Wide Bay Burnett Fraser Coast Regional Community Forum held in Monto
Monto hosted the Regional Community Forum on 9 and 10 June 2023, offering an opportunity to work collaboratively with government and community. This Forum discussed the current State Budget investment of $849.2 million in Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service. Exciting messages shared at the Forum included the regional-specific update on the QLD Vocational Education and Training Strategy, health priorities, housing accessibility and affordability and economic diversification.
The Attorney-General, Minister for Justice and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, The Honourable Yvette D’Ath and Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities, The Honourable Mark Furner, Dr Chris Sarra (Director General, Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries) and Member for Hervey Bay Adrian Tantari attended this forum.
On behalf of Council, I wish to thank members of Monto Magic Tourism Action Group and Burnett Catchment Care Association for assisting in hosting and providing commentary for the bus tour on the Monday morning of this forum.
The three (3) ministerial departments in attendance at the forum committed a total of $15,000 towards the Monto Centenary celebrations (a community and Monto Magic Tourism Action Group initiative). This funding with be invaluable for the setting up and running the Centenary celebrations in 2024.
Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail (BBIRT)
The Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail (BBIRT) held their Annual General Meeting on Saturday 15 July 2023 at the Albert Hotel, Monto. Mayor Hotz and Cr Giddins attended along with Local Member for Callide, Mr Bryson Head. The event was well attended and discussed the future developments of the rail trail. If you would like more information on the BBIRT please visit https://www.boyneburnettinlandrailtrail.org.au/ for interactive maps, camping information and any upcoming events.
General Meeting Date Change
Due to CEO Margot Stork and selected Councillors attendance at Bush Council Convention next week, the General Meeting will be held on Monday 31 July 2023 in Eidsvold, commencing at 9.00am at the Eidsvold Boardroom, Moreton Street, Eidsvold. The General Meeting is open to the public. Please visit https://northburnett.qld.gov.au/councillors/council-meetings/ for Agenda and online meeting information.
At 11.30am, the public are also invited to attend the public session held at the Eidsvold Community Hall, this is an opportunity to share issues and concerns with Councillors.
Cardiac care for First Nations people
A new service aimed at improving heart health for First Nations people has been launched by the Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service (WBHHS). Heart disease is a leading contributor to the mortality gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and non-Indigenous Australians. Recognising this critical issue, WBHHS has developed the Better Cardiac Care program to reduce health issues associated with cardiac conditions among the First Nations community. Contact the specialist team at Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service to access this important program.
Agribusiness Digital Solutions Grants Scheme
Round two (2) of the Queensland Government’s Agribusiness Digital Solutions Grants Scheme is now open. Industry organisations can apply for their share of $1.3 million in funding available to help Queensland agribusiness build resilience by adopting digital technology and systems. Applications close Friday 18 August 2023, for more information on the Agribusiness Digital Solutions Grants Scheme, contact QRIDA on 1800 623 946 or go to: www.qrida.qld.gov.au/program/agribusiness-digital-solutions-grants-scheme.
Gambling Community Benefit Fund round now open
$35,000 is on offer to not-for-profit groups in the current Gambling Community Benefit Fund grant round. This grant is open and can be used for a range of projects such as new vehicles, machinery, renovations, training, and other equipment. The current round closes 31 August 2023.
Civil Works Update
Maintenance Schedule
This week, you can expect to see the grading continuing and commencing on the following roads:
• Maintenance Grading Zone 1 – Youlambie Road
• Maintenance Grading Zone 2 – Redmount Road
• Maintenance Grading Zone 3 – Barram Road
• Maintenance Grading Zone 4 – Fire Breaks
• Maintenance Grading Zone 7 – Glenrae Dip Road, Back Glenrae Dip Road
• Maintenance Grading Zone 8 – Hawkwood Road
• Maintenance Grading Zone 9 – Golden Fleece Road
• Construction Crew North – RMPC drainage clearing
• Construction Crew South – RMPC Gooroolba Biggenden Road
• Bridge Repairs – Wuruma Dam Bridge (Mt Eagle Road)
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.