Disaster Management Funding Announced
Council has recently received funding for a number of Disaster Management initiatives from the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
One stream of funding will be used to employ a Community Recovery and Resilience Officer (CRRO) until 30 June 2024. This position will be engaged with a number of projects including:
- Establishment of Volunteering Queensland and Givit within North Burnett, to assist our community during disaster events.
- Reviewing evacuation centre plans, training community members to assist in operating centres and further equipping centres for activation.
- Disaster Management Roadshows to promote disaster preparedness and assist the community in making plans.
- Working with schools to better understand how to support children while recovering from events.
Council has also been successful in securing funding under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements for the Flood Risk Management Program. Of the $18.25 million available under the program, Councils in the Burnett Catchment were successful in securing $4.15 million. Of this, North Burnett Regional Council will be managing $264,500 in projects.
The Flood Risk Management Program projects will be used to improve Council’s flood intelligence and planning and to be better prepared and able to respond to flooding events. Projects funded under the program include a Total Flood Warning Review, Flood Action Plans, a Burnett River Flood Warning Intelligence System and a Burnett Catchment Flood Study.
This funding does not take the place of the disaster management levy that provides funding to operate the disaster management centre in Gayndah.
Bon Accord Bridge Update
Council is pleased to advise that on Friday 3 March 2023, its application under the joint Commonwealth and Queensland Government Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements to repair the Bon Accord bridge and approaches has received the final approval.
Following notification of the successful funding application, Council officers will now progress with procurement activities. On selection of a preferred contractor, Council will provide an update on construction timeframes.
Once again, Council thanks the community for your continued patience while its officers worked closely with the Queensland Reconstruction Authority to progress its application and gain a successful financial outcome for the region.
Gayndah Cemetery Upgrade
Last month Council’s Parks and Open Spaces Team completed the Gayndah Cemetery Upgrade project. This project involved the development of a second lawn section of the Gayndah Cemetery and a new Chinese Memorial Garden. The project is a great example of Council’s commitment to the community and the preservation of its rich history.
The cemetery upgrade involved installing irrigation, hydro-mulch spraying (grass seed) and the construction of four new plinths, which will provide another 40 resting places. Two additional shelters with chairs were installed, and a larger storage shed was constructed.
The new footpath will connect the new and original sections of the lawn cemetery and has been lined with humbling pencil pines. Furthermore, to commemorate the historic unmarked Chinese graves, the Council’s Parks and Open Spaces Team has established a memorial garden with flourishing Ginko, Red Leaf Plum and a majestic Weeping Willow as the centrepiece.
Purple Day in Mount Perry
Sunday March 26 2023 is Purple Day in Mount Perry, when the community comes together to commemorate the loss of Maddie Gill to Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP). Mount Perry’s Senior Constable Tom Mort will run the 215 km return trip from Mount Perry to Bundaberg, to help raise awareness and fundraise for Legacy 200 charity, for much needed research into SUDEP.
Come along to Mount Perry on Sunday March 26 2023, to support Senior Constable Mort, the family of Maddie Gill, the community of Mount Perry and important Legacy 200 fundraising for SUDEP.
Student Leaders
Currently around the region, students are taking their oath to represent their school and fellow students to the best of their abilities. This is a special time for these students taking on leadership roles. Each student should be proud of their achievements and continue to strive for their school. I have been honoured to attend investiture ceremonies around the region and it is a privilege to see these students taking pride in their school and encouraging their fellow students.
Civil Works Update
Maintenance Grading Zone 2 – Folleys Gully Road
Maintenance Grading Zone 4 – Yarrol Road, McLeods Road
Maintenance Grading Zone 6 – Back Benyenda Road, Yenda Benyenda Road, Yenda Road
Maintenance Grading Zone 7 – Eureka Road, Old Range Road
Maintenance Grading Zone 8 – St Johns Goldfields Road, Barrule Road
Maintenance Grading Zone 9 – Lime Mines Road, Wateranga Road
Construction Crew North – TMR Reseal Prep
Construction Crew South – Gayndah – Mt Perry – Resheet
Resource Crew North – Glencoe Road – NHVR Upgrade
Resource Crew South – New Cadarga Road
Wetheron Creek Bridge (Wilson Valley Road): Repairs in progress.
As always, please do not hesitate to get in touch with me directly on 0458 696 272, or cr.les.hotz@northburnett.qld.gov.au or your Divisional Councillor, if you would like to address any concerns. Our contact details can be found on Council’s website:
www.northburnett.qld.gov.au/meet-your-councillors.
Media Contact
1300 696 272 | media@northburnett.qld.gov.au