QLD Water Connections Tour
On Tuesday 16 May 2023, 22 members of the Queensland Water Industry visited North Burnett on the qldwater Connections Tour. The group was made up of senior staff of the Queensland Government Departments involved in regulating the sector, qldwater staff, Councillors, Council staff involved in qldwater reference groups, Local Government Association advisors and consultants. The tour included visits to water and sewage treatment plants in Biggenden and Mingo Crossing and provided an opportunity for elected members and staff to inform these groups on issues and opportunities specific to our region. Discussion also included issues faced by small regional councils, in general.
Councillors and staff discussed what is currently working, as well as opportunities related to water and sewerage services with Government representatives. The visit also offered the opportunity for participants to look for practical ways to help deliver safe drinking water services to communities and assist with environmental stewardship.
Important connections were made, as many deep discussions took place over lunch and during the site visits. Several lines of assistance are being followed up in response to matters discussed on the day.
Biggenden Show
Saturday 20 May 2023 was an exciting day in Biggenden, with the 123rd annual Show being held for the first time in one action-packed day of events. There was something for young and old alike, with prime cattle judging, poultry judging, dog show championships, stud cattle judging, children’s novelty races and rides and slides in Side Show Alley, and more. Congratulations to Biggenden Show Society, competition entrants and volunteers for the hard work that led to such a successful show.
Free Workshops – Building Landowner Pest Management Groups
Landowners are invited to attend free workshops in Mundubbera and Monto, which are being offered as part of the Queensland Feral Pest Initiative, to hear guest speakers discuss the latest news and research from people within the industry. Topics will include benefits of landowner led pest management groups, advantages of using FeralScan for recording, removal and data management of feral pests and aerial and on ground shooting. To book your seat, please contact Teleisha Schuback: Teleisha.Schuback@sbrc.qld.gov.au.
The workshops will be held at the following times and places:
| Town | Date and Time | Location |
| Mundubbera | 31 May 2023, from 9.00am to 1.00pm | Mundubbera Town Hall |
| Monto | 1 June 2023, from 9.00am to 1.00pm | Monto Town Hall |
Australian Government Mobile Services visit the North Burnett
The Services Australia truck will be visiting the North Burnett in early June 2023, where you can find out about Australian Government payments and services for rural Australians, students, job seekers, people with disability, farmers and self-employed people. Information about Department of Veteran’s Affairs programs and support services for veterans and their families will also be available. The truck will come to the following townships at the following dates and times:
| Town | Date and Time | Location |
| Monto | 5 June 2023, 10.00am – 4.00pm | Near the Community Hall |
| Eidsvold | 6 June 2023, 9.30am – 4.00pm | Near Apex Park |
| Mundubbera | 7 June 2023, 9.00am – 4.00pm | Near the Memorial gardens |
| Gayndah | 8 June 2023, 9.00am – 3.00pm | In front of Town Hall |
| Biggenden | 13 June 2023, 9.30am – 4.00pm | Near Beiers Park, Edward Street |
Water and Wastewater
Latest Technology in PVC Fittings
Water and Wastewater staff gathered in Mundubbera on Thursday 18 May 2023 to learn about the latest technology in PVC fittings for water and sewer infrastructure. Representatives from Plasson provided examples of fittings and systems for Poly pipelines and instruction, on how to ensure reliable performance of welded fittings for water service applications. NBRC is moving towards a greater reliance on poly as a pipeline and fitting material, because its flexibility makes it much more reliable in our highly reactive clay soils, compared to more rigid materials. Staff will receive training in poly welding over coming months, to qualify them to install poly welded pipelines and fittings with full warranty coverage.
Biggenden Water Mains Leak
On Thursday 18 May 2023, a water leak in Biggenden had the Water and Wastewater Team scratching their heads. It was very strange how it failed in such a protected position (under the service pipeline) and in such a neat and tiny round hole. Despite the initial difficulty of finding the source of the problem, the team was on the job, had the problem solved in short order and the water flowing to customers. Great work!
Civil Works Update
Glencoe Road Project
Council’s Northern Civil Works Construction crew completed the Glencoe Road Project this week, funded by Building Better Regions Funding (Round 4). The upgrade covers approximately 10km of Glencoe Road, Monto, between the intersections of Foleys Gully Road and Camboon Road.
Council would like to thank staff and contractors (C & K Transport and Earthmoving & Baldwin Sand, Gravel and Concrete) for their work.
Maintenance Schedule
This week, you can expect to see the grading continuing and commencing on the following roads:
- Maintenance Grading Zone 1 – Cedar Creek Road, Glen Valley Road, Wongalee Road
- Maintenance Grading Zone 2 – Foleys Gully Road
- Maintenance Grading Zone 3 – Nogo River Road, Hollywell Road, Nogo Junction Road
- Maintenance Grading Zone 4 – Normans Road
- Maintenance Grading Zone 7 – Reids Creek Road, Binjour Branch Creek Road
- Maintenance Grading Zone 8 – A Creek Road, Pearlinga Road, McCords Road
- Maintenance Grading Zone 9 – Pearces Road, Chowey Cemetry Road, Chowey Bridge Road, Belah 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: