Chatter Volume 11 Issue 4 April 2016 Boulia Shire Council Council

OUR NEW COUNCIL In an epic challenge for all Council seats including the Mayoral position, Boulia was on the edge of its seat to see who would be successful. The number and quality of candidates who were willing to put forward their name for selection was encouraging. Ten local people with the best interests of Boulia at heart endured the long process of counting and then waiting for the Electoral Commission Queensland to acknowledge the final result. It was a very close finish with two candidates being separated by only one vote. The results are in and our newly elected Coun- cil will be kicking off on 13th April 2016 with the first order of business – Declaration of Oath by each of the newly elected nominees, after which they will represent our Council as Councillors. The meeting will commence at 10- 00am in the Shire Hall and will be open to the public. In case you have been somewhere else and haven’t caught up with the news: MAYOR: ERIC CHARLES BRITTON (Rick) Successfully re-elected as Mayor. Rick was elected onto Council January 2007, elected Mayor March 2008, born Eric Charles but has always been called Rick. His grandmother and father were born in Boulia. Rick and Ann (wife) have two chil- dren Thomas and Claire. Rick is one of the few lucky ones in life that has a job where Confucius says "choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life." Rick's passion is his family, the land he lives on and the community he lives in. Hobbies are reading, watching NRL and horse riding when time permits.

COUNCILLOR GEORGE SAMUEL BEAUCHAMP (SAM) Successfully re-elected. Elected to Council in 2004, Sam is a beef cattle producer, an electrical contractor and an active member of the community especially with the hosting of the rodeo and the races. In 2006 Sam was elected as Boulia Shire Council's Citizen of the Year. Sam repre- sents the Council on land, health and safety and historical issues.

COUNCILLOR BROOK McGLINCHEY Brook was successfully re-elected after already completing four years with the previous Council. Brook grew up in Boulia on his parent’s cattle and sheep station and is a very active member of the community. As a family man with three young children he is committed to the future growth of the Boulia Shire. Brook has previous experience in representing Council in housing and Diaman- tina/Georgina Catchment Committee Lake Eyre Basin Group.

COUNCILLOR ALLAN ROBINSON Successfully re-elected after being elected August 2014 in a by-election. Allan, affectionately known in the outback as "BOZO", was born and grew up in Townsville until 15 years of age when he then embarked on the beginning of his working career. Bozo's extensive list of experiences include: owner/operator of his own business, interstate and overseas travel, working in civil con- struction & mining industry and extensive experience working on the land as manager and con- tract musterer. Allan has a keen interest in the progression of the local community and Shire.

COUNCILLOR REBECKA BRITTON (BECK) Newly elected Councillor Beck Britton is a well known local community figure with a passion for Boulia. Beck does not have a singular focus as she believes every aspect of our shire is impor- tant. Roads; to deliver, Families; for the future, Tourism; improved economy & enhanced regional exposure, Local Business; support those who support the community, Grazing; local population & ratepayer base, Community; those that choose to live & work in the town of Boulia, Education & Skills Development; ongoing, inclusive & accessible.

If you have an article for the newsletter, please contact 4746 3188 or email [email protected]. Newsletter can also be viewed at www.boulia.qld.gov.au Channel Country Chatter

MAYORAL minute…….. March 2016

The past 6 weeks have been a whirlwind of speculation and excitement for Boulia. The election on 19th March saw the re-election of Councillors Brook McGlinchey, Allan Robin- son and Sam Beauchamp and the first time election of Rebecka Britton (Beck). Congratu- lations to you and I am looking forward to working with you all for the betterment of Boulia. On a more personal note we lost a very valuable Councillor and Deputy Mayor in Kelsey Neilson and she will be sadly missed around the table for the invaluable contributions she made to Council over the last nine years. On the congratulatory lines: Congratulations to Joyce McCullouch who was elected as the Mayor of Mt Isa. As the dust from the election settled I found myself taking a speedy trip to Mt Isa after an invitation to join the Premier and several Ministers on their visit. Discussions surrounding the upcoming Camel Races and the potential for the Racing Minister Grace Grace to visit was earmarked. A briefing sub- mission was presented on the issue for making the Donohue Highway a State Road, this was dis- cussed at length as this is a priority for the future sustainability of Boulia Shire Council. After a 5- 30am start that day I managed to swing into the gate at home at 1-30am just ready for ‘start up’!

On Saturday 9th April, the CEO Lynn Moore, the Deputy CEO Jeff Sowiak, and the Works Overseer Kevin Barr and myself headed off to a long awaited meeting with Bularnu Waluwarra and Wangkayu- juru (BWW) Peoples in Mt Isa. The meeting was the first face to face meeting the Council had with the new members of the BWW Board.

Council was keen to have issues surrounding the notification of ‘Cultural Heritage Walkers’ identified and clarified so Council can commence work on roads which require gravel to be supplied from gravel pits on BWW land. It was pleasing to see that the members of the group were willing to listen to all parties during the meeting. I felt that a good working relationship was being developed during the meeting when all parties were willing to communicate. Further discussions will now be held between the Directors to nominate Cultural Heritage Walkers which are to be advised to the Council next week. Other issues which were of importance to Council and the BWW people were discussed and these will be progressed at future meetings.

Over the next few weeks I will be busy with the installation of our new Council and the preparation of the 2016-2017 Budget.

APRIL: On the 13th April the Council will be inducted and at the hands of the department of Local Government be guided through an afternoon training session on the responsibilities for their role as Councillors. On the 18th April I will be travelling to Longreach for Board Meeting of the RAPAD Group of Councils (Diamantina, Barcoo, Blackall-Tambo, Longreach, Winton and Barcaldine) for a meeting on the 19th April and back in town on the 20th April for a Council meeting.

MAY: Kicking off on the 3rd and 4th of May will be a two day course for all Councillors (Elected Mem- ber Update training) run by the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ). This intensive course provides guidance for Councillors on the regulations surrounding Queensland Local Govern- ments role in the decision making process. On the 17th and 18th all Councillors will be attending the WQLGA meeting in Bedourie where submissions from each Council are put forward as motions to be voted on by all Councils for submission to the National Group (ALGA) which informs Government when they are in the planning stages of decision making. At the end of the month on 23rd of May the Local Disaster Management Group of which I am the chair will meet to debrief from the last season and plan for the next. JUNE: Heading off to Canberra on 19th to the National General Assembly (NGA) This year’s NGA theme is Partners in an Innovative and Prosperous Australia and will be aimed at looking at Local Government’s role in best practice, boosting productivity and showcasing innovation. Crucial policy motions will also be on the agenda, hence Council attendance is necessary to ensure everyone is able to be represented and have an input in discussions. Until next time…..Rick Channel Country Chatter

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN YOUR COUNCIL - CEO Report, March 2016

As we all know the March Council meeting was deferred until April 21st due to the Local Government Elections. Although I did not play a part in the election it was very pleasing and very exciting as the nominations came into the Council office in that so many local people of Boulia were interested enough in their community to ‘give the Council a go’. Because of the rules and restrictions surrounding what information can be released (by the ECQ) we had a long wait to find out which of the nominated applicants were to be our new Councillors for the next four years. First of all congratulations to all those who nominated and were willing to put their hand up to what sometimes is a difficult and thankless job. Mayor Rick Britton was successful in retaining his position as Mayor but not without a very worthy challenge by then Deputy Mayor Kelsey Neilson. Because of the strange laws in Queensland once your nomination for Mayor is accepted you are no longer eligible to represent the people as a Councillor. It is a sad day when no matter who won the role as Mayor, Boulia would lose a valuable asset. Two very talented and committed people who have given so much to Boulia and have the potential to continue to do so were ‘captured’ by the system. Although there was a period when all were waiting for the postal votes to arrive eventually we saw a graceful exit from the Council by Kelsey Neilson. Her contribution over a period of over 9 years is to be commended and the Council, the town of Boulia and surrounding properties will surely miss her sharp eye for detail and passion for everything country. The period between December and March has certainly been a challenging one for road crews. Several kilometres of roads both on the Donohue and the North Urandangi Road were damaged by the excessive rain and subsequent floodwaters. After spending so long without water it is frustrating to see hard work destroyed. We do have the support of George Bourne and Associates who were quickly on the roads to capture ‘emergent work’. This is a unique term used by the Queensland Reconstruction Authority to enable sections of roads which are dangerous to be fixed quickly. The long process of capturing information for the actual reconstruction is quite lengthy – so while we would love dearly to ‘get out there and get it done’ we are somewhat restricted. I think you will all agree that the contractors under the leadership of Kevin Barr who manages all NDRRA flood work, do a great job. Along with the day to day work load the outside staff deal with, the inside staff have been working fervently towards developing our 2016-2017 budget and the associated Operational Plan. The fact that the Australian Government decided to freeze Federal Assistance Grants (FAG’s as it’s affectionately known) to local governments 2 years ago means that we need to look closely at what we do and when we do it. I have a large wish list of projects that need attention which need to be prioritised. Several projects have already been submitted for funding under the National Stronger Regions Funding programme – one being the upgrading of the town’s sewerage connections and the other, (again) the shade at the pool. It is a timely reminder for all landholders and property owners that the increased number of rain events brought with it increased fodder – not only for livestock but also food for fire. During the week the first of the warnings for potential Fire dangers came through. If you haven’t already reviewed your fire management plan for your property now is a good time to sit down with a cuppa and have a chat to the people around you about what plans are in place and what action (clearing of boundary fence lines) need to occur.

Bye for now…..Lynn Channel Country Chatter

We were wet and boggy but happy! - Road Closure information

Boulia Shire Council Mid March saw some great rain fall in the Boulia Shire and surrounds. Ac- Road Report As at: 16/3/2016 at 6.30am NOTE: ROAD REPORTS WILL ONLY BE ISSUED IF THERE IS A CHANGE TO ROAD CONDITIONS AS REPORTED ON THIS cording to the Bureau of Meteorology, the Boulia Airport recorded NOTICE. ALL SHIRE ROADS ARE ACCESSIBLE TO LOCAL TRAFFIC ONLY WITH CAUTION. It is advised that motoirsts proceed with EXTREME CAUTION travelling on all roads during wet weather. Not all roads may have been inspected at the time this condition report was released and conditions are constantly changing. Caution is urged if traversing any flooded creek crossings as road surfaces may be damaged, submerged matter may not be clearly visible and underlying curents can be swift. Road shoulders of sealed roads generally become soft during heavy rain events and movment off the bitumen seal is discouraged. Open to Closed to Open to Comments 36.8mm of rain on Thursday 10th March and Urandangie airport 90.2mm All All 4WD & High Clearance Vehicles Vehicles ONLY Boulia - Mt Isa X

Water over road at Diamantina & Boulia - Winton x Hamilton of rain on the 11th March. With all the rain also came road closures and a

Boulia - Bedourie x Water over road at Boulia - Alice Springs x Water over road Georgina River good number of us have probably experienced having to change our

Urandangi South Road x Road Impassable

Urandangi North Road x Road impassable for trucks Local roads: plans or make an unexpected detour over the last couple of weeks due to Coorabulka Rd x Local Flooding Slashes Creek Rd x Local Flooding Springvale Rd X Local Flooding the roads being closed.

For further details on all road conditions or to report road flooding within the Boulia Shire please contact Ronnie Callope. on 0427 163 773 Or Council Office on 07 47463188 After Hours DCEO 0409028474 or email [email protected] Council utilise several media outlets to consistently keep the latest road information available to road users following storm events in the Shire. The information is updated either daily or when events change and is based on the best available knowledge, at the time.

The ‘Road report’ is distributed via email, fax, the Council website and on Boulia Shire Council and What’s on in Boulia’s Facebook pages so that road users can be better informed and hope- fully travel safely to their destination, stay home or where they are and wait for the weather to clear and roads to open.

In the past the only reliable source of information came from travellers who were stuck or managed to make it through, volunteer pilots doing fly overs, sta- tion owners reporting in and staff sent out to inspect the roads. Whilst we still use these methods, technology has come a long way to assist in the process. There are flood level monitors on or near some river crossings and Council has been successful in attracting money for the installation of automated Photo courtesy flood level indicators, cameras and warning signs to help in deciding when to of Jim Hagan close main roads.

There are warning signs, cameras and flood level indicators installed on the Winton Road at the Diamantina, Hamilton and Middleton Channels and very soon there will be a similar set up on the Mt Isa Road at Top Limestone Creek. The beauty of this system is that staff in an office here in Boulia and at Urandangi Airport Winton can view images and flood levels from these remote sites and provide Photo courtesy an immediate warning to the travelling public. The large electronic signs flash Pam Forster ‘Water Over Road’ when water is over the road and up to 200mm in depth. Once the water level goes over this, a decision is made to restrict access or close the road, when water reaches 400mm or more the roads are closed. The decision to close roads is not taken lightly and we are in constant communication with Transport and main roads during an event.

In terms of unsealed roads, the decision to close a road is predominately based on an assessment of the amount of rain or flood waters in that area and the likely hood that the unsealed road will be boggy. Those deep ruts you see after rain caused by vehicles, impact on the road pavement and make restoration a much more difficult and costly exercise. In some cases, a delay of a day or two and no damage would have been done. If you need to travel – give us a call at Council and we will advise you on how to proceed and are able to authorise you to travel on a closed road if it is an emer- Urandangie South gency. At least we will know you are on the road and will not be subject to a Road through the Thorner Swamp. police search later in the day. Photo courtesy of Jim Hagan

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Finally, the most common question that staff are asked is can I drive on a closed road and how long will it be closed. The answer to the first is: not without consent from the road manager or police as fines of $2,000 do ap- ply. The answer to the second depends on the extent of rain and how slowly creeks and channels rise and fall. In the case of the Mt Isa road, most of the channels are fast moving and so levels tend to rise and fall quickly. This also means that the channel crossings are more dangerous, even at low food levels. In most of the other channel systems the levels can take days and even weeks to come down. Council staff do all we can to give you the most up to date information available even during the weekends and public holidays, a service which is NOT provided by many other Councils.

If you would like to be added to Council’s EMAIL BLAST, please send your email address and your full names to Nicole Tonkies, [email protected]

To access road closure information simply visit: Boulia Shire Council’s Web page www.boulia.qld.gov.au and click on the ‘Road Conditions’ link on the front page What’s on in Boulia – Facebook page Boulia Shire Council – Facebook page Or contact Council’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer Jeff Sowiak, [email protected]

Photo courtesy of Jim Hagan Channel Country Chatter

Roads works being done on the Urandangie Road.

Tourism Staff on a Famil of the Barcoo Shire signed “BOULIA” in the Stonehenge address book.

New Solar Lights at Urandangie The streets of Urandangie are shining bright with the ad- dition of some new solar street lights. Three new solar lights were purchased by Council. Thanks goes to Pam at the Dangi Pub and her merry band of helpers for putting the lights up.

Easter Bunny Masks out of Paper Plates made at crafts activities at Library

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Boulia Arts Council Inc Will be holding a Two Day

Pottery Workshop Tutor: Deanne Ivers 0411475072

Where: Boulia Shire Hall When: 28 & 29 May 2015 Time: 9 am – 5 pm

Cost: Arts Members $25 Non-members $35

Please ring Nina McGlinchey 4746 1261 or email [email protected] Channel Country Chatter

BOULIA SHIRE COUNCIL

DATES AND LOCATIONS FOR 1080 BAITING MAY 2016 MONDAY 02/05/2015; SCARSDALE LAGOON SITE 7:00am. TUESDAY 03/05/2015; OLD HAMILTON HOTEL AIRSTRIP 7:00am. WEDNESDAY 04/05/2015; ALDERLEY TURN OFF 7:00am. THURSDAY 05/05/2015; GLENORMISTON STATION 7:30am. FRIDAY 06/05/2015; URANDANGIE AIRSTRIP 7:30am. If you have any questions about the dates & times for this the first round of 1080 baiting for 2016 please contact Council on 07 4746 3188 or contact the RLPO directly on 0417 649 838 or e-mail [email protected] If you wish to tumble/roll your baits you need to bring your own mixer and power plant or alternately Council has available for you to purchase De-K9 Baits in buckets of 200 Baits for $320.00 Inc GST per bucket.

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Library News Don’t forget if your after a good book to get your nose in come check out all our books and don’t forget about our swap box books; Whilst you are in check out our ANZAC Display Window.

Min Min Encounter News Mothers Day sale on now at the Min Min En- counter!!! Come on in and grab that special gift. Also while your in check out our new wifi seating area.

Available at the Min Min Encounter. Ask our friendly staff on how to access.

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Bring your Toddler, 0 to 5 years

into the Library for interactive play with organised Boulia Shire Council Facilities Opening Hours Reading and Activities Shire Office Monday - Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm

Shire Library Monday - Friday 1:30pm - 5:00pm

Post Office Monday - Friday 9:00am - 2:00pm 3:00pm - 4:30pm Are you on Council’s EMAIL BLAST list? Stay posted with what is going on Stonehouse & Marine Reptile Fossil Display in Boulia by receiving the latest notices Monday - Friday 8:30am - 12:30pm in your inbox. 1:30pm - 5:00pm Contact the Council office (4746 3188) Saturday - Sunday 10:00am - 2:00pm or email [email protected]

to be added to the list. Min Min Encounter Monday - Friday 8:45am - 5:00pm

Saturday - Sunday 9:00am - 5:00pm

Sports & Aquatic Centre Check out and like our Facebook pages Monday - Friday 2:30pm - 6:30pm Saturday - Sunday 3:00pm - 6:00pm Boulia Shire Council and What’s on in

Boulia for all your latest Council news Please note these hours are subject to change and updates Channel Country Chatter

Skilled Diesel Fitter Specialising in Service and Repair of Vehicles and Heavy Machinery both on and off site.

Travel Expenses will apply

BOULIA CONTACT Regional Express CASEY SMITH MOBILE: 0418779125 EMAIL: [email protected]

Plane Lands Plane Departs

Monday 4:10PM 4:25PM

Tuesday 9:10AM 9:25AM

Wednesday No Scheduled Flights

Thursday 4:10PM 4:25PM

Friday 8:45AM 9:00AM

For any additional information (flights/flight times etc) please visit: www.rex.com.au

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