National Volunteer Week – 15-21 May 2023
This week, 15 to 21 May 2023 is National Volunteers Week, when we celebrate the important work of volunteers in our communities. This year’s theme is ‘We are the Change Makers’, and there many kinds of roles that volunteers perform, which can bring about positive change for our communities. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all the volunteers who donate their time and energy to organisations and community events throughout the North Burnett. If you are unable to travel to attend any of the National Volunteer Week events, there are a number of free online events you can attend, which you can find here. If you are interested in being a change maker through volunteering, or registering your organisation to recruit volunteers, go to the Volunteering Queensland page here.
National Simultaneous Storytime – 22-24 May 2023
National Simultaneous Storytime, which is now in its 23rd year, is a wonderful opportunity for families to inspire their children’s love of books and learning. This event brings children together in libraries, schools, pre-schools, childcare centres and homes around the country, to read an Australian picture book at the same time. This year’s book is ‘The Speedy Sloth’ by Rebecca Young & Heath McKenzie. It is an inspiring story about Spike, a determined sloth who shows us that being a winner means doing your best! In 2022, over 2.18 million participants came together at 59,000 locations and this year is promising to be as big and exciting an event as ever. Come along to your local library between 22-24 May 2023 at the following times, to participate.
| Date | Time | Location |
| Monday 22 May 2023 | 10.30am – 11.30am | Biggenden Library |
| Tuesday 23 May 2023 | 1.00pm – 2.00pm | Mount Perry Library |
| Wednesday 24 May 2023 | 10.30am – 11.30am
|
Eidsvold Library
Gayndah Library Monto Library Mundubbera Library
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Mundubbera Washdown Facility Temporarily Closed
The Mundubbera washdown facility continues to be temporarily closed due to biosecurity compliance concerns. Council is currently investigating a potential and compliant alternative for future use, however it is unclear how long the facility will be closed, while remedial and alternative options are explored. Council will continue to provide information to the community as it comes to hand. Council currently operates three (3) other washdown facilities at Monto, Eidsvold and Gayndah. For information regarding their locations, please go to Council’s website here.
Beeron Road Unsealed Section
Council’s Southern Construction crew have been working on the unsealed section of Beeron Road. The team is undertaking a 100mm gravel re-sheet on large road sections to improve wet weather accesses and rideability for all road users. Once complete, the crew will have formed up five (5) kilometres of road and placed approximately six thousand five hundred (6500) tonnes of gravel.
Responsible Pet Ownership
I am aware that there is an ongoing issue with roaming dogs throughout the North Burnett and I am appealing to dog owners to be responsible for their pets. It is a serious issue when dogs show aggression towards other animals or people, and pet owners are responsible and legally liable for the actions of their animals.
When owning a pet, the property should have adequate fencing to ensure your pet cannot escape, fencing should be:
- adequate to keep your pet contained on the premises (consider if they are a jumper, a digger or a climber)
- constructed of materials that are sufficiently strong to prevent your pet getting under, over or through it
- high enough to prevent jumping or climbing
- with gates that can be closed and latched to prevent your pet escaping
- accompanied by a barrier where required to prevent your pet from digging underneath it or climbing over.
It is important that every pet owner acts proactively, in order to protect our community from the danger and fear of dog attacks. People have a right to feel safe in the community and it is the responsibility of pet owners to ensure the protection of others and to keep public areas safe for people to enjoy. I recommend the following steps to take, if a dog attacks you or your pet:
- If required, seek immediate medical assistance (dial 000) or vet treatment.
- Contact Council on 1300 696 272 to report the incident as soon as possible.
- Advise Council staff if the dog is still wandering at large.
- When lodging your request provide as much information to Council staff as possible. For example: description of the attacking dog; location of the attack (street, park, private property, etc); injuries sustained; witnesses to the attack.
- If treatment was required ask your doctor or vet for a statement of attendance that records your visit or a doctor’s certificate.
- Take photographs of any injuries.
- While the incident is fresh in your memory, please download and fill in a Dog Attack Statement Form.
Council takes dog aggression very seriously and irresponsible owners will face consequences if they do not follow the local Council Regulations.
Civil Works Update
This week, you can expect to see the grading continuing and commencing on the following roads:
- Maintenance Grading Zone 1 – Clonmel Road
- Maintenance Grading Zone 2 – Coominglah Road
- Maintenance Grading Zone 3 – Nogo River Road
- Maintenance Grading Zone 4 – Longs Road
- Maintenance Grading Zone 7 – Mungy Road
- Maintenance Grading Zone 8 – McCords Road
- Maintenance Grading Zone 9 – Stevens Road, Delleys Road, Kukar Road, Pearces Road
- Construction Crew North – Abercorn Floodway Replacement & Widening
- Construction Crew South – Beeron Road Re-sheet
- Bridge Repairs – Wuruma Dam Bridge (Mt Eagle Road)
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: