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Biggenden Women’s Shed
Do you reside in or near Biggenden? Have you heard of the Biggenden Women’s Shed? It is a welcoming, safe, inclusive space for local women of all ages, backgrounds and walks of life, where they can hold workshops, learn new skills, connect through activity, advocate for independence and mentorship through building connections.  Mental health and wellbeing are also a big focus for members, as connection helps reduce isolation and strengthen independence.

Women are invited to the next cuppa and chat morning on Friday 9 December 2022, at the Uniting Church Hall, 32 George Street, Biggenden, at 10:00am, to enjoy friendship, workshops, activities, support and encouragement. Biggenden Women’s Shed committee are in the process of submitting several proposals to establish a permanent building in Biggenden and several members are attending workshops within the community and online, to benefit the health and wellbeing of women in the community. If you would like to know more, or become involved, please contact Julie Just, Vice President, on 0427 268 624.

In Memoriam of Jill Slack
Last week I received a phone call from a past resident of Gayndah who asked if Council would consider mentioning the memory of Jill Slack who sadly passed away 7 July 2020. Jill would have celebrated her birthday this month. She has been very missed by her family, friends and the broader community since her passing. I salute her and honour her great legacy of friendship and creativity as a journalist, writer and photographer in the North Burnett and much further afield. There are a large number of her published books of local history, poetry and prose, and her tree photo books with quirky captions for each rural scene are also gems for their rural humour. Jill is truly deserving of recognition and celebration in the region in which she served tirelessly for so many years!

Overgrown Allotment in the North Burnett Region
It was brought to Councillors’ attention at the Council General Meeting on Wednesday 23 November 2022, that overgrown allotments are causing concern for local residents. Council recommends anyone with similar concerns to contact Council on 1300 696 272. Officers will contact the owner of such allotments, and seek remedial action, to maintain the property. Council is aware of the issue of properties which are owned by people who do not live locally, who do not maintain their properties to standards which ensure the safety and wellbeing of locals.

NBN Upgrade
NBN Co is about to begin work on upgrading the fixed wireless tower and network in Biggenden, providing access to faster speeds and extending the coverage of the NBN fixed wireless network. When complete, the upgrades will expand the reach of the existing fixed wireless footprint by at least 50%, as well as enabling two new high speed fixed wireless plans.

To enable the upgrades, NBN is introducing new technology and replacing some hardware on their fixed wireless towers. NBN will use 4G technology and software enhancements as well as introducing 5G mmWave technology. NBN will be among the first in the world to deploy 5G mmWave technology at this scale for a dedicated fixed wireless network.

The tower upgrades will mean some planned outages that may impact homes and businesses and their ability to use their NBN service while the work is underway. The majority of this work will be completed at night, where it is safe to do so. The upgrade work is scheduled to begin in coming days. The tower works will not impact NBN fixed line or NBN Sky Muster satellite services.

Impacted homes and businesses will be notified of any outages via their retail service provider. Information will also be available via the network status page on the NBN website: www.nbnco.com.au, as well as a targeted Facebook campaign which is currently underway for residents in and around Biggenden.

More information on the upgrades and outages can be found at: https://www.nbnco.com.au/utility/nbn-fixed-wireless-and-satellite-upgrade-program

Mundubbera Warning Siren Test – 1 December 2022
The Mundubbera Warning Siren is tested twice a year at midday on the 1st of July and 1 December each year. The siren is one method used to alert residents of a town emergency where there is a possible threat to life or property, such as floods, bushfires, cyclones, earthquakes or terrorist attacks. The siren emits a loud warning tone called the ‘Standard Emergency Warning Signal’ (SEWS). If you hear the test this Thursday, 1 December 2022, don’t be alarmed, but please explain to children or visitors from outside the region, what its purpose is.

Are You Bogged Mate? Workshop
Update! The ‘Are You Bogged Mate?” workshop, which was scheduled for this Saturday 3 December 2022, has been postponed due to illness. The purpose of the workshop is to help connect country men with lifesaving support services. You can find updated information including rescheduled dates, on Council’s Community Events Calendar, soon, or by calling Rabobank on 1300 303 033.

Release of Water Supply at Cania Dam
On Monday 21 November 2022, the Three Moon Creek Irrigator Advisory Committee (TMC IAC) met to determine matters in relation to Cania Dam. The below topics were discussed:

  • Ground water levels
  • Storage levels and inflow
  • Customer and infields and insights
  • 2022/2023 release strategy
  • Service and performance plan

It was agreed that a release of water would commence on Tuesday 22 November 2022, weather permitting, and that water will flow to Avis Weir, Mulgildie. Sunwater have agreed to provide monthly reports of water usage and the status of release to ensure best possible allocations of water usage for planning of the 2023/2024 financial year.

Sunwater have advised that there will be higher flows of water at the start of each release and for residents to remain alert and vigilant around creeks. Currently Cania Dam capacity is sitting at 35.45% as of Monday 28 November 2022 at 12:00pm, and it is expected that the level of the dam will be approximately 25% capacity at the end of the release that is without any major inflow. Information on Cania Dam capacity can be found on Sunwater’s website. Sunwater will notify residents of any changes to water releases, if further information is required, Geoff Biden from Sunwater can be contacted on 0439 981 082.

Civil Works Update
This week, Civil Works will continue with existing grading work and also commence new works on the following roads:

  • Maintenance Grading Zone 2 – Folleys Gully Road
  • Maintenance Grading Zone 5 – Calrossie Road
  • Maintenance Grading Zone 6 – Cedar Creek Road
  • Maintenance Grading Zone 7 – Lochaber Road
  • Maintenance Grading Zone 8 – Dykehead Road
  • Construction Crew North – Continuing Monto-Mt Perry Stabilisation Package
  • Construction Crew South – Pavement repairs on Gayndah – Mundubbera 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 www.northburnett.qld.gov.au/meet-your-councillors.

Media Contact

1300 696 272 | media@northburnett.qld.gov.au