North Burnett…
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
“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 Queensland, 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.