Croydon’s Bush Telegraph

A word from our Mayor……

Trevor Pickering

Hi all in incredible Croydon,

It appears that the wet might finally be here with some beautiful weather around the shire but no where near enough yet, we can only hope for good follow up over the next few weeks.

First of all I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all the recipients of Australia Day awards and all those who were nominated, it’s great to be recognised by your peers.

Council is back at work after the Christmas break and are busy moving the depot out near the rodeo grounds amongst other things. It’s usually a very quiet time of the year for most, except for the Mums and the children that are starting school for the first time and those bigger kids that are off to boarding school. What an amazing adventure you have ahead of you, I wish you all well.

Wayne, Bill and I will be at the FNQROC meeting in on the 3rd of February. I also have a meeting with Cairns and District Regional Housing on the same day about the three houses in town that are vacant, so I’ll report back to Council about that when I get home.

Well as you know all Councils in the great state of will be going to the polls in March and we will be moving into caretaker period in February so this will be the last Tele for me and the Councillors before the election. It doesn’t mean that Council will stop functioning we will always be there, so because this will be the last Tele I can report in until then I’d like to take this opportunity to say it has been an absolute honour to serve you all in the incredible , and I know I speak for all of our elected members. God bless you all and stay safe and hopefully we will be still doing the Bush Tele after March.

Cheers Trevor

Mayor Trevor Pickering Croydon Shire Council

Croydon’s Bush Telegraph Edition 1 - January 2020 T: 4748 7100 E: [email protected] W: www.croydon.qld.gov.au

So You Want to be a Councillor? COUNCIL MEETINGS Queensland’s next local government election will be

In accordance with Section 277 of the Local Government held on 28 March 2020. Members of the community Regulation 2012, Croydon Shire Council advises that Ordinary Meetings will be held at the Council Chambers, 63 wishing to nominate for election as a councillor or Samwell Street, Croydon commencing at 9.30am unless mayor, including those who have previously served as otherwise notified, on the following dates: a councillor or mayor and those who are currently

serving as a councillor or mayor, will be required to Thursday 23 January 2020 complete compulsory ‘So You Want to be a Thursday 20 February 2020 Thursday 19 March 2020 Councillor’ training in order to nominate. Thursday 16 April 2020 ‘So You Want to be a Councillor’ training focuses on Thursday 21 May 2020 the requirements on local government election Thursday 18 June 2020 candidates and potential candidates as well as Thursday 16 July 2020 providing information on the roles and responsibilities Thursday 20 August 2020 of councillors and mayors. Thursday 17 September 2020 Thursday 15 October 2020 To ensure that those who decide to nominate for Thursday 19 November 2020 election do not miss the opportunity to do so, the Thursday 17 December 2020 early completion of training is encouraged. Those Meeting agendas and minutes are available on nominating for election will need to have obtained a Council’s website www.croydon.qld.gov.au certificate showing successful completion of the training in order to complete the nomination process. COUNCILLOR CONTACT DETAILS The training will be accessible online from the new So You Want To Be A Councillor? Website http:// Mayor Trevor Pickering www.dlgrma.qld.gov.au/so-you-want-to-be-a- Mobile: 0427 456 188 councillor/training.html which also provides infor- Mobile: 0409 456 235 mation for candidates about the role of a councillor, Email: [email protected] what councils do, and what you need to know if you

Deputy Mayor Wayne Bing Chew want to stand for election in 2020. Ph: (07) 4745 6287 Alternatively, potential candidates can register for a Mobile: 0488 454 678 Email: [email protected] face-to-face training sessions at http://www.dlgrma.qld.gov.au/local-government/ Councillor Kim Gaynor governance/training.html Ph: (07) 4745 3536 Mobile: 0409 913 150 Email: [email protected] CROYDON SHIRE COUNCIL Councillor Jeffrey Norman FOR SALE Mobile: 0438 155 101 Email: [email protected] VACANT RESIDENTIAL FREEHOLD ALLOTMENT $7,895 Councillor Jonathan Evans 63 ALLDRIDGE ST. CROYDON

Mobile: 0429 577 603 Email: [email protected] Detailed information including location of the lot can be obtained from Croydon Shire Council’s website www.croydon.qld.gov.au or by contacting (07) 4748 7100. DOG AND CAT REGISTRATIONS Bridgeworks: Little River Bridge 2019 - 2020 on the Gulf Developmental Road to start in the new year Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) is about to carry out works at Little River Bridge located on the Gulf Developmental Road (GDR) between Croydon and Georgetown. The works include strength- Croydon Shire Council would like to ening works on the substructure-pier frames and abut- ment. These works are part of the regular bridge remind all owners of cats and dogs to register their maintenance program. pets with Council. The works will start in early January 2020 and be com- Registrations are valid for 12 months pleted in July 2020, weather permitting. Work crews (1 July to 30 June) and must be renewed each year. will operate on a rotational roster between 6.30am and 5.30pm. Registration fees are as follows: $10 per entire dog/cat The first stage of works will predominately be under the bridge and have minimal impact to traffic. The sec- Free for desexed dog/cat, evidence must be ond stage of works will require temporary full closures provided of up to 1 hour at various times. This is to allow for Permit fee for keeping of more than 2 dogs - concrete works to be undertaken. Further information $42.50 per each additional dog about dates and times will be provided prior to the clo- sures. Visit us at the Council offices Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm to register your dog or cat. For the safety of workers and road users, changed traffic conditions will be in place while the works are carried out. These include single lane closures and speed reduction to 40km/h under the direction of traffic controllers or traffic signals when required.

ROAD CONDITIONS AND ROAD CLOSURES Motorists should plan their journey according. Variable For the latest information on traffic and road Message Boards (VMS) will be in place on the ap- proaches to the bridge, a week prior to the works start- conditions, visit download https://qldtraffic.qld.gov.au/ ing. the app, phone 13 19 40 or follow QLDTraffic on Twitter. VMS will also be in place on the GDR in Croydon and Georgetown to warn motorists about the temporary closures.

Early Childhood Teacher More information about road conditions across Queensland’s state-controlled road network is availa- Working with the Croydon Child Care Centre ble via the TMR QLDTraffic.qld.gov.au website or Croydon Shire Council is seeking the services of an 13 19 40 Information services. Early Childhood Teacher to work with the Croydon Child Care Centre. The Early Childhood Teacher will need to work with NEWS ITEMS FOR CROYDON’S BUSH the service for at least 20 per cent of the time that the service provides education and care. This calculates to TELEGRAPH eight and a half (8.5) hours per week. Under the If you have any news items for our newsletter please Education and Care Services National Regulations the email to Early Childhood Teacher may be working with the service by means of information communication [email protected] technology, this may be calculated on a quarterly Items will be approved at Council’s discretion. If you basis. The service is licensed for 21 approved places. would like to advertise in our newsletter advertising Please email your expression of interest to rates are: [email protected] including a copy of your ¼ page $12.50 per issue qualification and working with children blue card. ½ page $18.00 per issue For enquiries about the position, please contact Lydia Gabbert, Childcare Director on 4748 7170. Full page $25.00 per issue

William Kerwin Croydon’s Bush Telegraph is usually published in the Chief Executive Officer last week of the month.

Croydon Shire Australia Day Award Recipients

These people have made an outstanding contribution to the Croydon community.

Junior Sports Person of the Year Senior Sports Person of the Year Bobbie Knudsen Mark Owens

Volunteer of the Year Event of the Year Gary Dufficy Croydon Heritage Week

Citizen of the Year Marian Campbell

Council is collating a calendar of events for the Croydon Shire and we need your help to ensure all community events are listed. February Rural Minds & Leather Making Workshops Please send your events and the Georgetown - Monday 24 Feb confirmed dates for 2020 to Einasleigh - Tuesday 25 Feb Mandy Pickering at Forsayth - Wednesday 26 Feb Mt Surprise - Thursday 27 Feb [email protected]

Hi Everyone, We have had some activities happening through the library recently. We started our Christmas activities with a Seniors morning tea. Fun was had by all in a social morning playing bingo, trivia games all with prizes to be won and a scrumptious Christmas themed morning tea.

Our Christmas crafts in the library during the school holidays was a success, with many children and parents coming along everyday to participate in making various Christmas decorations and activities and singing along to Christmas carols.

Summer Reading Club has now closed, entries were due in on the 31st January. Thank you for those that registered and completed their challenges. Keep an eye out in the next Bush Tele for the prize winner.

There will be more events planned for 2020. We will continue our First Five Forever activities , Senior events and more, so keep an eye out for what's happening in the library!

The Library is open Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm

Library membership is free - join today! Mandy Pickering Croydon Shire Council Library Phone 4748 7130

Croydon Childcare

Hello to Croydon and surrounds and welcome. What a great start to the new year we have had with children sharing stories of their holidays and glad to see their friends. We would also like to welcome Skyla to our centre, who has come all the way from Brisbane. Starting our year children and staff have been busy organising learning spaces, talking with children about what new interests they have and how might we extend on these interests and working alongside the School for a smooth transition for our Kindy kids.

During this first term in collaboration with families we will start back with swimming lessons and work together to create goals for both children and our centre. If you would like to know more about an early childhood education for your child please don’t hesitate to drop in for a yarn. Thank you kindly, Croydon Childcare children and staff Croydon Child Care Centre Phone: 4748 7170 Email: [email protected]

INCREASED PENALTIES FOR MOBILE PHONE USE WHILE DRIVING OR RIDING CHANGES COME INTO EFFECT 1 FEBRUARY 2020 On 29 November 2019, Parliament passed the Transport Operations (Road Use Management) (Road Safety) and Other Legislation Amendment Regulation 2019 which makes changes to the penalties for mobile phone use while driving or riding a bicycle. From 1 February 2020, the penalty for illegal mobile phone use while driving will increase from a $400 fine (3 penalty units) and three demerit points to a $1000 fine (7.5 penalty units) and four demerit points.

The $1000 fine will also apply to bicycle riders who illegally use a mobile phone while riding but no demerit points will be issued.

Double demerit points will still apply for a second or subsequent mobile phone offence committed within 12 months. Please note: The current fine of $400 (3 penalty units) is being retained for users of personal mobility devices, including e-scooters such as those hired out by Lime and Neuron Mobility, who illegally use a mobile phone while riding. The current fine of $400 (3 penalty units) is also being retained for passengers of learners and P1 provisional licence holders under age 25 who illegally use a mobile phone’s loudspeaker function. For a full description of the changes please go to https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/html/asmade/sl-2019- 0240. For further information, please contact Command Engagement, Road Policing Command. Community Outreach Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advanced Health Worker

This position aims to:

 deliver a high level of clinical holistic care,  support, advocacy, education and liaison services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander within a variety of Primary Health Care services and communities.  reduce and/or prevent avoidable hospital admissions and unnecessary re-presentations.  improve access to appropriate services within the community.  provide integrated care and support within a multidisciplinary team. It provides an outreach service within the Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service, servicing the communities of: Atherton, Yungaburra, Lake Tinaroo, Tolga, Malanda, Millaa Millaa, Croydon, Georgetown, Einasleigh and Forsayth. Referrals are accepted by email, phone, fax, in person and self-referrals. Patients can be seen at Primary Health Care centres, home visits, community, schools and/or general practitioner services.

OUTREACH PHYSIOTHERAPY The outreach physiotherapist visits Mt Surprise, Einasleigh, Forsayth, Georgetown and Croydon on a 3-day trip about 5 times each year. As a general overview, physiotherapists provide individual assessment and management for a range of conditions including:  musculoskeletal/sports injuries including fractures and muscle/joint pain  balance/mobility difficulties  recovery post surgery  respiratory conditions including pneumonia, COPD  paediatric development  neurological conditions such as stroke, nerve damage, spinal injury  burns Physiotherapy treatment generally consists of:  Rehabilitation and facilitation of correct movement patterns  Exercise prescription  Manual therapy  Patient and carer education  Mobility aid prescription  Injury prevention  Pain relief  Strapping/taping

If you think you may require physiotherapy intervention, please discuss it with the visiting RFDS Doctor or your local Clinic nurse and if indicated, they will send a referral to us to follow up at our next visit. There is also Telehealth available where consults can take place via videoconferencing as appropriate. Occupational Therapy (Telehealth and Outreach Service)

Do you need an Occupational Therapist? Who Can Refer to Occupational Therapy?

Do you have trouble using your hands? Is it difficult to open jars/taps, do you have arthritis or a repetitive  Parent, carers or individuals injury like carpal tunnel syndrome? Is it hard to use  Doctors – hospital or GP’s your hands as much as normal after a broken hand/ wrist?  Medical specialists  Other Allied Health eg. Physio, Speech Therapist Have you had a burn or hand injury that required medical treatment?  Community nurses  Community agencies Do you have swollen arms/legs or have a slow A doctor’s referral is necessary for hand and healing wound? Do you have a swollen or heavy/achy compression therapy (swollen limbs). limb after cancer treatment? If you would like to make or discuss a referral, please Do you have trouble getting on and off the toilet, or phone Atherton Hospital Occupational Therapy on feel unbalanced when having a shower? Do you need 40910274 to rock to get off your lounge chair or bed? Who Can We Help? Would you like to trial a shower chair/toilet frame/ commode/bedstick to make things easier at home? Our service is available for all people need help with: Are you a carer for someone with dementia or a  Arthritis physical impairment? Would you like some tips on  Amputation how to make it safer to do so?  Hand injury Do you find it difficult to see things around the home?  Fractures  Burns Have you had falls around the home or are scared of  Cancer falling?  Recent surgery (eg. Joint replacements) Have you had a stroke or a heart attack recently?  Cardiac conditions  Age related problems Would you like some rails or a ramp at your home to  Neurological conditions eg. Stroke, multiple increase your safety or independence? sclerosis

 Head and spinal injury Do you have a pressure sore?  Visual problems

 Dementia Are there things you would like to do that you can’t due to injury, frailty or illness?  Emotional/psychological issues

 Learning or developmental delays If you’ve answered yes to any of the above questions, an Occupational Therapist may help!

Please talk to your clinic nurse or RFDS about a referral to the visiting Occupational Therapy service.

Safer Internet Day 2020 Start the chat about online safety in your community.

In 2020 the Office of the Information Commissioner is once again supporting the work of Australia’s eSafety Commissioner and Safer Internet Day, by spreading online safety messages and promoting the positive use of digital technology.

Safer Internet Day will be held on 11 February 2020 and is an opportunity to raise awareness about the role we can all play in creating a better and safer internet for our community. Celebrated in over 150 countries, the Safer Internet Day theme is: ‘Together for a better internet’. We are encouraging all Australians to start the chat to help improve online safety within their communities, and make every day a Safer Internet Day. We’re looking for individuals, businesses, not for profit organisations and schools to become our Safer Internet Day champions and help us create a better internet for everyone. To help you start the chat about online safety in your community this Safer Internet Day, we’ve developed a range of resources for Educators, Families, Business and community. Your can use eSafety’s ideas and resources to help improve the online safety not just on Safer Internet Day but every day of the year.

In the lead up to 11 February, we will be sharing online safety tips on our Twitter page https://twitter.com/qld_oic More information and resources are available on the eSafety Commissioner’s website https://www.esafety.gov.au/safer-internet-day

Monthly Electrical Service Croydon, Georgetown, Mount Surprise, Einasleigh, Forsayth and Mount Garnet

Our highly qualified team are familiar with the challenges that remote working conditions present. We have excellent references available from many rural properties and stations. We perform very high quality work at reasonable rates, and even clean up after ourselves. We pride ourselves on our reliability, cheerfulness, work ethic and our “CAN-DO” attitude. Call today and be amazed by our customer service. Homes Maintenance Sheds Renovations Shops Installations Farms Repairs Stations Generators Pumps and Solar

Call Daniel

0433 158 941 [email protected]

Croydon Shire Council

Post Office Box 17 Croydon 4871

Telephone 07 4748 7100

Fax 07 4745 6147

CROYDON SHIRE COUNCIL Email [email protected] REQUEST FOR TENDER Web www.croydon.qld.gov.au

Tenders are invited for the provision of fencing works in the town of Croydon.

Works will constitute a package of fencing works across five (5) areas: The Depot – Alldridge Street Rodeo Grounds – Alldridge Street Tennis Court – Brown Street Child Care Centre – Brown Street Croydon Aerodrome – King Billy Road

Tender documents are available to download from LG tender box www.lgtenderbox.com.au, Council’s website www.croydon.qld.gov.au, email [email protected] or by phoning 0408 573 820.

Council reserves the right to invite all tenderers to change their tenders to take account of a change in the tender specification.

Tenders will close 4.00pm Monday 10th February 2020.

William Kerwin Chief Executive Officer

16 January 2020

ESTABLISHED IN 1909 BY THE CONSOLIDATION OF THE CROYDON DIVISIONAL BOARD (EST. 1888) AND THE CROYDON MUNICIPAL COUNCIL (EST. 1892)

INVITATION FOR TENDERS - T9 2019/2020 CROYDON RODEO GROUNDS AMENITIES

Croydon Shire Council invites tenders for construction of an amenities block at the Croydon Rodeo Grounds, Alldridge Street, Croydon.

Tender documentation may be obtained from LG Tender Box www.lgtenderbox.com.au, Council’s website www.croydon.qld.gov.au, by emailing [email protected] or phone 4748 7100.

Tenders must be lodged at www.lgtenderbox.com.au or 63 Samwell Street, Croydon by 1:00pm on Monday 17 February 2020 ('the Closing Time').

Council reserves the right to invite all tenderers to change their tenders to take account of a change in the tender specification.

The Council's representative for this tender is Trevor Wright, who can be contacted on 0418 196 499 or email [email protected]

Mr William Kerwin Chief Executive Officer

23 January 2020

FNQROC: Template tender advertisement wording Page (i) Issue: 1.0 Effective Date: November 2018

Croydon’s historical articles

The Discovery of Gold

The discovery of gold in Croydon occurred on August 1885 when two station hands, while sinking post- holes, discovered gold in the vicinity of Croydon Downs Station.

Croydon Downs Station been taken up by W. Brown in 1881. In the latter part of 1883, two of his employees found quartz carrying gold. However it was not until 1885 that Richard and Walter Alldridge, acting under instructions from WC Brown, prospected the area and discovered twenty payable reefs.

It was reported that Mr Brown was absent on jury duty in Normanton when the Aldridge Brothers found gold on his property. He was excused from his jury duty after showing the telegram he received. The judge declared that: ‘He could not be expected to give his attention to the Court when there was the prospect of a fortune awaiting for him at home’

(Extract from History of the Croydon Goldfield)

The finds were reported in October 1885, and the Croydon area was proclaimed a goldfield on 18 January 1886, thus coming under the administration of the Department of Public Works and Mines.

A considerable rush followed and by 1886 batteries were brought in and installed along with a mass of corrugated iron for buildings. ‘By November there were about twenty diggers. In early 1886, after the visit from the Etheridge Warden, the field was declared a payable proposition’. (Extract from the Dreaming to 1915, by Ross Fitzgerald).

Origin of the name of Croydon

The name Croydon is derived from Croydon Pastoral Run, Fact which was originally operated by Alexander and William Iguana Hill gold was found there by a Chalmers Brown, who were said to have been born in the prospector who chased and killed a English town of Croydon. gigantic reptile on the summit of the hill.

Thank you for reading and we will see you all in the next bush tele with our fascinating facts of history!

Opening Times

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

Closed 8:30am to 8:30am to 8:30am to 8:30am to 1:30pm to Closed 11:30am 11:30am 11:30am 11:30am 6:00pm

2:30pm to 2:30pm to 2:30pm to 2:30pm to 6:00pm 6:00pm 6:00pm 6:00pm

Free Entry

Children under 10 years will be refused entry unless under the active supervision of a person 16 years or older (this does not include the lifeguard).

Parent / Guardian of children using the Croydon Swimming Pool must complete a Pool Entry Consent Form and provide to the Pool Lifeguard.

The Croydon Swimming Pool is operating under low patronage guidelines.

Qualified Lifeguard on Duty

If you have any questions or require more information about activities please contact the Lifeguard on Duty on 0448 456 025

CROYDON SHIRE COUNCIL RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CLOSE THE POOL AT ANY TIME FOR PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY REASONS

Croydon Shire Council Ph (07) 4748 7100 PO Box 17 Fax (07) 4745 6147 Croydon QLD 4871 Email [email protected] Croydon QGAP

Public Trustee Wills Making a will A will is a legal document that says what you would like to happen with your money, belongings and other assets (your estate) when you pass away.

Your will names who you want to give your estate to (your beneficiaries) and who you would like to administer your estate when you pass away (your executor). Benefits of making your will with the Public Trustee  We're the largest will making service in Queensland.  We're experienced and have been serving Queensland since 1916.  We provide free and safe document storage.  We have regional offices conveniently located across Queensland.  We have a network of offices, and outreach services that can assist you on our behalf.  It's free!

Getting help to make your will The Public Trustee of Queensland provides a free will-making service to all Queenslanders.

Croydon QGAP can help with your will application. We can provide documents for you to fill in and forward to the Public Trustee to prepare the will.

Or you can book your appointment directly with the Public Trustee by:

 emailing [email protected]  calling 1300 360 044  Visiting your nearest office.

For further details please Contact Marnie Basham or Kathleen McLaughlin  63 Samwell Street, Croydon QLD 4871  Ph. (07) 4748 7101 Email [email protected] Croydon Fishing & Boating Club Inc.

TICKETS $5 $5 TICKETS

RAFFLE WIN A WEBER FAMILY Q BBQ

Tickets sold at BP Roadhouse & Croydon Café

Georgetown QLD Monday 24th February 8:45am – 4:15pm Supper Room, Etheridge Shire Hall Includes Leather workshop & Lunch. Places are limited so Registration is Required to avoid disappointment. Registration: e: [email protected] Or Phone - Rebekah Haase 07 4079 9002 For Information regarding Rural Minds email: [email protected]

Includes Leather workshop & Lunch. Places are limited so Registration is Required to avoid disappointment.

CARBON FARMING WORKSHOP

Are you interested in Carbon Farming through Qld Land Restoration Fund program?

❖ Learn what steps to take to start your own Carbon Farming Project

❖ Talk to people in the Carbon Farming Project

❖ Hear some basics about Carbon, Carbon Farming and the benefits of Carbon Farming

❖ Talk to others also considering starting a Carbon Farming Project with the Land Restoration Fund

NRM Regions Queensland has partnered with the Queensland Government to deliver a series of workshops across Queensland to help landholders apply for the Queensland Government’s Land Restoration Fund (the Fund). The 2020 Investment Round of the Fund will invest $100 million in projects that deliver carbon farming with co-benefits.

Guest speakers and presenters will be available to speak one-on-one to attendees after each workshop.

DETAILS Wednesday 26th February 2020 Bedrock Village, Mt Surprise From 8:30am-4:00pm Refreshments to follow

Keep in touch with your local NRM contact. More information to follow.

Kathy Rowling – Ph: 0439 966 936 E: [email protected]

NRM Regions is delivering these workshops in partnership with the Land Restoration Fund, supported by the Queensland Government

Climate Outlook Review – Northern Australia

January 2019 – Full report available at nacp.org.au/static/climate_outlooks/climate-outlook_2020-01.pdf North Queensland Climate Notes: Key Message: The current conditions across northern Australia are monsoon-like, based on the humidity and westerly wind flow. However, some characteristics of this environment differ from a typical monsoon, in particular the lack of a well-defined monsoon trough. • Rainfall – Low probability (20-40%) of exceeding median rainfall values for North Queensland’s for January 2019 to March 2020, though near median forecasts for Cape York. However, higher rainfall probabilities are forecast for the latter part of summer and into autumn (April to June) • Pasture growth – There is a very low chance (0-20%) of exceeding median pasture growth in North Queensland for January 2019 to March 2020 period (relevant to this period of the year), with scattered exceptions across parts of Cape York. The pasture growth model (Longpaddock) integrates antecedent moisture and forecast rainfall, temperature and the SOI (Southern Oscillation Index). Check out LongPaddock here. • Temperature – There is an above 80% chance of exceeding median Minimum & Maximum Temperatures between January 2019 and March 2020. Figure 1: Bureau of Meteorology Forecast ‘Chance • MJO – As of 21 January the The Madden-Julian Oscillation was in phase of exceeding median rainfall’ probability values for 6 (Western Pacific), and not impacting Australia. Australia experienced northern Australia for the overall total period January 2020 to March 2020. a strong MJO event across Australia for the first half of January, coinciding with major rainfall events for much of Northern Australia. Find out more in the link about the Madden-Julian Oscillation. • ENSO - The El-Nino- Southern Oscillation (ENSO) remains neutral and is likely to do so at least until the end of the southern hemisphere autumn. However, tropical waters near and to the west of the Date Line remain warmer than average, potentially drawing some moisture away from Australia. When ENSO is neutral, it has little effect on Australian and global climate, meaning other influences are more likely to dominate. • IOD – The Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) has weakened and is now neutral. The IOD typically has little influence on Australian climate from December to April. However, the effects from the strong positive IOD event that occurred in the second half of 2019 persist, with the landscape primed for bushfire weather and heatwaves this summer. Figure 2: Bureau of Meteorology Forecast • Monsoon – If the technical definition of a monsoon is not met during ‘Chance of exceeding median rainfall’ probability the current weather situation over northern Australia, it is likely that values for northern Australia for the overall total period January to March 2020. 2019–20 will observe the latest on record monsoon onset at Darwin— the latest since records commenced in 1957–58 was 25 January, 1972.

• Cyclones – Click here for information on current tropical cyclones during the season (currently there are none).

John McLaughlin

Climate Project Officer [North QLD] (m) 0411 294 331 (e) [email protected]

Top tips for online safety

Be an upstander If you see abuse online, 1 report and delete it

Protect your personal information 2 online by using a different password for each account and turning on privacy settings on devices, apps, and social accounts

Tame the tech Explore how to set 3 access and parental controls on home wifi networks, gaming consoles, mobile devices and smart TVs

Be conscious of your online profile 4 Don’t post anything that may put you in danger, affect your reputation or be used against you

Stay on the lookout for scams and 5 phishing contacts – don’t click links, give out personal information or send money in response to an unexpected request

Help others to be safe online – 6 especially family and friends who aren’t tech-savvy

esafety.gov.au CROYDON SHIRE COUNCIL – LEVEL 1 WATER SUPPLY RESTRICTIONS APPLY

Council at its Ordinary Meeting of 19 April 2018 considered its obligations under the Croydon Shire Drought Management Plan. With Lake Belmore filling during the weather event in March this triggered current level 3 restrictions to be lifted. Under the Drought Management Plan, Council is required to implement measures to minimise the impact of water shortages. Council regards the long-term sustainability of the Croydon town water supply as an issue of primary importance to the community, requiring ongoing monitoring and appropriate management. Level 1 Water Restrictions in accordance with Council’s Drought Management Plan now apply.

PURPOSE LEVEL 1 – RESTRICTION ON USE OF WATER

1. Private Gardens - Watering Garden Beds / Shrubbery Areas 1. Sprinklers can only be used between 6.00am to 9.00am and 5.00pm to 8.00pm. 2. Micro spray and drip systems fitted with timers can only be used between 6.00am to 9.00am and 5.00pm to 8.00pm. 3. Hand held hoses, watering cans or buckets can be used at any time. Lawn Areas 1. Sprinklers, micro spray and drip systems can be used between 6.00am to 9.00am and 5.00pm to 8.00pm on alternate days being Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. 2. Hand held hoses, watering cans or buckets can be used at any time.

2. Public gardens - watering 1. Sprinklers can be used between 6.00am to 9.00am and 5.00pm to 8.00pm. 2. Micro spray and drip systems fitted with timers can only be used between 6.00am to 9.00am and 5.00pm to 8.00pm. 3. Hand held hoses, watering cans or buckets can be used at any time.

3. Private gardens and1. public Existing ponds can only be topped up to their normal level by means of hand gardens – filling or topping up held hose. of ponds

4. Fountains / Water Features 1. Fountains / water features must not operate unless they recycle water. 2. Water lost from fountains / water features must not be replaced except by means of hand held hoses or by means of watering cans or buckets filled directly from taps.

5. Concrete / Paved areas - Water must not be used to clean concrete/paved areas unless cleaning is cleaning required as a result of an accident, fire, health hazard or emergency.

6. Private swimming pools or Existing swimming pools and spas must not be topped up except by means of spas – filling or topping up hand held hoses or by means of watering cans or buckets filled directly from taps.

7. Sports grounds / school ovals 1. Sprinklers / irrigation allowed Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays - watering between the hours of 5.00pm and 11.00am only. 2. Hand held hoses, watering cans or buckets can be used at any time.

8. Window cleaning Water must not be used to clean windows except by means of trigger hoses or buckets or watering can filled directly from a tap.

9. Mobile water tankers - filling Mobile water tankers must not be filled except – (a) With the written permission of the Croydon Shire Council; or (b) Tankers supplying water for use inside domestic premises, or for firefighting or stock watering purposes.

10. Vehicles - cleaning Water must not be used to clean vehicles except by means of trigger hoses or watering cans or buckets filled directly from taps.

11. Construction industry - use of Unless otherwise exempted by Croydon Shire Council in writing, hoses must water in not be used except trigger hoses.

12. Any purpose not included in any Water must not be used without the written permission of the Croydon Shire other items of this column other Council. than for use inside domestic premises and for domestic animals