Biggenden Show Society Spring Fair 2022
The Biggenden and District Show Society have chosen to conduct a Spring Fair in the form a family fun day for the community to come together, commencing at 10:00am Saturday, 3 September 2022. This event is to make up for the Biggenden Annual Agricultural Show that was postponed in May 2022 due to Covid restrictions. I congratulate the committee for their hard work and dedication to present this function for their community and our region.
Sale of Land for Overdue Rates
On Tuesday, 6 September 2022 an auction will be held in the Gayndah Community Hall, 32-34 Capper Street, Gayndah commencing at 9:00am. The purpose of this auction is to sell multiple parcels of land due to owners not paying rates for a period of three (3) years or more.
It does not give Council any pleasure taking this action to see land and infrastructure contained thereon being offered for sale. However, I do applaud the current Councillors for resolving to undertake this action and commend Council administration for their time and effort to prepare the necessary documentation to complete this task. It is totally unjust that ratepayers who diligently pay their rates have to carry property owners who do not meet their commitments.
All ratepayers are encouraged to pay Council rates and service charges in a timely manner to avoid legal action. Council does offer a payment plan to ratepayers, especially those facing financial difficulty.
Local Achievements at recent shows
On behalf of Council, I congratulate Mr Jake Dingle of Mundubbera who was announced as Male Champion of Champions for the 2022 year at the Brisbane exhibition who excelled in his profession of best woodchoppers from across the country.
Further, I wish to congratulate Ms Girly Goody of Monto on behalf of Council for her achievement for winning the trophy for most suitable carcass for the domestic market at the 2022 Gympie Carcass Classic.
Public Session following the General Meeting
General Meetings are held monthly and are rotated throughout the region to be held at all six (6) centres twice yearly. Council agreed to provide a public session following each General Meeting, commencing Wednesday, 28 September at Monto. These meetings will be open to any member of the public within the region to raise matters of concern in relation to the individual or group. Each meeting will commence at 11:30am to 1:00pm on the designated day. Each Councillor will be in attendance and the sessions may conclude earlier, once all matters raised are heard.
African Swine Fever Seminar
Councillors Dingle, Giddins & Mesner attended the African Swine Fever preparedness workshop at Mundubbera on 18 August 2022. Mr John Cuskelly from Biosecurity Queensland spoke about the harm this virus could bring to our region if local governments were not prepared, and how we could assist with public awareness advocacy. It was also advised that they have now placed a new Biosecurity Officer at Gayndah for our Region. The Department also gave an update on Foot & Mouth Disease and Lumpy Skin Disease. Further information in relation to these diseases may be obtained from the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.
North Coast Region SES Week – Awards Ceremony
On Saturday, 27 August 2022, Cr Giddins attended the Annual SES Awards in Gympie. Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner, Mr Greg Leach and Deputy Commissioner, Mr Stephen Smith presented five (5) SES members of the North Burnett Region with Medals & Awards. Congratulations to Mr Nick Hodge, Mr Michael Imhoff, Ms Kerri-Ann Cretney, Mr Brian Lowe and Mr David Wilson on being the recipients of these Awards. It was also recognised that the Monto SES unit had previously been presented with a new 5.3 metre flood boat/trailer and outboard motor valued at $99,282.00.
Monto Historical and Cultural Centre
During the week Mr Tom Lynn and helpers have installed Tom Lynn’s Gem and Stone collection into 10 cabinets purchased by Mr Lynn for this purpose. The collection will be on display at the Monto Historical and Cultural Centre which is open to the public. There will be an official opening of the collection on Sunday, 2 October 2022 at 11:30am.
Biggenden Chamber of Commerce
On Wednesday, 10 August 2022, CEO, Margot Stork and myself attended the Biggenden Chamber of Commerce meeting. It was a good opportunity to meet with this group and to hear matters of concern. Council has agreed to follow up on various issues raised and are supportive of community groups attempting to nurture their community interests locally.
State Recovery and Resilience Plan
Major General, Justin (Jake) Ellwood and Flight Lieutenant, Nadia Al lahham attended the North Burnett Regional Council Disaster Centre in Gayndah and met with Cr Dael Giddins (Deputy Chair of Disaster Recovery Group), CEO, Margot Stork and staff to discuss progress in relation to State Government Policy following disaster events.
Major Ellwood explained he has visited many remote and isolated areas that have recently been affected by disaster events. The main topics of discussions centred around state recovery and resilience planning, buyback of flood affected land and the reinstatement/restoration of the damaged Bon Accord Bridge. Council advised that a full report is being prepared to the State Government in relation to this infrastructure.
Roadworks and Civil Update
An extensive weekly update from our Civil Teams can be found on our website and social media. Our teams are working cohesively to supply this information for you on a weekly basis. Should you have any concerns or questions about a particular road, please don’t hesitate to contact our friendly customer service team. You can also provide us with a direct report via the Snap, Send, Solve app, which is available for apple and android devices.
Key projects being worked on by Civil teams this week include:
- Maintenance grades across all 7 zones
- Medium formation grading on Powers Road
- Clearing and re-sheeting of Halfpenny Lane
- Emergent works on the Gayndah-Mt Perry Road
- Safety works on the roundabout at Pioneer Place
- Replacement of gutters on a shelter at Jaycee Park
- The awning at McConnel’s Lookout toilet block is being repaired. The old, unsightly bin has been removed and will be replaced with a new 240L lockable stand bin. A removable bollard will be installed to stop unauthorised access to the shelters.
Please note, these works may be delayed due to unforeseen circumstances like wet weather.
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 www.northburnett.qld.gov.au/meet-yourcouncillors.
Media Contact
1300 696 272 | media@northburnett.qld.gov.au