Current Emergency Management Information
Choose your language:

Text resizer:

Get in touch with the Council
Current Emergency Management Information

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.

Local Government Association Queensland (LGAQ) Conference

The LGAQ hosted its 128th annual conference at the Brisbane Convention and Entertainment Centre from 21 October to 23 October 2024, themed “Don’t Leave Local Communities Behind.” The event was attended by mayors, councillors, CEOs, and other esteemed local government leaders from across the state of Queensland and featured panel discussions and updates from relevant representatives on topics impacting the industry. Matters discussed included lessons learnt from the 2023-2024 disaster management season, a roads and transport forum hosted by Sally Stannard, Director-General of the Department of Transport and Main Roads, as well as updates from representatives of the Western Queensland Alliance of Councils, discussing their collaboration efforts and the benefits of Council’s joining together in their approach to secure funding opportunities from State and Federal Governments.

An important discussion focused on the trend of cost shifting from State and Federal Governments to councils, with no financial assistance to accompany the expectation. A study was carried out by LGAQ, where it was revealed that in 2002, the financial impact of services shifted onto local councils over a 12-month period was estimated to be $47 million. Two decades on, this has increased by an astounding 378 percent to reach $360 million a year.

The main focus of the annual conference is the local government motions debate, where nominated delegates from each member council consider and vote on matters put forward by peer councils. If a motion passes and is carried, the matter becomes an advocacy priority for the LGAQ on behalf of its members. This year, a total of 114 or more motions were put to the conference, including four from the North Burnett. All four of Council’s motions were carried, with three centring on fairer funding for councils to support liveability and another seeking import restrictions on products containing PFAS group chemicals, seeking to protect Australia’s environment.

Finally, following the resignation of LGAQ Chairperson Cr Mark Jamieson, previously Mayor of Sunshine Coast Regional Council, a ballot was held to determine who would be appointed Chairperson of the LGAQ. Two candidates were nominated, including Councillor Matt Burnett, Mayor of Gladstone Regional Council, and Councillor Andrew Martin, Mayor of Blackall-Tambo Regional Council. While both are well regarded candidates, the ballot favoured Councillor Matt Burnett. We congratulate Councillor Burnett on the successful appointment as Chairperson and look forward to our continued engagement with the LGAQ in the future.

 Out and About in Biggenden

Biggenden locals had a jam-packed weekend of events, with the opening of the Biggenden Art Gallery on Saturday, 26 October, and the 85th anniversary of St Peter’s Catholic Church on Sunday, 27 October 2024. Locals also flocked to Degilbo Hall on Saturday afternoon to experience country music performers Alec Beckett, Kelly Maddern and local entertainer Bob Dingle. Attendees enjoyed the raffle and other prizes up for grabs.

 Mundubbera QCWA Turns 100

Mundubbera’s Queensland Country Women’s Association (QCWA) is set to celebrate their 100-year anniversary on Saturday, 9 November 2024, in the Mundubbera Community Hall Supper Room. A small display will be presented at the Mundubbera Art Gallery for viewing. Be sure to join them for this special occasion.  

Day for Daniel

Day for Daniel was held on Friday, 25 October 2024, honouring the memory of Daniel Morcombe, raising awareness of child safety, and fundraising for the Daniel Morcombe Foundation. Community members from across the region followed the Morcombe’s wishes to Wear Red, Educate and Donate. Parents, carers, and educators are encouraged to start a conversation with children and young people about personal safety to ensure we protect our future generations within the community.

2025 Remembrance Day Services

Local RSL branches have advised that Remembrance Day will be observed throughout the North Burnett region on Monday, 11 November 2024 at all townships. All scheduled services will be open to the public.

  • Biggenden: assemble 10.45am outside of the CWA Rooms on Edward Street
  • Eidsvold: assemble 10.45am at the CWA Shelter on Moreton Street
  • Gayndah: assemble 10.40am at the Cenotaph on Capper Street
  • Mt Perry: assemble 10.40am at the Cenotaph at the Memorial Park on Heusman Street
  • Monto: assemble 10.45am at the RSL Hall on Rutherford Street
  • Mundubbera: assemble 10.45am at the Cenotaph on Lyons Street

Australia Day Nominations

Keep an eye out on Council’s social media and website this week for the announcement that the 2025 Australia Day nominations are open!

If you know a person, community group, or a quiet achiever who makes an extraordinary contribution, this is a great way to say thanks by nominating them for an award. For more information visit www.northburnett.qld.gov.au/australia-day.

Civil Works Schedule

Below the Maintenance Schedule for week commencing 28 October 2024 – weather permitting.

Maintenance Grading –

  • Zone 1: Cahalane Road to Collingwoods Road
  • Zone 2: Foleys Gully Road, Harrami Road to Pinedale Road
  • Zone 3: Rifle Range Road to Roths Road
  • Zone 4: Sunday Creek Road to Sandy Camp Road
  • Zone 5: Emergent Works: Stanmore Road Maintenance: Nergany Road to Cheltenham Road
  • Zone 6: Emergent Works: Number 6 Road, Moreton Road Maintenance: Boyd Road
  • Zone 7: Assisting Zone 6
  • Zone 8: Emergent Works: Pearlinga Road, A Creek Road, McCord Road, Winston Road, Maurers Road
  • Zone 9: Cockings Road, Bellerts Road

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