“Naturally Beautiful” Message from North Burnett… the Mayor North Burnett, the other PPP There is much to entice both Gayndah, Monto, Mt Perry and environmental interest include: (Potential, Potential, Poten- visitors and those looking for Mundubbera, which service Auburn, Boyne, Burnett and tial) a ‘tree change’ to the ‘natu- around twenty-five villages Nogo Rivers; Cania, Paradise The North Burnett is an rally beautiful’ North Bur- and farming catchments. The and Wuruma Dams; and Au- incredibly beautiful and im- nett, with its rugged land- region covers approximately burn River, Coalstoun and Mt mensely productive region. scapes, healthy waterways, 20,000 square kilometres and Walsh National Parks. Its six main townships (Mt historical trails and sites, a has a population of approxi- The region is described as Perry, Monto, Eidsvold, Mun- window into the workings of mately 10,300. being sub-tropical and sub-hu- dubbera, Gayndah and Big- rural communities, and won- Situated in the north-west- mid, with the predominate rain genden) were amalgamated derful friendly people. ern corner of the thriving Wide falling between the months of eight years ago, thus creating Spare time can be spent Bay Burnett region, the North October to March. Main tem- a regional landmass of almost enjoying recreational activi- Burnett is well-known for its peratures range from an aver- 20,000 square kilometres and ties such as boating, fishing, strengths in agriculture, spe- age of 5 degrees minimum to bringing together a small, yet swimming, bushwalking. cifically fruit and livestock 32 degrees maximum. active population of approxi- Sight-seeing, four wheel driv- production, along with timber The North Burnett region mately 10,300 people. ing… and much more! The industry, manufacturing, min- offers significant investment For many councils this area offers a relaxed Queens- ing, and food and beverage opportunities across a range of amount of people would not land rural lifestyle with low processing. asset classes including; farm- even constitute a small sub- living costs and easy access The region takes its name ing and rural enterprises; min- urb and may even seem easy to essential services. from the Burnett River that ing and exploration; tourism to disregard at first, however The North Burnett local re- flows through the area. The and hospitality; and residential what we lack in population gion is located in , region has an abundance of property. we make up for in Gross Re- approximately four hours drive natural resources that include: Council welcomes the op- gional Product, being in the north of Brisbane and one hour water, rural farmland, mineral portunity to facilitate further top 20% of GDP per capita of west of Bundaberg. The region deposits, forests, geographi- discussions with investors or all LGA’s nationally. encompasses six main town- cal landscapes and National those looking to relocate to our Growing up a city girl in ships – Biggenden, Eidsvold, Parkland. Points of significant ‘naturally beautiful’ region. Brisbane I often get asked what on earth I am doing as a country mayor. Why would I leave the city? Don’t I miss Cr Rachel Chambers, Mayor the nightlife and shops? Do garoos and they just height- heels daily with the Akubra you really wear an Akubra? en my reaction times. I live saved for special occasions. These types of questions here because my children Professionally, this region amused me for a while and are safe to walk down the offers a challenge. Whilst then I realised they stemmed street in front of me and many coastal, metropolitan from a much larger issue – a chat to the locals and vis- councils are trying to deal total misperception of life in itors alike. I live here be- with high population growth a regional area. This issue cause the vibrant sunsets and managing the effects on may seem innocent enough are magical, the dew on their infrastructure, is capable however it has far reaching cobwebs twinkle on the of much more. I am excit- consequences such as prob- barb wire fences, the stars ed for the future as we have lems attracting professionals, are bright and brilliant at huge plans for our region and diversifying industry, expand- night and because people a great team to carry them ing investment opportunities care about each other. Con- out. Over the next four years and encouraging job creation. trary to popular belief, I we will be leading the charge Personally, I live here be- can assure you that we also to break down the barriers cause I am able to drive to have a coffee culture (dou- which currently exist between work without traffic lights ble shot latte for me), we regional and city Queensland or delays, the only near enjoy fine wine and dining in the hope the results benefit misses I have are with kan- and I still wear suits and us all. North Burnett Betterment projects officially opened The North Burnett region cel- damaged in the 2011 flood resilience of communities to Queensland Reconstruction of the Gayndah-Mundubbera The total cost of the Gay- ebrated the official opening event, with works complet- natural disasters, along with Authority (QRA). Road at Riverbend, raising the ndah-Mundubbera Road of over $10 million in better- ed just prior to ex-tropical reducing future expenditure The betterment projects height of the road between 5 project is estimated at ap- ment projects with the com- Cyclone Oswald early 2013, on asset restoration, and in- not only enabled Council to to 11 metres above the orig- proximately $6 million, pletion of the Gayndah-Mun- destroying the new infrastruc- creasing asset function during replace these vital pieces of inal road level, ensuring this with almost $2 million fund- dubbera Road and Gayndah ture. and after natural disasters. infrastructure but assisted to infrastructure remains opera- ed through the Betterment Raw Water Intake. The Queensland Betterment The betterment framework improve their efficiency and tional should any events occur Fund. North Burnett Regional Fund is a Queensland Gov- allows local councils to re- reliability in the case of ex- in the future. Flood Reconstruction Council Mayor, local mem- ernment initiative supported store or replace essential pub- treme weather. The total cost of the Gay- works have been made possi- bers and government minis- by the Commonwealth Gov- lic assets damaged by Tropi- Council has relocated the ndah Raw Water Intake is ap- ble with funding provided by ters attended the event. ernment as part of the Natural cal Cyclone Oswald to a more Gayndah Raw Water Supply proximately $4 million, with the Australian and Queens- The original infrastructure Disaster Relief and Recovery disaster-resilient standard Intake about 2km to the up- approximately $2 million land Governments under the for the Gayndah Raw Water Arrangements (NDRRA), than their pre-disaster stand- stream side of Claude Whar- funded through the Better- Natural Disaster Relief and Intake Project was severely with the intent to increase the ard and is managed by the ton Weir and rebuilt a section ment Fund. Recovery Arrangements.

www.lgfocus.com.au Local Government FOCUS September 2016 Page 1 Message from the CEO As a local government in a large regional area, our Coun- cil offers exciting lifestyle and challenging career opportuni- ties. With a large number of projects under way in a va- riety of fields, we are able to offer a diverse range of life- styles and a selection of ca- reer paths to suit many types of skills. Our region is geo- graphically advantaged being within easy driving times to regional cities and airports as well as only 4 hours drive time to either Brisbane or Rockhampton Cities. Our region is a dynamic Mark Pitt, Chief Executive Officer changing organisation and significant change and our ests in North Burnett Region- we pride ourselves on an en- Corporate Plan provides the al Council, we are confident gaging organisational culture. direction Council has chosen of progressing towards our We are constantly looking for to meet these expectations. vision of a regional envi- ways to improve, so your in- In a very real sense this doc- ronment offering a quality novations and ideas will be ument must accommodate lifestyle and real economic welcome. the changing needs of our opportunities for all people. Our continued success community to ensure Council We continue to look forward depends on hard-working, accurately reflects the ongo- to working with all sections of talented and innovative indi- ing concerns and aspirations the community and welcom- viduals, who want to make a of the people we aim to serve ing all visitors to our region to difference in an organisation and represent. ensure that the North Burnett and in their careers. In cooperation with our is a region for lifestyle, devel- Our Council continues to community, residents, busi- opment, community spirit and progress through a period of nesses and others with inter- natural beauty. Council’s solution leads the Transport service provides way for similar projects across accessibility for all Council’s commitment to cre- replaced in June 2015, funded to Council at Bundaberg in Queensland and overseas… ating an inclusive community by Queensland Transport. October 2015. where people with a disabili- The North Burnett Trans- North Burnett Region- North Burnett Regional on the local golf course or dis- Along with North Burnett ty can participate fully in the port Service provides afforda- al Council – North Burnett Council’s new subsurface charged into the environment. Regional Council’s individual public, economic and cultural ble transport options for trav- Transport Service went on rock filtration solution has led The results since bringing project, Council, in conjunc- life of the North Burnett has elling to larger regions such to win the prestigious ‘Spi- to other local governments the plant online have shown tion with the Wide Bay Bur- seen the implementation of as Bundaberg and Marybor- nal Life Australia - Inclu- within Queensland and over- excellent water quality, no in- nett Regional Organisation its newest bus, a Mitsubishi ough. With convenient stops sive Community Champions seas planning to install similar crease in power consumption of Councils (WBBROC), has Rosa, with 19 seats and dis- encompassing Base Hospitals, Awards – 2015 State Champi- filters. and a reduction in chemical set new SCADA standards. ability access for one wheel- train stations, transit stations on’ presented at Government The Biggenden Sewerage addition, providing significant Five councils in the Wide chair. and local shopping centres, House in November 2015. Treatment Plant Upgrade was savings to both council and its Bay Burnett Region are col- North Burnett Region- the service is extensively uti- The Inclusive Communi- showcased at the inaugural customers. The success of the laborating to standardise their al Council’s North Burnett lised throughout the region. ty Champions Awards are qldwater Urban Water Indus- project is expected to elimi- SCADA systems (telemetry to Transport Service was suc- The service won the focused on the inclusion of try Innovation Forum held in nate the need for a new plant support remotely controlled cessfully launched in January Council for the Spinal Inju- everyone in the community November 2014, providing an at a possible saving of up to plant) in order to provide 2015. Following an increased ries Australia - Excellence who experiences difficulty in exciting opportunity for water $4m to Council. This type of savings and greater certain- demand and community con- in Accessible Transport – accessing venues and services. and sewerage service provid- retrofit solution has signifi- ty for the region. While the sultation, the former bus was Regional Award, presented An Inclusive Community ers from around Queensland cant potential for other lagoon extent and types of technol- respects all community mem- to showcase their most inter- sewage projects and has led ogies varies greatly between bers and supports full access esting innovations. to other Local Governments (and in some cases within) to resources, promotes equal The original project scope both within Queensland and each council, the regional treatment and opportunity, and encompassed an upgrade of overseas planning to install expert group has identified works to eliminate all forms of all elements of the treatment similar filters. commonalities and potential discrimination. It ensures every plant to defer the requirement This innovative project synergies. Working together person has the freedom to par- of constructing a new plant. was awarded the 2014 En- to adopt standard approaches ticipate in their community, and The project involved an over- gineering Excellence Award the councils are moving to- access all services, including haul of the lagoon sewage for Projects under $1m at wards a future where greater people with a disability, medi- treatment plant utilising sub- the Institute of Public Works sharing of resources, procure- cal condition or temporary in- surface rock filtration which Engineers Australia (IP- ment, expertise and protocols jury, along with the aged and has enabled the filtering of WEA) State Conference will be possible to benefit parents with prams. wastewater before it is reused held in 2014. all councils.

Local Government FOCUS September 2016 Page 2 www.lgfocus.com.au Our region Mayor’s profile The Region South Burnett lies directly 1898 industrial production consists of a rich, diverse west of the Sunshine Coast. only began in 1993, since blend of prime agricultural is the regional developing into one of the Mayor Keith Campbell land producing a range of hub of the South Burnett largest wine growing regions I have lived my entire life high quality agricultural with services including a in Queensland and supporting in the South Burnett. With products for both domestic commercial airport, regular around 10 local wineries. 17 years experience as a and international markets. coordinated bus services to Most are located near Murgon Councillor - formerly at Products including peanuts, Brisbane, regional shopping with a few close to Kingaroy Kingaroy Shire Council and navy beans, maize, wheat, facilities, government and further south. Shiraz and now with the South Burnett grain and sorghum are agencies and many of the Chardonnay are the most Regional Council. I have cropped in the region. It industries generally expected prevalent varieties with been heavily involved with also boasts a “State of the in much larger centres. production roughly halved community organisations my Art” pig processing facility All townships within the between red and white wines. entire working life having and is home to a significant region support a vigorous One of the best known held many executive positions wine manufacturing region sporting, cultural and social attractions in the area is with various community producing premium estate- lifestyle. Facilities include a the peanut-growing district groups. My vision for the grown and alternate varieties range of heritage museums, centred around Kingaroy. South Burnett is to preserve of table wines. art galleries, craft outlets, 12km from Murgon is the the diversity that individual With the majestic Bunya shopping malls, indoor and lesser known but more communities represent by Mountains as its backdrop, outdoor sporting and fitness spectacular and scenic providing adequate essential the South Burnett provides a facilities, local theatre attraction Bjelke-Petersen services (roads, water, perfect blend of vibrant town groups, annual festivals and Dam. Another dam in the sewerage and waste disposal) and country living – National music venues. region is the beautiful, the and to ensure that community South Burnett Regional Council Mayor, Keith Campbell Park, which contains the Wine production is a tranquil . assets are adequate for the build the worth of the region Airport offers us access to largest natural bunya pine prime attraction to the region Tarong Power Station and present and the future. My through their community international markets within 90 forest in the world, is a and Verdelho in particular the Tarong National Park goal is to foster growth and effort. Each day, I have the minutes of the South Burnett. popular natural attraction in is grown successfully due are both in the south of development, building the opportunity to listen to, work Things have been rapidly the south of the region. to the hot climate and rich the Burnett. Garnet gem South Burnett’s reputation as alongside, take action on changing in the mining and An easy two hour drive soils. Although grapes were fields are located just west an enjoyable liveable region behalf of and report back to power generation sector. With north-west of Brisbane, the first planted in the area in of Proston. catering for the needs of all South Burnett people. this in mind it is imperative that residents. During this term of office, our doors to new investment The South Burnett is a I want to continue supporting, remain open for business. Each fantastic place to live, work leading and enhancing our inquiry for the establishment and visit. We enjoy a pleasant greatest assets – our people, of new business will be climate, are situated just a our climate, our soils, and our encouraged. Renewable energy short drive from Brisbane, close proximity to the capital projects are starting to play a the Sunshine Coast and the and fast growing regional and role in our future development rich energy resources of metropolitan centres. with AGL currently assessing the Surat Basin. The South Agriculture is by far our the probability of the Coopers Burnett is a diverse region strongest contributor to the Gap Wind Farm. with agriculture, mining, local economy. We must enable Tourism is an industry manufacturing, retail, medical the industry’s growth through of significant potential. An services and excellent schools. expansion of infrastructure emphasis on improvement of We have many clubs, that supports water storage and transport corridors for locals groups and associations that distribution, new crop types, also enhances the movement for heavily invest their time and more food and grain processing tourists through the region. Better effort in sport, the arts, social plants and wineries, plus the local roads and roads that fit the services and recreational new wave of horticultural requirements of the National activities. All of these entrepreneurs growing stone Heavy Vehicle Regulator enterprises are the backbone fruits, avocados, macadamias. position us well on our journey to of the South Burnett; they The development of Wellcamp economic growth. Our organisation Council is one of the largest Meanwhile, with a large Council’s recruitment Learning and Development employers in the South array of services to administer and selection procedures program to encourage “best Burnett region, maintaining over a significant geographical are specifically aimed at practice” in the workforce, offices and depots in area, Council recognises its promoting fair and accurate and provide employees with Blackbutt, Kingaroy, workforce as its greatest asset employment decisions, a greater depth of skills Murgon, Nanango and in achieving operational and based on merit and equal and knowledge. Generous Wondai. Council recognises corporate objectives. employment opportunity. salary and superannuation its role in service provision Despite operating from With a workforce of stipulations (the Local to ratepayers and the numerous work sites, Council approximately 350, Council Government Superannuation public, and places customer maintains a cohesive, amiable takes a proactive stance Scheme will apply) and salary satisfaction at the forefront workforce, and promotes towards the recruitment and sacrificing opportunities are of all processes. In order to efficiency by clearly retention of high-calibre also available. maximise efficiency in its disseminating procedures and employees, and to this end Council’s conditions of service provision, Council has processes. A modern working has developed generous employment are governed structured the organisation environment and exploration terms and conditions of by various industrial into four (4) main service of “best management” employment. We offer instruments, including areas: Executive Services; practices also serve to create staff a nine day fortnight Certified Agreements, Infrastructure; Finance; and a more effective working Rostered Day Off scheme in-house Policy and Corporate Services. landscape. for full-time employees, a Procedure documents.

www.lgfocus.com.au Local Government FOCUS September 2016 Page 3 Upgrading water and wastewater State of the art services and construction project to During the same period resource. With the design now for Kingaroy – two of deliver a simple, robust and SBRC also embarked on incorporating processes to the biggest projects ever cost effective plant ended up upgrading the Gordonbrook remove or manage all of undertaken by South Burnett being a major milestone for Water Treatment Plant that the above issues, the use of Regional Council. Council, the community and supplies the town of Kingaroy. Gordonbrook Dam allocation South Burnett Regional the industry, delivering great Early on in the project, it has been able to be increased Council (SBRC) and the outcomes on many fronts became clear that the staged from recent historic levels. former Kingaroy Shire Council including: an Australian first – upgrade and refurbishment of The result is an improvement had known for many years that NEREDA® technology saving the old infrastructure would in use of the water allocation Kingaroy’s old trickling filter capital and operation and not address the identified from Gordonbrook, and at sewage treatment plant was management costs; surpassing objectives and would lead around 20% of the cost of the long overdue for replacement effluent standards with to poor long-term outcomes. Sunwater owned Boondooma or upgrade. reduced energy consumption; Council embarked on a Council’s water treatment plant Gordonbrook uses Australian first supply, has led to significant What they didn’t know was safer recycled water allowing major scope extension and technology cost reductions to Council. the journey that they would significant expansion to upgrade project that would project team focused on the The new treatment Both projects have achieved take to deliver Australia’s include sporting fields; legacy see effectively a new plant requirements and delivered plant allows blending of great results for the town of first NEREDA® Granular project for future generations being constructed. Addressing a plant that is capable of supplies so that raw water Kingaroy and will continue activated sludge wastewater and industry; and proving that critical issues in relation utilizing maximum amounts quality can be managed to to deliver high quality, low treatment plant. small regional organisations to trihalomethane (THM) of lesser quality source water remove the abovementioned operational cost water and What started out as a can often be leaders production and bacteriological to produce a high quality, issues and maximise the wastewater for the town for at straight forward design in excellence. water quality breaches, the palatable end product. use of the lowest cost least the next 20 to 30 years. Two dams one destination, South Burnett Bjelke-Petersen Dam and competitions regularly hosted you with local offerings of Lake Boondooma in the due to the impressive catches varieties such as Chardonnay, beautiful South Burnett, offer waiting to be earned, fishing Verdelho, Sangiovese, Shiraz the perfect escape from your permits required. The dams and Merlot; visitors are spoilt everyday routine. The South are also popular with those for choice with wine tasting Burnett region has all you wanting to catch red claw. in the South Burnett, a perfect need for a day trip, a weekend Watersports are one of the way to spend an afternoon. getaway, or an extended and many reasons people choose The South Burnett, well deserved break. these beautiful locations with the majestic Bunya Outdoors in the South as the lakes are suitable Mountains as its backdrop, Burnett you can feel the for boating, sailing, skiing, provides a perfect blend of seasons change. Fish through knee-boarding, tubing and vibrant town and laidback the morning fog of winter and kayaking. country living. When you enjoy a cosy campfire at the Construction of Bjelke- visit, call one of our friendly end of an enjoyable day or Petersen Dam commenced Visitor Information Centres, sport your best bucket hat and in 1984 with completion in speak with a local and sunscreen for a swim and a 1988. The dam, often referred explore the possibilities for picnic on a hot summer’s day to as Lake Barambah after Petersen Dam (locally known and non-powered tent and van your stay. - we’re open all year round! the original property, holds as BP Dam), conveniently sites. The entire family will For more information on The fishing offered at both over one million mega litres located close to the town of be kept happy with a pool, the dams or the greater South Lake Boondooma and Bjelke- of water and covers 2500 Murgon, provides a range tennis court and modern play Burnett region visit: www. Petersen Dam is exceptional hectares of land. of accommodation options equipment located on-site. discoversouthburnett.com.au Camping and boating are popular with Australian Bass and Yallakool Caravan and including comfortably fitted The nearby wineries www.yallakoolpark.com.au on our dams, Boondooma Dam Golden Perch (Yellowbelly) Recreation Park on Bjelke- out modern cabins, powered will be waiting to tempt www.lakeboondooma.com.au featured Bridges upgrade: renovate or replace The South Burnett Regional full capital replacement. site, combining multiple Early stakeholder Council has successfully To determine a platform projects with varying site engagement was a major factor implemented a timber bridge of costs across the region, conditions allowed the required in measuring the successful replacement strategy through condition assessments were flexibility for the contractor to delivery of a project. a series of workshops with undertaken and reports maximise efficiency. This also Traditionally, Council’s road Council and engagement with prepared with indicative improved the efficiency of high network was utilised as an the civil construction industry. market values of maintenance cost items such as pile drivers alternative route around project At amalgamation in 2008, costs. The options included and large cranes imported into sites during construction, but Council inherited a number structure decommissioning, the region. An added bonus was where this has not been either of very poor timber structures large reinforced concrete box the flexibility to work around achievable or acceptable due from the former shires and culverts (RCBCs), timber sites or climatic conditions to the distances required for a proactive strategy was rehabilitation or restoration, throughout the construction detouring, a side track was developed taking advantage steel bridges and concrete phase, reducing the estimated constructed. of the economic downturn to bridges. A project tool to risk cost built into the tender South Burnett Regional drive good value for money assess a whole-of-life cost price. Council is now in the enviable Rebuilding bridges to meet the modern transport needs of South Burnett solutions in the region. The against the asset was utilised. Another benefit of the position of having only five development of a strategy It was necessary to import strategy has been the crews and at approximately day labour was pivotal in remaining timber bridges involved a broad assessment external labour and plant transformation of some half the cost per square metre sustaining a skilled workforce with all but one of these of options for each timber resources into the region for sites from timber bridges to of a concrete bridge structure. and keeping valuable capital having been rehabilitated and structure, varying from the projects; so to minimise large RCBCs. This allowed The ability to deliver these expenditure dollars in-house strengthened to provide for the decommissioning through to the downtime at any individual reconstruction by council projects by Council’s as much as possible. transport needs of the region.

Published and produced by Local Government FOCUS September 2016 Page 4 www.lgfocus.com.au