Bon Accord Bridge, Gayndah Update
On Thursday 25 February 2023, Council received notification from the Queensland Reconstructive Authority (QRA) that Council’s application for funding towards the reinstatement of Bon Accord Bridge on Bon Accord Wetheron Road, Gayndah, has progressed to the approval phase.
This means that Council’s application has been assessed as being a compliant application and the solution proposed by Council is technically sound and represents value for money. Council’s application will now go through the final approval process and final notification is expected within the next couple of weeks.
Once Council is notified of the final approval, Council Officers will begin procurement activities to ensure the bridge is reinstated as soon as practical. On behalf of Council, I thank the community affected by this bridge closure for their patience, as Council continues to work through this process. I would also acknowledge the time and effort Council Officers have provided toward this project.
Staatz Bridge, Monto Completed
Works to repair Staatz Bridge, Monto have been completed. Works have included rehabilitating the substructure and installing a new Glulam Deck. The substructure has been repaired using high-strength fibre reinforcement, additional headstock supports, and lateral cross-bracing to align the bridge with modern load-carrying expectations. The load limit has been removed from this structure and all legally loaded vehicles will be able to use this bridge, now.
Mulgildie – Heavy Vehicle Rest Area
Council received notification on Thursday 23 February 2023, that the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) will begin works at Mulgildie, to improve the heavy vehicle rest area. The works may require short term closures of local roads. For further details please do not hesitate to contact TMR directly on 13 19 40 or visit their website here.
Monto Administration Building Repairs
At the Council General Meeting on Wednesday 22 February 2023, Council resolved to rectify the structural issues within the Monto Administration building, which has been out of use since 2019, in order to move administration staff back in and make administrative use of the building once more. The timing for this rectification process will depend on funding approval and trade labour availability. More information regarding the project will be made available to the public in the future.
National General Assembly in Canberra – June 2023
At the Council General Meeting on Wednesday 22 February 2023, Council resolved to make use of the opportunity of the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and chief Executive Officer attending the Assembly, to advocate for the North Burnett. They intend to seek increased funding for water, waste water, roads and waste management infrastructure, including identified projects, skills development and training amongst infrastructure staff, regional skills and labour shortages, television infrastructure, mobile black spot funding and more.
Telstra Connected Communities Grant Program
Telstra has announced the Connected Communities Grant Program, to support Australia’s remote, rural, and regional communities. $600,000 will be available to not-for-profit organisations, to foster inclusion and resilience over the next three years. Applications for the 2023 Telstra Connected Communities grant round will open at 9am on Wednesday, 1 March 2023 and will close at 5pm on Thursday, 30 March 2023.
This first round will make $200,000 available for applications of up to $10,000 each. Successful grants will be announced in June 2023 and successful applicants will have 12 months to complete funded projects. You can find out more about the Connected Communities Grant Program here.
New Australian Fire Danger Rating System – AFDRS
Are you familiar with the new fire danger ratings? Fire danger ratings describe the potential level of danger that can occur, should a bushfire start. The danger ratings give you valuable information, so you can take action to protect yourself and others.
The AFDRS has four levels – Moderate, High, Extreme and Catastrophic. Each level has a distinct title, colour and key message. It is important to familiarise yourself with this new system, as it will be used by the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) for all fire danger warnings. Council will also use the new fire danger rating system to broadcast fire danger in the region, on our Disaster Management Dashboard and also on social media posts. You can find out more about each level by visiting the QFES website here.
Civil Works Update
- Maintenance Grading Zone 2 – Folleys Gully Road
- Maintenance Grading Zone 4 – Yarrol Road, McLeods Road
- Maintenance Grading Zone 6 – Yenda Benyenda Road, Yenda Road
- Maintenance Grading Zone 7 – Skeates Road, Zipfs Road, Pattens Road
- Maintenance Grading Zone 8 – Yerilla Road, Cheltenam Road
- Maintenance Grading Zone 9 – Muan Road, Aberdeens Road, Kimbers Lane
- Construction Crew North – TMR Reseal Prep, Local Road – Reseal Prep
- Construction Crew South – TMR Reseal Prep – Stabilisation, Gayndah – Mt Perry – Resheet
- Resource Crew North – Glencoe Road – NHVR Upgrade
- Resource Crew South – Bauer Street – Footpath Replacement
Wetheron Creek Bridge (Wilson Valley Road): Repairs in progress
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.le
Media Contact
1300 696 272 | media@northburnett.qld.gov.au