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 with, and feedback to, Council is 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.
Bruce Highway Reopening – Single Lane Traffic
Following a major incident on the Bruce Highway near Bororen on Friday, 30 August, a traffic diversion has been in place through parts of the North Burnett’s road network. This included parts of the Isis and Burnett Highways, which significantly increased the volume of traffic in the region, particularly heavy vehicles.
It is anticipated that the Bruce Highway will reopen shortly in some capacity, enabling the flow of north and south bound traffic via a single lane. The latest updates on road closures can be found on https://qldtraffic.qld.gov.au/
It remains possible, however, that some motorists will continue to choose the North Burnett roads rather than the Bruce Highway at this time.
Residents are reminded to remain vigilant when travelling on the roads, particularly with the increased traffic flows and foggy conditions.
Services Australia Mobile Office visiting the Region
Services Australia’s Mobile Service Centre ‘Desert Rose’ will be visiting the region on the following dates:
- Mount Perry, near the post office, Heusman Street, 4 September, 9:30am to 3:30pm
- Eidsvold, near Apex Park, Moreton Street, 5 September, 9am to 4pm
- Mundubbera, near the memorial gardens, Bauer Street, 6 September, 9am to 4pm
- Gayndah, in front of the town hall, Capper Street, 9 September, 9am to 4pm
- Biggenden, near Beiers Park, Edward Street, 10 September, 9am to 4pm
Services Australia staff can help you and your family with payments and services for Medicare and Centrelink, as well as information about Department of Veterans’ Affairs and the National Disability Insurance Scheme programs and services. For more information visit www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/mobile-service-centres
Meson Street Repairs
The pavement repair on Meson Street, Gayndah, near the intersection with Capper Street, was successfully completed on 28 August 2024.
A temporary detour and traffic control was in place for east-bound traffic entering Capper Street from Meson Street. Council extends our sincere thanks to motorists, businesses and residents for their cooperation and patience during the brief road closure.
Council’s Budget Breakdown
Council recently adopted its 2024-2025 budget, and over the coming weeks, we are providing more information on what the budget details mean for the community. This week, we will focus on Council’s investment and debt policies.
Investment Policy
Councils are required under the Local Government Act 2009 and the Local Government Regulation 2012 to have an investment policy. This policy helps Council manage how its funds are invested by outlining our goals, the level of risk Council is willing to take, and the steps Council will follow to achieve those goals.
For the 2024/2025 financial year, Council’s Investment Policy has been updated to align with the State Government’s Investment Policy Guidelines for Local Governments. These guidelines provide a standard approach, which we’ve used to ensure our policy is both effective and responsible.
The intent of this policy is to provide for responsible investment of any funds to maximise returns. We review this policy every year, or sooner if needed, to make sure it continues to serve the best interests of our community.
Debt Policy
Every local government must have a system in place for financial management, which in Queensland, must include a debt policy. The Local Government Regulation 2012 requires Council to prepare and adopt a debt policy each year.
The debt policy sets out the principles we follow when planning our borrowing schedules and details our current plans for borrowings and repayments.
In the 2024/2025 financial year, Council does not plan to take on any new borrowings or to do so (at this stage) during the next nine years. Council reviews this policy every year, or sooner if needed, to ensure it remains relevant and effective.
Civil Works Schedule
Maintenance Schedule for week commencing 2 September 2024 – weather permitting:
Maintenance Grading
Zone 1: Bukali Scrub Road
Zone 2: Old Rawbelle Road
Zone 3: Nil (operator unavailable)
Zone 4: Nil (grader operator assisting zone 6)
Zone 5: Nil (grader operator assisting zone 6)
Zone 6: Cattle Creek Road, Lohses Road, Zoglauers Road, Hollywell Road and Bilboolan Road
Zone 7: Brian Pastures Road, Campbell Creek Road,
Zone 8: Nil (grader operator assisting zone 7)
Zone 9: Washpool Road, Greentree Road
Emergent Flood Repairs – Due to volume of work & rapidness of work completed this list is not static and more work may be completed.
Construction Crew
North: Abercorn Road shoulder repairs
South: Gayndah Mt Perry Road-Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme Project
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.
Media Contact
1300 696 272 | media@northburnett.qld.gov.au