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.
Bon Accord Bridge Update
Significant progress has been made on the Bon Accord Bridge refurbishment, with the contractor now completing the final ten spans. Final tensioning and commissioning were scheduled for the first week of September.
In addition to the ongoing bridge work, a recent site tender meeting for Stage 2 of the approach works attracted strong interest from contractors. Stage 2 will include concrete batter protection, signage and line-marking, clearing, and the installation of the bridge approach slabs.
Harkness Boundary Creek Footbridge Reopens
The Harkness Boundary Creek Footbridge has reopened to pedestrians following temporary repairs.
The temporary repairs offer greater safety and comfort for our residents and visitors and contributes to pedestrian connection in Eidsvold.
Further information can be found on Councils website, https://northburnett.qld.gov.au/harkness-creek-footbridge-reopens/
Red Cross 110 Year Celebration
On 29 August 2024, Gayndah and Childers Red Cross branches commemorated their 110 years of continuous service from 1914 to 2024. Red Cross volunteers reflected on the support provided to their communities and internationally, from the World Wars to the present day, supplying crisis relief, aid during disaster, and to disadvantaged communities in need.
The branches received certificates of appreciation for their 110 year-long support and were delighted to join guests for morning tea and lunch to cut their celebratory cake.
Gayndah Bottle Tree
On Monday, 2 September 2024, the bottle tree located in front of the National Australia Bank on Capper
Street in Gayndah was struck by a vehicle and damaged to the extent that it needed to be removed.
No injuries were sustained by the occupant of the vehicle or pedestrians. Council staff assessed the tree and determined that it was necessary to remove the tree to ensure the safety of the public.
Council is currently considering replacement options, which may include the relocation of a new tree to be less susceptible to vehicle damage.
Rates and Charges Due
A friendly reminder to ratepayers that Council rates and charges for the period of 1 July 2024 to 31 December 2024 have been issued and are due on Friday, 13 September 2024.
If you have concerns or questions about your rates, please contact Council’s Rates team on 1300 696 272 to discuss your situation.
Council’s Budget Breakdown
Council recently adopted its 2024-2025 budget, and over the past few weeks, we have been providing more information on what the budget details mean for the community. This week is the final week, and the focus will be Council’s long term financial forecast.
Long Term Financial Forecast
Council’s long term financial forecast considers the outlook for the next ten financial years, out to 2033-34. Long term financial forecasting is a challenging but important task undertaken during budget development, and it considers future service delivery and infrastructure needs, as well as external factors that could impact future costs or revenue.
The forecast is refined annually to provide an indication as to where Council is heading financially and informs future financial and project decisions. Currently, council is forecast to make it back to a net operating surplus in 2031-32; however, Council will need to continue to exercise prudent financial management to achieve the forecast outcome.
While this is a positive outlook, there will still be hard decisions ahead to meet the forecast, and Council will continue turning every stone for cost reductions, efficiencies, and revenue opportunities. Community input will remain a priority over the coming years to work towards a sustainable council, seeking the right balance of services and facilities to also support a sustainable community.
Civil Works Schedule
Maintenance Schedule for week commencing 9 September 2024 – weather permitting:
Maintenance Grading
Zone 1: Dents Road
Zone 2: Old Rawbelle Road
Zone 3: Kapaldo Road
Zone 4: Elliotts Creek Road
Zone 5: Ross Crossing Road
Zone 6: Yenda Road, Elystan Road, Lara Road
Zone 7: Working in Zone 6
Zone 8: TJs Lane
Zone 9: Eureka Road and Berries Road
Construction Crew
North: Mountain View Road Resheeting
South: Gayndah Mt Perry Road-Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme Project
February Flood Event Repairs
North Pattens Road, Millers Road, Hawkwood Road, Petersons Road, Jondarby Road, Bradleys Road, CD Jenkinson Road, Eureka Road, Riverleigh Station Road, Richerleigh School Bus Road and Mcindoes Road.
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: northburnett.qld.gov.au/meet-your-councillors.