Biggenden Water Treatment Plant Update
Contractors are making progress on the Biggenden Water Treatment Plant Replacement and New Raw Water Reservoir Project. We are now in the busiest phase of construction, where treatment processes and their housing are coming together simultaneously, ensuring practicality and safety. Large equipment and sheds are being assembled on the ground and lifted into place, reducing working at heights risks. The Raw Water Reservoir is getting a striking finish with new paint. In the coming weeks, the plant will start to resemble its completed state, with only roadworks, landscaping, and old plant removal remaining.
Hedge Improvement Project on Capper Street, Gayndah
In November 2022, Council sought community feedback on its plans to remove approximately 45m of the centre median hedge opposite the swimming pool and replace the hedge with salvia plants. The primary reason for the proposed hedge modification was to enhance safety for small cars turning out of Bamboo Street onto Capper Street. Currently, the existing hedge obstructs the view of oncoming traffic, posing a significant safety concern. I would like to thank the community members who took the time to consider and provide feedback.
The scope of the proposed works includes repairs to the irrigation system, which was required irrespective of the hedge removal. The plants have been selected by our Parks and Open Spaces team due to their hardy nature, low water demands and improved workplace safety risks to our staff for maintenance.
The hedge removal and salvia planting are scheduled for 17 and 18 October 2023, between the hours of 5.30am and 3.00pm. Your patience and cooperation during this time will be greatly appreciated as we work to improve road safety in our community.
Disaster Support Roadshow – BIEDO Burnett Pathways Project
Burnett Inland Economic Development Organisation (BIEDO) are hosting information sessions with a range of speakers within our region to discuss Drought Relief Assistance Scheme (DRAS), drought preparedness support, climate update and other disaster related information that may affect the North Burnett. The free sessions will be held from 9.30am to 12noon on the below dates:
- 19 October 2023 at Berron Country Club, 107 Beeron Road, Mundubbbera
- 20 October 2023 at Coalstoun Lakes Hall, Main Street, Coalstoun Lakes
If you are interested in attending, please register by 13 October by phoning BIEDO on 0400 695 456 or visiting https://www.biedo.org.au.
The Burnett Pathways Support Project has assistance provided through the jointly-funding Commonwealth – State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
Recognition to Emergency Services
On Saturday 7 October 2023, I had the opportunity alongside Cr Giddins, to attend the celebration of Ron Mitchell’s retirement after serving 38 years with Queensland Fire and Emergency Services. Prior to his retirement, his role was Fire Captain for the Gayndah Urban Auxiliary Brigade. He also provided service to the Monto community during his service to QFES. I would like to acknowledge the dedication, inconveniences of call outs and service to our communities that each emergency services officer contributes. Throughout our region we are privileged to have all areas of emergency services personnel including Queensland Fire and Rescue, Queensland Police, Queensland Ambulance, State Emergency Services and Rural Fire Services. Council is appreciative of all emergency service units and on behalf of the community say thank you.
New Art Exhibition in Mount Perry
Cr Giddins and I attended the opening of Van Loenen and Pillifeant Art Exhibition at the Shelley Kelly Gallery in Mount Perry on Saturday 7 October 2023. Artists Helen Van Loenen and Susan Pillifeant have provided artworks for display. The exhibition runs until 18 November 2023, and the gallery is open Tuesday to Thursday from 9.00am to 2.00pm.
Monto Golf Club 90th Anniversary
Monto Golf Club celebrated its 90th anniversary with a celebration dinner on Saturday 7 October 2023 and an open day on the Sunday. This is a great achievement for any country club to exist and continue to provide a place for recreation. Across the region, local sporting clubs and facilities are invaluable to giving community members of all ages a place to socialise and participate in activities that support our physical and mental health.
Civil Works Update
Maintenance Schedule for commencing week 9 October 2023 – weather permitting:
- Maintenance Grading Zone 1 – Monal Road
- Maintenance Grading Zone 2 – Redbank Road
- Maintenance Grading Zone 3 – Beneckes Road
- Maintenance Grading Zone 4 – Kalliwa Road
- Maintenance Grading Zone 8 – A Creek Road
- Maintenance Grading Zone 9 – Eureka Road
- Construction Crew North – Swindon Road stabilisation
- Construction Crew South – Gayndah Mt Perry Road – Formation Grade Gravel Resheet
- Construction Crew Mun – REPA 22 February Flood – The Ridges Road & Brian Pastures Road
Updates are also available on our website northburnett.qld.gov.au/future-road-works/
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.