Welcome to this week’s Mayor’s Update. Each week, we look to keep you informed about the latest Council developments, events, and initiatives. Your engagement and feedback are valuable; please see the details at the end of this notice if you would like to get in touch with myself or another divisional councillor.
Council October General Meeting Outcomes
Council met in Monto last Wednesday, 30 October 2024, for its monthly general meeting. Some of the agenda items brought to the table included the July-September (Q1) Quarterly Progress Report, 2025 Council Meeting Schedule, Local Laws Review, Financial Hardship Policy, and the initiation of the 10-year Planning Scheme Review, as well as several Councillor activity reports, to name a few. To read the agendas and minutes for this meeting or previous meetings, please go to Council’s website: northburnett.qld.gov.au/councillors/council-meetings/.
2023-24 Annual Report Endorsed by Council
At its October 2024 General Meeting, Councillors endorsed the North Burnett Regional Council 2023-2024 Annual Report. The 2023-24 Annual Report provides a comprehensive overview of Council’s successes and challenges during the year. Throughout the period, great outcomes have been achieved, with the delivery of major projects like the Biggenden Water Treatment Plant and several crucial disaster management projects.
The 2023-2024 Annual Report can be accessed via Council’s website at northburnett.qld.gov.au/plans-and-reports, or alternatively, viewed in any of Council’s Customer Service and Library Centres.
Australia Day Award Nominations Now Open!
The Australia Day Awards celebrate the remarkable contributions that individuals, community groups, and organisations make across our region. If you know a person, community group, or quiet achiever who makes an extraordinary contribution, show your gratitude and nominate them for a 2025 Australia Day Award.
Nominations are now open, with seven regional categories to choose from:
- North Burnett Citizen of the Year
- North Burnett Young Citizen of the Year
- North Burnett Volunteer of the Year
- North Burnett Community Organisation of the Year
- North Burnett Cultural Award
- North Burnett Sportsperson of the Year
- North Burnett Service to Sport
In addition to the Regional Awards, a Local Legend Award will be presented to a citizen from each town—Biggenden, Eidsvold, Gayndah, Monto, Mundubbera, and Mt Perry—honouring those who make a lasting, positive impact within their local communities.
Nominations can be submitted until 11 pm, Wednesday, 4 December 2024. This year, we are accepting both online and paper nominations, making it easier than ever to recognise the people who make North Burnett exceptional. To submit a nomination online or to download nomination forms, visit our website www.northburnett.qld.gov.au/australia-day/
Ending of Council Fax Services
As of 29 November 2024, Council will no longer support faxes as a contact method. You are still able to contact Council via its other supported methods, including by phone, email, in person at our Customer Service and Library Centres, or via post.
Floodplain Management Australia Workshop
Councillors are scheduled to attend the Floodplain Management Australia November Quarterly Meeting on Wednesday, 6 November 2024, to connect with other professionals in the field and stay up to date with the latest floodplain management practices. This gathering is where we can share experiences, gain insights, and network with like-minded individuals.
Eidsvold and District Historical Society – Heritage Evening
Eidsvold and District Historical Society is presenting their annual Heritage Evening on Saturday, 16 November 2024, from 4pm at the Eidsvold Historical Complex. Tickets are available from Eidsvold News and on the night at the gate. All proceeds from this event will go towards the running costs of the Eidsvold & District Historical Society Inc. Organisers have boasted an “old style country” meal of corned meat, white sauce, and vegetables, followed by a bread butter pudding that will be served to satisfy patrons tastebuds. There will also be a multi-draw raffle for attendees with various prizes that have been kindly donated from Eidsvold’s businesses and community members.
School Awards Celebrations Across the Region
With the end of 2024 approaching, many of our schools have organised their end of year celebrations, graduations, and awards to celebrate their students’ achievements during the year. Councillors and I extend heartfelt congratulations to all school leavers; may your future endeavours in further studies, careers, and personal growth be marked by success, fulfilment, and prosperity.
Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) Conference
In October, most councillors attended the 128th annual conference of the LGAQ. The LGAQ is the peak industry body for Queensland local government, and the annual conference provides the opportunity for councils across the state to come together and discuss motions relevant to the industry. Motions must have a wider industry focus to be accepted as a submission. If a motion passes and is carried, the matter becomes an advocacy priority for the LGAQ on behalf of its members.
Council submitted four of the 114+ motions raised at this year’s conference. All four of Council’s motions were carried, showcasing the importance of the topics amongst the sectors. Two of these motions seek dedicated funding streams to support continued service delivery in rural and remote local government areas, focusing on pools and waste recycling options, with a third motion seeking diversified and secure untied funding streams to support councils and the communities they represent. Council’s fourth motion was also submitted by two other local governments, calling for import restrictions on products containing the PFAS group chemicals. More information can be found on our website northburnett.qld.gov.au/lgaq-conference.
Civil Works Schedule
Below the Maintenance Schedule for week commencing 04 November 2024 – weather permitting.
Maintenance Grading –
- Zone 1: Monal Road
- Zone 2: Foleys Gully Road, Harrami Road and Pinedale Road
- Zone 3: Luthje Road, Berts Road and Stanley Road
- Zone 4: Sunday Creek Road
- Zone 5: Emergent Works: Stanmore Road Maintenance: Nergany Road to Cheltenham Road
- Zone 6: Gurgeena Road and Top Gurgeena Road
- Zone 8: Emergent Works: A Creek Road, McCord Road, Winston Road and Maurers Road
- Zone 9: Bellerts Road and Whites Road – shoulder grade drainage
Construction Crew –
- North: Kalpowar Road – Maintenance Grading
- South: Gayndah-Mt Perry Road – Maintenance Grading
Councillor Contacts
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: https://northburnett.qld.gov.au/meet-your-councillors.
Media Contact
1300 696 272 | media@northburnett.qld.gov.au