Paradise Dam Improvement Project Update
The Queensland State Government has allocated $116.4 million to support pre‑construction activities for the Paradise Dam Improvement Project. Sunwater is progressing with construction of the dam, including, design development and approval activities to prepare for site mobilisation, prior to major construction, which will commence late next year. Sunwater is preparing three (3) lots of works for road improvements, including an upgrade of 10 kilometres of Paradise Dam Road and road construction such as pavement realignment, bitumen surfacing, widening of vertical crests, drainage enhancements, line marking and signage.
Other works will replace a low-level crossing at Degilbo Creek with a higher-level bridge, improving its ability to withstand flood events, and there will also be an upgrade of the intersection of the Bruce Highway and Booyal-Dallarnil Road.
Local Government Association of Queensland Supports Councils Regarding Dangerous Dogs
The LGAQ will make a formal submission to the State Government and looks forward to the Premier’s commitment to have new legislation introduced before the end of this year, regarding dangerous dogs. This is in support of Councils’ recent call for increased penalties for irresponsible dog owners. Councils have requested the introduction of a sliding scale of penalties, depending on the severity of the attack. This would include penalties which could range from fines for off-leash dogs, up to jail time, for anyone responsible for dogs that kill or cause grievous bodily harm to a person. It would also include the introduction of laws which would see an end to owners dragging the councils, communities and pets through endless court cases and delays.
Councils have also asked for the fast-tracking of decisions and appeals regarding the future of seized dangerous animals, a centralised database for microchipping details, additional enforcement provisions for unregistered and un-microchipped animals and repeat offenders, and improved powers for council officers.
Extraordinary Disaster Assistance Grants Extended
Grant application deadlines have been extended to 1 September 2023, for primary producers, small businesses and not-for-profit organisations affected by flooding events of February-April 2022.
Eligible primary producers can apply for grants of up to $75,000 and eligible small businesses and not-for-profits can apply for grants up to $50,000. These grants are being made available through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA). For information on grant assistance, visit www.qrida.qld.gov.au or call 1800 623 946.
Illegal Dumping of Rubbish
Dumped rubbish degrades our eco systems, because as it breaks down in water and soil, it damages the life that inhabits the natural environment. There is no excuse for dumping rubbish outside of designated landfill and transfer stations. It is everyone’s responsibility to be thoughtful caretakers of our precious environment and Council is proud of the care that is evident in our beautiful region. Council asks that everyone does the right thing and uses our landfill and transfer stations to dispose of waste.
If you notice dumped rubbish somewhere in the North Burnett, please let Council know as soon as possible, so we can clean it up, before it does environmental damage. You can use the Snap Send Solve app or call 1300 696 272.
Irrigation Water Discount Extension
The Queensland Budget has extended the 15%irrigation water discount until 30 June 2025, through the allocation of $22.8 million of funds. This discount is automatically applied for all irrigators in Sunwater and Seqwater schemes. For more information visit the Department of Regional Development Manufacturing and Water website.
Letters of Support
If you require a letter of support from Council or the Mayor, to assist with business/economic development, community group or other financial assistance, please ensure that you leave enough time for the letter to be written. It’s important to leave enough time for any deadlines which you are required to meet, and it is recommended that you allow at least six weeks, for the preparation of letters of support. If additional information is required, please do not hesitate to contact Council on 1300 696 272.
For all projects involving infrastructure upgrades or improvements to Council-owned facilities or land, Council support must be sought prior to submitting a funding application. Community groups are encouraged to seek project support well in advance, to avoid time constraints of a funding round.
Bryson Head MP – Member for Callide and Shadow Minister for the Environment Sam O’Connor Visit the Monto Region
On Friday 23 June 2023, the Member for Callide, Bryson Head and the Shadow Minister for Environment and the Great Barrier Reef, Sam O’Conner spent the day in the Monto area. During this visit they inspected Cania Dam Road and learnt about the use of Cania Dam and the National Park and Caravan parks with Cr Michael Dingle.
Following the tour with Cr Dingle, they met with residents to view Coominglah State Forest and discussed the environmental concerns that have been raised. Later that evening Mr Head and Mr O’Connor hosted a meet and greet session at the Albert Hotel which was open to residents of the North Burnett.
Civil Works Update
Maintenance Schedule
This week, you can expect to see the grading continuing and commencing on the following roads:
- Maintenance Grading Zone 1 – Kariboe Road, Youlambie Road
- Maintenance Grading Zone 2 – Mount Margaret Road
- Maintenance Grading Zone 3 – Cynthia Range Road, Goomarram Creek Road
- Maintenance Grading Zone 4 – Bania Road, Greenbank Road
- Maintenance Grading Zone 7 – Middletons Lane, Hardings Lane
- Maintenance Grading Zone 9 – Eureka Road, Gospel Hall Road, Brandts Road, Robertsons Road
- Construction Crew North – Dakiel Road HF Grade (Floodway Repair), Faraday Street, Dalgangal Road (washout)
- Construction Crew South – Biggenden Mines Road – shoulder repairs
- 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: