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.
Get Ready for Disaster
Disaster season has well and truly arrived in the North Burnett, and with it comes an increased chance of severe storms, high fire danger, heatwaves, and flash flooding. With severe weather events, it’s not a matter of ‘if’ but ‘when’ and although we can’t control the weather, we can be aware and prepared.
People who are prepared for a disaster or weather event will know what to do and have the things they need to act quickly and stay safe. The best way to protect you and your family, as well as pets and livestock, is to consider your risk, make a plan, and pack a kit. If you need some advice on getting ready or making an emergency plan, take some time and visit the Get Ready Queensland website: getready.qld.gov.au
During a disaster, the Emergency Management Dashboard is one of the best places to find timely, reliable information, including weather warnings, fire danger ratings, rainfall records, river heights, road closures, and more. You can subscribe to the Dashboard to receive updates via email or text message to ensure you’re informed. Visit the Emergency Management Dashboard at: emergency.northburnett.qld.gov.au.
Gayndah RSL 2024 Annual Dinner
On Saturday, 9 November 2024, the Gayndah RSL hosted their 2024 Annual Dinner. Around 50 people enjoyed the company of guest speaker Mr Bill Whitburn OAM, a 40-year veteran and RSL State Vice President who is actively engaged with rural and remote sub-branches.
RSL Queensland is an important resource to current and former Australian Defence Force members and their families, both across Queensland and nationally. Many service men, women, and their families rely on their compassionate support, assistance, advice, and camaraderie. Rural and remote sub-branches play a crucial role to our communities here in the North Burnett, and we’re grateful for Mr Whitburn’s unflinching support.
Remembrance Day
Remembrance Day services were held throughout our region on Monday, 11 November 2024. It is important to take time to reflect and remember the significant sacrifices that were made by men and women for our freedom today. Thank you to all persons that organised the services for community members to attend and pay their respects. Lest We Forget.
Mundubbera QCWA Turns 100
Over the weekend, the Mundubbera Queensland Country Women’s Association (QCWA) celebrated their 100-year anniversary, along with the friendship, community and connection of rural women. Speakers for the day reminisced on the history of the Mundubbera branch and attendees enjoyed a generous and delicious morning tea to commemorate the occasion.
The Mundubbera Regional Art Gallery is hosting an exhibition of special memorabilia from members within the branch, which will be available to view until January 2025.
Floodplain Management Australia Workshop
Councillors recently attended the Floodplain Management Australia meeting in Bundaberg. Floodplain Management Australia (FMA) promotes wise management of development on floodplains and community awareness of flood-related issues, helping to reduce the risks of flooding to life and property.
A workshop was held on Flood Evacuation – Planning and Learning from Past Events. This workshop focused on the stability of Paradise Dam and subsequent reviews on flood evacuation capability. The Inspector General Emergency Management (IGEM) provided good insights into the challenges of planning for an evacuation should a dam ever fail. Learnings on how Bundaberg and North Burnett regions have addressed flood mitigation were discussed, and the workshop explored what new considerations should be given with the introduction of the Bundaberg East flood levee. More information about FMA can be found here: https://www.floods.asn.au
Reading of Water Meters
Residents are advised that Council staff will commence reading water meters from Monday, 25 November 2024.
To ensure your meter is read, residents are advised to:
1. Ensure the area around the meter is clean and free from debris or obstruction and clearly visible.
2. Remove or trim any plants, shrubs, dirt or other obstructions that are blocking access.
3. Keep dogs secure or restrained away from the meter.
4. Unlock any gates preventing access to the meter.
Council thanks residents for their cooperation in relation to this matter.
Civil Works Schedule Below the Maintenance Schedule for week commencing 11 November 2024– weather permitting.
Maintenance Grading & Emergent Works
• Zone 1: Prices Road – Emergent Works
• Zone 2: Dingley Dell Road & Colodan Road – Emergent Works
• Zone 3: Beneckes Road – Emergent Works
• Zone 4: Arvale Road, Emu Creek Road, Scrub Road & Slaughter Yard Road – Emergent Works
• Zone 5: Nerangie Rd & Cheltanham Rd – Maintenance Grading
• Zone 6: Tudors Road – Heavy Formation Grade
• Zone 7: Boondooma Road – Heavy Formation Grade
• Zone 8: Maurers Road – Emergent Works
• Zone 9: Summers Road – Maintenance Grading
Emergent Flood Repairs (To be completed on 14/11/2024) – Due to volume of work & rapidness of work completed this list is not static & more work may be completed.
Construction Crew
• North: Kalpowar Road – Maintenance Grading
• South: Gayndah Mt Perry Road – Maintenance Grading
February Flood Event Contracting crews will be in various locations finalising the February Flood 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.
Media Contact
1300 696 272 | media@northburnett.qld.gov.au