Local Government Association Queensland (LGAQ) 127th Annual Conference
Deputy Mayor Councillor Radel, Councillors Jones and Mesner and CEO Margot Stork attended the 127th LGAQ Annual Conference in Gladstone.
The conference ran from Monday 16 October to Wednesday 18 October 2023 with Ministers, Mayors and CEO’s holding forums, debates and updates that affect Councils across Queensland. With 2024 Local Government Elections fast approaching, it was a great opportunity to be part of Councils coming together to share knowledge and focus on advocacy issues that matter most to our communities with the Premier and attending Ministers.
During the final day of the conference, motions submitted by Councils were discussed and debated, voted on. The results of voting set the LGAQ’s policy agenda for the year ahead.
Our Council had put forward ten motions, with the following endorsed:
- Motion 22 – Dedicated regional waste infrastructure funding
- Motion 28 – Simplify the regulatory processes for local gravel pits
- Motion 35 – Funding for the implementation of practical solutions to the housing crisis
- Motion 54 – Grant Funding for Regional, Rural and Remote Areas (this was also a motion from Balonne Shire Council)
- Motion 89 – Simplify regulatory requirements for washdown facilities
- Motion 112 – Attracting professionals, skilled and unskilled Local Government works to regional and remote areas
- Motion 139 – Investment in skills training and supply chain improvements for water and wastewater treatment services
- Motion 140 – Investment in water infrastructure projects across regional Queensland for waster security (this was also a motion from South Burnett Regional Council, Toowoomba Regional Council and Western Downs Regional Council)
Audit and Risk Committee Meeting
On Thursday 12 October 2023 the North Burnett Audit and Risk Committee held their first meeting. The Committee reviewed and discussed the 2022-2023 Financial Audit – Management Report, Draft Community Financial Report 2022-2023, Draft Annual Financial Statements 2022-2023, and Audit and Risk Committee Annual Work Plan. The meeting produced action items for Council officers which assist Council in being transparent and fulfilling its oversight responsibilities relating to accounting and reporting requirements.
Council Documents Online
There is a wide range of Council documents available to view on our website. These documents can provide an understanding on Council’s budget, plans, achievements and other helpful information on local laws and policies.
These documents include:
- 2023/2024 Budget (Revenue Statements, Statutory Budgets, Your Rates Explained, 2022/23 Budget Summary)
- Plans and Reports (Corporate Plans, Operational Plans, Annual Reports)
- Fees and Charges
- Local Laws and
- Policy Register.
If you would like to view these documents, please visit https://northburnett.qld.gov.au/council-documents/ or phone Council on 1300 696 272 for assistance.
Local Fire Ban for North Burnett
The Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) has imposed a local fire ban for the North Coast Region which includes residents of the North Burnett.
This ban will come into effect from 0001 hours on Wednesday 25 October due to the current weather conditions being perfect for bushfires to ignite and spread quickly.
Under a local fire ban all open fires are prohibited and all Permits to Light Fire which have been issued in the designated areas have been cancelled for the duration of the ban. Information on fire bans and the exemptions that can apply can be found on the QFES website www.qfes.qld.gov.au.
Mount Perry Axemen and Sawyers Annual Woodchop
On Saturday 14 October 2023, Councillors Dingle and Giddins, and I attended the Mount Perry Axemen and Sawyers Annual Woodchop. This annual event was once again well attended and enjoyed by spectators and competing axemen and women of all ages. The events were hotly contested with many local and travelling competitors competing in standing and underhand handicaps, championship chop, chainsaw speed cutting and disc stack, and fencepost ripping competitions. Special recognition was made for Mt Perry local Brian Gerdes who passed away earlier this year.
Civil Works Update
Maintenance Schedule for commencing week 23 October 2023 – weather permitting:
- Maintenance Grading Zone 1 – Childs Road
- Maintenance Grading Zone 2 – Tolo Road
- Maintenance Grading Zone 3 – Selene Mine Road to Selene Hall Road
- Maintenance Grading Zone 4 – Deep Creek Road to Tenningering Road
- Maintenance Grading Zone 9 – Farrells Road
- Construction Crew North – North Branch Road to RMPC Eidsvold Theodore Road (stabilisation)
- Construction Crew South – Gayndah Mt Perry Road – Formation Grade Gravel Resheet
- Construction Crew Mun – REPA 22 February Flood – Rifle Range 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.