Etheridge Shire Council Inform Newsletter www.etheridge.qld.gov.au Edition 11, November 2019 Georgetown Hostel Year Grand Reunion 50 Saturday 2nd November 2019 MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR Good day to all Mango madness silly season is here once again! I know we are all hanging out for the rain…. It was very exciting to get a few drops the other night. Firstly our sincere condolences go to the family and friends of Bevin Butler (Roaster) who sadly passed away this month. He was a much loved figure around the Shire and will be missed. It has felt like a very long month…. and it’s not over yet with another delegation with the FNQROC in Canberra in the last week of November, lobbying for the sealing of the Savannah Way/ Gulf Development Road, the next stage of the Gilbert River Irrigation area, the Gilbert River Bridge Upgrade along with the Charleston Dam at Forsayth. The month of November has been extremely busy with meetings with Senior Advisors, Ministers, Senators, the Premier and the Deputy Prime Minister regarding the Charleston Dam, Gilbert River Irrigation area, Gilbert River Bridge and the Savannah Way. These meetings have taken place in Cairns, Townsville, Brisbane, Canberra, Hughenden and Mt Isa. The meetings have been very successful. Council were honoured to have Senator James McGrath (Senator for Queensland) and Senator Susan McDonald (Senator for Queensland) visit with us at the dam site - even if briefly. Council presented each with a gift; a piece of the dam wall (granite rock) mounted on a small plinth as a token of appreciation for their efforts in securing funding for the construction of the Dam. The Sport & Rec building is OPEN to the public and I’ve already seen many people utilising this great community facility. The gym equipment has been delivered and installed and is free to use. As a community’s asset it is available for the community to use for all sorts of events such as sporting, markets and fund-raising. There is a canteen style kitchen facility and a meeting/conference room upstairs opposite the gym. If considering using these facilities, please contact the ESC office for reservations. The upgrade to the Terrestrial Building is progressing along nicely with the contract being awarded, subject to some negotiations with our CEO (David Munro). The upgrade is possible from the “Work 4 Queensland” funding which stated that funds were to be spent on infrastructure that would secure long term employment for locals and be of benefit to the wider community. The upgrade is about our brand, “Unearth Etheridge” The Golden Heart of the Gulf, taking visitors on a journey of discovery and adventure through our amazing region. The upgrade will include interactive and interpretive displays telling stories from Traditional owners, Gold Mining history, the Cattle industry, through to the emerging Agriculture and Tourism industries; an amazing surround sound cinema that will educate our visitors about how our region evolved over a time period of around 2-4 Billion years, leaving in its wake an amazing and diverse landscape of geological formations and a myriad of precious metals, gemstones, minerals and rare earths. Jacobs will be presenting to Council, the draft business case regarding the Gilbert River Irrigation project mid December 2019. Take care and try and stay sane during the hot weather. Be aware of the fire bans and hope the rain comes soon! That’s it for this month so far! Warren Devlin | Mayor FROM THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER DESK AUSTRALIA DAY NOMINATIONS Nominations are now open for the 2020 Australia Day Awards, Council would like the “Community” to start nominating prospective and worthy recipients who have made significant contributions to their community, and the Etheridge region, in 2019, based on the following categories: Awards Citizen of the Year Junior Citizen of the Year Community Organization of the Year Senior Sports Medallion & Junior Sports Medallion Information can be obtained by contacting Ian Kuhn on 4079 9007 or visit Council’s website (www.etheridge.qld.gov.au) Application forms can be downloaded from Councils website, or by calling into the Council Office or Terrestrial Centre. Applications close on the 6th December 2019 ETHERIDGE SHIRE COUNCIL – UNIVERSITY / TERTIARY SCHOLARSHIP Are you contemplating undertaken Tertiary and or TAFE studies in 2020? If so, have you considered applying for the “Etheridge Shire University / Tertiary Scholarship”? Council is now calling for nominations for the 2019/20 “Scholarship” program. For more details about the “Scholarship” please feel free to contact Ian Kuhn on 4079 9007 or visit Council’s website (www.etheridge.qld.gov.au) POSITIONS AVAILABLE WITHIN COUNCIL Etheridge Shire Council offers a wide variety of jobs and careers that include great benefits, work options and the opportunity to make a difference to your community. As an Equal Employment Opportunity provider, Council adheres to the Best Practice Guidelines for Recruitment and Selection as set out by the Australian Human Rights Commission. Council has the following employment opportunities available: FINANCE MANAGER If you are interested in a challenging and rewarding career with a relaxed lifestyle, then this could be the position for you. Etheridge Shire Council is currently seeking a dedicated, motivated and enthusiastic Finance Manager to join our team of experienced professionals based at Councils’ Corporate Office located at Georgetown. The Finance Manager will be responsible for the management of the Finance Department as well as providing support to the Director of Corporate and Community Services. Closing date: 22nd November 2019 FINANCE ADMINISTRATION OFFICER (12 MTH MATERNITY RELIEF) Council is currently seeking a dedicated, motivated and enthusiastic Finance Administration Officer to join our team of experienced finance professionals based at Council’s Corporate Office located at Georgetown. This position will provide support to the administration finance department and undertake all functions pertaining to general administration, creditors, records and other finance functions. Closing date: 6th December 2019 EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER This position will provide efficient, effective administrative and time-management support to the Chief Executive Officer, Mayor and Councillors that contribute to the efficiency and effectiveness of Council’s Corporate Governance Department. The role is to deliver sound administration support in a prompt and efficient manner whilst maintaining a high level of confidentiality. Closing date: 2nd December 2019 APPRENTICE DIESEL FITTER Council is seeking applications from highly motivated, enthusiastic and team oriented people to assist and support the Councils workshop staff in the fabrication, repair & maintenance of Councils Plant & Equipment whilst obtaining a Certificate III (Engineering Mechanical Trade) Closing date: 6nd December 2019 WORKS SUPERVISOR (ROADS) A vacancy exists within Council for a Works Supervisor (Roads). This supervisor will provide leadership and deliver functions that contribute to the efficiency and effectiveness of Councils Works Department. This role is to coordinate Councils road construction & road maintenance projects. Closing date: 25th November 2019 GRADER OPERATOR Council is seeking applications from highly motivated, enthusiastic people who would like to further their skills as a plant operator. The applicant must hold an operators ticket and specialise in Grader Operations and be able to demonstrate their ability in the operation of plant. Closing date: 25th November 2019 If you are interested in the above positions or know of anyone please do not hesitate to contact Council on 4079 9090. Further information on the above positions can be found on Council’s website (https://www.etheridge.qld.gov.au/council/job-vacancies) 2020 LOCAL GOVERNMENT QUADRENNIAL ELECTIONS / LOCAL GOVERNMENT REFORM The Queensland Government is pursuing a rolling reform agenda in the local government sector. New reforms since October 2017 address issues of integrity and accountability in local government, and follow the release of the Belcarra report and other input from local government stakeholders. The reforms further strengthen the transparency, accountability and integrity measures that apply to the system of local government in Queensland. Stage 2 reforms On 16 October 2019 Parliament passed the Local Government Electoral (Implementing Stage 2 of Belcarra) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2019. Background The Crime and Corruption Commission’s Belcarra report found that good government requires elections to be held on a level playing field, with equal participation available to all. The report also stressed the need for complete transparency about who candidates are, how their campaigns are funded, their interests and affiliations, and their relationship with other candidates. The Department of Local Government, Racing and Multicultural Affairs released an information paper in March 2019 outlining proposed legislation amendments. Following consultation with mayors, councillors and stakeholders, the department proposed key changes to the reforms prior to legislation being drafted. Regulation changes were also proposed to reflect recommendations and suggestions received from the Queensland Audit Office, Queensland Law Society, Ombudsman and the Local Government Association of Queensland. Important notes for candidates Election candidates for 2020 now need to keep records of all election expenditure