On Monday 23 May, Councillors and staff welcomed new Chief Executive Officer, Margot Stork.
Margot joins Council with over 20 years’ experience at Chief Executive and Senior Executive roles in both Local and State Governments. Councillors officially welcomed Margot at the Council Meeting on Wednesday 25 May, in Biggenden.
Over the weekend, we saw widespread falls over the Burnett catchment. Some residents remain isolated along the Boyne River. Given that some communities are still isolated the Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) will remain at Alert until such time the resupply risk subsides.
As the water continues to make its way through the catchment, we will see pockets of isolated communities between Mundubbera and Gayndah. The drizzly weather and possible isolated thunderstorms are predicted to continue into next week. The heaviest rainfall is expected along the coastline so we should not see significant impact in the region. However, again, we urge residents to be prepared with emergency plans and kits. Please contact Council’s Disaster Management team if you have any questions or concerns.
Council hosted a public information session regarding the Bon Accord Bridge near Gayndah on Wednesday 25 May 2022. Bon Accord Bridge sustained significant damage during the January 2022 flooding event, resulting in its closure.
Council intends to leave the bridge closed for the foreseeable future with the current detour in place. A full hydrology assessment and non-destructive testing on the concrete substructure is required. This detailed assessment will allow Council and the Queensland Reconstruction Authority to make a fully informed decision as to the best value for money and long-term resilience options. The current detouring via Wetheron Road will continue until further notice.
Council appreciates the frustration which the detour creates. However, safety of road users is an absolute priority.
The wet weather continues to hinder Council’s road maintenance program. However, you can view the program anytime on our website www.northburnett.qld.gov.au/future-road-works.
Once the weather clears and crews are back on site, you can expect to see them on the following roads:
- Old Rawbelle Road
- Glenco Road
- Wuruma Dam Road
- Gahans Road
- Hawkwood Road
Unfortunately, due to prior commitments I was unable to attend the Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service (WBHHS) meeting, which was held in Gayndah on Wednesday, 18 May. I thank Chair of the Gayndah Community Reference Group, John Zahl for providing the following report.
A gathering of some 20 local residents were addressed by WBHHS Chair, Peta Jamieson and Executive Officer, Deborah Carroll on the need for community input to the Strategic Plan. North Burnett community members are invited to have their say on the WBHHS Strategic Plan by visiting www.health.qld.gov.au/widebay/html/letstalkhealth
Other issues discussed at this meeting were:
- Doctor numbers in the North Burnett, including recruitment, the lack of consistency of care with visiting locums and hospitals being placed on by-pass when no doctor is available
- Staff numbers at health care facilities / difficulties to bring registered and enrolled nurses to rural placements
- Lack of accommodation for all health workers
- Aged care bed shortage, growing use of hospital beds for elderly and NDIA recipients
- Lack of specialist care – need to travel, lack of public transport for access
A meeting with the Minister for Health and Ambulance Services is being sought by Council to understand the above raised matters.
As always, please do not hesitate to get in touch with me directly on 0458 272 696 or cr.les.hotz@northburnett.qld.gov.au. You can also contact your divisional councillor. Councillor contact details can be found on Council’s website www.northburnett.qld.gov.au/meet-your-councillors
North Burnett Regional Councillors pictured with new Chief Executive Officer, Margot Stork out front of the Biggenden Council Chambers on Wednesday, 25 May 2022.
Pictured L-R Cr Michael Dingle, Cr Susan Payne, Cr Robbie Radel, Cr Dael Giddins, Mayor Les Hotz, CEO Margot Stork, Cr Kingsley Mesner, Cr Melinda Jones.
Media Contact
1300 696 272 | media@northburnett.qld.gov.au