Gympie Regional Council | September 2017
Smithfield Street comes alive! THE ROUNDUP SEPTEMBER 2017
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Contents 01 A message from Mayor Mick Curran 04 G150 celebrations 06 Changes to your waste
A message from Mayor Mick Curran
07 River to Rail Trail 08 Canoe and Kayak Trail 08 Responsible pet ownership 08 Garage Sale Trail 09 Roadworks 09 In brief 10 Senior Citizens Awards 2017 10 Your Councillors 11 Meet the staff 12 What’s on
THE ROUND-UP 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
Award winning! The Gympie Aquatic Recreation Centre (ARC) has been awarded a Queensland Master Builders Sunshine Coast
The Gympie region is evolving … from its roots in gold-mining to a rapidly growing and diverse region.
Construction Award for Tourism and Leisure Facilities over $10 million. Congratulations to the team
Over the next 20 years, our area is projected to be home to more than 60,000
at Hutchinson Builders and
residents.
everyone associated with the
This forecasted growth means that we need to ensure that we have adequate and
project.
strategic infrastructure in place that meets the future needs of our community. During the past 12 months, we have implemented key projects that not only support the region’s growth but we are helping to shape our city and townships into a network of connected and liveable places and spaces. This perfectly aligns with our vision that Gympie region is the natural choice to live, work and play.
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THE ROUNDUP SEPTEMBER 2017
Kilkivan to Kingaroy Rail Trail
Our Towns – Sustainable Centre Program
The Kingaroy to Kilkivan Rail Trail is a priority outdoor recreation
We are continuing to work closely with our rural and coastal
project that Council has jointly undertaken with South Burnett
townships to enhance their existing community infrastructure
Regional Council.
and economic sustainability through the Our Towns –
Gympie Regional Council secured $600,000 of a total $2 million in
Sustainable Centre Program.
funding through the Department of State Development to deliver
The township of Cooloola Cove recently received upgraded
its section of rail trail between Kilkivan and the local government
pedestrian links, landscaping, and seating in its high profile areas.
boundary shared with South Burnett.
These works have improved the inter-connectedness of these
The rail trail between Kilkivan, Goomeri and Murgon is a
public spaces and enhanced the visual amenity for locals and
natural formation, and will be most suited to mountain bikers,
visitors to enjoy.
bushwalkers and horse riders. From Murgon heading south-west through Wondai, Tingoora, Wooroolin, Memerambi, Crawford and Kingaroy, the rail trail
Future works will be carried out in Goomeri and Tin Can Bay later in the year.
will be sealed and appeal to road bikes and alternative transport
Aquatic Recreation Centre (ARC)
users.
Unquestionably the biggest infrastructure project over the past
The rail trail is scheduled to be officially opened to the general
year was the award-winning Gympie Aquatic Recreation Centre.
public in late September 2017.
The modern, multi-purpose facility now plays an important role
Smithfield Street Revitalisation In July this year, one of the Gympie Town Centre’s high-profile areas – Smithfield Street was transformed into a unique CBD precinct.
in our community by supporting health and social wellbeing. The design of the Gympie Aquatic and Recreation Centre incorporated energy efficient technology. The entire facility is fitted with LED light fittings including the flood lights and photovoltaic solar panels were used to offset electricity usage.
The $2.6 million project was jointly funded by the State
These panels generate about 20% of the total electricity
Government’s Building Our Region’s Program and sought to
demands which equates to a $40,000 saving each year.
improve on the existing character amenity of the town centre.
There are also energy efficient pumps and heating.
We delivered cost-effective streetscape improvements with the
In August, the Gympie Aquatic Recreation Centre was awarded a
introduction of new street furniture, pedestrian crossing points,
Queensland Master Builders Sunshine Coast Construction Award
significant street tree planting and landscaping, streetscape
for Tourism and Leisure Facilities over $10 million.
lighting, public art, and widened pedestrian pavement areas.
THE ROUNDUP SEPTEMBER 2017
Mayor Mick Curran BM
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1867 ~
2017
Gympie celebrates 150 years!
2017 marks the 150th anniversary since the discovery of gold by James Nash, with October widely recognised as the founding date of the Gympie township. To celebrate, we are holding a huge G150 concert featuring Aussie rock royalty Jimmy Barnes!
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Jimmy will be supported by some of Australia’s rock icons including The Black Sorrows, The Voices (Jason Singh, Reece Mastin, Katie Underwood, and Paul Gray), and local artists Brooke Schubert and TotoSenda. When: Saturday, 14 October (Gates open from 3pm. Show starts at 4.30pm) Where: Albert Park, Gympie Cost:
$10 + booking fee and GST
Children under 12 are free but must be hold a valid ticket upon entry and be accompanied by an adult at all times. For further information or to book visit www.rushfestival.com.au **** LIMITED TICKETS AVAILABLE ****
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THE ROUNDUP SEPTEMBER 2017
d artist Ross October.*
art, live music 0pm
ma Café for brunch Station, Saturday
Rush Art Competition Gympie Regional Gallery
This annual competition features nine
Picture Book
Signed:.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Slow Movement’? s from Cooloola zig Institute while od.
A short story (excluding the G150 short story) may be of any length up to a maximum 5000 words in the adult section, and a maximum of 3000 words in the children’s section. The maximum length for the short story for the G150 short story competition is 3000 words.
Gympie region
A poem may be of any length up to a maximum of 200 lines in the adult section, and a maximum of 100 lines in the children’s section. A picture book must be no longer than 500 words and suitable for 3 to 7 year olds. Choose any medium e.g. paint, pencil, collage, photos, etc. Writing and illustrating can be done by different people. Choose your own topic, theme, or style. Picture book entrants may choose any medium, e.g. paint, crayon, collage, photos, etc.
2017
Entries MUST be clear and easy to read and should be: • typed on white A4 paper • typed in Times New Roman, font size 12, left justified • stapled in top left-hand corner
A competition for writers and illustrators of all ages
• without illustrations • with each page titled and numbered. Short stories should have double line spacing with 3-4cm margins. Poems should have single line spacing with double line spacing between verses. Limit of one entry per person in each section. Copyright remains with the author. Short story and poetry entrants are advised to keep copies of their work as entries will not be returned. Picture book entries may be collected after the end of the display period. Name of entrant must not appear on the work, only on the entry form.
Legend and the Locals performance I/We agree with the conditions of entry.
guest speaker ober, 1pm.
Poem
ner?
All entries must be the original work of entrants and must not have been published, or have won a prize in any literary competition prior to the closing date, Thursday 31 August 2017.
the Gallery
Short Story
– Saturday 10am – 4pm
My entry is a:
nalgallery
The form must contain the following details.
onalGallery
Gympie Region Literary Awards 2017 Entry Form
mpie.qld.gov.au
gov.au/gallery
.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Olive Hooper
.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. Age:………(if under 18)
FOG Art Groups
Food and Beverages Gympie
Phone numbers and email addresses: .....................................................................................................................................................................................................
Raine and Horne Gympie
ooloola Rocks and Minerals
.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
G150 Short Story
Sally and David Gartshore
en ‘Art Down Under’ Studio
Kingston’s Office Equipment
Author’s and/or Illustrator’s name(s): ......................................................................................................................................................................................................
Gold Town Framing
Title of work: ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Conditions of Entry
Entries may be reproduced for local media and library promotional purposes. Entrants may have their photo taken and used for library promotional purposes. Prize winners’ names and details will be supplied to Bendigo Bank for the purpose of writing prize winners’ cheques. Winners will be announced at the Gympie Regional Libraries Gold Rush Literary Event at Gympie Library on Tuesday 17 October 2016. Names of winners will be published in the local papers and on the Gympie Regional Libraries website.
2017 Literary Awards The Gympie Region Literary Awards
categories with over $10,000 in prize
Legend and the Locals is an annual tour
celebrates the writing and illustrating
money. It celebrates our local artists’
organised by Keppel Coast Arts and
talents of locals in our region.
original pieces in a range of mediums.
presented by CQ University that features
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2017
The competition exhibition will be launched at the Gympie Regional Gallery and on display until 28 October. Date: Wednesday 11 October (exhibition launch) Venue: Gympie Regional Gallery Time: 6pm for 7pm start Cost: Free Phone: 5481 0733
Gympie Regional Libraries reserve the right to display the works for two weeks after the event. No late entries will be accepted.
an Australian music legend who performs with local artists. This year, legend Sara Storer will be joined by Will Hearn from
Proudly sponsored by
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2017
The Awards will be presented at the Gympie Library. The guest judge is author Richard Yaxley.
the Capricorn Coast and local Alice Benfer
Date: Tuesday 17 October
to perform unique collaborations.
Time: 5.30pm to 7.30pm
Date: Friday 13 October
Venue: Gympie Regional Library,
Time: 7pm to 10pm Venue: Gympie Civic Centre, Mellor Street Cost: $10 (plus booking fee and GST)
Mellor Street Cost: Free Bookings essential: 5481 0859
Phone: 1300 307 800 Web: www.legendandthelocals.com.au
Plus so much more… visit www.rushfestival.com.au
THE ROUNDUP SEPTEMBER 2017
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Changes to your Waste Management Facilities From 1 October, how you access your local waste management facility will change. These facilities will adopt a user pay system, which means you pay each time you wish to dispose of your rubbish. There will be no charge to drop off your recycling. These changes have been made to ensure the cost of waste management is fair and consistent for all members of our community.
Gympie
Weekdays: 8am to 4pm Weekends: 10am to 3pm
Tin Can Bay
Weekdays, except Tuesday: 8am to 4pm Weekends: 10am to 2pm Closed Tuesday
Rainbow Beach
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 8am to 4pm Saturday, Sunday: 9am to 1pm
Amamoor
Friday: 8am to 4pm Saturday: 1pm to 5pm
Mary Valley
Monday, Wednesday: 8am to 4pm Weekends: 10am to 2pm
Gunalda
GET WASTE WISE WITH OUR APP!
Monday, Tuesday: 8am to 4pm Sunday: 10am to 2pm
Sexton
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday: 8am to 12pm Weekends: 10am to 2pm
Widgee
Monday, Tuesday, Friday: 8am to 4pm Weekends: 10am to 2pm
Goomeri
Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 8am to 4pm Saturday: 9am to 12pm Sunday: 1pm to 4pm
Kilkivan
Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 8am to 4pm Saturday: 1pm to 4pm Sunday: 9am to 12pm
Search for Gympie Council Recycling Guide
How much will it cost? Prices start from $5.40 for a small load.
Want to know more?
The Waste Management Facilities will not accept cash,
Visit www.gympie.qld.gov.au or call 1300 307 800
however all major debit and credit cards are accepted.
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THE ROUNDUP SEPTEMBER 2017
Construction underway on the new River to Rail Trail
Construction has started on the River to Rail Trail Project as part of Gympie Regional Council’s commitment to improving its outdoor recreational trails, and access to the beautiful Mary River. Funded by the Queensland Government under the Works for Queensland program, Stage One of the trail will provide a 1.8km pathway from the canoe and kayak launch point at the Gympie Weir, through to ‘The Sands’ just downstream of Normanby Bridge, for users to access the edge of the Mary River and view the waterway’s native flora and fauna. The project is planned to form part of a larger network of trails and, once complete, users will have the opportunity to walk or cycle the 6.4km route from Albert Park to the Railway Station on Tozer Street and back into the Gympie Town Centre, forming a connected recreation loop. The $600,000 project is scheduled to be delivered by the end of 2017 and will provide recreation opportunities for both locals and tourists to experience our region in a unique way.
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Canoe and Kayak Trail
Responsible pet ownership
Following the adoption of the Canoe and Kayak Strategy in
Dogs are required to be registered with Council, but did you
September 2015, works are now complete at Gympie Weir (near
know that if your dog is microchipped and desexed, you do not
Kidd Bridge), Attie Sullivan Park (near Normanby Bridge) and
have to pay a registration fee?
Kandanga Weir (near the old railway station carpark).
Registering your dog, making sure it wears its green registration
The canoe and kayak launch points aim to enhance recreational
tag, and keeping its microchip details up to date means that
opportunities on our waterways and reinforce the Gympie
your pet can be easily identified and reunited with you quickly if
Region as an outdoor recreation hub.
it happens to go missing.
Work is now underway to construct two additional launch
Registration renewals will be sent out late September/early
points on Yabba Creek in Imbil as part of the Works for
October. A full list of fees and charges is available at
Queensland State Government funding and are scheduled for
www.gympie.qld.gov.au/animal-registration
completion by the end of November 2017.
For more information, please contact Council on 1300 307 800.
Choose to Reuse! Get to know your neighbours and be part of the nation’s biggest ever weekend of garage sales this October. Gympie Regional Council is bringing Garage Sale Trail to the local area on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 October, 2017. For sellers – it’s a free, fun and social way to declutter, find a home for your pre-loved stuff, meet local people and make some pocket money. For shoppers – it’s a great way to grab a bargain, find something unique and shop sustainably. Register your sale at garagesaletrail.com.au and get in early to get a free sellers pack!
Gympie’s Greatest Garage Sale As part of the annual Garage Sale Trail event, Council is hosting a community garage sale at the Senior Citizens Centre, 40 Mellor Street, Gympie from 8am to 2pm on Saturday 21 October. Council will provide community groups with a 3m x 3m site, table and chair for their stall. Stall sites will also be made available on the grassed area outside the Senior Citizens Centre for residents who would prefer to hold a stall at this location. There will also be food available, and entertainment from 9am to 1pm. Sites are limited. For more information or to book, please phone 1300 307 800. Or you can register your stall at www.gympie.qld.gov.au/garage-sale-registration
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Roadworks Council maintains more than 2300 kilometres of road infrastructure, which includes sealed roads, footpaths and bridges. These are some of the projects Before
Council has recently completed.
After
Reef Street asphalt works
Before
After
Widening of Rose Road
Before
After
Upgrading of Louisa Street and Alfred Street
Did you know that you can find out what roads are being worked on and upcoming projects? Visit https://maps. gympie.qld.gov.au
Before
After
Goomong Road bridge replacement
In brief ... Aerodrome Master Plan
Water use in the region
The draft Aerodrome Master Plan community consultation
Council’s Water Business Unit is committed to
period has now closed. Thank you to all those who provided
providing our communities with safe and reliable
feedback. Your comments and suggestions will be collated and
water supply and sewerage services.
considered by Council.
Rattler line works Works are currently underway for the restoration of the track and structures (ie bridges) between Gympie Station and Amamoor. CR Rail Pty Ltd were awarded
Following recent reviews, we have initiated a number of actions, including improved processes for managing our drinking water, improved asset management, long term water security planning, better use of technology and improved customer communication.
the contract for the restoration. You will see a lot of activity
We are continuing to monitor the very dry conditions as they
along the rail corridor and at the Gympie and Amamoor stations
impact our current water supply security. Residents are urged to
between now and Christmas. In the interest of public safety,
use water sparingly as higher restriction levels may need to be
public access to the rail corridor is not permitted.
imposed soon.
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Senior Citizens Awards 2017 The 2017 Senior Citizen of the Year
Marie also assists with letterbox drops,
Awards were held on Tuesday 22
business security audits, school adopt-
August at the Gympie Civic Centre.
a-cop functions, blue light discos and
Congratulations to the winners
various other administrative functions.
Maria Vella and Stewart English, who were celebrated for their outstanding service to our local community.
Stewart English, along with wife Joan, volunteers with various organisations and has taken on different roles over the
Marie Vella has volunteered with the
years. He has been part of the Gympie
Queensland Police Service for the past
District Show Society, the Glastonbury
12 years amounting to an impressive
Hall and Recreation Committee, the
3500 volunteer hours. She assists
Glastonbury Rural Fire Brigade and the
with displays at shopping centres, the
Glastonbury Amateur Race Club.
Gympie Show, at various locations during road safety week and at police recruiting seminars.
Your Councillors
We appreciate their continued commitment to make our community a better place.
Cr Mick Curran, Mayor Portfolio: Governance, Finance, Disaster Management Phone: 0417 959 331 Email:
mayorcurran@gympie.qld.gov.au
Cr Mark McDonald, Division 1
Cr Dan Stewart, Division 5
Portfolio: Planning and Development
Portfolio: Social Wellbeing
Phone: 0439 001 170
Phone: 0499 081 404
Email:
Email: dan.stewart@gympie.qld.gov.au
mark.mcdonald@gympie.qld.gov.au
Cr Glen Hartwig, Division 2
Cr Hilary Smerdon, Division 6
Portfolio: Economic Development
Portfolio: Water and Sewerage, Waste Management
Phone: 0437 722 931 Email: glen.hartwig@gympie.qld.gov.au Cr Mal Gear, Division 3 Portfolio: Business Activities
Phone: 0499 080 913 Email: hilary.smerdon@gympie.qld.gov.au Cr Bob Leitch, Deputy Mayor Division 7
Phone: 0437 477 245
Portfolio: Infrastructure Services
Email:
Phone: 0429 231 516
mal.gear@gympie.qld.gov.au
Email: bob.leitch@gympie.qld.gov.au Dr Daryl Dodt, Division 4
Cr James Cochrane, Division 8
Portfolio: Environmental Sustainability and Special Projects
Portfolio: Tourism, Sport and Recreation
Phone: 0499 080 164 Email: daryl.dodt@gympie.qld.gov.au
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Phone: 0499 080 398 Email:
james.cochrane@gympie.qld.gov.au
THE ROUNDUP SEPTEMBER 2017
Meet the staff Trish Ellis – Administration Officer - Infrastructure Services Why the Gympie region? I grew up here then moved away but Gympie and the region are just the right pace for me. The big city is far enough away, but close enough if I need it. About your job I am an Administration Officer at Infrastructure Services. There are new things to learn about every day and a great and diverse team of people to work with too. When friends and family visit, where do you take them? The short answer is “everywhere”. Goomeri and Kilkivan are a lovely drive with great antique shops, the beach is just incredible and the drive to and through the Mary Valley is also a great day out.
Hayley Mahaffey – Assistant - Administration (Art Gallery) Why the Gympie region? It is my home; where I spent most of my childhood and where my family and friends reside. It is a beautiful part of the country. About your job I see my job at the Gallery as encompassing a lot of different roles. I am a part of a closelyknit team that works as educators, curators, researchers, interpreters, event planners, designers, writers, cultural ambassadors, advocators for all forms of art, and as artists. We are community-minded, passionate people who strongly encourage and support creativity across all ages and skill levels as well as expose the community to artwork from around the country, which makes us a great tourism, economic and social benefit for the region. When friends and family visit, where do you take them? I grew up on the shores of Rainbow Beach and still spend a lot of time there. In winter the waters are clear and calm and the days are sunny and quiet. I would recommend a visit, any time of the year.
Sam Cook – Senior Officer - Customer Engagement (Planning and Development) Why the Gympie region? We moved up to Gympie in 2010 to be near my wife’s parents and have been here ever since. The region is a great place for young families and, as we now have two kids of our own, we fill the weekends going to the beach, playing in the parks and swimming in the super new pool. About your job I work on the front counter for Planning and Development and deal with all manner of enquiries from subdividing your block and building a house; to adding an ensuite or registering your dog! I love my job as no day is the same and I get to meet a huge variety of people. When friends and family visit, where do you take them? We love the beach and being outdoors so will normally head to Tin Can, Rainbow, or the beaches of the Sunshine Coast.
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What's on GROWERS MARKET 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month, 7am to 12 noon Memorial Park, Gympie. www.gympie.qld.gov.au GROWERS TWILIGHT MARKET 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month, Jaycee Way, Gympie www.gympie.qld.gov.au TIN CAN BAY SEAFOOD FESTIVAL 23 September, Tin Can Bay Foreshore www.tincanbaytourism.org.au KILKIVAN GREAT HORSE RIDE 30 September, Kilkivan Showgrounds www.kilkivangreathorseride.com.au WIDGEE BUSH BALLADEERS 5-8 October, Widgee www.rushfestival.com.au RUSH FESTIVAL 5-21 October, Gympie www.rushfestival.com.au MARY VALLEY SCARECROW FESTIVAL 7 October - 11 November, Mary Valley www.maryvalleyartslink.com.au/mary-valley-scarecrowfestival GYMPIE GOLD RUSH FESTIVAL FAMILY FUN DAY 14 October, Nelson Reserve, Gympie www.rushfestival.com.au G150 CONCERT featuring JIMMY BARNES 14 October, Nelson Reserve, Gympie www.rushfestival.com.au MARY VALLEY FAMILY FISHING CLASSIC 4-5 November, Borumba Dam, Imbil gympie.qld.lions.org.au/projects MARY RIVER FESTIVAL 12 November, Kandanga www.maryriverfestival.org.au
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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
THE ROUNDUP SEPTEMBER 2017