Council Connection December 2013 - January 2014 by Gladstone Regional Council

COUNCIL

CONNECTION GLADSTONE REGIONAL COUNCIL NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2013 - JANUARY 2014 ISSUE 57

INSIDE Splash Zone opens

Concrete size disposal restrictions

Health information at your fingertips

SUNfest tickets on sale December 4

MAYOR'S MESSAGE It's time to unwind after a busy year in the region Well, this year seemed, again, to be a case of blink and you missed it!

Cover

Gladstone Regional Council goes Social. Page 3

Council Connection

This newsletter is produced by Gladstone Regional Council to give residents a bi-monthly update on Council events, activities, services and projects.

It was another year of milestones, achievement and progress for the Gladstone Region and it was conducted at an almost breathtaking pace. Among the many significant events for the year were the opening of the Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre and the Splash Zone water play park and the first stages of the Riverstone Rise planned community development.

Delivery

Council Connection is delivered directly into all residential letterboxes by Australia Post as “unaddressed mail” but is also available for viewing or downloading from Council’s website at www.gladstone.qld.gov.au.

Other highlights included the approval of the keenly awaited Kin Kora Centre West Mall expansion, including a revamped Kin Kora intersection, the start of work on the East Shore Development and the Gladstone Tondoon Botanic Gardens 25th birthday celebrations.

Cost

So much change and activity can be

Council Connection is automatically delivered free of charge to households in the Gladstone Region who have a residential letterbox. Cost of printing and distributing the newsletter is 49.2 cents per household per edition.

exhausting to keep up with and may even leave some individuals feeling a little disoriented. All of which makes Christmas, and the chance to spend quality time with family and friends, the perfect opportunity to become grounded again. For most of us, no matter what is happening in the external world, the sanctuary provided by the gathering of loved ones at this time of year is enough to keep our concerns at bay. Christmas is also the ideal time to take a deep breath, put the events of the past year in perspective, and rest the body and mind in preparation for what will inevitably be another busy year ahead. On behalf of Gladstone Regional Council, I wish all residents, their families and other loved ones, and visitors to the region a wonderful festive season and trust that those travelling will return safe and sound to begin 2014 refreshed and ready to go. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Environmental Impacts

Council Connection is printed on Revive Pure Silk 100% Recycled is certified carbon neutral and FSC 100% Recycled certified. It is manufactured process chlorine free (PCF) by an ISO 14001 certified mill.

Council Contacts

Mail: PO Box 29, Gladstone DC Qld 4680 Email: info@gladstonerc.qld.gov.au Phone: 4970 0700 Fax: 4975 8500 A/Hrs Emergency Phone: 4979 1134

Gladstone Office 101 Goondoon Street, Gladstone Qld 4680

Calliope Office

Contents

3 Waste collection services over holidays Council's household waste collection services unchanged over Christmas and New Year period.

5 Get Ready, it's cyclone season Find out more Visit Council's website www.gladstone. qld.gov.au and follow the 'Emergencies and Disasters' Link.

7 Help your dog ride out storms

5 Don Cameron Drive, Calliope Qld 4680

Gladstone Region dog owners to ensure the safety of their canine friends..

Miriam Vale Office

10 GECC kicks off with busy program

36 Roe Street, Miriam Vale Qld 4677

GECC in full swing with a busy program of events having kicked off in November.

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Council expands its use of Social Media

Connect with your Council through social media Follow us on Facebook and Twitter Gladstone Regional Council has "gone social" in launching its corporate Facebook page and Twitter account. What's even better is our 3000-plus Gladstone Region Local Disaster Management Group Facebook fans have been transitioned across to the new GRC Facebook page. They will now receive general information on Council events and activities, in addition to all the disaster management and severe weather warnings they received previously. The new corporate Facebook and Twitter accounts complement several other social media channels already

operating throughout Council facilities, such as the Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre, the Gladstone Regional Libraries, the Discovery Coast Community Health Service and Gladstone Tondoon Botanic Gardens.

"Social media is no longer a channel used solely by our young people. More of our older citizens have embraced it because it is easy to use and can be accessed from almost anywhere, if people have the right technology.

Mayor Gail Sellers, who has been an active Facebook and Twitter user for some time, encourages residents to engage with Council using the social media offerings.

"I’m really excited about our corporate Facebook page and I encourage people to ‘Like’ us to ensure they get all the latest information."

"We only have to look at how successful our disaster management Facebook page was during flooding early this year to see what benefits social media offers," Councillor Sellers said.

To follow the Gladstone Regional Council Facebook page or Twitter, visit Council's website at www.gladstone.qld.gov.au and follow the social media links from the home page.

Waste collection services unchanged over holidays Council's household waste collection services will continue as normal over Christmas and New Year.

boxes flattened to maximise the amount of available bin space.

Residents are reminded that as Christmas Day and New Year's Day fall on a Wednesday, household waste and recycling collection services usually carried out on this day remain unchanged.

The majority of Council's transfer stations will close on Christmas Day, except for Benaraby Landfill, which is open on all public holidays including Christmas Day from 7am until delivery of the last domestic collection truck between 2pm and 3pm.

On a property's regular service day, household wheelie bins should be placed on the kerbside for pick up by 6am. Residents are encouraged to utilise their wheelie bin capacity and be conscious of hygienic practices. To reduce odours and prevent fly breeding, food scraps particularly meat and seafood waste, are best stored in the freezer before placing in bins prior to collection day. In recycling bins, plastic bottles and cans can be crushed, paper folded or scrunched and cardboard

More information about waste collection services can be viewed on Council's website www.gladstone.qld.gov.au under Council Works & Waste.

Gladstone Regional Council - The Council Connection December 2013 - January 2014

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There's so much to do at Splash Zone

Splash Zone opens new world of fun for youngsters Water activities to entertain kids this summer A new world of fun was introduced to the Gladstone Region's youngest residents when the Gladstone Aquatic Centre's Splash Zone water play park was opened in November. Hundreds of children gathered at the opening, eager to be among the first to wet their feet, and just about everything else, as the ultramodern facility opened to the public for the first time. The play park's centrepiece, the 500-litre Big Tipper Bucket, has proved a hit with the kids since opening day, as have the slides, water jets and cannons, sprays, bubblers and toddlers' pool, making Splash

Zone the coolest place for children to be this summer. In addition to being fun, the Splash Zone activities and play equipment are also designed to be educational for youngsters. The addition of the $2.5 million Splash Zone facility followed the upgrade to the 50m Olympic-size pool, including a new treatment plant and new base inlets to reduce turbulence, giving Gladstone a state-of-the-art facility for families to enjoy. Splash Zone is open to children under the age of 12 who must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

TAngler Bins help protect marine environment Calls for fishermen to bin unwanted fishing line Gladstone Regional Council has embraced another valuable environmental initiative and is encouraging anglers to do the same by correctly discarding their unwanted fishing line. Council, in conjunction with OceanWatch Australia and with the financial support of Gladstone Ports Corporation, is participating in the TAngler Bin Project. Committed to improving the environment, Council has thrown its full support behind the worthwhile project which aims to reduce the littering of fishing line in key fishing locations and improve community awareness of the impact of recreational fishing on wildlife. The TAngler Bins are made from PVC pipe and are designed specifically for the disposal of waste recreational fishing line. TAngler Bin locations have been carefully identified in consultation with Council and have been installed at popular fishing

spots across the Gladstone Region which include the Calliope River Port Curtis Way Bridge; Calliope River Thermal Power Station Outlet; Calliope River Old Highway Bridge; Narrows Northern Boat Ramp; Bray Park, Boyne River mouth and the John Oxley Bridge at Boyne Island; Boyne River highway bridge at Benaraby; South Trees Inlet Boat Ramp; and at the South End Boat Ramp on Curtis Island. Recreational fishing line is commonly made of monofilament nylon which when littered or lost in the environment can cause injury and death to marine and wildlife; is a hazard to boats and other watercraft; and causes pollution and significant, long lasting problems in the fishing environment. The TAngler Bins are emptied and maintained by Council as part of its waste management and cleaning program with the collected fishing line appropriately disposed of to reduce further impact on the environment and our native wildlife.

TAngler Bins are now loacted at popular fishing spots in and around Gladstone Gladstone Regional Council - The Council Connection December 2013 - January 2014

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get it's

ready

cyclone season

Follow Co Facebo uncil's ok Pag e

Get the l Road C atest onditio n Report s

Join Co un Early W cil's arnin Networ g k

See ou Disaste r r Hu

Find out more Visit Council's website www.gladstone.qld.gov.au and follow the 'Emergencies and Disasters' Link

Check Online out M to see apping if you a re flood p rone

See BO M's Latest River Height s

View th e Gladst on Emerge e ncy Action Guide

Check o Inform ut the ation a nd Brochu res

SES 132 500 Life Threatening Emergiencies 000 Council 4970 0700 or 4977 6655 when the loal disaster coordination centre is activated Gladstone Regional Council - The Council Connection December 2013 - January 2014

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BRIEFLY

 Council meetings Did you know that residents are welcome to attend Gladstone Regional Council's general meetings? The meetings are held at the Gladstone Administration Centre boardroom, 101 Goondoon Street. Upcoming meeting dates are December 3, December 17, January 21 and February 4. Agendas and minutes can be found at Council's website www. gladstone.qld.gov.au at meeting time.

 Change of address Did you know that you can notify several Council services of your change of residential and/or mailing address by filling out just one form? Council cannot change addresses over the

phone, but a form is available by visiting our website at www.gladstone.qld.gov.au and clicking on the 'About Council' tab, then 'Finance' and choose the 'Change of Address Form'.

 Subscribe to eNewsletter

In addition to a hard copy newsletter, Council also produces a fortnightly email newsletter called eConnect. Residents are invited to register to receive it via their email address. Recipients' emails will be kept in a database and residents can unsubscribe at any time. To subscribe visit www. gladstone.qld.gov.au/web/ guest/econnect-newsletter or email communications@ gladstonerc.qld.gov.au

 Development stats

 Road reports

Council provides development statistics at the click of a mouse on its website. Visit www. gladstone.qld.gov.au/web/ guest/development-statistics to find out the latest major development snapshot; monthly development statistics; and building and plumbing approvals.

Log on to Council's website www.gladstone.qld.gov.au if you want to find out the latest regional road condition reports. If you come across flood water or would like to report road conditions for uploading to the website, please phone our Call Centre, open 24 hours a day, on 4979 1134 or Council's administration centres during business hours on 4970 0700.

 Lodge an event Does your not-for-profit or community organisation have an upcoming event? Events can be lodged on Council's community calendar by clicking on the calendar link on our website and following the prompts. Visit www.gladstone.qld. gov.au

 Water meter readings Is your water meter accessible? Council will commence water meter readings from November 18 until December 31, 2013. If you cannot locate your meter contact Council's Rates Section on 4976 6999.

Councillor Update Cr Matt Burnett

Cr Karen Porter

Phone: 0437 086 401 Email: MattB@gladstonerc.qld.gov.au

Phone: 0417 723 042 Email: karenporter@gladstonerc.qld.gov.au

Portfolio: Regional Strategy

Portfolio: Economic Development Strategy

Investor confidence in Gladstone has seen changing landscapes and skylines over the past few years and will continue to do so for some time to come. The city's Central Business District is one example of changing skylines, with the area seeing $264 million in development since Council adopted the CBD strategy as part of the 2006 Planning Scheme. This is made up of $161m worth of residential building works and $103m in commercial development. This figure also includes the redevelopment of the Entertainment Centre and multi-level car park. There is a further $100m in approvals yet to start construction. The CBD Study supports and promotes hotel and apartment development while encouraging a mix of commercial, retail and dining on the ground floor. The transformation of the CBD has only just begun with Ribs and Rumps and other popular family restaurants opening soon, residents will have more dining choices than ever before. Another landscape currently undergoing changes is the Stockland Shopping Centre, with the building expanding by 600sqm to incorporate six tenancies including a new café, coffee shop, sushi bar, yoghurt land, take away and BWS to start trading in December. Following the funding announcement of the Kin Kora Roundabout upgrade, Stockland can also proceed with the next phase of the Kmart/Target/Coles redevelopment which will provide residents with even more retail choices.

Last year Council spent more than $200 million on goods, services and wages. The majority of this money is spent in the local area which benefits local business and the region. Despite this fact, Council is keen to significantly improve the percentage of its budget spent locally within the region. To achieve this goal, Council has within its Purchasing Policy a clause covering the Enhancement of Local Business and Industry. Council encourages the development of competitive local businesses within the region by including a preference for local business within its evaluation process. Quality and price are critical to Council, but if all things are equal, Council will purchase locally. During the tender process, officers are available to answer any questions that potential tenderers may have. It is important that tender documents are completed so that they can be properly assessed. Council, therefore, encourages potential tenderers to ask questions rather than trying to muddle through the tender documents. In the last three months, local business has won 17 of the 23 tenders awarded. These figures are a testament to the fact that Local business and industry are competing with and outperforming non local companies in the provision of goods and services.

All Councillors contact details are available from Council's website www.gladstone.qld.gov.au under the 'About Council' tab.

Gladstone Regional Council - The Council Connection December 2013 - January 2014

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LOCAL LAWS AND ENVIRONMENT

Cat registration to continue in Gladstone Region Program helps offset animal control cost burden on ratepayers Cat registration requirements remain in effect within the Gladstone Region following Council's decision to introduce a new Local Law to regulate the process. Council had to decide whether or not to continue its cat registration process after the Queensland Government in September repealed provisions requiring local governments to register cats under the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008. Council was faced with the choice of continuing with the cat registration program, continuing with the program

for 12 months while it decided whether or not to retain the program, or to discontinuing it completely. Cat registration renewals, originally delayed pending Council's decision, were issued to owners in October and, although the discount period expired on November 31, cats can still be registered. Council elected to continue registration requirements in order to prevent ratepayers from having to meet the rising costs of responding to cat complaints in a growing population.

Registration fees will also assist in offsetting the more than $1 million Council spent improving impoundment facilities for animals, including cats, at Callemondah. Registration fees can be paid by cash, EFTPOS, credit card, cheque or money order at Council administration or rural transaction centres, by post via cheque or money order to Gladstone Regional Council, PO Box 29, GLADSTONE QLD 4680, or by BPAY (Biller Code 102475). More information is available on Council's website at www.gladstone.qld.gov.au

Help your dog ride out storms this summer With the storm season already here, it is important that Gladstone Region dog owners ensure the safety of their canine friends. The loud noise generated by thunderstorms can scare dogs, resulting in them running away from homes or injuring themselves in panic. If your dog is scared of loud noises, there are several steps you can take to minimise the chance of it fleeing or being hurt: • Place your dog in a dark room or enclosed area; • Take your dog to another home where the noise won't be heard; • Don't tie your dog up in the yard as it may injure itself trying to get free; • Try not to comfort your dog during storms as it reinforces its fear; and • Ensure your dog is registered and is wearing its registration tag in case it flees in fright. By following these steps you can help your dog safely wait out a thunder storm.

Gladstone Regional Council - The Council Connection December 2013 - January 2014

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december

EVENTS CALENDAR DECEMBER 1 - 17

14-19

Business hours Gladstone Regional Library Children around the region have a chance to send their wish lists through to Santa Claus this year! Simply write a letter to Santa Claus and drop it in the letter boxes located at each regional library. To receive a response, please ensure an address is supplied on the letter.

10am - Noon Gladstone City Library The welcome to Gladstone Morning Tea is held monthly, allowing newcomers to find out more about the Gladstone Region. Phone 4976 6300.

Various times Gladstone Regional Libraries Youth are encouraged to put on their detective caps this summer and help investigate mysteries, hunt down clues and become a master of disguise with some of their favourite authors. Visit www. gladstonelibraries.qld.gov.au for more information.

Santa Letters

3 & 17

Welcome to Gladstone Morning Tea

Until Dec 5

2013 Rio Tinto Alcan Martin Hansen Memorial Art Awards and Exhibition

9am 101 Goondoon Street Gladstone Community members are welcome to attend Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s General Meetings.

Business Hours Gladstone Region Art Gallery and Museum Come along and check out local artwork at the 38th Annual Art Awards supported by local industry and the community.

General Council Meeting

12th Annual Christmas Tree Extravaganza 3.30pm - 4.30pm Boyne Tannum Community Centre Come along and visit Santa Claus and take part in a sing-a-long or have a go at decorating a Christmas Tree, there is something for everyone at the Annual Christmas Tree Extravaganza. Phone 4971 9700.

Author Visit Various times Various locations 4 Ingredients' Author Kim McKosker will be at the Gladstone library at 10am and Calliope at 1pm to talk with residents about the 4 Ingredients 'Wellness Series,' a series about learning how to eat better, but keeping it simple.

january

Summer Reading Club

16-20

Intense Learn to Swim Lessons 2pm - 6pm Gladstone Aquatic Centre Gladstone Aquatic Centre will be offering intense learn to swim lesion over the Christmas holidays. Different intensity level lessons will be offered every half hour. Lessons are $14 each but participants will be required to pay the full five lesson fees up front, a total cost of $70. Phone 4972 6822.

Story Time and Christmas Decorating 11am, Gladstone City Library After story time, children will have a chance to make their on Christmas decorations before helping to decorate the Gladstone City Library Christmas Tree!

JANUARY 6-17

SUNfest

Various times, Various locations Council's popular youth holiday program is back and offering over 40 fun and exciting activities from youth aged 12-17, with a number of activities being offered to Lil Kid's aged 10-11. Tickets on sale through GECC.

6-10, 13-17, 20-24 Intense Learn to Swim Lessons

2pm - 6pm, Gladstone Aquatic Centre Gladstone Aquatic Centre will be offering intense learn to swim lessons over the Christmas holidays. Different intensity level lessons will be offered every half hour. Lessons are $14 each but participants will be required to pay the full five lesson fees up front, a total cost of $70. Phone 4972 6822.

ABC Open Photography Workshop 101 9am-12pm, Gladstone City Library Come and learn all aspects of photography at this free workshop.

General Council Meeting 9am 101 Goondoon Street Gladstone Community members are welcome to attend Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s General Meetings.

Australia Day Awards 6.15pm for a 6.30pm start Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre Come down and help celebrate our

local community champions at the 2014 Australia Day Awards night. Entry is free and complimentary food will be on offer before the function.

Australia Day Family Fun Day 3pm to 7pm Gladstone Marina Stage area Residents are invited to celebrate everything Australian at the 2014 Gladstone Regional Council Australia Day Family Fun Day. Activities on offer include fireworks, local bands, flag raising ceremony, pie eating competition and Acrobat Duo "Popeyed". For information and to find out about Council's other supported regional Australia Day Events visit www.gladstone.qld.gov.au

GLNG Mayor's Carols by Candlelight

December 6, 2013, 6.30pm - 8.45pm Gladstone Marina Stage Zinc presents the GLNG sponsored Mayoral Carols by Candlelight this December. A great night for the family, with food stalls, fireworks, choirs and lots of prizes to be won! Food stalls are open from 5.30pm. Come one; come all to this fabulous evening. The Lion's Club Boyne Island Carols by Candlelight will be held on December 1 at Bray Park, Boyne Island. Starts 5pm. Santa arrives 5.30pm and Carols start 6pm.

regular features

REGULAR FEATURES Story Time

Various days and times Regional Libraries Story time and crafts for children aged up to five years. Bookings not required. For information, contact your local library. Contact details can be found by visiting www.gladstone.qld.gov.au, under the ‘Gladstone Regional Libraries’ link.

Baby Bounce

Various days and time Regional Libraries A lap-sit program is being held for a parent and their child less than two years old. This program includes songs and rhymes. Bookings are not required. Contact details can be found by visiting www.gladstone.qld.gov.au, under the ‘Gladstone Regional Libraries’ link.

Learn to Swim

Various days and times Now available on Saturdays Gladstone Aquatic Centre Gladstone Aquatic Centre is offering exciting changes for this summer's Learn to Swim program with the addition of an extra level and Saturday morning lessons. Phone 4972 6822 to make a booking.

Parent/Baby Classes

9am - 10.30am on Tuesdays and Thursdays Gladstone Aquatic Centre Introduce both the child and parent to the aquatic environment and learn the basics of water safety at Gladstone Aquatic Centre. Phone 4972 6822 for more information or to make a booking.

Happy Hour

8am - 9am Weekdays Gladstone Aquatic Centre This program allows pensioners (over 60) to use the Aquatic Centre for free to encourage staying fit and active. Phone 4972 6822 for more information.

Library Square Performances

Every Friday, noon – 2pm and Saturday night, 6pm – 8pm. Library Square Goondoon Street Gladstone If you’re looking for something to do, come down and enjoy the free live and local music. Phone 4972 2822 for more information.

Gladstone Regional Libraries School Holiday Activities Various times Various locations Youth have no excuse to stay at home these school holidays with the Gladstone Regional Libraries offering a variety of different activities, catering for everyone. For more information visit www. gladstonelibraries.qld.gov.au

Morning Melodies

as - The Spirit of Christm11am Tues, December 3, 2013 GECC

ristmas show will feature This 100% dedicated Ch s Carols blended with ma rist Ch many Traditional mas songs, such as some contemporary Christ ly Night, Oh Come Ho Oh y, Cit Silent Night, Holy re including a little bit mo ny ma and l, hfu Fait All Ye h Gaslights special wit ed mix s, of Aussie Christma pany of four, com is kind of fun and comedy. Th Roy Best, who has or Ten ian tral including Star Aus l r cds for ABC Classic, wil recorded no less than fou formance. deliver an outstanding per

David Strassman -

for!' 'Careful what you wish7pm 4-

Saturday, March 22, 201 GECC

comedy creation from Riotously funny! An all new an. Alternate realities? ssm Stra of the twisted mind an's side-splitting new Parallel universes? Strassm bit hole - a mindrab the n show tumbles dow g is as it seems. hin bending journey where not k, transformed by bac are e Bar E. Chuck and Ted o- alternate selves. The a strange 'wish" into bizzar Strassman...but an for ry sca be road home may hilarious scream for us! 15 years must be *Rated MA. Children 12guardian. NO ONE accompanied by parents or D. TE MIT AD UNDER 12 YEARS

ots Agnes Blues & Ro 2014 - Sun, Thursday, February 27, March 2, 2014

use to make a big If you ever needed an exc se, this is it! The adi blues weekend of it in par Festival experience ots Ro and es Agnes Water Blu 've added an extra just keeps getting better. We es, in fact, more stag re mo day, more bands and e. Visit the GEC's of everything except the pric prices. and website for further details

SUNFEST

6 - 17 January 2014 the region Various Locations across

Language Café

9.30am to 11am, every second Tuesday Gladstone City Library Friends of the Library and Welcoming Intercultural Neighbours (WIN) invite residents to the Language Café. The café is a window that connects to a world of cultures and positive relationships and it a great way of meeting new people. For more information phone 0487 422 142.

r holiday fun with the It's time for some summe m the 6 to 17 of fro m gra 2014 SUNfest pro m 10am, Wednesday, January. Tickets on sale fro 3. December 4, 201

www.gladecc.com.au Ph: 4972 2822 ok.com/ facebook: www.facebo entre entC GladstoneEntertainm

ARTS & CULTURE Major exhibitions feature at Gallery & Museum Visitors to the Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum will be amazed at the diverse and stunning array of art and history on display during the warmer months.

Carol Dau, Carla Howell, Cassie Delaney and Darlene Clarke enjoy the new facilities at the Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre, Melbourne Cup luncheon

Entertainment Convention Centre kicks off with busy events program GECC on a winner with Melbourne Cup luncheon The wait is over with the redeveloped Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre (GECC) already in full swing with a busy program of events having kicked off in November. A little over 14 months since the previous Gladstone Entertainment Centre closed its doors for the $23 million redevelopment, the revitalised venue was opened to the public for a Melbourne Cup luncheon on November 5. GECC staff had to hit the ground running as performances and events as diverse as The

Voice Australia runner-up Luke Kennedy, guitar virtuoso Tommy Emmanuel, comedian Kitty Flanagan, Celtic Illusion Irish dance show, and the Harbour City Havoc 2 fight night also featured in November. Feedback about the centre's improved light and sound capabilities and increased floor space and corporate facilities has been excellent and GECC management is looking forward to bringing more great entertainment to the Gladstone Region public.

HYPERCLAY: Contemporary Ceramics is showing at the Art Gallery & Museum from December 13 to March 15, 2014 and investigates the field of ceramics, showcasing techniques and technologies that are being embraced by artists in the 21st century. Walter Auer, Roderick Bamford, Stephen Bird, Jacqueline Clayton, Andrea Hylands, Addison Marshall, Pip McManus and Paul Wood push clay to its limits and ignite the imagination through their work. Also showing at the Art Gallery & Museum this summer is Lloyd Rees: Life and Light; - a stunning examination of the artist's focus on the effects of light on varied subject matters including architecture, interiors, landscapes, figures and selfportraits. The remarkable works of the Brisbane-born painter are showing at the Art Gallery & Museum from December 14 to January 25, 2014. The Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum is open Monday - Saturday 10am - 5pm and admission is free. http://gallerymuseum.gladstonerc.qld.gov.au

Paul Wood, Guardians of a goddess (detail), 2011, re-fired ceramics and glass, 240x120x210cm, Photo: Siri Hayes.

Gladstone Regional Council - The Council Connection December 2013 - January 2014

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INFRASTRUCTURE WORKS

Council's Phil Boshoff, Francios Gouws (Trility), Council's Paul Keech and Matt Dawson (Trility) proudly show the excellence award

Integrated Water Strategy project acknowledged with title Honours bestowed on Agnes Water project The Agnes Water and Seventeen Seventy Integrated Water Strategy project has received two top accolades. In October, the project received an Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia (IPWEA) Queensland Excellence Award for Water, Waste Water, Sewerage and Drought Management for projects over $10 million. The award encourages excellence in the innovation, development, completion and management of local government and

public works projects. This honour came two months after the water supply at Agnes Water snared the Central Queensland regional title in the Orica Australia Best of the Best Queensland Water Taste Test. Council entered two water samples for the taste test and qualified to compete against five other regional winners at the Best Queensland Water Taste Test Grand Final in October.

Results were close but Cook Shire Council claimed the state title. In Agnes Water, a process of commission, acceptance testing and process optimisation has been occurring since the new water treatment plant was completed in January. The water treatment plant is now fully operational and offers Council the option of either sourcing potable water from the existing bores, ocean, or a combination of the two.

Concrete size restrictions apply to disposal of concrete at Gladstone facility Did you know clean recyclable concrete delivered to the Gladstone Waste Management Centre incurs a disposal fee, and a size limit of 400mm diameter applies?

Waste Manager Charlie Sotiris shows roughly the size of concrete accepted for disposal at the Gladstone Waste Management Centre.

Domestic concrete waste sorted and delivered to designated waste management areas attracts a $35 per tonne charge with a $10 minimum fee. The Gladstone Waste Management Centre accepts limited commercial

Gladstone Regional Council - The Council Connection December 2013 - January 2014

waste while unsorted construction and demolition waste and concrete rubble with contaminants such as timber, plastic and waste incur a higher disposal fee. Read more about domestic and commercial waste fees and charges across the region and what waste can and cannot be disposed of at Council's various regional transfer stations and landfills at http://www.gladstone.qld.gov. au/web/guest/waste-management

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DEVELOPMENT SNAPSHOT

The ever-changing CBD skyline includes the $26.4 million Oaks Hotel and Resort development

Multi-million dollar CBD construction boom carries on $264 million worth of construction projects completed since 2006 in city heart Commercial and residential growth of Gladstone's Central Business District (CBD) goes from strength to strength, accounting for more than $264 million in construction projects completed since 2006. Since the inclusion of the CBD study into Gladstone City Council's Planning Scheme in 2006, statistics show there has been $161m worth of residential works and $103m of commercial works completed or under construction within the CBD during this period.

On average, this equates to $35m invested annually in residential and commercial construction within the CBD during the past seven years. The demand has largely been driven by an increasing population in recent years and highlights the importance of developing such plans in order to accommodate growth. And with a further $100m in approvals yet to start construction the forecast for inner-city commercial and residential

construction projects is bright and healthy. One of the major inner-city residential projects figuring heavily in the skyline is the Oaks Hotels and Resort's $26.4m 144-unit motel, situated behind The Grand Hotel, currently under construction. And in the CBD commercial building sector, Gladstone Regional Council has committed significantly to the tally with the recently completed $23m Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre in Goondoon Street.

Development Services set to deliver under the one roof The relocation of Gladstone Regional Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Development Services staff to under the one roof is set to provide major benefits to Council and the general public. This month will herald the move of building and plumbing staff to be co-located with planning staff in the Gladstone Civic Centre at 101 Goondoon Street. The majority of Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Development Services staff will now be based in the one location; however, Development Services staff will continue to be based at

Miriam Vale in order to provide services to this area. The move is expected to improve efficiency and assist customers in receiving more definitive and timely advice. The Gladstone office will become a one-stop shop for Development Services related matters with planning, building and plumbing staff based out of the one location. Customers will no longer find themselves directed to staff across various office locations in Gladstone and Calliope.

Gladstone Regional Council - The Council Connection December 2013 - January 2014

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COMMUNITY LIVING Avoid food poisoning this summer With summer just around the corner, the social calendar for many Gladstone Region residents will be a procession of parties and gatherings to see in the festive season. Naturally, much of the partying will be done outdoors to take advantage of our tropical climate, or will feature generous amounts of celebratory food left out for guests to snack on. Unfortunately, summer is also the time of year when food poisoning instances rise, mainly due to poor food preparation and storage practices – both of which are exacerbated by higher summer temperatures. Council has provided the following tips to help residents prepare, serve and store food in a manner which will minimise risk of food poisoning during the summer months: • Keep hot food steaming hot (above 60°C); • Keep cold food refrigerated (below 5°C); • Prepare foods as close as possible to eating time; • If cooking large amounts of food in advance, divide it into smaller portions or shallow containers; • Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw meats and ready-to-eat foods;

Health information at your fingertips! Online E-Health Bulletin gives residents the latest information Residents can now be kept up-to-date with the latest health news via the Discovery Coast Community Health Service's new fortnightly E-Health Bulletin.

community living in remote areas and increase accessibility to those who have not previously read the DCCHS's existing hard copy newsletter, The Monthly Check-Up.

With the first E-Health Bulletin distributed in September, it has already proven to be a hit with the community, with 72 subscribers to date.

Residents can subscribe to the bulletin on Council's website via the Discovery Coast Community Health Service link under the 'Community Support' tab or by the following direct link http://www.gladstone. qld.gov.au/web/guest/discovery-coastcommunity-health-service

The new communication tool is for community members looking for information regarding DCCHS clinics, programs and events as well as health and wellbeing tips. The email initiative was founded in order to communicate with members of the

Residents are welcome to request specific information on particular health issues and provide feedback regarding the content of the E-Health bulletin through the DCCHS email, awdcchs@gladstonerc.qld.gov.au

Heartmoves expands to Baffle Creek The Discovery Coast Community Health Service (DCCHS) is set to expand its popular Heartmoves program to Baffle Creek from January and residents are invited to register their interest by phoning 4902 1100. Heartmoves involves gentle physical activity that is suitable for anyone who hasn't done exercise in a while and is looking to be active in a social and fun environment. Benefits of the program include lowering blood pressure, improving

Gladstone Regional Council - The Council Connection December 2013 - January 2014

cholesterol control, managing weight, improving wellbeing and quality of life, managing diabetes, improving bone density and more. Other Heartmoves classes are run at the Agnes Water Community Centre every Thursday from 9am; Rosedale Community Hall every Monday at 9.30am; and Miriam Vale Community Centre every Wednesday at 9am. Classes cost $2 per person and all equipment is provided.

Page 13

YOUTH UPDATE Survey gives youth a voice and a chance to WIN an iPad mini Gladstone Regional Council is taking a proactive step towards addressing the needs of young people in the region through the release of a youth survey. Launched last month, the Youth Survey is being conducted over coming months to gain vital information, as seen through the eyes of the region’s younger generation and future leaders.

SUNfest tickets on sale from December 4 through GECC Scorch into summer with Council’s youth holiday program Gladstone Regional Council’s annual SUNfest Youth Holiday program will make a scorching return this summer with another bumper batch of activities organised. With more than 50 events to choose from, SUNfest 2014 is the perfect way for local youth to beat any summer holiday boredom. A huge array of sporting, cultural and leisure activities will be hosted in various locations across Gladstone Region from January 6-17, 2014, for youth aged 12-17 years. Also back by popular demand is SUNfest Lil’ Kids which offers a taste of SUNfest life for children aged 10-11 years. SUNfest 2014 will come to a grand finale on January 17 with the hosting of the free SUNfest Showcase at the Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre. The event celebrates and showcases the

achievements of SUNfest participants. Programs were distributed to primary and secondary schools across Gladstone Region on November 7 and are also available from all Gladstone Regional Council offices and libraries and on Council’s website www. gladstone.qld.gov.au Tickets go on sale from 10am on December 4. Tickets will be available for purchase from the following ticketing website: http://www. gladecc.com.au, by phoning the Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre on 4972 2822 or in person at the Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre Box Office, the Boyne Tannum Community Centre, Miriam Vale Council Office and Mt Larcom and Agnes Water Rural Transaction Centres. Proof of a participant's age and completion of an indemnity form are part of SUNfest entry requirements.

Gladstone Regional Council - The Council Connection December 2013 - January 2014

Local youth are being called on to have their say by completing the survey, developed and reviewed by young people, for young people and supported by Gladstone Regional Council. The survey is open to those aged 12-24 years who live, work or study in the Gladstone Region. As further incentive, survey participants will go into the draw to win an iPad mini that will be drawn early next year. Information collected from the survey will be used by Council to develop long term strategies to address identified problems, and will also be shared with various youth interest groups across the Gladstone Region. For a copy of the youth survey visit the Youth Services page of Gladstone Regional Council’s website at http:// www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/web/ guest/youth-services

Complete our youth survey for a chance to

W I N a

n iPAD min

i Page 14

Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Christmas Closures and Operating Times Season's Greetings to All

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to Gladstone Region residents, their families and friends, from the Mayor, Councillors and Council Staff.

VENUE

Tue, Dec 24

Wed, Dec 25

Thur, Dec 26

Fri, Dec 27

Sat, Dec 28

Sun, Dec 29

Mon, Dec 30

Tue, Dec 31

Mon, Jan 1

Tue, Jan 2

Administration Offices

Close 5pm

Closed

Open

Agnes Water RTC

Close 4.30pm

Closed

Open

Calliope Swimming Pool

Open

Closed

Open noon to 6pm

Open

Closed til 1pm

Open

Cemeteries

Open

Closed for Closed for services ** services

Closed for services

Open

Community Advisory Service

Close 5pm

Closed

Open

Boyne Tannum Community Centre and Library

Open

Closed

Open

Depots

Close usual time

Closed

Open

Discovery Coast Community Health Ser.

Close 5pm

Closed

Open

Gladstone Aquatic Centre

Open

Closed

Open 9am to 5pm

Open

Closed til 1pm

Open

Gladstone Entertainment Conv. Centre*

Closed

Gladstone Reg. Art Gallery & Museum

Close 5pm

Closed

Open 10am

Gladstone Regional Libraries (except Mt Larcom)

Open

Closed

Open

Mt Larcom Library

Close 5pm

Closed

Open

Closed

Open

Close 5pm

Closed

Open

Mt Larcom RTC

Close 5pm

Closed

Open

Closed

Open

Close 5pm

Closed

Open

Mt Larcom Swimming Pool

Open

Closed

Open noon to 6pm

Open

Closed til 1pm

Open

Tondoon Botanic Gardens

Open

Closed

Open

Road & Water Services

Closed 3.30pm on Dec 20 and re-opens 6.30am on Jan 2. Engineering Services' After Hours Call Centre will be providing emergency assistance during this closure.

Waste Services

Engineering Services' After Hours Call Centre will manage missed domestic and recycling waste services from 5pm December 24 until 8am on January 2.

Waste Transfer Stations (All locations)

Open

Closed

Open

Waste facility: Benaraby Landfill

Open

Open 7am to 3pm

Open

Australia Day Public Holiday

All venues will be closed on Australia Day Public Holiday, January 27, except the region's aquatic centre and pools.

NB: 'Open' times are as per usual operating hours * Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre closes at 2.30pm on December 18 and re-opens at 8.00am on January 6. ** Cemeteries are closed for services but vehicle and pedestrian access will still be available.

Gladstone Regional Council - The Council Connection December 2013 - January 2014

Page 15

2014 ds i K ' l i L & h t u Yo Tickets on Sale

from 10am Wednesd ay, Book online at De ce m be r 4 / http://gec.gladstonerc.qld.gov.au Ticket Enquiries: 4972 2822 General Enquiries: 4972 5111 See Full Program at www.gladstone.qld.gov.au

You are invited to the

Australia Awards

Day

2014 at the

Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre Goondoon Street, Gladstone to be held on

Saturday, 25 January, 2014 at 6.15pm for a 6.30pm start

January 26 3pm-7pm

Celebrate Y

A D IA L A R AUatSthT e Gladstone Marina Stage area Fireworks

The Corporates Local Band

Community Events

onal For a program of Council supported regi nts visit Eve Day a trali Aus Community Family Fun .au and follow the .gov .qld tone lads w.g ww Council’s website Region” tab. e ston “Events” link under the “About Glad

free sausage sizzle

FLAG RAISING CEREMONY

pie eating competition” Acrobat Duo - “Popeyed

Living Statues Roving Performers