Regional Policy Forum – Biloela
On Tuesday, 19 September 2023, I attended a Regional Policy Forum being held by Local Member Bryson Head MP in Biloela. Jarrod Bleijie MP (Deputy Leader of the Opposition and Shadow Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning) and Sam O’Connor (Shadow Minister for Environment) also attended this forum. The main topics discussed centred around better regulatory frameworks for energy projects, more investment and maintenance for the local coal fired power station and the maternity ward bypass in Biloela. My concern is all the above, along with the security of employment to those who work in the mining industry and live within the North Burnett region.
Swimming season in the North Burnett
Monto swimming pool reopens on Thursday, 28 September and Biggenden, Eidsvold, Gayndah, and Mundubbera pools are reopening on Saturday 30 September. This comes as perfect timing with the hot spring days we are experiencing. Our pools are open seven days a week, however all have slightly different hours. Please confirm your local pool’s hours by visiting our website: northburnett.qld.gov.au/swimming-pools/ or contacting your local pool directly.
Public Holiday – 2 October 2023
North Burnett residents and visitors are advised that Monday, 2 October 2023 is a declared public holiday for the King’s Birthday. Council Administration Offices, Customer Service and Library Centres and Depots will be closed on this day. Our Contact Centre will be able to assist your urgent requests by phoning 1300 696 272 for our afterhours service.
Bush Fire Survival Plan
With a large amount of dry vegetation around after a warm and dry winter, be aware and prepare now for bush fires. The Bureau of Meteorology have confirmed the onset of an El Nino weather pattern, raising the chances of a hot and dry summer. Bush fires can be unpredictable, and it is important to have a plan in place, so that you and your family are aware of what to do in an uncertain situation.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) have information on how to create a Bush Fire Survival Plan with plenty of valuable information. Please visit https://bushfire-survival-plan.qfes.qld.gov.au/ or phone 13 74 68 for additional information. If a bushfire or other disaster strikes, our Emergency Dashboard is your one location for up-to-date information. You will find it at https://emergency.northburnett.qld.gov.au
My Health for Life
My Health for Life was launched in April 2017 by the Queensland Government through Health and Wellbeing Queensland. The program involves participating in a health check which can provide support by phone consultation sessions with a health coach and aims to help Queenslanders stay well at a healthy weight and lessen their risk of developing conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure.
With the shortage of rural and regional doctors this is an opportunity for our community members to benefit from free support from home. Please visit https://www.myhealthforlife.com.au/risk-assessment/ or phone 13 74 75.
Gayndah Queensland Country Women’s Association Branch 100th Celebration
On Friday 22 September 2023 Gayndah Queensland Country Women’s Association (QCWA) held their 100th Birthday celebration at the Gayndah Bowls Club. I was honoured to welcome the Acting State President, Tamara Stevenson, along with other QCWA Burnett Division attendees and local community members. A morning tea and luncheon was provided for approximately 50 attendees.
Speakers for the day reminisced on the establishment of a branch of the QCWA in Gayndah 100 years ago and commented on the struggles of women in that era. QCWA provided many benefits to our communities over the past 100 years, which included mother’s clinics, a broad range of fundraising activities, hostels for country students to allow attendance at local schools and rest rooms for travellers and visitors.
Biggenden Endurance Horse Ride – 16 and 17 September
For the past 14 years, Biggenden has hosted a horse endurance ride which honours Coalstoun Lakes local, Ken Smith, who started this ride. This year saw another successful event with nearly 80 competitors. The ride consists of 20km, 40km and 80km distances. All 17 riders in the 20km completed their ride, 86% completed the 40km and 76% completed the 80km ride. The competition draws riders from the North Burnett, Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Moura, and Glen Innes in NSW. The beautiful countryside of Biggenden, with prominent views of Mount Walsh, makes for a great riding track. Well done to all the participants and the organisers for a successful event.
A 100 Year Celebration – The Penwhaupell Story
Currently on exhibition at the Gayndah Art Gallery is a display showcasing four generations of Penwhaupell Women art – their photography, pottery, and painting. The late Paddy Bambling was well known for her Penwhaupell Pottery, using earthy tones of the country, and often used glazes made from the soil and rock from the Penwhaupell property. Paddy’s granddaughter Zarabella has provided a selection of colourful acrylic paints. The Curator Vanessa, Paddy’s daughter also has photography on display. This exhibition will be open until 22 October 2023. To enjoy the history and creativity of the Penwhaupell family art, please visit the Gayndah Art Gallery at 30 Meson Street, Gayndah QLD.
Civil Works Update
Maintenance Schedule for commencing week 25 September 2023 – weather permitting:
• Maintenance Grading Zone 1 – Cahalanes Road to Monal Road
• Maintenance Grading Zone 2 – Calrossie Road to Glencoe Road
• Maintenance Grading Zone 3 – Anyarro Road
• Maintenance Grading Zone 4 – Kalliwa Road
• Maintenance Grading Zone 7 – Wigton Road – Gravel Resheet
• Maintenance Grading Zone 8 – Coonambula Road
• Maintenance Grading Zone 9 – Deep Creek Road
• Construction Crew North – Swindon Road, Mt Perry – stabilised patching
• Construction Crew South – February Flood – Gospel Hall 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.
Pictured: Glencoe Road grading in progress
