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On Wednesday 11 May, I attended the Mt Perry Community Development Board meeting where 17 local residents attended, and the following issues were discussed:

  • Mt Perry Summit Walk. The group proposed to purchase equipment to maintain the constructed summit walk. Further, it was suggested that a roster system be established to maintain herbage growth on the walking track to allow visitors easy access. Discussion also centred around the construction of a summit gazebo yet to be constructed. The summit walk pedestrian counter to date have registered 7500 entries and exits.
  • Tram progress report. Members of the Mt Perry Men’s Shed advised that a working bee in March 2022, the refurbished cow catcher was refitted to the restored tram. Restoration to this tram continues.
  • Concerns were raised regarding the quality of water in a stream at the back of local Council park and a request was made to Council for further maintenance to this area.

On Thursday 12 May, Cr Dingle and myself attended the Burnett 2032 Trade and Investment Strategy Consultation meeting in Bundaberg where approximately 30 people attended. Discussions centred around trade and investment opportunities for our Wide Bay Burnett Region where the focus was on the 2032 Olympic event. Points raised included increased trade and investment opportunities, development of the tourism footprint i.e. Bunya Mountains to the Great Barrier Reef and a host of opportunities in-between.  Other topics discussed were skilled workforce for industry, health infrastructure, tourism, waste and energy opportunities.

Once again, significant rain was received throughout the region and in particular, the southern and eastern portions. Infrastructure including roads and bridges were affected in this event with residents being isolated for a period of time. One of the main messages that I have for anyone requiring disaster support is that they contact 000 immediately if the situation is life threatening or, contact Council on 1300 696 272 to report your situation i.e. you are isolated and require assistance. 

Requests for assistance are assessed by the LDMG and resources are pooled with other agencies such as SES and QFES and a plan is put in to place to action the request.  When making the request, our staff will ask lots of questions to gain a full understanding of the current situation, this will help the LDMG prioritise the resources required.  We urge all residents to be prepared for times of disaster, especially those people who do become isolated.  Ensure that you have an emergency kit and enough supplies in case you do become isolated. 

Communication can become an issue during times of disaster due to faults and power outages, however this too can be managed in most cases if prepared with the right equipment.  For more information on how to be ready for an emergency, visit www.getready.qld.gov.au.  Council’s Disaster Management team are also available to answer questions or make suggestions in relation to your Household Emergency Plan or Emergency Kit.

Jack Parr Bridge and Eidsvold Station bridge have reopened to traffic.  Gayndah-Mt Perry Road will remain closed until the road is dry enough for crews to repair.  Repairs are expected to be completed by Thursday, 19 May 2022, please continue to check the Disaster Dashboard for updates.

Please let Council know if you have been impacted by the rain event or subsequent flooding.  This information assists the Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) with planning and reviewing procedures and stations, as well as funding opportunities. 

If you are a primary producer and suffered from any flood damage, please remember to take date-stamped photographs. Should you experience any damage or losses to your property, we encourage you to fill in our Natural Disaster Impact Survey to help us understand the scale of any impacts.

On behalf of the LDMG and Councillors, I extend a thank you to all agencies, staff and volunteers for their efforts and preparedness related to this event. A special thank you to Cr Melinda Jones to her leadership and Council staff for their response during this time.  Members of the community placed signs out in remote locations, provided live time updates and undertook a range of proactive activities, ensuring community safety and wellbeing.

Due to the wet weather, usual road maintenance will be delayed across the region.  Please check Council’s Road Maintenance Schedule on our website for updates.

It is no denying that 2021/22 has seen a significant increase in rainfall compared to previous years.  The Local Drought Committee met again recently and has revoked the Drought Declaration for the North Burnett.  If a producer is experiencing difficult conditions, then they can apply for an Individually Droughted Property (IDP) declaration. There are support agencies such as QRIDA and Rural Financial Counsellors who may be able to help producers gain access to government support, please reach out to these organisations for more information.

The Country Circus Roadshow is coming to Gayndah and Eidsvold on Friday and Saturday nights.  The roadshow brings some of Queensland’s best homegrown world-class circus performers to regional Queensland, and we are looking forward to seeing them perform in our community. Council has supported these events by providing a letter of support for Experience Rova’s funding application, promotion, and use of Council halls.  Tickets are available online, head to www.countrycircusroadshow.com.au to purchase.

Please do not hesitate to get in touch with your divisional councillor or myself if you would like to address any concerns. Our contact details can be found on Council’s website www.northburnett.qld.gov.au/meet-your-councillors.  I can be contacted any time on my mobile, 0458 696 272 or email cr.les.hotz@northburnett.qld.gov.au.