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News and Press Releases
The North Burnett Regional Council disseminates regular media releases. If your media outlet would like to receive this information or require further information on a topic, please contact the Council’s media officer on 4168 6064.
If you would like a comment on one of the stories detailed below, please contact Mayor Joy Jensen on 0458 696 272.
Saving water in North Burnett steps up a notch
Triggers indicating the need for water restrictions in Eidsvold, Biggenden and Monto have been reached following the onset of very hot temperatures and a lowering of water supply levels.
North Burnett goes to Brisbane
More than 5,500 city slickers were given the opportunity to get to know the North Burnett this month when our region went on show at the Country and Regional Living Expo at the Brisbane Convention Centre.
A team of Councillors, Council staff, North Burnett companies and business networks got behind the event to ensure the North Burnett was showcased as a region of opportunity, for both lifestyle and business. The display promoted careers, real estate, recreation, the natural environment, services, and the benefits of moving to communities in rural areas.
Feedback from the expo was excellent and Council’s job now is to follow up with all those who provided their contact details at the display, provide feedback for North Burnett stakeholders and most importantly, continue to facilitate a welcoming North Burnett community.
Not a lot of love for African Lovegrass
The spread of the African Lovegrass weed throughout the North Burnett has prompted the North Burnett Regional Council to support the establishment of an African Lovegrass Action Group.
The Group aims to work with all levels of government and individual landholders to create a management plan for African Lovegrass containment zones within the Auburn River/Jackie Smalls Creek Catchment areas.
At a recent lovegrass field day at Narayen Station, landholders stated that the weed is spreading throughout the region and has a large economic impact for their properties.
“African Lovegrass has no nutritional value for stock and because it’s extremely competitive with other pastures species, leads to loss of production, lowering returns and potential lowering in land resale value. It’s also a threat to our native grasses and the natural environment as it spreads quickly through its large viable seedbank,” North Burnett Regional Council Mayor Joy Jensen said.
“The aims of the Action Group is to source funding for more research into how to manage this weed and to create a plan for the containment of the weed by North Burnett Regional Council within the designated Auburn River and Jackie Smalls Creek zones,” she said.
“The group will also be lobbying State Government about listing African Lovegrass as a declared weed and Council to have it declared at a local level, conducting further management trials in conjunction with the Australian Agricultural College at Narayen and lobbying Main Roads and utility providers to spend more money on weed control,” Joy said.
The Action Group consists of representatives from Biosecurity Qld, Main Roads, Landcare, the North Burnett Regional Council, Australian Agricultural College and several private landholders. The inaugural meeting will be on Thursday 3 December, 8am at the Eidsvold Hall. For further information, please contact the African Lovegrass Action Group representative, Lee Dorahy on 4165 5751 or 0427 654 773.
Ensuring Monto’s water supply
Ongoing dry conditions and the onset of hot temperatures have prompted the North Burnett Regional Council to introduce Level One water restrictions in Monto.
The restrictions were triggered in the first week of November due to a lowering in the water level of two of the town’s bores and an exceptionally high water consumption rate by the town.
Mayor Joy Jensen says this will be the first time since amalgamation that Monto has experienced water restrictions and residents need to help conserve their precious resource.
“The current average consumption per person is about 50% above the target – which is nearly 350 litres per person per day. We’re asking everyone in Monto to help preserve the water that comes from the Three Moon Creek Aquifer and help achieve the Level One goal of 231 litres per person per day,” Mayor Jensen said.
The restrictions are:
“We hope there’ll be good rains soon to recharge the Aquifer, but in the meantime, it’s important for everyone in Monto to use less water,” she said.
For further information about the Level One restrictions, please call 1300 696 272
African Lovegrass Field Day
In Queensland, African lovegrass can be found throughout the Burnett, Darling Downs and Granite Belt regions. Eradication is difficult, with an infestation quickly developing a large viable seedbank and is extremely competitive with other pasture species.
Trial work is occurring on Narayen to allow the community to see how this pest plant could be managed on a Burnett grazing property.
“Although trial work is carried out all over the world, having local management examples is more appropriate for our community.” said Mayor Jensen, North Burnett Regional Council.
The African lovegrass site has been under basic monitoring for nearly two years starting in February 2008. The trial work started mid 2008. Management techniques used since mid 2008 are cultivation, fire, chemical and also a small seasonal trial with supplement feed.
“With dry seasons it is difficult to assess which technique is preferable, however a combination of the techniques seems to be the best option so far,” said Mayor Jensen.
On Saturday 31st October 2009 North Burnett Regional Council and Australian Agricultural College will be hosting a field day to allow local landholders to see for themselves what is happening with the trials. The field day starts at 9.30am at Narayen Station, finishing at about 2.30pm. Burnett Mary Regional Group has provided us with funding for a bus to come from the Mundubbera Community Development Centre in Stuart-Russell St, Mundubbera. The bus will leave at 8.30am and will be returning by 3.30pm.
At 11.30am a landholder meeting in regards to African lovegrass will be held.
“This meeting will be the beginning of enhanced management with a collaborative effort across the Auburn/ Eidsvold area where African lovegrass is locally declared,” said Mayor Jensen
“Discussion on management approaches and responsibilities in reducing African lovegrass infestations will occur between attendees who will include landholders, council and other stakeholders”.
A BBQ lunch will be provided for all attendees of field day and meeting so please RSVP to Leigh-Ann on 1300 696 272.
We’ll lose projects if fluoridation project doesn’t start now
The risk of losing critical infrastructure projects in the North Burnett was the driving force behind Council starting the mandatory State Fluoridation project, and Mayor Joy Jensen is hoping the community will understand Council’s decision.
“Fluoridation has been mandated by the State Government. But they have promised to reimburse Council for all costs if we complete the project by December 2011,” Mayor Jensen said.
“If we fail to meet this deadline, we put at risk nearly $900,000 which would otherwise be directed to infrastructure projects budgeted for the 09/10 year. We just won’t be able to fund such a large gap in our budget,” she said.
“We believe the community will understand that Council had to make the decision to start the fluoridation project to ensure we meet the deadline,” she said.
The State Government has made fluoridation mandatory in towns of 1,000 or more, with Gayndah, Mundubbera and Monto affected by the state legislation. The planning and construction of fluoridation plants at these three centres started this month.
“Our Works and Services Department will be working with a consortium including Local Government Infrastructure Services (LGIS), Sunwater and Hunter Water Australia,” Joy said.
“There will also be some extra work to do in Monto, where it was identified in a 2008 Regional Fluoridation Survey, that there may be problems adding fluoride due to the raw water quality. There’ll be further investigations and a separate proposal for Monto for any rectification works that need to be considered,” Joy said.
If you’d like to discuss the fluoridation project with Council, or for further information about fluoridation of your town’s water supply, please contact the Council on 1300 696 272. You can also find more information on fluoride at Queensland Health’s website www.health.qld.gov.au/fluoride.
Business Advisory Groups Up and Running
Council’s Economic Development Plan has been approved and the implementation process is underway following the first round of Business Advisory Groups held over the last fortnight.
Business Advisory Groups have been established in each of the six communities in the North Burnett following an extensive application and assessment process. The membership of the Groups is:
Monto – Ms Dolores Fowler, Mr Brad Baldwin, Mr Mark Murray, Mr Neville Galloway
Mt Perry – Mr Kalman Salgo, Ms Yvette Stephensen-McKay, Mr Greg Wallace
Biggenden – Mr Ian Williams, Ms Julie Chapman, Mr Paul Bust, Ms Stephanie Whitaker
Eidsvold – Mr Noel Thompson, Mr Geoff Fort, Mr Bob Wisniewski, Mr Pat Connolly
Gayndah – Mr Terry Cleary, Mr Gary Harris, Mr Paul Slack, Ms Jo Bailey
Mundubbera – Mr Rob Watt, Mr Gavin Ford, Mr Mark Berthelsen, Mr Dudley Pott
The inaugural Business Advisory Group meetings revolved around a presentation of the Economic Development Plan and gave an opportunity for Group Members to give feedback to Council about specific issues affecting the community. Mayor, Cr Joy Jensen, said “This Economic Development Plan is a new departure for Council. It highlights opportunities for building existing business as well as looking at promoting industry diversity across the Region.”
Business Advisory Groups are a key part of the implementation of the Economic Development Plan. Mayor, Cr Joy Jensen, said “The success of the plan revolves around the various business and industry engagement structures established. The Business Advisory Groups are fundamental to the two-way communication between business and Council. We see this as a very positive step forward and look forward to the conversations and developments that will come out of these Groups.”
It is the Advisory Group’s role to provide information about business and industry needs to Council and to take information regarding economic development to their networks in the community.
Water to be fluoridated by 2011
The introduction of a mandatory regional Fluoridation Program by the State Government will see the fluoridation of reticulated water in Gayndah, Mundubbera and Monto in place by 2011.
The fluoridation program was discussed at the most recent North Burnett Regional Council General Meeting, with recommendations for Council to begin the planning and construction of fluoridation plants at the three centres.
Mayor Joy Jensen says the project is mandatory in towns of 1,000 or more, with Gayndah, Mundubbera and Monto affected by the state legislation.
“The State Government has stipulated the regional program must be completed by December 2011 and although the NBRC must fund the project in the first instance, if we meet the deadline, we will be fully reimbursed. It’s estimated the project will cost between $800,000 and $900,000” she said.
“Our Works and Services Department will be working with a consortium including Local Government Infrastructure Services (LGIS), Sunwater and Hunter Water Australia,” she said.
“There will also be some extra work to do in Monto, where it was identified in a 2008 Regional Fluoridation Survey, that there may be problems adding fluoride due to the raw water quality. There’ll be further investigations and a separate proposal for Monto for any rectification works that need to be considered,” Joy said.
Its anticipated initial works will begin in October this year. For further information about the fluoridation of your town’s water supply, please contact the Council on 1300 696 272
Our RM Williams Australian Bush Learning Centre to go ahead
At a special meeting of the North Burnett Regional Council on 29 September, Councillors reaffirmed their intention to go ahead with construction of the RM Williams Australian Bush Learning Centre in Eidsvold.
The Councillors were presented a comprehensive report on the current status of the RM Williams project by Council’s Special Projects Officer, Noel Cass.
The main decisions of the meeting were:
1) to progress construction of the building
2) amend design of the structure to match the available funding
Mayor Joy Jensen believes this is the best outcome for the project as it allows the RM Williams Australian Bush Learning Centre to be realised on the funding already available.
“We have received significant funding for this project, however it falls short of the necessary funding to complete all stages of the project in its current design,” Mayor Jensen said.
“This project has been planned since before amalgamation and we have made many attempts to secure further funding. However, Council’s decision means we don’t have to wait any further. It will allow us to begin construction and complete the first stage of this important project. This is great news for Eidsvold and the whole North Burnett,” she said.
Further meetings with the project managers and builders will take place during October to amend the design to align with the available funding and discuss timelines for construction.
“Moonlight” Sculpture unveiled in Monto
A beautiful sculpture reflecting the character and community of Monto was officially unveiled as part of the Lister Street Artwalk at a special ceremony in Monto on Saturday 26 September.
The “Moonlight” Sculpture, designed by Hervey Bay artist, Chris Calcutt, was commissioned as part of a public art project supported by Arts Queensland and initiated by the former Monto Shire Council’s Regional Arts Development Fund Committee in consultation with the community.
Mayor Joy Jensen, who performed the official unveiling, says the sculpture will draw people into the Lister Street Artwalk and help locals and visitors connect with the “cultural heart” of the region.
“The “Moonlight” Sculpture will provide an opportunity for us all to share in the richness of the region’s history and it certainly reflects the character of the community and our focus on our naturally beautiful environment,” she said.
“The Lister Street Parklands is a partnership between the people of Monto, emerging and professional artists and the North Burnett Regional Council. We believe it is an important part of Monto, providing a sanctuary for locals and visitors,” she said.
The parklands are also home to the Monto Visitor Information Centre, which will now be manned on a regular basis by “ambassador’s”, keen to promote the area and highlight local tourist attractions.
The Ambassador Program was instigated by the Monto Magic Tourism Action Group (MMTAG), with support by the Council through their community grants program. The funding has allowed MMTAG to recruit community participants to become ambassadors, provide them with customer service training, establish the Ambassador “office” in the Information Centre and create an Ambassador uniform.
Nominations for 2010 Australia Day Awards
In conjunction with the Australia Day Council, North Burnett Regional Council is calling for nominations from clubs, organisations and individuals from within each of the six North Burnett Communities of Biggenden, Eidsvold, Gayndah, Monto, Mount Perry and Mundubbera.
To recognise the valuable contribution and outstanding service given to each community the following Australia Day Awards will be presented as part of the 2010 Australia Day Celebrations in each community:
(Ages will be as at 26 January 2010)
Nomination forms may be downloaded here or collected from any of the six Council Administration Offices.
Nominations may be posted to:
North Burnett Regional Council
PO Box 390
GAYNDAH QLD 4625
Or lodged at any of the six Council Administration Offices by 4.30pm on Friday 20 November 2009.
2010 Australia Day Awards Nomination Form
Cultural Mapping Surveys
The North Burnett Regional Council is currently collecting data from our communities regarding Arts and Cultural skills, facilities, services and opinions.
Cultural/Artist’s Database
Please complete this survey if you are an Artist or Hobbyist.
Your details will be collated and made available online to help promote your services/artistic skills to the communities.
There is an option to upload your resume and other information about the services you provide etc.
Cultural Mapping Survey
This is not just about “arty” stuff - We are interested to know about where you like to “hang out”, what you feel the strengths of your community are, what the weaknesses of your community are, and your “wish list” for your community.
Complete this survey to be in the draw to win one of six $20 Café/bakery/takeaway vouchers, one from each community.
New Planning Scheme for whole North Burnett on its way
Councillors and North Burnett staff were updated at the NBRC General Meeting last Tuesday on the progress of the new “Planning Scheme” for the whole North Burnett.
Mayor Joy Jensen, says it’s important the North Burnett moves towards one new Planning Scheme as currently the North Burnett has six schemes – one for each of the former shires.
“There are many similarities between the six schemes, but there will be many benefits for the community in having one consistent approach across the whole North Burnett Region,” Joy said.
“Planning for the future of our region is one of the most important things we can do as a Council, and a new, balanced planning scheme will allow us to continue to plan for a region which is appealing, functions effectively and is sustainable for present and future generations,” she said.
David Newby, of Insite Strategies, presented a draft “Statement of Proposals” that sets out a summary of Councils intentions for the new scheme and the process Council must now take to make it a reality. To ensure the community are well informed and involved in the scheme, information evenings will be held in each of the six towns in the following months (details will be made available soon on these dates).
“Many people have an interest in the future land uses, infrastructure or the region’s natural features and resources. This will be their opportunity to contribute to the new planning scheme and ensure we achieve a well thought out, sustainable plan,” Mayor Jensen said.
In the meantime, Council is keen to remind anyone seeking development and planning approvals to contact the Council’s Development Services Department and request a development information package request form. This form will provide details of the applicant, the development proposed and property details. The information packages can then be collated and tailored to suit the individual applicant needs. These kits will be designed to help applicants understand the processes required to gain development, building and plumbing approvals. For more information on obtaining a kit, or if you are interested in further information on the new North Burnett Planning Scheme, contact Bob Savage on 1300 696 272.
Bunyip Hole Bridge first of its type for Australia
The North Burnett will be the first place in Australia to trial a new type of modular steel bridge which they believe will help address the urgent need for timber bridge replacement across the region.
The new bridge, currently being constructed at Bunyip Hole, north of Abercorn, will be ‘launched’ into place this week and will be ready for its first traffic in late August.
Bob Spencer, North Burnett Regional Council Director of Works and Services, said the bridge is an innovative new design that will also see significant cost savings.
“This new type of bridge is very economical for small authorities such as ours. The Bunyip Hole Bridge is 18metres in length, however all of the bridge components can be transported on one semi-trailer, only weighs about 17 tonnes and doesn’t need a central support. It’s also very quick to construct and only took our bridge gang two and a half days to assemble,” Bob said.
“Compared to conventional bridge construction, this new design (created by contracting company, Dasbell, in Brisbane) is a positive step towards building bridges more efficiently at a reduced cost,” he said.
Interest in the North Burnett’s new bridge was sparked at the recent “Small Bridges Conference” held in Sydney where Bob Spencer and Dave Bell (of Dasbell) jointly presented a paper featuring a case study of the Bunyip Hold Bridge.
“There were representatives from local governments and authorities from around Australia at the Conference and considerable interest was generated in this project. Many could see the design will have significant benefits and are considering using them in their regions,” Bob said.
“This was a great chance for us to profile the North Burnett and demonstrate we are leading the way in addressing timber bridge replacement,” he said.
Producers, Agforce, Council join to push BDouble issue
Local producers, members of Agforce and North Burnett Regional Council representatives will join forces to take the urgent issue of BDouble access in the North Burnett to State Government.
The groups are preparing a deputation to the Minister for Main Roads, the Hon Craig Wallace MP, and the Minister for Transport, the Hon Rachel Nolan MP, to highlight the urgent need for improved BDouble access for primary producers across much of the North Burnett.
Mayor Joy Jensen says Council, Agforce and local producers have been working hard to put North Burnett BDouble access high on the Main Roads agenda as concerns from producers continue to rise.
“This is a huge issue for everyone in the North Burnett. Our road network must meet the needs of our major industries. The State Government has to recognise clearly that Main Roads must be funded sufficiently to build a road network to a standard which permits modern day efficiencies,” Joy Jensen said.
A meeting earlier this year between Main Roads, Agforce, producers and transport operators produced some results with the following actions taken:
However, stakeholders believe more needs to be done, and the deputation to the Minister will specifically ask for funding to be ‘fast tracked’ to:
“Council is doing everything we can to improve the current situation. We are progressing every request for recommendations for BDouble access with a matter of urgency and our 09/10 budget prioritises roads and drainage infrastructure projects that deal with BDouble roads,” Joy said.
“We have also allocated $4,187,706 for Rural Roads ($465,000 specifically to upgrade BDouble roads). Disappointingly though, State Government has cut Roads and Drainage funding ($323,000), but in spite of this loss, Council are fully committed to the projects listed in our 09/10 budget,” she said. Key drainage infrastructure projects, valued at $1,234,850, include:
“Our council owned road network has been maintained on existing alignments over the years with cash strapped councils finding it increasingly difficult to upgrade infrastructure The State Government must recognise more funding is needed to make North Burnett roads safe and suitable for B Double access. Our primary producers and industries rely on our road network,” she said.
“We’ll be lobbying with Agforce and our local producers to secure increased funding to tackle the backlog of upgrades desperately needed in our region,” Mayor Jensen said.
Innovation Summit Inspires the North Burnett
More than 65 people from throughout the North Burnett and adjoining regions keenly attended the first ever Rural Innovation Summit in Mundubbera on 5 June.
The Summit brought together the regions rich intellectual capital, business acumen and entrepreneurial spirit to answer the critical question - “How do we better collaborate to accelerate innovation and bolster the regions economic future and long-term sustainability?”
Mayor Joy Jensen was thrilled with the support shown on the day and the fantastic feedback and ideas generated from the guest speakers and audience.
“The people who attended on the day stepped up to help play a critical role in shaping our region’s future. It was one of the most important events on the North Burnett calendar this year,” Mayor Jensen said.
“The Summit was all about collaboration, capacity building and creation of an actionable agenda to guide the development of the North Burnett Regional Council’s Economic Development Strategy (EDS),” she said.
Guest speakers on the day included Martha Shepherd (Galeru), Scott McNeil (Australian Institute for Commercialisation), Michael Campbell (AEC), John Hall (Industrial Hemp Australia), Sean Ryan (Private Forestry SQ), and Alan Davey (RIRDC).
Key innovation messages included:
The Summit was hosted by the North Burnett Regional Council in collaboration with the North Burnett Region Futures Program and the Wide Bay Burnett Area Consultative Committee (along with a number of other corporate partners).
AECgroup - N Burnett Innovation Summit Part 1
AECgroup - N Burnett Innovation Summit Part 2
Allan Davey Mundubbera
Allan Davey Mundubbera pdf
John Hall IHA 2009 Aginvest
Martha MunduberraPresentation5-6-09
Scott McNeil Innovation North Burnett
Sean Ryan 2009.06.01 Innovations
2009/2010 Budget
Following a series of planning sessions and consultations, the North Burnett Regional Council formally adopted its budget for 2009/2010 on 22 Monday June.
Mayor Joy Jensen believes Council has delivered a balanced budget ensuring the business arm of council will be structured (such as sewerage and water) to see them performing in a commercial environment
Media Release
NBRC REVENUE STATEMENT 2009
Capital Budget
Operational Budget
Swine Flu
For your information, a website is being managed by Queensland Health as part of the Queensland Governments response to the Swine Flu outbreak.
The website provides key information concerning the Swine Flu. It may be beneficial to post this link onto your Council website.
www.health.qld.gov.au/swineflu/
Minutes & Newsletters
Copies of Council meeting minutes and newsletters can be found on our publications page.
1Million windfall for the North Burnett
Recognition of the impact on the community of the closure of sawmills and the mine in the North Burnett has resulted in a $1million compensation offer from the State Department of Tourism, Regional Development, and Infrastructure (DTRDI).
Joy Jensen, North Burnett Regional Council Mayor, says the money was offered to the North Burnett Regional Council to help stimulate sustainable jobs and projects.
“We are the only regional council to have had direct talks with the DTRDI and as a result of our push for recognition of the impact the Western Hardwoods decision has had on our communities, we have been able to secure $1million for our region,” Joy said.
“We will have to supply the State Government with a sound business case by March for how we propose to spend them money and from there, we’ll have twelve months to implement the projects,” she said.
Recommended projects are:
“The priorities for us are job creation and tourism potential and we are confident this boost from the State Government will help us overcome some of the negative impacts these closure have had on our region,” Joy said.
“We really must thank Mark Bermingham from the DTRDI who fought hard on our behalf for this compensation, and the Minister for approving this funding,” said Joy.
Corporate Plan
Council is required under the provisions of the Local Government Act to develop a Corporate Plan in sufficient time for the preparation of the 2009/2010 Budget. Council has engaged the services of Logan City Council to assist with the preparation and intends to have consultations with our Communities in regards to such preparation. The Corporate Plan provides for the strategies and outcomes to be achieved over the next 5 years (2009-2014). You will be advised when these meetings are to be held and your input into this most important document welcomed.
North Burnett Corporate Plan 2009-2013
Biggenden Corporate Plan 2005-10
Eidsvold Corporate Plan 2004-08
Gayndah Corporate Plan 2004-2009
Monto Corporate Plan 2005-2010 ADOPTED GM 240707
Mt Perry Plan Adopted 17 April 2007
Mundubbera Corporate Plan 2005 final