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.
Councillors have been working closely with executive staff to bring together Council’s 2024-2025 annual budget. Council will consider the final budget at its budget meeting, to be held on 10 July at the Gayndah Council Chambers.
If you are interested in attending a Council meeting, you are more than welcome to sit in as a gallery member or join us online via teams. Time can also be made available at each general meeting for public questions/ representations by way of deputation, commencing at 9.15am. Subject to application, this is an opportunity for members of the public to make a representation on a matter in which they have an interest, including an item that is before the Council for decision e.g. development applications. A deputation wishing to attend and address a meeting of the Council shall apply in writing to the CEO not less than seven (7) business days before the meeting. More information is available on our website www.northburnett.qld.gov.au/Council-Meetings.
Vandalism and Graffiti
Once again, Council is receiving too many reports of vandalism and graffiti. These acts are extremely frustrating and disheartening for Council staff and community members. Sadly, the most common facilities vandalised are our parks, which are intended for our youngest community members to enjoy. Not only is the damage disheartening, but the cleanup and replacement diverts valuable rate payer funds and staff time from where they would be better utilised. All vandalism reports are referred to the police. However, you as community members can be our eyes and our ears to counteract these acts of disrespect. If you notice something amiss, please contact Council on 1300 696 272 or by using the free app Snap Send Solve. Alternatively, if you witness the vandalism taking place, please contact the Police.
Country to Coast QLD Healthy Community Survey
Country to Coast Queensland is conducting the ‘My Healthy Community Survey 2024’. This survey is open to anyone over 18 years of age and is your chance to provide ideas to the Queensland Government on how to improve health and wellbeing in the North Burnett region. Country to Coast QLD is inviting community members to take a short online survey. This survey aims to help identify the barriers and stepping stones to good healthcare in our region. For these reasons, it is important that as many North Burnett residents as possible provide their insights and feedback. Take the survey by visiting: c2coast.org.au/about/my-healthy-community-survey/
Council Meeting 26 June outcomes
Council met on Wednesday, 26 June for the general meeting in Mundubbera. You can view the agenda and minutes of meetings, as well as the link to join us online, at Council’s website.
- Council resolved to delegate the process of transferring and vacation of Council’s trusteeship of the Wolca Reserve to the CEO.
- Round 3 Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) projects were endorsed as per the recommendations by the North Burnett Arts and Cultural Advisory Committee. Projects will be undertaken by Monto Landcare Group Inc, Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail, Mundubbera and District Historical Society Inc, Monto Art Group, Gayndah and District Historical Society, North Burnett Community Service, Monto Museum of Art, and endorsed an allocation of funds to enable arts, culture and heritage community grant writing workshops in each North Burnett town.
- Council moved to change the operating hours for the Eidsvold Customer Service and Library to be open from 8:30am – 11:30am and 12:30pm – 4:30pm, Monday to Friday commencing Monday, 29 July 2024.
Councillor Activities
Her Excellency the Hon. Dr. Jeannette Young AC PSM, Governor of Queensland, made her first official visit to Monto to help celebrate its centenary and highlight the town’s unique character last week. Her Excellency received a warm welcome from locals at a community reception at the Monto Museum of Art, hosted by Council. Her Excellency’s visit also included a stop at the Monto Hospital, where she chatted with frontline staff.
At the recent Council meeting, Deputy Mayor Melinda Jones was delegated as a representative to attend the 2024 Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) National General Assembly (NGA) in Canberra this week, in lieu of the Chief Executive Officer. The theme of the 2024 NGA is “Building Community Trust.” The conference program features a range of high-profile and engaging speakers who will explore ideas about what creates trust and how we, as local government representatives, nurture it.
Civil Works Schedule
Below the Maintenance Schedule for week commencing 1 July – weather permitting.
Maintenance Grading
- Zone1: Cedar Creek Road to Glen Valley Road
- Zone 2: Old Rawbelle Road
- Zone 3: Anyarro Road
- Zone 4: McLeods Road to McLaughlans Road
- Zone 7: Brian Pastures, Campbell Creek Road to West Woodmillar Road (Flood Work)
- Zone 8: Stanmore Road to Coonambula Road
Construction Crew
- North: Cannindah Road to Voss Road (Resheeting)
- South: Gayndah Mt Perry Rd – Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme Project
Updates are also available on our website www.northburnett.qld.gov.au/future-road-works/
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.