and I am looking forward to the first Under syndrome, autism, muscular dystrophy, the Trees music and arts festival at Jacaranda Council Connection cerebral palsy and spina bifida, Lions Park will Drive, Boyne Island on October 14. This newsletter is produced every two also prove to be a special place among the Council is proud to have helped the Boyne months by Gladstone Regional Council region’s general population. to inform residents about Council events, Tannum Arts Business and Community activities, services and projects. It is printed on Tom Jeffery Park in Agnes Water is also Association get the project off the ground 60 per cent recycled paper. undergoing an upgrade with improved and we are confident that the investment will Delivery shower and toilet amenities, new and reap future rewards. upgraded pathways, new garden beds and Council Connection is delivered directly into The inaugural event boasts an excellent irrigation infrastructure, and the construction all residential letterboxes by Australia Post line-up of talent and as the festival grows, as 'unaddressed mail' and is also available of a storage facility and combined office/first and word of its existence spreads, Council for viewing or downloading from Council’s aid room for Surf Life Saving . website at www.gladstone.qld.gov.au expects it will become a major drawcard for Both projects are being completed tourists to the region and a highlight of local Cost through the State Government’s Works for residents’ social calendars. Council Connection is automatically delivered Queensland program. free of charge to households in the Gladstone Also in October, we host the Local Region who have a residential letterbox. The The Gladstone Region’s efforts to become a Government Association of Queensland cost of printing and distributing the newsletter renewable energy hub for the nation is also State Conference at the Gladstone is 48.6 cents per household per edition. taking shape with two significant visits to be Entertainment Convention Centre which will received in October. be officially opened by the Honourable Paul Life Sciences Queensland will host its de Jersey AC, Governor of Queensland.

Gladstone Regional Council PO Box 29, Gladstone Qld 4680 nect Phone: 4970 0700 Fax: 4975 8500 n Email: [email protected] www.gladstone.qld.gov.au CoWITH COUNCIL www.gladstonerc.qld.gov.au/econnect @GladstoneRegionalCouncil @GladstoneRegionalCouncil @GladRegCnl

Gladstone Office Calliope Office Office Agnes Water Rural Boyne Tannum Mount Larcom Rural 101 Goondoon Street 5 Don Cameron Drive 41 Blomfield Street Transaction Centre Community Centre Transaction Centre Open 8.30am to 5pm, Open 8.30am to 5pm, Open 8.30am to 5pm, 71 Springs Road Cnr Wyndham & Hayes Raglan Street Monday to Friday Monday to Friday Monday to Friday Open 9am to 4:30pm, Avenues, Boyne Island Open 9am to 1pm and 2pm Monday to Friday Open 9am to 5:30pm, to 5pm Monday to Friday and Monday to Friday 9am to noon on Saturday

Cr Matt Burnett Cr Glenn Churchill Cr Peter Masters Mayor Councillor Councillor Phone: 4976 6903 Phone: 0407 289 139 Phone: 0438 145 780 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

Cr Chris Trevor Cr Kahn Goodluck Cr Desley O'Grady Deputy Mayor Councillor Councillor Phone: 0437 757 839 Phone: 0433 944 302 Phone: 0437 837 148 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

Cr Cindi Bush Cr Rick Hansen Cr PJ Sobhanian Councillor Councillor Councillor Phone: 0437 642 081 Phone: 0448 885 047 Phone: 0412 544 201 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Page 2 Mayor Matt Burnett and CEO Roslyn Baker hosted a morning tea in the Council chambers to welcome (from left) apprentice Nick Butler-Shaw and trainees, Dylan Cassell, Jay Booth and Madeline Van Vegchel.

Apprentice, trainees take first career step with Council Four young people are now following Madeline Van Vegchel and Jay Booth are The training offered through their passions at Council taking up an trainees at the Entertainment Convention apprenticeships and traineeships would apprenticeship and traineeships in civil Centre while Nick Butler-Shaw is an help to underpin the skills base in the construction and maintenance, parks apprentice in Parks and Gardens and Gladstone Region. and gardens, business administration and Dylan Cassell is a civil construction and theatre techniques. maintenance trainee. As they begin their careers, the group was Mayor Matt Burnett and Chief Executive encouraged to think about where they They heard how both the Mayor and Officer Roslyn Baker welcomed the were going and to understand education group recently with the message that CEO are passionate about developing and learning on the job never stops. Council would provide them with a great regional skills and believe Council had an environment to work in, where their important role to play in training young This applies now, more than ever, as new safety would always be the most important people when the economic times were technologies keep coming through and priority. tough. human jobs evolve. Rates update

Rate notices were issued by post in early to ensure payments are cleared in time for This means only half of these charges are September and are also available online the discount to be applied. included in current notices; the other half will accompany water consumption notices to registered users of Council’s Online This can be done via Council's Online in February with the usual early payment Services. Services platform at www.gladstone.qld. discounts available. More information about rates can be found gov.au/OnlineServices or in person at at www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/rates or by any Council administration or transaction The change was made to assist the phoning Council on 4970 0700. centre. increasing number of ratepayers who requested that rates be broken up into If you are unable to pay your rates by Discount and payment due dates more manageable portions, better enabling November 10, you can avoid interest them to meet discount deadlines. Don’t forget to pay your rates by October charges on overdue amounts by setting up 11 to receive a 10 per cent discount. a payment plan with Council before the But ratepayers who still want to pay their If this deadline is missed, you can still due date has passed. full annual water access and sewerage charges now can do so; the additional receive a five per cent discount if your Reminder of changes to rates payment is received by notices’ due date of payment will appear as a credit on This financial year, Council split annual February’s notice (which will still include November 10. water access and sewerage charges into the usual half-yearly water consumption Paying directly to Council is the safest way two half-yearly payments. charge). How general rates and charges are calculated

÷ = $ x + = GR

Total rates Combined value of “The rate Valuation of your Service charges Your general rates & revenue needed all rateable properties in the dollar” property’s land (water, sewerage, service charges to service waste) community Page 3 Garage Sale Trail to link sellers and buyers There is still time to register for the recycle and reuse items to divert them 2017 Garage Sale Trail and join the fun from being contributed to landfill. of a big weekend of garage sales across There is no cost registering to host a the Gladstone Region. sale and sellers are able to place items The number of individuals, on a regional listing of sales and benefit neighbourhood groups, community from local and national promotion of groups and organisations registering the Garage Sale Trail weekend. as sellers through the Garage Sale Sellers will also receive selling hints and Trail has steadily grown within the tips and be able to access materials to Gladstone Region each year. promote their sale, while buyers can Within the first three weeks of online plot their own treasure trail to print registrations opening, 26 sellers had and follow, or view on a mobile device. registered across our region to host a Register online for Garage Sale Trail garage sale on Saturday, October 21 2017 at www.garagesaletrail.com.au and Sunday, October 22. or find out more by phoning Council's Council is pleased to support the Strategic Community Inclusion Officer Do you read me? initiative which encourages residents to Luis Arroyo on 4976 6300. We are reviewing the way we connect with the community, including via this newsletter.

Would you like to continue to receive Council Connection in your letterbox every two months, or are there better ways we can reach you?

Do you think the newsletter can be improved or do you like it the way it is?

We would love to hear from you.

Whatever your taste, you could find To provide feedback, complete our short a treasure following the Garage Sale survey on page 15 or online at www. Trail across the Gladstone Region. gladstone.qld.gov.au/comms-survey.

Race to secure your ticket to join GECC's Melbourne Cup crowd Residents will be racing to secure their line up full of free activities for all to enjoy there will be games, prizes and more. tickets for Gladstone Entertainment in air-conditioned comfort. Convention Centre's (GECC) 2017 Invite your friends, choose a ticket package Melbourne Cup event. Punters will be able to access flower to suit and book your tickets to experience crown workshops, tarot card readings and the excitement and atmosphere of the GECC's A Day at the Races has become Melbourne Cup without leaving the region. the place to be in Gladstone to celebrate a photobooth, or line up for Fashions on the Field. 'the race that stops the nation' in style. Book online at www.gladecc.com.au This year, in addition to races being Live band Juvinyl will entertain, beard or phone the GECC Box Office on streamed live, there will be a jam-packed trimmings and fades will be on offer, and 4972 2822.

Page 4 Young residents invited to join Gladstone Region Youth Council

Young residents aged 15 to 24 who are keen to let their voice be heard and serve others are urged to nominate to be part of the Gladstone Region Youth Council in 2018.

The Youth Council offers the opportunity to be part of an advisory committee and enhance leadership Take simple steps to ensure the efficiency of waste collection services. skills. Ensure efficiency of your bin collection service Youth Council members are youth representatives on other business and Council’s waste collection service is • Contaminate your bin with hazardous industry forums and provide a youth an effective, cost-efficient method for waste; perspective to Council in a structured the removal of household rubbish and • Allow bins to overflow with rubbish and formal way on future planning recyclable items. decisions. (lids must close) or place rubbish on Following is a list of actions that you can the ground; take to ensure the efficiency of your Members assist with designing SUNfest household waste collection service. • Fill bin with heavy materials (a 60kg and Youth Week events and have been per bin weight limit applies). involved with regional community Do: events including Frolic and the Rainbow • Place your bin out before 6am, or the Rural residents should also place their Run. previous night if necessary; waste and recycle bins in a visible location • Place your bin facing outwards on the away from fence lines and passing traffic. The Youth Council meets on the first edge of the kerb; and third Monday of each month Waste collection services operate on a except public holidays. • Tie wheelie bin liners shut to prevent user pays model so collection is provided rubbish from spilling when collected; only for Council-supplied bins (with logos) Nominations close on October 28 • On recycling collection days, space at properties for which cleansing services with nomination forms available online bins at least one metre apart, have been paid. at www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/youth- preferably on separate sides of your events-and-activities driveway; and However, some properties may be • Return bins to your property on the ineligible for bin collection or be located Gladstone Region Youth Council or same day collection has occurred. outside the bin collection service area. nomination queries can be directed to Do not, or your bin may not be collected: Council's Youth Development Officer • Place bins under low trees or near To check if your property is eligible for Vernetta Perrett on 4976 6300 or email letterboxes, sign posts, power poles, Council waste collection services phone [email protected] fences or vehicles; 4970 0700.

Plans for a bigger and better than ever Christmas Street Party

Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre (GECC) will bring Christmas to the city with planning underway for a bigger and better than ever Christmas Street Party in the Gladstone CBD. All residents are invited to the free community event on Sunday, December 3 at Library Square, Goondoon Street, Gladstone from 4pm to 8pm. The event will feature fun family activities and entertainment including Christmas market stalls, live music, face painting, a jumping castle, Christmas carols, roaming elves and more. Celebrations will have all the Christmas trimmings including Roaming elves will add to the the official lighting of the region's Christmas tree in Library free community fun at this year's Christmas Street Party. Square at 6.45pm. The major highlight of festivities will be a visit from Santa. Page 5 Excitement builds for prestigious annual Nominations open for 2018 Australia Day Award Nominations are being accepted for the citizen and have lived in the Gladstone art awards Gladstone Region's 2018 Australia Day Region for 12 months prior to Australia Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Awards. Day (26 January) 2018. Museum will take submissions for The Do you know someone who has gone Nominations can be made online, forms 42nd Rio Tinto Martin Hanson Memorial to great lengths for an extensive number can be downloaded and award selection Art Awards from October 5 to 7. of years providing outstanding service criteria and eligibility guidelines can be The awards have become one of within our region? viewed at www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/ Queensland's most prestigious regional australia-day-awards art events attracting hundreds of entries Or is there a junior or senior from established, emerging and amateur sportsperson or someone talented in artists nationwide. arts and culture who excels in their field and is an exceptional role model The awards honour Martin Hanson for others? (1923-1976), a popular and highly respected local businessman, who was Council’s Australia Day Awards Member of the Legislative Assembly reward inspiring individuals, for Port Curtis from 1963 to 1976 and community events or initiatives which patron to the Gladstone Artists Club. valuably contribute to the Gladstone The Gallery & Museum became the Region. custodian of the awards in 1993 and they Award categories include: were renamed in 2007 in recognition of Rio Tinto's continued generous support. • Community Event or Initiative Each year the awards are supported • Community Volunteer Award by local industry, business and the • Arts and Culture Award community and artists vie for prizes in • Young Sportsperson Award four sections including Easel Paintings, • Senior Sportsperson Award Works on Paper, Three Dimensional and • Sports Official Award Fibre Works and Digital Works. • Young Citizen of the Year The Gallery & Museum will be closed • Citizen of the Year Cr Rick Hansen congratulates for install from October 9 to 13. After Nominations for the awards will Council’s 2017 Senior Sportsperson this the normal opening hours will apply: be accepted until 5pm on Friday, 10am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday, with November 3. free admission. Award winner, Nicole Lowe. An official opening and awards Nominees must be an Australian presentation will occur on October 14 with the exhibition showcased until December 7. Clean up before storm season to prevent mosquito breeding

Council is requesting residents clean up All property owners must ensure their around their homes and properties before property remains clean, tidy, and not the 2017-18 storm season arrives to overgrown and does not increase reduce mosquito breeding opportunities. mosquito breeding sites. Overgrown yards are not only unsightly This is particularly important for those but the perfect breeding ground for whose properties include swimming pools mosquitoes as potential carriers of the as a pool full of stagnant water is another Ross River virus, Barmah Forest virus, favourite breeding place for mosquitoes. Dengue fever and dog heartworm. Empty containers, pot plant bases and Council would like to remind all property other household items that hold water are owners that fines and penalties are all ideal breeding sites. applicable if their property is found to be overgrown, unsightly or a breeding ground Council undertakes a number of for mosquitoes. prevention programs around the region to regulate mosquito numbers, but wants Remember….no water, no mosquitoes. residents to play their part in reducing For more information on mosquito potential breeding sites for mosquitoes. management in the Gladstone Region visit Gallery & Museum visitors browse This also applies to Gladstone Region www.gladstone.qld.gov.au and click on submissions in last year's Art Awards. property owners who no longer live in the Your Council to find a fact sheet. the area.

Page 6 Drones take asset management to greater heights

Council has entered the drone age work is retained. Drive, Gladstone, and construction of with the purchase of two DJI Mavic the Paterson 2 water reservoir at Kin Already the drones have provided Pro models to give officers a new Kora. helpful images for Water Services perspective on the organisation's assets. project teams for maintenance works Council officers have found the drones The drones cost $2000 each, which on the Agnes Water Desalination Water easy to manoeuvre and look forward to will quickly be recouped through hire Treatment Plant inlet pipe, the upgrade the additional services and cost savings equipment savings, and their use will of the SO1 Pump Station at Cemetery these hi-tech assets will bring. mitigate safety risks. The drones, to be managed by Water Services officers, will help to track the progress of Council projects through the provision of aerial footage and images and to help inspect road conditions and Council assets during floods and other types of disaster. Council will also use the drones to survey radio masts and antennas (negating the need to hire elevated work platforms or cranes) and reservoir roof tops, inspect electrical connections on older pump stations (mitigating the risk associated with officers climbing ladders), and film or photograph environmentally sensitive projects so that evidence of Aerial footage of the S01 pump station, Cemetery Drive, Gladstone, taken by one of Council’s new drones.

Prepare for cyclone season The cyclone season is just around the corner and households are encouraged  to complete vital preparations Steps you can take now to prepare for the cyclone season: now to ensure they are  Register or update your contact Prepare your home: ready should a disaster strike. details with the Early Warning  Trim trees and overhanging Network to receive severe weather branches; Council's guide to preparing warnings; for natural disasters and  Check the condition of roofs and  Review your insurance levels and emergencies 'Ready?' structures and arrange necessary provides simple checklists to update your proof of purchases for repairs; potential claims. complete vital tasks.  Remove rubbish and loose items Prepare your household: The Ready? Guide is available from your yard. at all Council customer  Create a home emergency plan;  Source alternative power supplies. contact centres and online at  Make an emergency and evacuation www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/ kit. emergencies

Page 7 Annual report earns gold

A 1938 Challen Baby Grand Piano is given a new lease of life at Tannum Sands State School. Baby Grand piano heads to local primary school

A retired asset of the Gladstone churches and music/dance schools but no Entertainment Convention Centre interest was received. (GECC) has been given a new lease of life Calls for expressions of interest were at Tannum Sands State School. sought again with Tannum Sands State Acting Corporate Performance and Reporting The school has taken ownership of a School keen to acquire the asset. Coordinator Waneka Jannusch holds Council’s 1938 Challen baby grand piano which was This year, Council at its July 4 general gold Australasian Reporting Award. deemed surplus to GECC requirements. meeting approved the baby grand to be The piano was originally purchased second gifted to the school. Council claimed its second gold award in hand more than 30 years ago by the then the Australasian Reporting Awards (ARA) Local residents and students will now be Gladstone Entertainment Centre. recently for its 2015-16 annual report. able to get value from this community Following the facility's upgrade to GECC asset for years to come. The award recognises high standard and the purchase of a new piano, the reporting that meets a long list of criteria The school arranged collection of the Challen became a surplus asset. covering transparency, detail, accuracy piano and will now assume complete and assessment mechanisms. In 2014 expressions of interest for the ownership and maintenance responsibility. piano were invited from all local schools, Council has used the awards program to benchmark its annual reporting standard and strive for improvements, receiving a bronze award for its first entry in 2014, improving to a silver award in 2015, and gaining its first gold award last year. Acting Corporate Performance and Reporting Coordinator Waneka Jannusch, who has compiled eight annual reports for Council, said high quality reporting could be confronting for organisations. “It requires scrutiny and laying bare Former Tannum Sands State School principal Leanne Ibell sits at the piano surrounded by some of challenges and missed targets, but the Tannum Timbres choir, Classroom Music Teacher Julie-Ann Clarke and principal John Adie. Council’s organisational culture has evolved to consider the reporting of Piano sends sound waves through Tannum challenges an opportunity to learn and The addition of a baby grand piano to the wanting to play it, and that interest hasn’t act,” she said. Tannum Sands State School community waned! Gladstone Region Mayor Matt Burnett has reinvigorated the music program and Our previous principal Mrs Leanne Ibell said Council, as a complex organisation given the students a lift they could never was instrumental in securing the baby with many working parts serving a diverse have imagined. grand, and our new school principal, community, found annual reporting brought benefits "beyond the meeting of Staff and students are playing the Mr John Adie has enjoyed encouraging students to perform on the piano at a legislative requirement". instrument almost daily and use it for every opportunity. regular performances at school parades "Identifying trends in our community each week. Tannum Sands State School showcased and opportunities to better serve them, the instrument and their students’ talent through reporting, is vital; as is providing It was even a showpiece at the school's at Stars on Stage on September 1. them with an honest account of our Grandparents’ Day with one of the performance," he said. school's special grandmothers performing It was great to see how much excitement one instrument can generate in a school. Council's annual reports can be viewed for the community. online at www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/ The day the piano made its grand Submitted by Tannum Sands State School annual-reports Classroom Music Teacher appearance at the school there was great Council's 2016-17 annual report is Ms Julie-Ann Clarke excitement with people buzzing around expected to be released in November. Page 8 Free fun for all seasons at Tondoon Gardens

So popular have the free, fun Sunday Summer one where the morning will be All play activities are free and there will be morning events at the Tondoon Botanic planned around a water theme to keep a craft activity to bring kids in touch with Gardens become for Gladstone children everyone cool in the hot weather. plants and nature. and their families, the Gardens team has decided to present one for every season Crowd numbers attending the Sunday Some old fashioned team games such as of the year. morning event have grown significantly Tug of War will also be included in future The next one, planned for October 15, since the first one was held back in March to add variety to the attractions. this year. will have a fitness theme featuring activities Above all, these Sunday mornings at the to put a spring in everyone's step, as well Eleven hundred children and their families Gardens will be about smiles, laughter and as the usual favourites. went along that day followed by 1600 in fun as families are drawn in to enjoy what's The Spring event will be followed by a May and then more than 2000 in August. on offer.

Tondoon Botanic Gardens has more free family fun days in store.

BRIEFLY Trainee undertakes firefighting training

 Ubobo general meeting Fire management is one of the many the Biodiversity Conservation Strategic new skills Council's Conservation and Plan. Gladstone Land Management trainee, Monique Regional Council's Galloway, has been learning since She has worked in a range of land general meeting starting with Council in February. management activities including the on November conservation of rare and endangered 21 will be held After completing her Firefighter plants, weed and pest management, in Ubobo at Minimum Skills training thanks to the educational activities, plant propagation the Discovery Gladstone office of the Queensland Fire and nursery production. Centre, as part and Emergency Services, Monique took of Council's commitment to make part in her first planned burn during a She has also been involved with tree public meetings more accessible hazard reduction event at Agnes Water planting and erosion control. to our whole community. The in August. meeting will commence at 9am and an agenda will be published online The burn was a combined exercise closer to the time of the event via between Council, the Department of www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/general- Natural Resources and Mines, and Rural and-special-meetings Fire Brigades from Agnes Water, Turkey Beach, Captain Creek and Wartburg and the Auxiliary Firefighters.  Like us on Facebook Receive regular updates on Council Turkey Beach Rural Fire Brigade events and activities, monthly video Captain, Errol Noye, supervised the messages from the Mayor as well burn. as disaster management and severe weather information by 'liking' Monique is part of Council’s Conservation and Land Management trainee, Council on Facebook. Conservation Team and has been Monique Galloway, takes part in a hazard helping to deliver the strategic goals of reduction burn at Workman’s Beach. Page 9 Grants available to control invasive species

Gladstone regional landholders can now access grants of up to $500 to control invasive species on their properties. The grants can be used to cover costs involved in the control process such as: • Purchase of herbicide; • Pasture seed; • Hire of spray equipment; and • Hire of contractors to complete the Senior residents were able to learn some classic dance moves at a Broadway work. Dance Workshop at Agnes Water. The containment invasive species eligible for the financial grants include giant rats tail grass, groundsel bush, rubber vine and other species featured in table 10 of Council’s Biosecurity Plan. To be eligible for the Invasive Species Grants Program, landholders must: • Have a containment pest species infestation on their property within the Gladstone Regional Council area; Strong attendance at free Seniors Week activities • Be located outside a species Thousands of Gladstone Region residents workforce, community leaders or carers containment line (if applicable); took part in more than 70 activities for and grandparents. • Have developed a current property Seniors Week from August 19 to 27. pest management plan with Council Gladstone Region resident Gayle Black outlining what actions they plan to Each year Council organises a Seniors commended the week in a Facebook undertake over a three-year period; Week program across the region to post stating: “Hundreds of ‘seniors’ in • Complete an invasive species grants celebrate the valuable contributions of our the Gladstone Region will know why I've reimbursement application form and senior residents. posted this. One of the few pleasures provide a receipt for the purchase of Residents aged 55 years and over enjoyed of being aged over 55 years and living in chemical, fuel, hire spray equipment art workshops funded by the Gladstone this region is taking part in so-oooo many and/or associated equipment; Region Regional Arts Development Fund, activities organised by our brilliant Council • Provide a grant application outlining craft, outings, singing and dance workshops. staff to celebrate Seniors' Week. It's one of my favourite times of the year and this the control actions in the property Popular activities included a Back to the pest management plan. year we had the perfect weather to be Bush event, a LARC trip, harbour cruises out and about, be it dining at the PCYC, Council's Pest Management Officers and the Mayor’s Morning Tea featuring playing Bingo for choccies at Miriam Vale, will make yearly inspections to assess Boogie Bingo. eating yummy tucker etc whilst ‘back to the landholders' progress against their The week offered an opportunity to bush’, coffee cruising around our beautiful management plan. socialise, catch up with friends and meet harbour, and finally munching on morning For more information about the Invasive others while celebrating the efforts of tea during Boogie Bingo, plus other Species Grants Program phone Council's our senior residents from all walks of activities in between. Well done, Gladstone Pest Management Unit on 4977 6821. life including volunteers, those in the Regional Council, you've done it again”.

Wild Cattle Creek sandpush success

Council has successfully completed work rehabilitation areas to allow the plants to on the sandpush at Wild Cattle Creek to establish. try and manage shoreline erosion. Work to safeguard the erosion escarpment The beach was re-profiled by shifting at Wild Cattle Creek was a huge project, around 10,000 cubic meters of sand over but the result is the community can a three week period. now enjoy the beach again. Council also undertook a smaller scale sandpush at Thousands of beach vines and grasses have Turkey Beach. since been planted by CVA volunteers and GEA trainees to help protect the sandpush Erosion management projects form part of works. Council’s Shoreline Erosion Management Plan (SEMP). This outlines a framework Council asks beach goers to respect the for managing current and future erosion hard work volunteers and staff have put in a manner consistent with the Coastal into propagating, growing and planting Protection and Management Act (1995). these plants and to stay off the dune

Page 10 Pig in a pipeline provides solution to curly cleaning problem

Cleaning water pipes is not always as minutes to complete the task. easy as combining apple cider vinegar and A team of divers was employed to baking soda and tipping it down the sink. dismantle the seawater inlet diffuser and When it comes to cleaning the Agnes allow a clear path for the pigs to exit the Water Desalination Water Treatment pipeline into the ocean. Plant seawater inlet pipe, a more complex The pigs then floated to the surface and solution is required. were retrieved by the dive crew and In July Council Water Services officers, in returned to the beach for inspection. partnership with facility operator Trility, The pipeline is used to supply seawater to cleaned the inlet pipe of sediment build- the desalination plant where it is treated up to ensure the continued supply of and provided as the potable water source seawater to the desalination plant. for the townships of Agnes Water and The task was completed via a method Seventeen Seventy. known as 'pigging' (pipe inspection The project required that the entrance gauging), with officers launching two to Chinaman's Beach on Spring Road, cylindrical foam ‘pigs’, on separate runs, Agnes Water, and an adjacent section of in the opposite direction to the normal the beach be closed to the public for three flow within the seawater inlet pipe via a Michael, Nicole, Emily and Katrina Banks got days. portable water-filled bladder and pumping into the spirit of National Tree Day during the arrangement. Council thanks the Agnes Water and community planting event at Joe Joseph Park, Seventeen Seventy community, and Lake . Each pig was sent along the 560m length visitors to the area, for their patience while of the 600mm diameter pipe at a rate the cleaning was conducted. of 73cm per second, taking less than 15 National Tree Day plantings have all round benefits

School children and community volunteers planted hundreds of new trees across the region to celebrate National Tree Day in late July, providing all round benefits for the environment.

Council held events with school groups in Tannum Sands and Agnes Water, while a community event was held at Lake Callemondah’s Joe Joseph Park.

Ninety students from St Francis Catholic Primary School, Agnes Water State The Chinaman’s Beach inlet pipe cleaning site School and Discovery Christian College took part, planting more than 100 trees representing a variety of coastal species.

Twenty-five volunteers, in partnership with Conservation Volunteers Australia, supported the community planting on the banks of Lake Callemondah.

They planted 150 riparian species including a mix of tuckeroos, figs and kangaroo grass.

Rosella Park School students will help 2018 water and maintain this newly planted Youth Holiday Program area until the school year ends. The National Tree Day plantings will 8-19 January, 2018 help restore and strengthen vegetation, Program available mid-November www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/sunfest increase wildlife habitats and help stabilise sand dunes, protecting the For more information or general enquiries call 4976 6983 beach from erosion. Page 11 Good vibes on offer at new music and arts festival

The countdown is on for the inaugural Under the Trees music and arts festival at The upgraded wastewater treatment plant site at Agnes Water Boyne Island on October 14. A family friendly event which seeks to bring Upgrade increases twin towns' great festival acts to Boyne Island while retaining a grassroots feel, it is envisaged sewerage network viability that Under the Trees will grow to become a drawcard event for the Gladstone Region. The $600,000 Agnes Water Waste Meeting the needs of a growing Water Treatment Plant Inlet Works population is vital to the twin towns’ Council has thrown its support behind the Upgrade was completed in July, economic development. festival which will feature two stages, a great enhancing the capacity for Agnes Water line-up of Sydney, Brisbane and Gladstone The inlet upgrade will prevent Region artists, and food stalls, licensed bar and Seventeen Seventy to meet the overflows and reduce the risk of and street art. future demands of population growth. waterways contamination, helping to create a cleaner environment and The upgrade is one of a number of The event is managed by the Boyne ensuring the community is not exposed substantial improvements made to Tannum Arts Business and Community to unacceptable health and social risks. the area’s sewerage network and Asssociation and tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children under the age of 12 ensures the plant, located on Yabby The Agnes Water Waste Water Road, Agnes Water, will handle the Treatment Plant Inlet Works (plus booking fee) are available via oztix. increased flow generated by current Upgrade is a joint initiative of com.au or at the BITS Medical Centre or Gladstone Regional Council and Say Espresso. and proposed development. the .

Animal registration discount to help residents

Residents can expect their animal or cat within the Gladstone Region and 2017-18 registration renewal fees: registration in letterboxes shortly, but can current registration also reduces an animal's Paid before October 31, 2017: also receive a 20 per cent discount if it is impound release fees. Entire animal $89.60 (pension or paid in full by October 31. Residents are encouraged to pay their concession $53.50) Council's animal registration fee structure animal registration renewal fee via Council’s Micro chipped animal $76.00 (pension or has been developed to promote Online Services website at www.gladstone. concession $44.80) responsible pet ownership. qld.gov.au/OnlineServices (click ‘Online Desexed animal $44.80 (pension or Payments’). concession $26.80) Increased discounts apply to owners Desexed and microchipped animal who desex their animal; microchip their Alternatively, payment can be made in $31.20 (pension or concession $17.50) person at one of Council's Rural Transaction animal; hold a current Centrelink Pensioner Registered breeders animal $44.00 concession card; or hold a Veterans' Affairs or Administration Centres, using cash; Paid after October 31, 2017: Repartition Health card - for all conditions EFTPOS; credit card (AMEX accepted); (Gold Card). cheques or money orders. Entire animal $112.00 (pension or concession $67.00) There are many reasons for having your Residents looking to renew their animal Micro chipped animal $95.00 (pension or pet registered with a registration tag. registration can also make an electronic concession $56.00) payment via BPAY using the Biller Code Desexed animal $56.00 (pension or It allows animals to be easily identified and 102475. concession $33.50) distinguished from the stray population and For more information on animal registration Desexed and microchipped animal a quick reunion with their owners. $39.00 (pension or concession $22.00) or Council's fee structure visit www. It is an offence to keep an unregistered dog gladstone.qld.gov.au/registration Registered breeders animal $55.00 Page 12 Gardeners flock to Tondoon workshops

If you want to learn how to prune your Details about the upcoming workshops garden properly and look after your in October and November can be found tools, the basics of botany or even bonsai on Council’s website at www.gladstone. cultivation, then Tondoon Botanic Gardens qld.gov.au/tondoon-botanic or in the can help you. Community Calendar on page 14. The Gardens team introduced its first These workshops are free but spaces are workshop last year offering Pruning 101 to limited so please book ahead. see how much interest there was. There are now plans to expand the It proved very popular with people coming Basic Bonsai class into an in-depth Bonsai to learn from Curator Brent Braddick and Beginners class presented over several Senior Coordinator Barry Meiring about weeks for a fee to be determined. how to bring their garden back into shape. The workshops’ reputation has spread The success of the first workshop has with the Rockhampton Regional Council seen two others – Botany Basics and Basic approaching both Barry and Brent recently Bonsai – added to the Gardens’ seasonal to present the Pruning 101 workshop in There were plenty of Australia Day community activities organised at events. Rockhampton. Rosedale last year.

Donations aid regional Australia Day celebrations

Are you part of a group within a regional township who is interested in hosting an Australia Day community celebration? Not-for-profit groups within our regional communities are invited to apply for funding to host a 2018 Australia Day community event. Community members attend one of Tondoon Botanic Gardens’ workshops, Pruning 101. Each year Council offers financial assistance to regional communities to enable groups to organise an Australia Day celebration in Little Pattie is a Morning Melodies favourite their township to complement Council’s major Australia Day event. Gladstone Entertainment Convention Bookings can be made online at www. Centre's (GECC) Morning Melodies gladecc.com.au or by phoning the GECC Last year various communities served up continue to prove popular with Gladstone Box Office on 4972 2822. Aussie breakfasts, sausage sizzles, pies Region patrons. and barbecues with events ranging from barefoot bowls to cricket games, thong Little Pattie showed why she is still one of throwing, water slides, crab pot throwing, Australia's favourite entertainers when she performed to a full house at the GECC in traditional games and treasure hunts. August. Funding is offered via Council’s Community Little Pattie's Morning Melodies show Donations Program – Category 3 Regional appealed to a larger than usual Gladstone Event Support – Australia Day. crowd and featured popular songs and Applicants are assessed according to entertaining stories. criteria outlined in Council’s Community The popular entertainer has had strong Donations Policy. involvement in the Australian music industry since the mid-'60s when she The Community Donations application began her musical career as an enthusiastic form and policy guidelines are available on 14-year-old from Sydney. Council’s website at www.gladstone.qld. gov.au/donations-and-grants She had a succession of hits, was a long standing member of the Bandstand Family Applications will be accepted until the close and has claimed many gold records. of business on Thursday, November 30. The fun continues for Morning Melodies For more information phone Council’s patrons with one more show to enjoy in Community Donations Officer Janine the 2017 season with a performance by Little Pattie performs to one of the year's largest Sorrensen on 4976 6351 or email Janine. violinist Vov Dylan on November 21. Morning Melodies crowds. [email protected] Page 13 BRIEFLY Community CALENDAR

 Know your information and privacy ALL MONTHS rights Date Name of the event Location Contact The Office of the Information Commissioner is providing free public 1st and 3rd Council general meeting Gladstone Civic Centre 4970 0700 sessions about information and privacy Tuesday rights. Drop in any time between Every Mon Library card games 10am-noon Agnes Water Library 4902 1501 9am and midday on September 29 Every Mon Social scrabble, 10.15am-noon Boyne Island Library 4971 9700 to Council’s office at 101 Goondoon Every Tues Kids happy hour 10.30am-11.30am Mount Larcom Library 4975 1205 Street, Gladstone to have your questions answered. Or attend a presentation Every Tues Library scrabble 11am-noon Agnes Water Library 4902 1501 followed by question-time between 1st Tues Library book club Agnes Water Library 4902 1501 1pm and 3pm on the same day at the 2nd Tue Kids time 10am-11.30am (except Miriam Vale Library 4974 6241 Gladstone City Library (limited to first 40 school holidays) people). 4th Tues Tech Savvy Tuesday 10am-noon Gladstone City Library 4976 6400  Assistance for young athletes Every Wed Toddler time 9.30am and 10.30am Boyne Island Library 4971 9700 (except school holidays) Assistance to meet the costs of Every Wed Story time 10am Agnes Water Library 4902 1501 competing in high Every Wed & Story time 11am Gladstone City Library 4976 6400 level competition is Thurs available to young, 2nd Wed Bots 'n' Tots 10.30am Calliope Library 4975 8105 high-achieving 2nd Wed Playtime 9.30am-11.30am Calliope Library 4975 8105 athletes through the Gladstone 2nd Wed Toddler time 9.30am Calliope Library 4975 8105 and District Sports Foundation Trust. Every Thurs Story time 9.30am Calliope Library 4975 8105 Guidelines, information and an 2nd & 4th Baby Bounce 10.30am (except Boyne Island Library 4971 9700 application form are available via www. Thurs school holidays) gladstone.qld.gov.au/other-funding- opportunities Every Fri Story time 10.30am Calliope Library 4975 8105 Every Fri Story time 10.30am Boyne Island Library 4971 9700  No charge for some waste items Every Fri Baby Bounce 11am Gladstone City Library 4976 6400 Many non-recyclable items, including SEPTEMBER small or domestic volumes of general Date Name of the event Location Contact waste, green waste, white goods, LPG cylinders (up to 9kg), waste/cooking oils, Until Oct 7 Intercity Images 2017 Gallery & Museum 4976 6766 clean wood, clean fill, scrap metal, car Until Oct 7 The Giant that Never Sleeps: 50 Gallery & Museum 4976 6766 batteries and some types of e-waste, years of QAL can be disposed of for free at Council’s Sep 27 Games Day & Robotics, 9.30am Boyne Island Library 4971 9700 waste transfer facilities. Fees apply for commercial sized quantities. For more Sep 27 Kids Cooking: Sweets Made Easy Tondoon Gardens 4971 4444 waste management information visit Sep 28 Games in the Gardens, 2-3.30pm Tondoon Gardens 4971 4444 Council’s website at www.gladstone.qld. Sep 29 Games Day Codebots Workshops Boyne Island Library 4971 9700 gov.au/waste-management Sep 29 Messy Craft & Paper Fans Agnes Water Library 4902 1501  View your rates information online OCTOBER Registered users of Date Name of the event Location Contact Council’s Online Oct 7 Basic Bonsai workshop, free, pls book Tondoon Gardens 4971 4444 Services website can view their history of Oct 11 Cooking in the Gardens, pls book Tondoon Gardens 4971 4444 rates charges and Oct 14 42nd Rio Tinto Martin Hanson Gallery & Museum 4976 6766 payments and view Memorial Art Awards presentation electronic copies of and exhibition their rates notices. Oct 15 Fun Activity Morning, 8.30am Tondoon Gardens 4971 4444 Visit www.gladstone. -12.30pm qld.gov.au/OnlineServices and click to Oct 29 Qigong, 7.30-8am, free Tondoon Gardens 4971 4444 register. Once your details have been matched with our rates database you NOVEMBER will receive a confirmation email enabling Date Name of the event Location Contact you to log in to the system and access Nov 4 Basic Bonsai workshop, free, pls book Tondoon Gardens 4971 4444 your account. Nov 4 Pruning 101 workshop, free, pls book Tondoon Gardens 4971 4444 Page 14  How can we better communicate with you? How often do you browse this newsletter, Council Would you read this newsletter if it was delivered Connection? digitally?  Most or all issues  Some issues  Rarely  Yes, but I prefer the printed newsletter Does anyone else in your household browse it?  Yes, a switch to digital is a good  Yes  No  I’m less likely to How else do you receive news about Council? Please  No, I wouldn’t read a digital version complete the blue columns and, if applicable, the grey Where do you live or live close to? columns.  Gladstone  Boyne/Tannum  Calliope  Agnes Water/Seventeen Seventy  Boyne Valley  Miriam Vale and surrounds  Mount Larcom and surrounds

Often Sometimes Rarely Never aware of this channel I wasn’t I would like to see more news on this channel  Other [specify] ...... Council’s social media pages, eg Facebook How can we improve Council Connection newsletter Council’s eConnect digital (optional)? newsletter ...... Council website’s news feed ...... I contact or visit Council Newspapers (print, online or ...... social media channel) ...... Radio stations (aired, online or social media channel) How can we better communicate with you (optional)? Television stations (aired, ...... online or social media channel) Facebook groups within the ...... community ...... Do you favour Council Connection to these other news ...... sources, for Council-related news? Please send completed surveys to:  Yes  No  It’s on par Email: [email protected] or  Optional comment: ...... Post: Gladstone Regional Council, Comms & Marketing team, ...... PO Box 29, Gladstone QLD 4680 Infographic

By the numbers Serving the Gladstone Region are six library facilities, an Out & About library van to rural communities and a home-library service for those in need. In the last financial year, our libraries reported the following statistics. 24,242 3340 872,098 40,061 319,194 125,784* Membership New members Items loaned Bookings on People through Total collection for the year internet devices the door (physical and digital)

*Meets State Library Collection size standard Page 15 SAVE ON ANIMAL REGISTRATION RENEWALS

Pay your animal registration renewal fee before October 31 and save 20% Declutter your home, meet your neighbours, Save more if your animal has been Desexed and Microchipped. fundraise or find bargains at thousands of garage Or if you hold a Current Centrelink Pensioner concession card sales on one big weekend of selling and shopping. or Veterans’ Affairs Repartition Health card for all conditions (Gold Card).

For more information on animal registration or Council’s fees visit www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/registration

THE 42ND Australia Day Awards MARTIN HANSON 2018 MEMORIAL ART AWARDS 2017

EXHIBITION OF ENTRIES: 14 OCTOBER - 7 DECEMBER 2017

GLADSTONE REGIONAL ART GALLERY & MUSEUM FREE ADMISSION 10am - 5pm, Monday - Saturday Cnr Goondoon & Bramston Sts, Gladstone QLD 4680 NOMINATIONS CLOSE T (07) 4976 6766 E [email protected] November 3 http://gragm.qld.gov.au Information and nomination forms available at www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/australia-day-awards For further details phone 4977 6803. A community cultural initiative of the Gladstone Regional Council