Resilient Homes Fund
The Resilient Homes Fund is a $741 million program comprising an industry and community education program, resilient household rebuild program, home raising program, voluntary home buy-back program and property level flood information portal. Since the fund’s commencement, 12 property owners in the North Burnett Region have applied for the fund, including 2 severely or totally destroyed homes, seven moderately damaged homes and three minor damage homes. The Resilient Homes Fund team presented via video conference call with Councillor Dael Giddins and staff, Tuesday 19 July 2022. More information for community members is available here.
General Meeting
The North Burnett Regional Council General Meeting occurred Thursday 21 July. Several reports were tabled for Councillor awareness and consideration. Community members are encouraged to access Council’s unconfirmed minutes which are available here.
Financial Reporting
The Finance Report provided a summary of Council’s financial performance against budget, for the financial year to 30 June 2022. Council resolved to amend the budget for the year ending 30 June 2023, with financial carry-overs related to 2021-2022 committed capital projects, including roadworks initiatives which were invariably postponed due to inclement weather and supply chain challenges. Council received a recovery of outstanding rates report and agreed to write-off outstanding rates balances following liquidator processes to dispose of two properties in Eidsvold.
Local Government National General Assembly
Councillor reports summarised attendance at meetings, including the Local Government National General Assembly, held in Canberra, during June 2022. The report from the National General Assembly highlighted leading economists’ declarations that local government is “the most productive level of government”, despite collecting just 4% of national tax revenue. The Assembly agreed that councils need more sustainable and formula-based funding to restore federal funding integrity for local government. Delegates called on the Federal Government to review Financial Assistance Grants and restore them to at least 1% of Commonwealth taxation revenue.
Reginald Murray Williams Australian Bush Learning Centre
Council delegated authority to the CEO to determine a tender process designed to attract innovative solutions for the future operation of the Reginald Murray Williams Australian Bush Learning Centre.
Foot and Mouth Disease
During the General Council meeting Thursday 21 July, Councillor Payne raised a matter of urgent business related to Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD). Council subsequently resolved to support our region’s important agricultural sector, by advocating for implementation of all available biosecurity measures. Council calls on the State and Federal Governments to proactively protect the Australian livestock industry, including the mandate of border closures, if required. It is recognised that biosecurity measures and any border closures will have a significant impact on Australian business and international interests, including tourism. However, Council considers that the threat of FMD in neighbouring countries warrants an urgent and immediate response.
Monto Football Country Week
The Monto Rugby League Football Club (RLFC) hosted a successful day of Rugby League in Monto on Saturday 23 July. Not even flash flooding and 70 millimetres of rain in the lead up could stop most of the games going ahead on Saturday afternoon.
Around 450-500 spectators from Monto and beyond were treated to two spectacular Rugby League matches. The weekend and game day provided an economic boost for local clubs and businesses and Monto showcased their true community spirit with past players, volunteers, local community groups and P&C associations catering delicious food for the crowd, selling tickets and pumping water off the field in time for kick-off! Special thanks to Monto RLFC, in particular the committee members James & Karla Galloway and Mandy Dawson, plus the numerous club volunteers, whose vision and dedication to community and Rugby League shone through, with a wonderful event for the community. Also special thanks to Council’s Sport and Recreation Officer, Sally Galloway, for supporting the club in the lead up to the event.
Road works
Roadworks are currently occurring at the Gayndah-Mount Perry Road intersection with the Burnett Highway and Cania Dam Road intersection with the Burnett Highway. Temporary signage is in place. Please be cautious on the roads, as well as taking particular care at these intersections and watchful for heavy vehicle traffic.
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 www.northburnett.qld.gov.au/meet-your-councillors
Media Contact
1300 696 272 | media@northburnett.qld.gov.au