Bon Accord Bridge September Update
Reconstruction work is underway on and around the Bon Accord Bridge site. Timber Restoration Services will complete a site survey this month, which will allow them to finalise the designs of the replacement bridge deck units.
The design tender for the rehabilitation of the Bridge approaches has been awarded to Cormac Road Civil Pty Ltd (CRC) as the successful tenderer. CRC will organise the required survey and testings to support preliminary designs of the approaches in the following weeks. Pending weather and contractor availability, civil reconstruction works are planned for completion early in the new year to allow bridge deck reconstruction to follow.
Together, we look forward to witnessing the transformation of this Bridge into a renewed landmark that reflects the resilience and progress of our region.
Monto Water Main Incident
At 9.30pm on August 30, a vehicle destroyed the 4-inch water main and meter servicing the Monto Hospital, leaving the Hospital and a number of other customers without a water service. Council Officers quickly responded to attend the scene. Working in the rain and through the night, they were able to install an emergency connection and restore water services to the Hospital and other customers at around 3.30am.
It is great to know that even when we are sleeping, Council’s crews may be working hard to provide continuity of service to our customers across the region.
Water and Wastewater Projects underway in Biggenden
The Water and Wastewater team in Biggenden are currently draining and desludging the first pond at the Biggenden Sewage Treatment Plant. While we look forward to the rain, this is a project best undertaken during a drier period, with the current weather outlook appearing favourable for this work. This project that will take several months to complete, weather permitting.
Meanwhile, works to construct the replacement Water Treatment Plant at Biggenden continues, with major structures due to appear on the skyline of the site over the next few weeks.
Parks and Open Spaces Update
Cadaghi Trees on Lister Street Monto
Council would like to thank the community for their feedback regarding the proposed removal of six Cadaghi trees from Lister Street, Monto. Following consultation, Council has decided not to remove these trees and will arrange for the removal of any unsafe limbs to reduce risk to public safety.
Spring in the North Burnett Parks
Council’s Parks and Open Spaces staff have been busy rejuvenating the parks and gardens throughout the North Burnett. You may have seen some of the recent work completed in the gardens of Don McInnes Park, Monto, or the freshly laid turf at Halfpenny Park, Mundubbera, around the picnic table. These projects are completed to ensure our local parks are a beautiful and safe place for our communities to use.
Letters of Support
Councillors and I often receive requests for Letter of Support for various grant applications. If you require a letter of support from Council or the Mayor, to assist with business or economic development, community group or other financial assistance, please ensure that you allow enough time for the letter to be written.
It’s important to leave enough time for any deadlines which you are required to meet, and it is recommended that you allow at least six weeks, for the preparation of letters of support.
For all projects involving infrastructure upgrades or improvements to Council-owned facilities or land, Council support must be sought prior to submitting a funding application. Community groups are encouraged to seek project support well in advance, to avoid time constraints of a funding round.
SES Week and the North Coast Region SES Award Ceremony
On Saturday 9 September 2023, the start of SES Week, Councillor Giddins, Mr Ron Mientjes (SES Deputy District Controller), Ms Nicole Jobling (SES member) and I attended the 2023 North Coast Region SES Award Ceremony in Kilkivan where approximately 150 SES members and officials attended. This was an opportunity to acknowledge and thank our SES volunteers with over 100 different Recognition Awards presented.
This year SES Week is celebrated from 9 – 17 September 2023. SES Week is assigned to recognise the hard work, dedication and commitment volunteers contribute to our communities and keeping us safe in uncertain times.
The SES is designed to empower people to help themselves and others in their communities in times of emergency and disaster. If you are enthusiastic, adventurous, and willing to give back to your community, your local SES group would be thrilled to welcome you.
Mount Perry Locals Shine
Natisha Dingle from Mount Perry has recently set, then reset, a new World Record and won Gold at the World Air Sports Federation’s World Cup of Speed Skydiving in Prostejov, Czech Republic in August 2023. Ms Dingle won the speed skydiving championship with an average score of 486.969km/h over the eight round event. Her record speed was recorded on her fifth jump with a speed of 496.22km/h. Miss Dingle also broke the World Record for maximum vertical speed without a drogue twice with speeds at 496.98km/h and 500.98km/h.
Casey Cleary represented the Burnett Sub Chambers at the 2023 Royal Queensland Show (Ekka) in the Queensland Country Life Showgirl Awards. To make the occasion even more special for Ms Cleary, she was awarded the Showgirl’s Choice award. The young women who received awards are selected from hundreds of entrants across the 128 agricultural shows through Queensland. The competition promotes young women who are involved in Queensland’s Agricultural Show Movement.
Jake Dingle has had another successful year the 2023 Royal Queensland Show in the woodchopping arena. Mr Dingle placed second in Section 3 – Open 300mm Underhand Royal Queensland Show Championship and Section 5A Open 325mm Underhand Handicap (First Division). He also placed third in the Open 350mm Underhand Championship of Australia.
Kurt Dingle also competed this year at the 2023 Royal Queensland Show in the woodchopping arena, placing sixth in section 5A Open 325mm Underhand Handicap (First Division) and third in section 8A Open 325mm Underhand Handicap (First Division).
On behalf of North Burnett Regional Council, I wish to congratulate and say well done to Natisha, Casey, Jake and Kurt on these achievements.
Civil Works Update
Maintenance Schedule for commencing week 11 September 2023 – weather permitting:
- Maintenance Grading Zone 1 – Walkers Creek Road
- Maintenance Grading Zone 2 –Glencoe Road
- Maintenance Grading Zone 3 – Kalpaldo Road
- Maintenance Grading Zone 4 – Smokers Gully Road
- Maintenance Grading Zone 8 – Wigton Road
- Maintenance Grading Zone 9 – Deep Creek Road
- Construction Crew North – Fairweathers Road Resheet to Prices Road Resheet
- Construction Crew South – February Flood – Gospel Hall 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.