The Roundup - December 2017 by Gympie Regional Council

Gympie Regional Council | December 2017

THE ROUNDUP DECEMBER 2017

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Welcome...

Contents

Disaster Dashboard

Festive Summer Fun

Works for Queensland The 2017–19 Works for Queensland (W4Q) program supports regional councils to undertake job-creating maintenance and minor infrastructure projects.

Welcome to the summer edition of The Round-Up. It’s been an exciting year of projects and growth for the Gympie Region, with plenty more planned for our community in 2018.

Gympie Regional Council received over $6 million in State Government funding under the Works for Queensland program and will deliver the following ten projects across the region over the next two years.

Council’s aim is to create an affordable and functional region that makes the most of tourism, agricultural and business opportunities. Key events like the Rush Festival, G150 concert, Heart of Gold International Film Festival and Gympie Muster have truly cemented our place on south-east Queensland’s cultural map. This year we focused on improving access to our town’s natural highlights, with assistance from the Queensland State Government. Some of these projects include the Gympie Town Centre River to Rail Trail, the Kilkivan to Kingaroy Rail Trail and new canoe and kayak launch points in Gympie and Imbil. We’re extremely lucky to have direct access to the Mary River network, and we’re excited about being able to help our community make the most of it. Major projects have included the completion of the Gympie Aquatic Recreation Centre and the Smithfield Street Revitalisation project, as well as smaller infrastructure upgrades to regional areas such as the ‘Our Towns’ project in Cooloola Cove which included pedestrian footpaths.

Surf’s Up

In 2018, we’ve planned new infrastructure in outlying areas such as upgrades to the Gympie Aerodrome, the Goomeri Library, construction of the Imbil to Brooloo Rail Trail and upgrades to the Rainbow Beach viewing platform as part of the State Government Works for Queensland initiative. We’ve committed $2.8 million toward a new youth precinct in partnership with the State Government to create a space where young people can connect, learn and have fun. The restoration of the historic Mary Valley Rattler will showcase the best of the picturesque Mary Valley, and the construction of an Equestrian Centre in Kilkivan will bring new opportunities to our rural communities.

Council’s job first and foremost is to listen to you as a resident, and make decisions based on your needs. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all! I look forward to working with you in 2018 to make the Gympie Region the natural choice to live, work and play.

A Gympie Regional Council publication. Contact us at: Town Hall, 2 Caledonian Hill, Gympie 1300 307 800 or communications@gympie.qld.gov.au Follow us on Facebook

Mayor Mick Curran BM

Xmas Open Hours THE ROUND-UP

Front cover image: Glastonbury

Goomeri Library Outdoor Upgrade

Kinbombi Falls Infrastructure Upgrade

$80,000 has been allocated to update the Goomeri Library building facade. Internal and external improvements are aimed at transforming the library into a flexible, multi-use space for the enjoyment of residents and visitors.

will begin in July 2018 with $250,000 to improve traffic and pedestrian access with the installation of handrails and improvements to existing stairs, toilets and infrastructure to better meet the needs of tourists and RV travellers.

Aerodrome Infrastructure Upgrade

Streetscaping - Fiveways to Mellor Street

is scheduled to commence in the first half of 2018 and has received $1,000,000. This project will address operational safety issues identified at the Gympie Aerodrome.

Rainbow Beach Viewing Platform Upgrade has received $175,000 to construct a viewing platform in Phil Rogers Park at Rainbow Beach. This work is scheduled for early 2019.

Mary Valley Recreation Hub continues with funding of $600,000 for Stage 2. A five kilometre Rail Trail will be constructed to link the main street of Imbil to Brooloo. Council will also be constructing a skate park to provide much needed recreational facilities for the youth in Imbil and surrounds.

Tagigan Road Completion will involve sealing the remaining gravel section of this transport link on the key tourist route and improve safety for commercial and domestic travellers whilst improving accessibility to tourist attractions and local businesses. This is scheduled to commence in April 2018 and has received $1,000,000.

Funding of $500,000 has been allocated to this project, scheduled to commence in late 2018. This project will deliver improved pedestrian pathways and crossings, improve accessibility and will see the planting of trees to beautify the area.

Albert Park/One Mile Revitalisation has been funded for $1,275,000 and scheduled to commence early 2019. This forms part of the Albert Park/One Mile Masterplan and will incorporate construction of the cricket oval and facilities at One Mile, delivering additional sporting facilities for targeted events and sports.

River to Rail and Sands Riverside Parkland work continues with Stage 2 receiving $1,000,000 in funding. Work will focus on constructing walking trails to connect the existing River to Rail Trail from Stage 1, through Deep Creek in Gympie to the well utilised One Mile Sports Precinct, and will also link to the Historic Rail Station Precinct.

The No. 1 Scottish Mine Precinct has received $200,000 and is scheduled for 2019. Council will be constructing pedestrian paths and infrastructure to incorporate existing buildings. For more information, visit www.gympie.qld.gov.au

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THE THEROUNDUP ROUNDUPSEPTEMBER DECEMBER 2017

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Mary Valley Recreation Hub

Gympie Town Centre Heritage Trail The Gympie Town Centre Heritage Trail was officially launched on 1 November 2017. The self-guided walking trail highlights 14 locations that celebrate significant people, places and events throughout the history of the Gympie Town Centre.

Recreational infrastructure projects are being delivered in the Mary Valley thanks to grant funding provided under the State Government’s ‘Works for Queensland’ program.

The trail begins on the Mary Street/Calton Hill corner of the Fiveways with a pictorial chronology of the development of the area and information about the broader trail.

Two new canoe and kayak launch points at Lambert Hyne Drive and Yabba Creek Road in Imbil were recently completed with $300,000 granted by the State Government.

For more details about the Gympie Town Centre Heritage Trail, visit www.gympie.qld.gov.au/heritage-trails The trail is an initiative of Council’s Heritage Advisory Committee.

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10. Gympie Fiveways c.1950s. Looking down from Caledonian Hill. Note the Airdome and Olympia Theatres in Mellor Street.

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Regional local government is about creating a great place to live, work and play, building community pride, and planning for the future. Myself and the staff are committed to supporting our elected members in striving to achieve this and look forward to an even better 2018.

Who will run the Rattler? Council has established an operating company called the Rattler Railway Company to run the business. It has a Board of Directors with expertise in areas such as rail, marketing, management and tourism.

When will the Rattler run? The Rattler will commence in Autumn of 2018 and as soon as possible after the upgrades to the track and bridges have been concluded.

Wasn’t it meant to be running by the end of the year? That was the intention however additional works have been identified which has delayed the commencement date.

Jerimiah Swanton Cullinane

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11. The laying of the second James Nash Memorial in 1953 at the Fiveways near Lawrence and Mellor Streets.

The Mary Valley Rattler

Edward Bytheway

Mary Street Reef

Smithfield Street

sewerage services where Council has embarked on a three year reform program within the Water Business Unit to ensure that into the future Council provides these services in a sustainable and environmentally responsible way. The reform program reflects the fact that the provision of safe drinking water and the proper treatment of sewage is one of Councils most important responsibilities. The Water Business Unit has made significant progress this year in working towards Council having one of the best water and sewerage operations in Australia.

Lady Mary Lennox Fitzroy

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Gympie – Mary Street from Caledonian Hill 1884. Nash’s Bridge leads up to Caledonian Hill. Note the mine in Mellor Street (to the right of the image).

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Gympie Fiveways looking down Caledonian Hill c1940s. The Town Hall was extended to include a Post office in 1939. The building in the foreground is a dentist surgery.

The Fiveways area c.1870. Bridges have been constructed across the gully. The gully ran at about 20 feet (6 metres) deep at times. There was a network of bridges covering the gully which often needed repair due to flooding, heavy traffic use and lack of maintenance.

Jacob John Stumm

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Town Hall and Baby Clinic Mellor Street. The Baby Clinic was officially opened on 26 April 1926. Note the first James Nash Memorial in front of the Town Hall which was unveiled 6 March 1915 (since relocated to Memorial Park).

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Mary Street looking towards the Fiveways c.1890s.

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Fiveways looking up Calton Hill c.1890.

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Sir Horace Tozer

Like any organisation in a dynamic and changing world we must continue to develop and improve and I am pleased to see that happening across the board. One example of this is in the delivery of water and

This photograph from the 1890s, shows the Town Hall which was built in 1890. Around the same time the gully was domed and filled with mullock from the mines which did away with the need for bridges.

Council has a blueprint for the future in the form of the Corporate Plan, and the organisation’s role is to deliver that plan through implementing the decisions made by Council at its meetings.

Lieutenant Colonel William Jeremiah Ferguson

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Whether it is experienced and skilled field staff building and maintaining infrastructure, looking after parks and reserves, or office based staff in areas such as finance, planning, communities, engineering, IT or environmental management, Council has an enormously diverse group of talented people whose sole goal is to make the region a better place.

Take a trip through time and enjoy the way Gympie has evolved from a pioneering mining town that saved Queensland from the brink of bankruptcy in 1867 to the vibrant place it is today. The above images described in the following sections were taken in the immediate surrounds of where you stand today. See if you can pick out some of the historic landmarks that still remain today.

Smithfield Street

One of the most satisfying parts of my job is moving around the organisation seeing committed and professional staff delivering for the community.

View of Gympie from Caledonian Hill c.1890s. The Olympic Hall can be seen in Mellor Street in the bottom right corner of the photograph. This Hall was built in 1885 by F.T. Percival. Fullerton’s General Store operated out of the building from the mid 1890s until it was leased by Cullinanes to West’s Pictures in the late 1890s and became known as the Olympia Theatre.

1. An early view of Mary Street and Nash Gully looking down from Caledonian Hill c.1867. There are early mines and some shops have been erected. The gully is only simplistically bridged at this time.

LOCATION: 2 – 8 Mary Street, Gympie

Message from the CEO

Keep an eye out for opportunities to have your say on both of these exciting projects. Both projects are scheduled to be delivered by June 2019.

The Gympie Town Centre Heritage Trail celebrates the iconic people, places and events of the past that have shaped the Gympie Town Centre into what it is today. Along this trail you will find information at each location detailing who or what makes the site historically relevant. There is a history rich in gold mining and business success, as well as influences from natural and man-made disasters that have shaped the town centre itself.

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The Beginnings of Gympie – The Fiveways

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The location will be determined through community engagement currently being undertaken for the ‘Our Towns’ Imbil project.

Both these projects will provide significant ongoing economic benefits by attracting visitors to the Mary Valley, and improving the overall tourism experience in the Gympie Region.

We hope that both locals and visitors enjoy learning more about the history of our region.

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The skate park will be designed in consultation with the community to cater for families and young people. It will provide for multiple user groups including skateboarding, BMX and scooter riding.

The Imbil and Brooloo Rail Trail will provide recreation opportunities for bushwalkers, mountain bikers and horse riders to experience a part of the valley in a unique way, and appreciate the history and environment surrounding the disused rail corridor.

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Council has also recently accepted a further $600,000 from the State Government to develop a skate park in Imbil, and form a Rail Trail between Imbil and Brooloo.

From there, the trail consists of signage on building facades, incorporating sites such as the Cullinane and Tozer buildings; the story behind Lady Mary Lennox Fitzroy (public art); Smithfield Street’s revitalisation works (Smithfield Mine and gold reef); Calton Hill (Zig Zag Park), as well as other locations.

James Nash Memorial

Calton Hill Park

How much has it cost Council? The current cost to Council to recommence operations is $5.4 million out of a total current budget of $12.4 million with $7 million being contributed by the state government. The cost to Council will increase given the identification of additional works. The actual additional cost is currently being finalised. Council is committed to providing infrastructure to the Rattler Railway Company which will ensure it can operate a safe and financially sustainable business.

Why is Council supporting the Rattler? The Rattler will provide significant economic benefits to the region by attracting thousands of visitors every year. The Rattler and the revitalisation of the Gympie Station Precinct also recognises the important role rail has played in the social and cultural heritage of the region.

Bernard Smith, Chief Executive Officer THE ROUNDUP DECEMBER 2017

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Councillor Updates

Cr Dan Stewart, Division 5 Portfolio: Social Wellbeing Greetings to all - may you have a happy Christmas, a contented summer, and the rain you need.

Cr Mark McDonald, Division 1 Portfolio: Planning and Development Looking forward, the next 12 months will be full of Council infrastructure projects for Division 1. Council and the Department of Transport and Main Roads will upgrade the existing Bullock Point boat ramp and car park at Rainbow Beach. This is an exciting project that will enhance this well utilised recreation area, and provide a 3-lane ramp, sealed car park, additional parking bays, de-rigging and rigging areas as well as solar street lighting. Next year, construction will also commence on a 1.5 metre wide pathway on Tin Can Bay Road, between the State School and Trevally Street, to provide safer access for pedestrians, and in particular school students. We will also receive drainage improvements to Groper Street, Pinta Court and Mayflower Court. I’m really looking forward to seeing these projects come to fruition, both for our community and our region. Until then, I wish everyone a very happy Christmas and a safe and enjoyable new year.

Cr Glen Hartwig, Division 2 Portfolio: Economic Development This year has presented many challenges for Council. I hope the ratepayer can see that I consistently strive to represent your interests. The greatest asset to the Gympie Region is the people. I am so often humbled by the commitment and work that so many residents volunteer to make this region such a wonderful place to live. I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a peaceful, family centred Christmas and a happy New Year. I look forward to serving you in 2018.

Cr Mal Gear, Division 3 Portfolio: Business Activities

Cr Daryl Dodt, Division 4

Portfolio: Environmental Sustainability and Special Projects Despite the wet weather events we have had over the past couple of months, it has been pleasing to see that Council projects along the Mary River have held up extremely well. These projects were designed so that Council can clean and reinstate any damaged areas following any flooding events. The design of the trail and launch points include features to facilitate this. The trail is wide enough to allow for maintenance machinery to access its full length. The type of gravel used was chosen as it is readily and cheaply available locally. The furniture consists of robust natural materials, such as sand stone block seating. I hope many will take the opportunity to explore the River to Rail Trail during the holiday season. Merry Christmas to all and a Happy New Year!

This calendar year has been very exciting with the opening of the Aquatic Centre, Smithfield Street, Kilkivan to Kingaroy Rail Trail and various other projects around the region. There was also the very successful Rush Festival including the G150 concert which was a highlight of the year. In Division 3, there was some major road upgrades to Old Maryborough Road, Irvine Road and Fishermans Pocket Road. This will add to the safety of these areas as the traffic continues to increase. The residents in Kingfisher Estate also had a huge win with their water access charge being discounted by 25%. During the past 12 months, I have attended many community functions and AGMs which have shown me how hard-working and welcoming these committee members are. Lastly, I would like to wish everyone in the Gympie Region a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

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THE ROUNDUP DECEMBER 2017

Eighteen months ago a rural resident raised with me the unfairness of our waste management charges. Now wheelie bin charges have reduced and the Waste Management Levy and Waste Management Operational Charge have been cancelled. The majority of people will pay less for waste management. The costs are fairer; the more waste you create the more you pay. Road improvements to happen in Division 5 include a roundabout at the intersection of Cogan Street and Station Road, and the sealing of Tagigan and Noosa Roads. Hall and Langton Roads have been rebuilt, and East Deep Creek Road to the meatworks will be rebuilt. I have been working on making Council income and expenditure more open to the public, with more detail, more explanation for how rates are spent and more public consultation. There are many great people in my area who help make Gympie an even better community. Together we can be a caring and productive community across town and country. You may follow my take on Council happenings on Facebook at Dan 4 Gympie.

Cr Hilary Smerdon, Division 6 Portfolio: Water and Sewerage, Waste Management

To all the residents of my division and the region as a whole, I would like to on behalf of myself and Lyn wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a happy and Prosperous New Year. I have served the region and my division to the best of my ability and on the whole it wasn’t too bad a year. We have a grant for an Equestrian Centre in Kilkivan, a Men’s Shed approved for Kilkivan, and general improvements in public facilities in Goomeri and Kilkivan - to name a few highlights. I will continue to involve myself as much as possible in all community groups, attending all functions and meetings where possible. The community’s wellbeing and the health and prosperity of all community groups is important, and where possible I will continue to gain Council support for these groups. I think it is Council’s role to create an environment in our community to attract business to the region and the subsequent employment created and I will continue to lobby to have Council policy support these outcomes. May I again wish all residents a merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year.

Cr Bob Leitch, Division 7 Deputy Mayor Portfolio: Infrastructure Services

It has certainly been a long time coming, but the school crossing on Glastonbury Road is a real positive for the safety of children. Council has been advocating this for many years and although it might not be exactly where we had hoped, it is finally there! The footpaths being installed continue to enhance the connectivity and are well utilised by the residents daily. The Southside sewerage program continues to be rolled out and contact with residents of the next stage will be progressed. I had the pleasure of attending a luncheon in the newly revamped Pavilion recently and it looks amazing. I wish all Gympie residents a wonderful summer and Christmas, and a prosperous New Year.

Cr James Cochrane Division 8 Portfolio: Tourism, Sport and Recreation

Work continues to progress on the Master Plans that Council has adopted to enhance the open spaces and sporting precincts for our growing community. We recently attracted $1.275 million in funding under the 2017-2019 Works for Queensland program for implementation works at the Albert Park and One Mile Sports Precincts. Our vision for these areas is to provide quality multi-sport venues that can host regular events and carnivals. We have also recently consulted with the community on a number of playground upgrades for the region. It is pleasing to see these facilities improved to encourage physical activity and interaction within our communities. I wish you all a very happy Christmas and a safe New Year.

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Roads around the region The roads crews have been busy around the region!

You can now keep up to date with disaster information through Council’s new Disaster Dashboard.

Old Maryborough Road widening – road widening from Lorikeet Drive intersection north for 2.1km.

The online platform provides information including emergency news, road closures, power outages, flood mapping, river gauge heights and emergency contacts. The majority of information is fed through from sites such as the Bureau of Meteorology and Department of Transport and Main Roads.

Power Road pathway

Before

After

Irvine Road sealing – road sealing of a steep section of roadway.

Before

After

Little Road culvert upgrade – replacement of a timber culvert/bridge within Glastonbury Creek.

Curra Community Hall Construction of the Curra Community Hall is set to be completed by Christmas. The hall is a joint initiative of Council and the Queensland Government, with construction funded under the Local Government Grants and Subsidies Program (LGGSP). The new facility, which is located at David Drive, Curra, aims to meet the growing needs of the Curra community.

Before

After

Glastonbury Road pathway – installation of a 1.2m wide concrete footpath.

Continuation of the road widening program along North Deep Creek Road. This project will provide a two lane bitumen sealed road standard extending to and including the Tamaree Road intersection.

Coonoongibber Creek Road bitumen sealing Continuation of the bitumen sealing of Coonoongibber Road. This project will provide a two lane bitumen sealed road standard extending to the Marroo Road intersection. Due to commence early 2018.

Gympie Road pathway Construction of a 1.5m wide concrete pathway from the Tin Can Bay State School crossing on Gympie Road to the Trevally Street intersection. Due to commence early 2018.

The building is a modern, multi-purpose venue which will accommodate a diverse range of activities and events, providing a space to build community connections and wellbeing. More than 60 stalls registered for 2017 National Garage Sale Trail which was held on 21 and 22 October. Garage sales were held right across the region including Gympie, Banks Pocket, Carters Ridge, Chatsworth, Glenwood, Jones Hill, Kandanga, Neerdie, Pie Creek, Southside, Tamaree, Tin Can Bay, Traveston and Veteran. To learn more about how you can recycle, go to www.gympie.qld.gov.au

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Construction of a 2m wide concrete pathway from the Normanby Hill Road intersection to the Smerdon Road intersection.

North Deep Creek Road widening

Visit www.gympie.qld.gov.au and click on the Disaster Dashboard Quick Link.

The facility opens onto the adjoining oval and new playground, offering a great location for recreational activity and a safe place for families to relax and enjoy. The hall will be able to be booked for fitness classes, play groups, weddings and more in early 2018. Watch this space!

Upcoming projects

THE ROUNDUP DECEMBER 2017

Before

After

Community Assistance Grants Congratulations to the successful applicants of the 2017-18 Round 1 Community Assistance Grants. More than $50,000 in grants were allocated to the following applicants: • • • • •

Gympie Camera Club Cooloola Pottery Group Gympie & District Field Naturalists Gympie District Show Society Wolvi & District War Memorial Hall

THE THE ROUNDUP ROUNDUP DECEMBER DECEMBER 2017 2017

• Mothar Mountain Hall Committee • Gympie & District Landcare Group • Cooloola BMX Club • Tin Can Bay RSL Sub-Branch • Gympie Gem Club • Mary River Festival – Save the Mary • Gympie & District Woodworkers

• Kandanga Tennis Club • Goomeri Pumpkin Festival • Wolvi & District War Memorial Hall • Gympie District Girl Guides • Tin Can Bay Fishing Club Applications for Round 2 open 1 March, 2018. For more information, visit: www.gympie.qld.gov.au/grants/ cag. PAGE 9

1867 ~

2017

celebrations

A number of events were held to celebrate Gympieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 150 years of history since the discovery of gold by James Nash, including the concert in Albert Park, Gala Ball and many more across the region!

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Passion for Pavlova It’s a tried and tested Christmas classic. Why not decorate it with locally grown seasonal fruits and nuts?

STEP 2: Add sugar, lemon juice and sifted cornflour and beat until stiff and glossy (at least 10 minutes).

Ingredients

STEP 4: Pile meringue onto paper and shape into a large circle, leaving the centre slightly hollowed.

4 egg whites 1 cup caster sugar 1 tsp lemon juice 2 tsp cornflour

STEP 3: Cover a baking tray with baking paper.

F E S T I V E S U M M E R FU N There are heaps of Council events happening over the festive season across the region, so grab your family and friends and enjoy your summer holidays! Hope to see you there!

STEP 5: Bake in the oven at 130C for 1½ hours or until crisp on the outside. STEP 6: Turn oven off and leave the pavlova to cool in oven with door ajar.

Method STEP 1: In a small electric mixer bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form.

STEP 7: Decorate with whipped cream and seasonal fruit (mango, banana, passionfruit, lime zest and crushed macadamias).

For all your Christmas produce:

7am to 12pm

Visit the Growers Markets at their new location @ River Road Marketplace.

1st, 3rd and 5th Wednesday

www.gympieregionalproduce.com.au

2nd and 4th Wednesday

3pm to 6pm

MOVIES IN THE PARK

MARY CHRISTMAS

Sunday 24 December – 6.30pm | Nelson Reserve

Wednesday 13 & 20 December – 5pm | Mary Street

Bring the family down to Nelson Reserve to watch the special ‘Movies in the Park’ screening of Dr Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Hosted by the Little Kids Day Out Working Group. There will be Carols and a Fancy Dress Parade at 6.30pm with the movie screening from 7pm. Food and drinks will be available for purchase from 6pm. All the proceeds will go to next year’s Little Kids Day Out event which will be held on 11 August 2018.

The festive season will be celebrated with two free family events in the Gympie CBD this December.

NEW YEAR’S EVE

AUSTRALIA DAY

Sunday 31 December – 5pm to 9pm | Nelson Reserve

Friday 26 January – from 9am | Gympie Civic Centre

Bring in 2018 with our NYE concert at Nelson Reserve! There will be a huge line up of artists to get the party started including Reece Mastin, Jacob Lee, Taylor Sheridan, Emma Beau and Kaitlin Grace. There will also be free kids rides and pyrotechnics to celebrate the New Year!

Come along and celebrate our special Aussies at the 2018 Australia Day Awards Ceremony! The celebrations will also include a Citizenship Ceremony to welcome our newest Aussies, and performances from local artists.

Mary Street will transform into a Christmas-themed hub of activity with rides, face painting, buskers, roving street entertainment, food vendors, live music, horse and cart rides, bouncy castle and more! A special zone will be created for children in lower Mary Street.

For more information about any of our events, phone Council on 1300 307 800. PAGE 12

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HOLIDAY FUN summer 2017/2018

Tasman McClintock

Club Captain, Rainbow Beach Surf Lifesaving Club volunteer

Family Craft Day Wednesday, 20 December 2.30pm - 3.30pm Rainbow Beach Library Create your very own sock puppet character. Great fun and imaginative play!

No. of visitors to Rainbow Beach Oct 14 – Sept 15 =168,523 Oct 15 – Sept 16 = 188,059 Oct 16 – Sept 17 = 272,270 *data provided by Surf Lifesaving Queensland

Gympie Regional Council provides funding to the Rainbow Beach Surf Lifesaving Club for the provision of lifeguard services at Rainbow Beach.

Tell us about your history with the club? I’m a volunteer with the club, living in Gympie. I actually got into the program through the Youth Action school program at Gympie High School. I’ve been in the club for ten years, serving about 100 hours a year on the beach (if not more!). What draws people to the GympieCooloola region over the summer? It’s a beautiful location – awesome surf, and Double Island Point is not far away. I think people are drawn PAGE 14

here because we’re a bit more isolated from the Sunshine Coast, and there’s not as many people here but it still has that really good beach vibe. What do you love about surf lifesaving? I love that I can give back to the community and do something where you can help others. I get to mentor the youth of tomorrow a bit too – we’ve got a school group down here at the moment who are just beginning the program. Obviously, rescuing someone is a very memorable experience – it’s rewarding to help someone who may not of made it on their own.

What should beach goers look out for in the water this holiday season? Always swim between the red and yellow flags! For families, I’d definitely say watch out for rips and keep a close eye on your kids at the beach. Talk to the lifesavers if you’re unsure. If you’re heading down the beach, just be mindful of other beach goers using the sand, especially heading toward Double Island Point.

Fabulous Christmas Tree Wednesday, 20 December 10am - 12 noon Gympie Regional Gallery How many different ways can you make a Christmas tree? Find out with artist Maxene at this wonderful workshop.

Fairy Face Painting and Quiver Art Wednesday, 10 January 2pm - 3pm, Kilkivan Library Meet Tina the Fairy and have your face painted with a fun design. Colour your Quiver art and bring it to life with the Quiver app.

Stand Up Paddle Boarding and Kayaking Wednesday, 17 January 7am - 12.30pm, departs from Civic Centre Try these great summer water activities out at Pelican Bay.

For more events and activities:

www.gympie.qld.gov.au/holidayfun

www.visitgympieregion.com.au THE THE ROUNDUP ROUNDUP DECEMBER DECEMBER 2017 2017

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r e n r o C s ’ d i K

Managing those

mozzies

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• Empty pot plant saucers every week or fill with sand

• Change water in bird baths and pet bowls frequently.

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For more information, visit www.gympie.qld.gov.au/ mosquito-control

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You may have noticed that there are more mozzies than usual hanging around and being a nuisance. This is because we’re in the middle of their peak breeding season which is typically between September and May. And the conditions for breeding have been just right because of the wet weather and humidity we have received over the past couple of months. The best way to deal with these pesky insects is to protect yourself and reduce the areas where they can breed: • Use repellent containing DEET if you are outside • Wear long sleeve shirts and trousers • Empty any containers holding water around your home • Spray screens with residual products • Reduce shrubbery around the house

• If you are having a BBQ, any raw meat or poultry should be packed at the bottom of the cooler in an enclosed plastic container where it can’t drop onto other foods.

The holiday season and food – well, they just go hand in hand. Whether it be putting on a massive spread for friends and family on Christmas Day or enjoying all the leftovers the following day, there always seems to be never-ending supply. Turkey, chicken, lamb roast, seafood, pavlova, mince pies, cakes, salads, roast vegetables – yum! The unfortunate thing about this delicious food is that they all have the potential to give your friends and family a gift they don’t want over the holiday season.

ALUMINIUM

• Don’t allow cooked meals to cool on the bench. As soon as steams stops rising, refrigerate or freeze in a leak-proof container.

PLASTIC

For more information, visit www.foodsafety.asn.au/ entertaining.

Can you unscramble the words and pick the recyclable item? citsalp gab_____________________________ (you put things in this) repapswen___________________________________ (you can read it) fodo sparcs____________________________________(chooks love it) gnikinrd ssalg___________________________________(don’t drop it) etalp____________________________________________(eat from this) repop__________________________ (sometimes in your lunchbox) almuiminu loif___________________________ (used in the kitchen)

STEEL

• Friends and family who are travelling long distances should bring safer foods that don’t need refrigeration.

• Refrigerate or freeze leftovers immediately after the meal. If they are left out for more than four hours, they should be thrown out.

Only one of the scrambled words below can go into the recycling bin!

PAPER

GLASS REUSE WORMS

COMPOST

TYRES

BINS

CARDBOARD

METAL

RUBBISH

NEWSPAPER

TEXTILES

BOTTLES

CANS

REDUCE

GREEN

RECYCLING

CONSERVE

SORT

ELECTRONIC

WASTE

ENVIRONMENT

What do you enjoy most about the holiday season?

So, we’ve put together a list of hints and tips to help you avoid the dreaded gastro and enjoy your well-earned break. • Cook the riskier foods like meat and turkey on site where the Christmas lunch or dinner is going to be and use a meat thermometer to make sure it is cooked to 75°C in the thickest part of the meat.

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Gaylene, East Deep Creek “I love having a break away from work so I can refresh and prepare for the next year ahead!” THE ROUNDUP DECEMBER 2017

Stevie, Gympie “I really just like Christmas – presents, food and family.”

THE ROUNDUP DECEMBER 2017

Max, Southside “Having good family time.”

Malcolm, Kandanga “It’s good to have a break away after working all year I think.”

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Pets as presents?

Cat’s Claw Creeper – what is it and how do I control it?

Every year, invasive weeds in agricultural production and control activities cost Australian farmers millions of dollars. In Gympie, you may have noticed the yellow Cat’s Claw Creeper (CCC).

Thinking about giving a loved one a new pet for Christmas? They’re cute, small and cuddly – we get it! You may want to think twice first before gifting an animal as a Christmas present, because sometimes the person you’re giving it to may just not be prepared for one.

There are other options if you are still considering purchasing a pet for someone at Christmas time.

It’s no secret that pounds and animal shelters across the country are inundated with animals around Christmas and the months that follow. This is mainly due to the fact that a large number of cats and dogs become an unpopular and unwanted Christmas “gift”.

The RSPCA QLD offers adoption vouchers which may be a better way to go. This allows the gift recipient to make the decision on whether they are ready to adopt an animal or not.

This not only places extra pressure on facilities to keep up with operational demands but it can also lead to elevated euthanasia rates – which is not what we want for our animals. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you’re considering buying a pet as a Christmas gift. Think very carefully about the decision to purchase an animal as a present. Does the person you’re gifting it to know about the gift? What will the home environment be like for the pet? Does the potential owner have other pets? Will they have time to give the pet attention and exercise (if needed)? Is there enough space? Is the owner prepared for the commitment? Can the potential owner afford the financial commitment (registration, micro-chipping, desexing, training, food, vet bills)? Can they commit to providing a forever home (for up to 20 years)?

Better still, discuss it first with the person you intend to gift it to and anyone else who may be involved, so everyone has the opportunity to have a say before a decision is made. Like us, animals have feelings, emotions and expectations - and they too deserve to belong to a loving and secure forever home.

Remember If you haven’t yet paid your dog registration renewal, you can do this either online or at Council’s office at Town Hall. Better yet – if your dog is microchipped and desexed, Council offers lifetime registration for your dog! For more information visit www.gympie.qld.gov.au

Cat’s Claw Creeper is a restricted plant, native to South America. You can identify the plant by its bright yellow blossoms which flower in the warmer months. Don’t be fooled - Cat’s Claw Creeper is a hazard to Gympie’s beautiful landscape. CCC is a hardy and vigorous vine, as well as an aggressive climber that out-competes all other plants and is known as a ‘transformer weed’. This means it has the potential to cause irreparable damage to our ecosystem. Transformer weeds can be extremely difficult to contain, control and remove. How is Gympie Regional Council managing Cat’s Claw Creeper? Gympie Regional Council has identified areas of significant CCC infestation and is currently undertaking control measures across targeted sites within the region where the plant thrives. Council adopts an Integrated Pest Management approach - incorporating chemical, manual, biological and cultural control. Council is striving to reduce the risk of further spread of CCC through the region by disrupting the CCC lifecycle and preventing seed production. What can landowners do? Residents are encouraged to snip the vines close to the ground to stop the flowering, which reduces the vine’s ability to spread. If you require further advice on controlling Cat’s Claw Creeper on your land, please call Gympie Landcare 5483 8866 (Tuesday to Friday) or Council’s Lands Protection Team on 1300 307 800 for more advice and information.

Water fill stations Council operates three water fill stations across the region that are available for the general public to access drinking water. For more information, contact Council on 1300 307 800.

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THE ROUNDUP DECEMBER 2017

Water station

Location

Access

Amount

Charge

Gympie Water Fill Station

Archery Park, Cross Street

General public

<1,000 L

$1 per 200L (coin slot)

Corella Water Station

Corella Road (next to the Cemetery)

General public Water carriers

No limit

$2.57/kL (debit/credit card only)

Imbil Water Station

Yabba Creek Road

General public Water carriers

No limit

$2.57/kL (debit/credit card only)

THE ROUNDUP DECEMBER 2017

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The Mayor, Councillors and Staff at Gympie Regional Council wish you happy holidays and a safe 2018... Council offices will be closed from 3pm Friday, 22 December 2017 until 8.30am Tuesday, 2 January 2018. Kilkivan, Goomeri and Imbil library branches will be closed from 25 December 2017 until 1 January 2018 (inclusive). Gympie Regional Gallery will be open as normal from Tuesdays to Saturdays but will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day. All waste facilities will be closed on Christmas Day. Kerbside collection of waste and recyclables will operate as normal. Stay up to date with Council news and activities: gympie.qld.gov.au 1300 307 800 facebook.com/GympieRegionalCouncil twitter.com/GympieRegion instagram.com/GYMPIEREGIONALCOUNCIL

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THE ROUNDUP DECEMBER 2017