Gympie Regional Council | May 2017

First Snaps at the ARC MARY VALLEY RATTLER

MEET THE MAYOR AND COUNCILLORS

SMITHFIELD STREET UPDATE

GourMAY is here!

‘OUR TOWNS’ PROJECT Your Councillors A message from Mayor

Cr Mick Curran, Mayor Mick Curran

Portfolio: Governance, Finance, Disaster Management Phone: 0417 959 331 Email: mayorcurran@.qld.gov.au

Cr Mark McDonald, Division 1

Portfolio: Planning and Development Phone: 0439 001 170 Email: [email protected]

Cr Glen Hartwig, Division 2 I hope you all had a safe and pleasant Easter and managed to Portfolio: Economic Development enjoy some of the holiday fun activities hosted by Council over Phone: 0437 722 931 the break. Email: [email protected] I’m proud to present another edition of The Round-Up for 2017, and what a start to the year we’ve had already. Cr Mal Gear, Division 3 The opening of Gympie’s Aquatic and Recreation Centre (ARC) on Portfolio: Business Activities Saturday 1 April was a huge success and I was astounded by the Phone: 0437 477 245 number of people who came to support the event. A big thank Email: [email protected] you to everyone involved on the project, it is a wonderful facility that will bring enjoyment to the community for years to come.

Cr Daryl Dodt, Division 4 The 11th Mayoral Prayer Breakfast was held in March and I was blown away by the community spirit demonstrated at this event. Portfolio: Environmental Sustainability This year we had more than 650 people attend from business and Special Projects and community groups and it really shows how important Phone: 0499 080 164 events like these are in bringing the community together. Email: [email protected] I’ve scheduled a number of Meet the Mayor and Councillors Cr Dan Stewart, Division 5 sessions and I’d love to see you all there for a chat. Head to page eight for more information. Portfolio: Social Wellbeing Phone: 0499 081 404 Mayor Mick Curran Email: [email protected]

Cr Hilary Smerdon, Division 6

Portfolio: Water and Sewerage, Waste Management Phone: 0499 080 913 Email: [email protected]

Cr Bob Leitch, Deputy Mayor Division 7

Portfolio: Infrastructure Services Phone: 0429 231 516 Email: [email protected]

Cr James Cochrane, Division 8

Portfolio: Tourism, Sport and Recreation Phone: 0499 080 398 Email: [email protected]

PAGE 2 THE ROUND-UP MAY 2017 Contents Mary Valley Rattler 01 Your Councillors 02 A message from Together with Gympie Regional Council, the Rattler Railway Company is working hard to Mayor Mick Curran get the historic Mary Valley Rattler back on track by December 2017. 03 Mary Valley Rattler

To help get this project delivered, the Rattler Railway Company is seeking volunteers 03 Upgrade to Langton and with a variety of skills and interests to help support the steam train’s successful revival. Hall Roads Positions currently required include general hands, cleaners, painters, carpenters, 04 Smithfield Street Update storemen, boilermakers and fitters. 04 Canoe and Kayak Strategy Whether you would like to work within a heritage environment, support the operation 05 Our Towns Program of the unique steam locomotives or help others to enjoy their railway experience, please 06 GourMAY email your interest to [email protected]. For general enquiries, please 06 Build a Better Start-Up email [email protected] or call 07 5482 2750. 07 Corporate Plan 2017 – 2022 This project is being funded in partnership with the Queensland Government as part of 07 Water Business Unit Update the Works for Queensland program. 07 G150 Celebrations 07 Upgrading The Pavilion 08 Meet the Mayor and Councillors 08 11th Mayoral Prayer Breakfast 08 The 21st Annual Goomeri Pumpkin festival 09 Meet the Staff 10 Gympie Aquatic and Recreation Centre 12 What’s On

THE ROUND-UP

Produced By Gympie Regional Council Town Hall, 2 Caledonian Hill, Gympie 1300 307 800 [email protected]

Upgrade to Langton and Hall Roads Be Waste Wise!

Did you know Council has Works have started on the upgrade of Langton and Hall roads with completion a free waste and recycling scheduled for August 2017, weather permitting. app to help you stay up The project will upgrade the full length of Langton Road and Hall Road between to date with bin collection the highway and the north coast rail line and will include road widening, days and to recycle pavement reconstruction, new sections of kerb and channel and asphalt effectively? surfacing. Download the Improvements will also be made to the intersections of Eldorado Road and Hall Recycling App for both Apple Road, and Langton and Hall roads, as well as stormwater drainage upgrades. and Android smartphones and This project is part of Council’s commitment to improving the road network tablets for free through the across the region. Apple App store or Google Play.

THE ROUND-UP MAY 2017 PAGE 3 Smithfield Street Update

The Smithfield Street Revitalisation Project is Cr Daryl Dodt holding the artwork representation progressing quickly, with the completion date of the Mary River which will be a feature in the brought forward from late 2017 to the end of Smithfield Street upgrade July 2017.

Visitors to Gympie’s town centre will soon notice a number of themed artworks, eye-catching street lighting, extensive landscaping and street furniture being installed as part of the project, transforming Smithfield Street into a pedestrian-friendly ‘Eat Street’.

Well into its final stages, the project is on target to finish mid- year.

A unique feature of the project is the barrier railing along Smithfield Street, called River of Gold. Using a laser cut design, the curves in the artwork reflect the shape of the Mary River with the Region’s flora captured in the various shades of bronze highlighted by the sophisticated lighting.

This project is being funded by the Queensland Government’s Building our Regions Program and Gympie Regional Council.

Canoe and Kayak Strategy

The first round of delivery for a number Works will include improvements to of canoe and kayak launch points is the access points, car parks and launch scheduled to start construction in mid- facilities. Informational and directional 2017 (weather permitting). In line with signage will also be delivered to Council’s endorsed Canoe and Kayak help visitors get the most out of the Strategy, this includes launch points on experience. the Mary River at Gympie Weir (near Once complete, the projects will Kidd Bridge), Attie Sullivan Park (near provide a range of opportunities for Normanby Bridge) and Kandanga Weir the community and visitors alike to get on Kandanga Creek. outdoors and learn more about the The projects form part of an ongoing Region. You may even get a chance to program of works and will create a get up close with species such as the network of canoe and kayak trails Mary River Turtle, the Mary River Cod, across the Region with the aim of the Australian Lung Fish and if you’re enhancing the access and enjoyment of lucky, the White Throated Snapping our Region’s waterways. Turtle.

PAGE 4 THE ROUND-UP MAY 2017 ‘Our Towns’ – Sustainable Centres Program

The Our Towns Sustainable Centres Program is an ongoing Council initiative aimed at enhancing the Region’s rural and coastal townships as attractive and desirable places to live, work and play.

Council worked closely with the Nautilus Drive and Queen Elizabeth in securing the economic future of community to identify key priorities in Drive, and seating along the Queen Goomeri by enhancing the township each township. Elizabeth Drive and Bayside Road as a desirable location for passing pedestrian and cycle path. Work on tourists to stop and visit, supporting Stage one (Kandanga) and stage two these projects started in April with the ongoing success of the Goomeri ( and Gunalda) have now been completion expected in mid-2017. Pumpkin Festival and complimenting delivered. Council’s next priority is stage the planned rail trail back to Kilkivan three (Cooloola Cove and Tin Can Bay) Goomeri and on to Murgon. This project is and stage four (Goomeri), with stage Residents and visitors to Goomeri scheduled for completion in late 2017. five (Rainbow Beach) coming soon. will see the area between Boonara Street and railway corridor improved Tin Can Bay Cooloola Cove with a community seating space and Residents and visitors to Tin Can Bay Implementation of the first round of landscaping fronting Moore Street. The will benefit from additional street tree the Cooloola Cove Township Concept project will also involve the formation planting and landscape improvements, Master Plan will see a formalised of short term (no overnight) RV new signage, new footpaths and pedestrian link from Golden Hind parking spaces and associated vehicle widening to existing footpaths, and Avenue to Retreat Court, upgraded turnaround linking back to Perrett street furniture around the retail and pedestrian links and landscaping at Street. These improvements will assist commercial hub. These works are the commercial hub on the corner of scheduled for completion in late 2017.

Concept plan of the formalised pedestrian link at Cooloola Cove

THE ROUND-UP MAY 2017 PAGE 5 GourMAY

GourMAY is your chance to explore, taste and experience the best of the Region at one of the many events planned, with all tastes and budgets catered for.

Building on the success of previous years, this month long celebration of local food and produce was launched at the Gympie Town Centre Growers Market on Wednesday 3 May.

Gympie Region Food and Food Tourism Ambassador Matt Golinski will showcase the diverse range of produce available in the Region in demonstrations at: • 19 and 20 May – Gympie District Show • 28 May – Goomeri Pumpkin Festival.

The signature event of Eat Local Month is the 5 Chef’s Long Table Lunch which sees Matt lead a team of renowned local chefs to present a five course degustation experience featuring the best of Gympie’s regional produce on Saturday 27 May.

For the full calendar of events and more information visitgympieregionalproduce.com.au and follow Gympie Gold Regional Produce on Facebook.

Feature – Build a Better Start-Up

As part of Council’s commitment to creating more employment opportunities in the Region, a series of events are being run as part of The Start-Up Gympie Region Program.

The events provide an exciting opportunity for a wide range of businesses across all industries and have the ability to take these businesses to the next level and create future opportunities for the Region.

The facilitator, Colin Graham, is the founder of Causeway Innovation and has supported the start-up and growth of over 160 new ventures in a wide variety of sectors including IT, creative agencies, food, agribusiness, health and clean technology.

There are a number of events scheduled between now and September. For more information please contact Gympie Regional Council’s Economic Development Unit on 1300 307 800 or via email at [email protected].

PAGE 6 THE ROUND-UP MAY 2017 Corporate Plan 2017 – 2022 Water

Council would like to thank those who provided feedback on the Draft Corporate Plan Business Unit 2017-2022. Feedback closed in March and the Corporate Plan 2017-2022 has now been adopted by Council. Update The Corporate Plan builds on feedback from more than 70 community groups and Council recently identified a number of organisations, as well as members of the general public. The Corporate Plan is the operational and strategy issues within lead strategic planning document that drives Council’s fundamental decision making, its Water Business Unit which led to a reporting framework, annual budget and operational planning process. review of how the business operates. The Corporate Plan reiterates Council’s vision for the future and commitment to a The review recommended a number range of projects including the CBD and sporting facilities as well as a greater emphasis of things to Council including the on rural roads and marketing the Region. Three key projects given the green light for establishment of an Advisory Group further investigation and planning are: to assist Council to manage its water • A new library and sewerage services and in March • Further development of the jetty at Tin Can Bay this year, Council resolved to form the • A new equestrian centre at Kilkivan. Gympie Water Technical Advisory Group.

The Gympie Regional Council Corporate Plan 2017-2022 can be downloaded at The Gympie Water Technical Advisory gympie.qld.gov.au. Group will include independent technical people who consider matters referred to it, make recommendations on these Council matters and provide strategic advice and support to the Water Business Unit and would like to to Council when required. The delivery of water and sewerage thank those services is one of Council’s most critical who provided services and Council is committed to becoming a leader in how these feedback services are delivered. The water and sewerage business will not be sold off or divested and it will continue to remain a controlled service of Council.

G150 Celebrations Upgrading The Pavilion

This year the Gympie Region will be hosting community-led Since December 2016, works to upgrade The Pavilion at the festivals, events, concerts, and exciting exhibitions and activities Adrian McClintock Park (Gympie Showgrounds) have been that explore our community’s rich heritage and celebrate the underway. The works include renovations to the function space, evolution of our great town. Head to Council’s G150 web page meetings rooms, front office and restaurant. The lift has also at gympie.qld.gov.au/g150 or our Gympie Regional Council’s been upgraded as part of this project to improve accessibility. Facebook page for more information about what’s happening in The Pavilion is due for completion this month. the Region.

1867 ~ 2017 Celebrating 150 years of Gympie

THE ROUND-UP MAY 2017 PAGE 7 Meet the Mayor and Councillors

The popular Meet the Mayor and Councillors forums are Locations: happening again in May and June. The forums provide 5pm Monday 22 May 2017 an important opportunity to share regional news and Tin Can Bay RSL Hall, 45 Tin Can Bay Road, Tin Can Bay developments in an up close and personal format. 5pm Monday 29 May 2017 Council welcomes open dialogue about the topics that are most Kilkivan Public Hall, 31 Bligh Street, Kilkivan relevant to our residents, local towns and community groups. 5pm Wednesday 31 May 2017 Council continues to rotate the locations and residents are Theebine Memorial Recreation Centre, 6 Old Cleveland Road, encouraged to attend a session at a location convenient to you. Theebine The Mayor’s office is accepting questions in advance to ensure 5pm Thursday 1 June 2017 all topics can be addressed. You can email your questions to Mary Valley Memorial Hall ( RSL Hall), 127 Yabba Road, [email protected]. Imbil 5pm Monday 5 June 2017 Wolvi and District War Memorial Hall, 1358 Kin Kin Road, Wolvi 5pm Tuesday 6 June 2017 Gympie Civic Centre, 32 Mellor Street, Gympie 5pm Wednesday 7 June 2017 Amamoor Hall, 35 Busby Street, Amamoor

11th Mayoral Prayer The 21st Annual Goomeri Breakfast Pumpkin Festival

Celebrating its eleventh year, the Come along to the Goomeri Pumpkin Festival on Sunday 28 Mayoral Prayer Breakfast was held May for a day full of fun and entertainment. There’s a range on Friday 10 March and was a huge of activities on offer including the legendary Great Australian success. More than 650 people Pumpkin Roll™, novelty pumpkin competitions, street parade, from business and community came live entertainment, markets and much, much more. Head to together to pray for peace and goomeripumpkinfestival.com.au or call 0484 629 424 for more success for the year ahead. information.

This year the guest speaker was Nick Farr-Jones AM, a former Australian rugby player. Andrew Pryor and David Kidd, former members of the Ten Tenors, returned to wow guests with their melodic voices and provided a morning full of entertainment while guests enjoyed chatting over a cuppa and a hot breakfast.

The event will return again next year.

PAGE 8 THE ROUND-UP MAY 2017 Meet the Staff

Sarah Compagnoni – Technical officer - Horticulture and Sports Fields

Why Gympie Region? I moved to Gympie from Rockhampton when I was 17 and fell in love with the town, beautiful climate, beaches and natural areas. We are so lucky to have a region that encompasses a beautiful coast. We also have the Great Sandy Straits, Fraser Island, beautiful soil and the lush Mary Valley.

About your job I am responsible for coordinating staff resourcing, training and development opportunities as well as the routine maintenance of parks and gardens, project planning, garden design implementation, contract management and the assessment of customer requests in relation to parks programming.

Where is your favourite picnic spot? I love going to the Mothar Mountain Rock Pools and tackling the Mt Boulder climb with my two boys, the Amama Forest Walk, Wolvi Mountain and the picnic area on the Freshwater Track.

Viane Ali – Place Manager Why Gympie Region? Gympie is an awesome place to work! A forward thinking region keeping abreast with its southern neighbours and yet maintaining its rural values. I believe Gympie’s strength is its people – unpretentious, down-to-earth, friendly with strong community values.

About your job I can honestly say that this is the best job I have ever had in Australia and I have got the best job in Council (I’m sure many of my Council colleagues will disagree with me and say they have the best job). I get to meet and interact with the community that I serve and see the results of Council’s projects first hand. As the Place Manager, I am happy that in this role, Council enables our community a greater say in moulding Gympie’s public spaces, events and future.

Where is your favourite picnic spot? Les Lee Park, Tin Can Bay.

Katrina Forrest – Records Management Officer (Kilkivan) Why Gympie Region? I moved to the Kilkivan area in 2002 and love living here as I am close to Gympie and the coast for shopping or having a day out and relaxing. Also, I am only a few hours away from family and friends.

About your job My role can change throughout the year but I am mainly involved with the process of registering records – working on incoming mail, outgoing and internal documents. As the need arises you may see me helping out on the front counter at the Kilkivan Branch Office.

Where is your favourite picnic spot? I have two favourite places I like to picnic – one is Mudlo National Park at Kilkivan. You can go for a lovely walk and then climb the many steps to the lookout at the top and then come back down and enjoy a cup of coffee and a meal in the beautiful National park surroundings. Also, now that we have had some rain, Wide Bay Creek is another beautiful spot for having a picnic with my family.

THE ROUND-UP MAY 2017 PAGE 9 Gympie Aquatic and Recreation Centre

The new Gympie Aquatic and Recreation Centre is open!

On Saturday 1 April Mayor Mick Curran and Federal Member for Wide Bay, Llew O’Brien, opened the new Aquatic and Recreation For information Centre (ARC). More than 2000 people attended the open day on prices and with many staying for hours to enjoy the free activities.

Visitors of all ages enjoyed the two tube waterslide, the zero memberships visit depth splash play area, the 25 metre eight lane heated indoor gympiearc.com.au pool, the 50 metre outdoor pool, fitness centre and cafeteria.

The ARC has a range of activities on offer including the learn to or call 1300 129 988 swim school, squad program and fitness centre.

See if you can spot someone you know from our open day!

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THE ROUND-UP MAY 2017 PAGE 11 What's 1867 ~ 2017 Celebrating 150 years of Gympie On

GROWERS MARKET 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month, 7am to 12 noon Memorial Park, Gympie. www.gympie.qld.gov.au

GROWERS TWILIGHT MARKET 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month, Jaycee Way, Gympie gympie.qld.gov.au

EAT LOCAL MONTH - GourMAY 1 - 31 May, Gympie Region. gympie.qld.gov.au

AUSTRALIAN OFFROAD CHAMPIONSHIPS Saturday 13 - Sunday 14 May. aorc.org.au

GYMPIE DISTRICT SHOW Thursday 18 - Saturday 20 May, 9am - 10pm Gympie Showgrounds, Exhibition Road, Gympie gympieshow.com.au

GYMPIE REGIONAL CAREERS EXPO Thursday 25 May, 10am - 2pm, The Pavilion, Exhibition Road, Gympie gympie.qld.gov.au

5 CHEF’S LONG TABLE LUNCH Saturday 27 May, 11.30am - 3pm. Kandanga gympieregionalproduce.com.au

2017 SURF LIFESAVING QLD OCEAN ROAR IRB PREMIERSHIP SERIES Saturday 27 - Sunday 28 May lifesaving.com.au/events/irb-competition

GOOMERI PUMPKIN FESTIVAL Sunday 28 May, from 6am. Goomeri goomeripumpkinfestival.com.au

GYMPIE REGION STUDIO TRAILS 10-11 June, Cooloola Coast 17-18 June, Northern Gympie Region 24-25 June, Gympie and Surrounds 1-2 July, Mary Valley gympie.qld.gov.au

WINTER TREES ON MARY Wednesday 19 July, 5pm to 9pm, Gympie Town Centre gympie.qld.gov.au

RAINBOW BEACH FISHING CLASSIC To find out more about these articles or Council activities: Friday 21 July - Saturday 29 July, Rainbow Beach gympie.qld.gov.au rainbowsportsclub.com.au 1300 307 800 GYMPIE EISTEDDFOD facebook.com/GympieRegionalCouncil Friday 28 July - Friday 4 August, Gympie Civic Centre, Gympie twitter.com/GympieRegion gympieeisteddfod.com.au instagram.com/GYMPIEREGIONALCOUNCIL

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