Galilee Gazette for 2019

18 DECEMBER 2019

CHRISTMAS SHUTDOWN DATES Residents are advised of the following Barcaldine Regional Council shutdowns over the Christmas and New Year period:  Administration Offices from 12.30pm on Friday MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR 20 December 2019 and reopening on Monday 6 Dear all, January 2020, with only essential staff working This is the last edition of the Galilee Gazette for 2019. between these dates. As such I would like to, on behalf of my fellow  Council Depots from 12.30pm on Thursday 19 Councillors and senior staff, wish you all a beaut December 2019 and reopening on Monday 20 Christmas with family and friends and a fun filled New January 2020, with only essential staff working Year celebration. This year our staff have got through between these dates. a power of work both inside and out and for that a big Any emergencies during the Administration thanks from us all. shutdown should be directed to 0428 683 465. After the break we can look forward to continuous work for the next couple of years and many GENERAL MEETING DATES community projects in the planning stage. In accordance with Section 277 of the Local My thanks to all those residents that have attended Government Regulation 2012 notice is hereby given the recent community forums and for being loud with of the following General Meetings of Council:- your ideas. Without your assistance in identifying 22 January 2020: Barcaldine Council Chambers priority projects and advising us of things that 19 February 2020: Jericho Disaster Coordination needed our attention, our communities would be less. Centre Have a top break over the holiday period. Stay so very 18 March 2020: Muttaburra Memorial Hall safe and my team and I look forward to working with 22 April 2020: Alpha Council Chambers you all in the New Year. Bring on the wet. All meetings are scheduled to start at 9.00am and

Cheers, are open to the public.

Rob

BARCALDINE: 71 Ash Street | 07 4651 5600 ARAMAC: 35 Gordon Street | 07 4652 9999 MUTTABURRA: 20 Bruford Street | 07 4658 7191

www.barcaldinerc.qld.gov.au [email protected]

DISCLAIMER: The information is believed to be accurate and reliable and it must be understood that no liability can be accepted for any error or omission.

OVERVIEW OF COUNCIL MEETING ON WEDNESDAY 20 NOVEMBER 2019 Outcomes from the Council Meeting held on Wednesday 20 November 2019 at the Aramac Council Chambers. 2020 AUSTRALIA DAY  Council adopted the 2019 Annual Report including the audited AWARDS Annual Financial Statements and Community Financial Report for the year ended 30 June 2019. The Australia Day Awards celebrate the  Cycle Network Local Government Grant Applications 2020-2021 achievement and contribution of Council applies for funding under the individuals and community groups in 2020-21 Cycle Network Local Government Grants Program for our region. These awards are an Dryden Street, Alpha, Booker Street, Aramac and Gidyea Street, opportunity to publicly acknowledge Barcaldine for an amount of $195,000.00 being 50% of the total those who have made an outstanding cost of construction. contribution or an exceptional  Request for assistance – Comet Masonic Lodge achievement. If you know of a person Council provides a grant of $5,000 towards the cost of or community group dedicated to restoration of the interior of the Comet Masonic Lodge in making the Barcaldine Region a better Barcaldine. place, help us recognise their efforts  Building Our Regions Business Case and nominate them for a 2020 Australia Council submits a business case to the Building Our Regions Day Award today. program for funding of $1,500,000 for The Globe Precinct Tourist Nomination forms can be collected Lookout and authorises the expenditure of $42,500 to prepare from the Barcaldine Regional Council engineer certified plans for the project. Administration Offices or downloaded  Local Heritage Register Listing from the website, Council is satisfied that the following places in the local www.barcaldinerc.qld.gov.au. government area have cultural heritage significance and Nominations close on Friday 3 January resolves to enter them in its Local Heritage Register: 2020. 1. Original Muttaburra Cemetery

2. Original Alpha Cemetery SNAP SEND SOLVE 3. Barcaldine Old Eight Mile Weir. Did you know, you can report a range  Roads to Recovery – Additional Allocation of issues from cracked pavements, Council allocates the additional Roads to Recovery funding of dumped rubbish to water faults to $645, 833 for 2019-20 to: Council and a range of other 1. Burns Street, Alpha – Widening, kerb and channel; and authorities via the Snap Send Solve 2. Town Streets Reseals. app. The app is free to download from 3. Freedom of Choice Park Access – Aramac the App Store and Google Play and 4. Barcaldine Recreation Park Access available online.  Drowning Prevention and Water Safety Program Barcaldine Pool

Lessee Council agrees to fund an 8 week Drowning Prevention and Water Safety Program in Barcaldine to be delivered by the lessee of the Barcaldine Swimming Pool.

For full Council minutes, please visit www.barcaldinerc.qld.gov.au.

18 DECEMBER 2019

WATER WISE TIPS Water wise tips extract from the Barcaldine Regional Council Water facts information brochure which can be obtained from any Administration Office.

General Water Wise tips:  A pool cover is a clever way to reduce evaporation and the need to regularly top up your pool’s water level. Without a cover, more than half the water in your pool can evaporate over a year.  Regularly check your outdoor taps, pipes and plumbing fixtures for leaks. Just one dripping tap can waste 5,000 litres a month.  12 minutes of hosing patios and paths will use approximately 200 WATERING HOURS litres of water. Sweep them instead. Council would like to remind all  Over-watering can waste 1,000 litres of water an hour. A tap timer residents of the watering times, which will automatically turn the water off if you don’t. were introduced regionally in

September 2013: Tips for Water Wise gardening:  Plant drought -resistant native trees and plants. Many natives are  Sprinklers, unattended hoses, both attractive and thrive with far less watering than other soaker hoses, drip system or species. automatic watering systems -  Use good mulch 50-75mm thick. Mulching can prevent up to 75% must not be used between of evaporation loss and therefore is a cheap, easy and effective 10.00am and 3.00pm daily. technique to make the most of the water in your garden. Commercial premises, schools,  Group plants with similar watering needs together.  Toughen up your plants. Too many plants are pampered to the community clubs or churches can point where they are so dependent on water they do not go out make an application to Council for of their way to find any water themselves. Wait until the soil dries alteration of watering hours. out before watering. Application forms are available from  Water your pot plants by dunking them in a bucket of water. Wait any Council Administration Office.

a few seconds. When the bubbles disappear, do the next pot. This Failure to adhere to watering hours will saves water and ensures pot plants get a thorough drink. result in a 1 Penalty Unit Infringement  It’s best to water the roots and soil around plants rather than Notice (1 penalty unit currently = spraying the leaves and flowers. $133.45) being issued. Tips for Water Wise lawns: Any queries please do not hesitate to We water our lawns more than any other part of the garden.  Cultivate the habit of deep watering. Light, frequent watering contact Council’s Local Laws Officer only encourages a shallow root system that ends up needing David Lester on 4651 5600.

frequent watering.  Aerate or spike the soil to allow water to be absorbed more easily.  Don’t mow below 4cm. If cut slightly higher, your lawn will be hardier and more drought-resistant.  Avoid watering when it’s windy.  Water your lawn only when it needs it. Step on your grass; if it springs back up when you move it doesn’t need water. If it stays

flat it may need watering.

18 DECEMBER 2019

REGIONAL INVESTMENT GET READY SAFETY MESSAGES CORPORATION - STORM SEASON  Last disaster season, Queenslanders were impacted by 12 severe INTEREST RATE UPDATE weather events. Please be advised that the interest rate  Queensland weather is notoriously unpredictable and while to apply to the RIC Farm Business bushfires continue to impact parts of Queensland, it’s important Loans (Drought and Farm Investment to also remember the risk of other severe weather including Loan) and AgRebuild from 1 February storms and cyclones this time of year. 2020 will be 2.11%.  Prepare your household by:

 Updating your household emergency and evacuation plans; Existing clients will receive written  Checking your emergency kit has basics such as at least advice of the change in rate. three days’ worth of non-perishable food and water, a torch, The rate will apply to all existing loans spare batteries, a radio, first-aid kit, spare clothes, toiletries, st written by the RIC up to 31 January pet food and copies of important documents; 2020 and loans approved in the period  It’s also really important to make sure your insurance is up-to- of 1st February to 31st July. date and covers damage from natural disasters; and Please note that Drought Loans and  Check on your neighbours to make sure they’re prepared. AgRebuild Loans have an interest  These are simple steps but could be the difference between free/no repayment period of two years staying safe and putting yourself and loved ones in danger. so this rate change will not have any  For more information and advice on how to prepare this disaster tangible impact on these loans. season search ‘Get Ready Queensland’ or follow

@getreadyqueensland on Facebook or Instagram. Enquiries are being made to determine whether Commonwealth Loans BUSHFIRE administered by the States prior to the  Queensland is experiencing a prolonged period of significant creation of the RIC will be moving to bushfire activity. the same rate.  The extended period of drought, current dry and windy weather

Please note if current guidelines are conditions mean this bushfire season will likely continue to be a met, those existing Commonwealth difficult one. loans can be refinanced with the RIC  At this time, it’s important to remain vigilant and stay up-to-date Drought Loans with the new with warnings by following @QldFireandEmergencyServices on repayment schedule of 2 years interest social media, visiting the QFES website and tuning into radio free no repayments in place. reports.

 If you have been evacuated, please do not re-enter the area until Queensland Police has deemed it safe to return.  If you see an unattended fire or suspicious activity, report it to Triple Zero (000) immediately.  Remember, you don’t need to live in the bush to be threatened by bushfire. Embers can travel long distances and put your

house at risk, even if you can’t see the fire.  It’s important that every household has a bushfire survival plan so that everyone in your household knows what to do in the event of a bushfire. You can create one with your family at www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au.

18 DECEMBER 2019

2019 CHRISTMAS LIGHTS COMPETITION RESULTS The results for the Barcaldine Regional Council 2019 Christmas Lights Competition are in and as always a spectacular effort has been made by all. Well done to everyone who put up displays to get into the Christmas spirit.

ALPHA ARAMAC Private Residence Award - First prize Private Residence Award - First prize Wendy Bowyer, 5 Hooper Street Tim and Maryanne Boyd, 36 Porter Street

Private Residence Award - Second prize Private Residence Award - Second prize Bruce Wright and Vivienne Bowyer, 36 Milton Street Tony and Penny Brennan, 40 Burt Street

Private Residence Award - Third prize Private Residence Award - Third prize Jessica Howard, 38 Byron Street Michael Patterson and Kaitlyn Tatt, 11 Kingston Street

Commercial/Community Group Award Commercial/Community Group Award Alpha Pharmacy, 51 Shakespeare Street Aramac Post Office, 36 Gordon Street

People’s Choice Award People’s Choice Award Catharine Bowyer, 27 Byron Street Aramac Cut Price, 52 Gordon Street

JERICHO MUTTABURRA Private Residence Award - First prize Private Residence Award - First prize Greg and Maree Pearce, 23 Bessemer Street Anthony Hayden, 2 Bridge Street

Private Residence Award - Second prize Private Residence Award - Second prize Mikel and Tamara Leaney, 83 Darwin Street Tyrell and Sharmaine Spence, 47 Sword Street

Private Residence Award - Third prize Private Residence Award - Third prize Donna Wells, 10 Edison Street Malcolm and Sue Wyton, 2 Bruford Street

Commercial/Community Group Award Commercial/Community Group Award Jordan Valley Hotel, 43 Darwin Street Muttaburra Pub, 12 Bruford Street

People’s Choice Award People’s Choice Award Jericho Police Station, 25 Pasteur Street Chris and Fleur Wallis, Muttaburra Police Station and

BARCALDINE residence, Cornish Street

Private Residence Award - First prize: David and Jean Fletcher, 138 Gidyea Street

Private Residence Award - Second prize: Clinton and Rachael Bettiens, 32 Elm Street

Private Residence Award - Third prize: Ian Hansen and Mykala Balderson, 14 Coolibah Street

Commercial/Community Group Award: Barcaldine Country Motor Inn, 1 Box Street

People’s Choice Award:

Les and Michelle Michaelis, 28 Elm Street Tim and Maryanne Boyd, First place residence in Aramac.

18 DECEMBER 2019

BLUE DERBY TASMANIA COMES TO BARCALDINE

In December 2019 Barcaldine Regional Council brought Tim Sustainability Program meetings, Barcaldine State Watson, CEO of Dorset Council in Tasmania, and the energy School leaders outlined an idea which would, put simply, behind Blue Derby, to Barcaldine. Why did we bring replace mountain bikes with motorbikes, famous someone from Tassie all the way to our patch? We wanted mountain bikers with our own famous Rod Faggotter to learn: and the rainforests of Tasmania with the Barcaldine  How a tiny Tasmanian community facing similar issues Recreation Park and town common. “Red Derby” was we are such as depopulation, lack of new job born. opportunities and difficulty in attracting and retaining “Red Derby” aims to help capture the motorbike families used adventure based tourism to help save adventure tourism market and grow our tourism itself? product by providing trail ride and motorbike  How they helped create 100 new jobs and attracted enthusiasts and their families from across Queensland thousands of tourists to their tiny regional community all a place to ride for fun, that’s free and where they are year round? welcome, as it’s becoming increasingly difficult and  How Barcaldine Regional Council could work with the expensive to ride motorbikes recreationally in metro Blue Derby team to make something similar happen areas. By partnering with world class Dakar Rally rider here. and local Rod Faggotter it will bring added interest to

What’s Derby’s story? the facility, like playing golf on a Greg Norman Derby is a small town in Eastern Tasmania built on the back designed course, as well as ensuring the track meets of agriculture and mining. In the mid 2000’s these world class standards. Feedback from regional clubs industries stopped and with it so did 800+ jobs, leaving from Rockhampton, Emerald and Townsville have all Derby a ghost town. In 2015 the Tasmanian Government indicated they are actively interested in patronising the facility and it. called for tourism developments and approved a mountain bike tourism experience called Blue Derby Pods Ride to be Why target a recreational motorsport tourism built in an attempt to slow depopulation, diversify the experience? economy, help attract and retain young people and bring Off-road motorcycles are by far the most popular much needed investment and money to town. vehicles in Australia and account for more than 40% of

Did it work? Yes. all motorcycle sales. In addition, nearly every farm in “It has generated 100+ jobs in the community through Australia has one or more motorcycles of some private business expansion on the back of council providing description and people of all ages and from all walks this infrastructure with 1000’s of tourists now coming to of life ride. “Grass roots” motorcycle sport is taking Derby as a result.” place most weekends attracting large numbers of Tim Watson CEO Dorset Council Tasmania competitors, family and friends. Organised non- competitive trail rides have been run for many years The philosophy was simple, build it and they will come and with a majority occurring in regional and rural Australia come they did, thousands of tourists now flock to Derby and this has a strong economic impact on those each year and it was the first Australian mountain bike communities. The Alice River Trail Ride, held here in trails to host the World Enduro Series in 2017. To see more Barcaldine, consistently attracted up to 100+ riders for on how mountain biking helped save this tiny Tasmanian two days. town watch https://bit.ly/2RXBLVQ What’s next? What Derby’s success could mean for us? Council will continue to work with Dorset Council, local Barcaldine Regional Council has been working with Dorset community members and Rod Faggotter to develop a Council for over 12 months discussing how their model comprehensive project plan. For more information maybe adapted and evolved for outback conditions. please contact Morgan Gronold on 0448 739 759 or During this year’s Barcaldine Regional Council’s [email protected].

18 DECEMBERAPRIL 10, 201 20199

New cycle paths in Alpha.

ALPHA DIP YARDS – STREETSCAPES TEMPORARY CLOSURE The streets of Alpha have recently received an upgrade with new cycle paths constructed in Tennyson and Burns Streets. Residents are advised that the Alpha Dip Yards will be closed over the Christmas period from Friday 20 SCULPTURES READY FOR CHRISTMAS December 2019 and reopening on The sculptures recently installed in Settlers Park are ready for Monday 6 January 2020. If you have Christmas with lights recently placed on the Barbed Wire Balls any queries please do not hesitate to constructed by George Gowing and the Barbed Wire Bull constructed by Milynda Rogers is dressed and ready in tinsel. contact the Alpha Administration Office on 07 4985 1166.

CHRISTMAS TREES A big thank you to Jimmy McDonell for donating Christmas trees to the community businesses and Home Assist and Community Care in Alpha.

Wire Bull in Settlers Park.

UPCOMING EVENTS  Saturday 28 December 2019: Alpha Tourism Association - Bingo afternoon at the Alpha Town Hall commencing at 2.00pm.

Community Christmas tree donated by Jim McDonell.

18 DECEMBER 2019

JERICHO ROAD REHABILITATION NEW SCULPTURES IN Construction on the Jericho project is continuing with a second- DARWIN STREET coat seal being implemented this week, just in time for Christmas. Jericho has recently gained another Council strongly encourages all who navigate roadworks sculpture in Darwin Street with the throughout the region to proceed with caution. Council appreciates latest addition of Barbed Wire Balls your patience and cooperation whilst these works are completed. constructed by George Gowing.

Barbed Wire Balls, Darwin Street, Jericho.

Primer-seal being implemented on the Jericho Road.

18 DECEMBER 2019

GARBAGE COLLECTION BANK OF QUEENSLAND OPERATING HOURS SERVICES DURING DURING CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR CHRISTMAS AND NEW Barcaldine residents are advised of the following changes to the opening hours for the Barcaldine Bank of Queensland Branch during YEAR the Christmas/New Year holiday season. Barcaldine residents are advised the  Friday 20 December 2019 – 9.30am to 12.00pm following garbage collection services  Monday 23 December 2019 – 10.00am to 12.00pm over the Christmas and New Year  Tuesday 24 December 2019 – 10.00am to 12.00pm period:  Wednesday 25 to Friday 27 December 2019 – Closed  Monday 23 December 2019 –  Monday 30 December 2019 – 10.00am to 12.00pm collections normally done on a  Tuesday 31 December 2019 and Wednesday 1 January 2020 – Closed Monday and Wednesday  Thursday 2 January 2020 – 10.00am to 12.00pm  Wednesday 25 December 2019 –  Friday 3 January 2020 – 10.00am to 12.00pm

no collections The bank will return to normal operating hours from Monday 6 January  Friday 27 December 2019 – 2020. If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact the normal collections Barcaldine Administration Office on 07 4651 5600.  Monday 30 December 2019 – normal collections FOR SALE BY REMOVAL  Tuesday 31 December 2019 – TWO BUILDINGS AT BARCALDINE WORKS DEPOT collections normally done on a Council is offering for sale for removal, two buildings located at the Wednesday Barcaldine Works Depot, 23 Myall Street, Barcaldine.  Wednesday 1 January 2020 – Tenders close at 12.00pm on Friday 24 January 2020 and must be no collections submitted by email to [email protected].  Friday 3 January 2020 – normal collections Please note these buildings have been inspected and cleared for If you have any queries before Council asbestos. shutdown please do not hesitate to Inspections are welcome at any time as the buildings are located in contact the Barcaldine Administration the carpark to the right of the Council Works Depot.

Office on 07 4651 5600. Please contact the Barcaldine Administration Office on Any emergencies during the 07 4651 5600 for further information. To view images of the buildings Administration shutdown should be please visit, https://www.barcaldinerc.qld.gov.au/ directed to 0428 683 465.

18 DECEMBER 2019

2019

SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAM CHRISTMAS GREETINGS The Barcaldine Library and Central West Aboriginal Corporation On behalf of all the staff in the have a fun-filled school holiday program underway and as you can Barcaldine area, I would like to thank see they have really got into the Christmas spirit and have the Barcaldine community for your decorated the windows at the Barcaldine Library. This is a wonderful support throughout 2019 and look initiative and collaboration with Gay at the Library and the fantastic forward to working with you again in team at Central West Aboriginal Corporation. 2020. We also wish all residents and visitors a very Merry Christmas and a safe, happy, prosperous and hopefully a very wet New Year! Jenny Lawrence District Manager – Barcaldine

School holiday activities at the Barcaldine Library. Barcaldine Administration Office pallet

Christmas tree.

18 DECEMBER 2019

GARBAGE COLLECTION SERVICES DURING CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR Aramac and Muttaburra residents are advised of the following HARRY REDFORD CATTLE garbage collection services over the Christmas and New Year period:  Tuesday 24 December 2019 - collections normally done on DRIVE REUNION Thursday We invite you to attend the Harry  Thursday 26 December 2019 - no collections Redford Cattle Drive Reunion that has  Thursday 2 January 2020 – normal collections been announced from Friday 22 and If you have any queries before Council shutdown please do not Saturday 23 May 2020. The aim of the hesitate to contact the Aramac Administration Office on reunion is to showcase the Outback 07 4652 9999. Any emergencies during the Administration shutdown lifestyle and the legend of Harry should be directed to 0428 683 465.

Redford while reminiscing with past participants about the great times BANK OF QUEENSLAND AND RURAL experienced on previous drives. TRANSACTION CENTRE DURING CHRISTMAS Coinciding with the annual Aramac Races on Saturday 23 May 2020, the OPERATING HOURS reunion will feature live music and fun  Tuesday 24 December 2019: 9.00am to 1.00pm activities such as Camp Cookout  Wednesday 25 to Sunday 29 December 2019: Closed competitions and a horsemanship  Monday 30 December 2019: 9.00am to 5.00pm school.  Tuesday 31 December 2019: 9.00am to 1.00pm

 Wednesday 1 January 2020: Closed ARAMAC WATER Return to normal operating hours from Thursday 2 January 2020.

SERVICE DISRUPTION ARAMAC LIBRARY Aramac residents are advised that the Council staff were proud to move the Ollie Landers Library in Aramac Aramac Town Water supply will be to its new space in the Harry Redford Gallery last week. The move has turned off for scheduled maintenance created a beautiful modern space for the public to meet and use. The on Monday 13 January 2020, time to be Harry Redford Gallery is a large building that has a living quarters in advised. Please ensure you have the back, the Bank of Queensland and Rural Transaction Centre as adequate drinking water during this well as an empty shop and a space promoting the legendary Harry time. Redford Drive. After comprehensive renovations, Council turned the Council apologises for any living quarters and empty shop space into the new Library location. inconvenience.

MUTTABURRA SENIOR CITIZENS DINNER MUTTABURRA STATE The Muttaburra Senior Citizens dinner was held in November. The SCHOOL GRADUATION dinner has been an annual event in Muttaburra since the Year of the The Muttaburra State School Older Person in 1999 and is free for people over the age of 55 in the graduation was held in the Muttaburra Muttaburra area. Organised and catered by the Muttaburra Memorial Hall in November. The School Ambulance Committee, the event is a thank you for all the hard work children presented a play called ‘Pets to the generation that has shaped the world to this point. This year, Day’. The schools 11 excited children Muttaburra State School children provided entertainment as they were accompanied by their parents, recited poetry and the Senior Citizens participated in a game of friends and community members for trivia. the night as they each received a prize The Senior Citizens dinner is the culmination of tireless fundraising by for finishing their school year. Mayor the Muttaburra Ambulance Committee who organise a monthly Rob Chandler attended to present the Bingo game as well as different events throughout the year. Council Barcaldine Regional Council award has been a major sponsor of the event since its inception in 1999. won by Terehu Wakefield. The

Muttaburra State School had young MUTTABURRA TOWN AND COUNTRY Tyson Spence graduating and moving on to high school next year. CHRISTMAS TREE The annual Muttaburra Town and Country Christmas Tree was held on Saturday 30 November 2019 and marked its 73rd anniversary.

2019 Muttaburra Town and Country Christmas tree.

Muttaburra State School graduation.