Clermont Rag - 9 July 2021

CLERMONT RAG FRIDAY, 9 JULY 2021

WATER AND WASTE INVESTMENT OF $10.8 MILLION FOR ISAAC A $10.8M injection into water, wastewater and waste projects will help continue to build and further re-energise Isaac’s future.

Isaac Regional Council’s 2021-22 Budget revealed an investment of $4.9M into water, $4.2M for wastewater upgrades and $1.7M to improve waste management facilities.

Mayor Anne Baker said the 27 water, wastewater and waste capital expenditure projects in the Isaac Regional Council’s 2021-22 Budget is about strengthening and security for communities.

“We have made major inroads across our water and wastewater treatment plants and waste facilities and we are proud on how we’ve come,” Mayor Baker said.

“Many of the issues that we continue to work through are historic in nature and by working together, we will be able to deliver a more efficient, cost-effective and sustainable water and wastewater network.

“We are dedicated to achieving long-term outcomes which meet the expectations of our

communities through the improvement of infrastructure, service delivery and products, including drinking water quality and recycled water opportunities.”

Water and Waste Standing Committee Chair Councillor Simon West said one of the big projects for this financial year is significant $1.7M upgrades to Dysart’s wastewater services.

“This investment in Dysart is to improve electrical upgrades and rehabilitation works plus improving the optimisation of the Wastewater Treatment Plant,” Cr West said.

Mayor Anne Baker said Council also has to manage over 30,000 tonnes of waste that comes through the waste management facilities or transfer stations, making waste an important part of this year’s budget.

“Council will invest $1.6M this financial year for the proposed $2.5M stage 2 of the Moranbah landfill design and construction. This will see

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Continued from Page 1... a new lined landfill cell to assist with Council continuing to provide quality waste services to the community,” Mayor Baker said.

“Moranbah’s 400ML raw water dam improvements will see $1.2M for remediation

works plus major sewerage pump station rehabilitation and remedial works have also been earmarked for Middlemount, Nebo and Glenden.”

COUNCIL BUDGET SET TO RE-ENERGISE ISAAC’S UNIQUE COMMUNITIES Re-energising Isaac region communities is the centrepiece of the adopted Isaac Regional Council 2021-22 Budget after the incomparable strain of COVID-19.

Mayor Anne Baker said the unprecedented impacts the Isaac region felt last year was the reason the budget needed to focus on community resilience.

“We saw so many impacts on our region and as we push forward with our recovery, Council has focused on delivering a responsible communitycentric budget,” Mayor Baker said.

“Council stood up last year in the face of COVID-19 uncertainty and froze rates and levies for residential and rural ratepayers while continuing to support the local economy through tough economic times.

“Significant work has been done to keep the general rates increase to 2.4%, following on from the rates freeze for residential and rural properties last year. We have reduced the cent in the dollar for general rates to offset some big increases to land values, in particular agricultural land values, as a result of Queensland Government land valuations.

“This means that for about 90% per cent of us the rates increase is equivalent to buying a cup of coffee each week. This is a responsible budget that will see us stay on track to meet our long-

term financial forecast.

“Increases to Council’s waste management and utilities charges have also been kept to 2% despite rising cost pressures from the Queensland Government Waste Levy.”

Mayor Baker said the budget will make sure with the community re-activation that Council delivers on its core business of maintaining roads, managing waste and securing water.

“Through the $45M capital works program we are building our communities resilience and improving community infrastructure,” she said.

“We are investing $15.7M in roads around the region, $1M will go toward maintaining our

COVID-19 CHECK-IN REQUIRED WHEN VISITING COUNCIL PREMISES Isaac Regional Council wishes to advise the community that the collection of contact tracing information via Check-In Qld App, in accordance with public health directives, will commence Tuesday 6 July 2021 This is in addition to arrangements already in effect

at libraries, galleries, museums and community facilities.

It is a condition of entry to Council premises that this information is provided under the Restricted Businesses, Activities and Undertakings Directive of the Public Health Act 2005.

ON THE SHELF Contributed by Laura Crichton

HOW STRONG IS A DUNG BEETLE? Despite its small size, a dung beetle is a very strong animal.

It is the strongest animal on earth and if it were the size of a human, it could pull six buses full of people.

Do you love learning trivia and storing this knowledge for the next trivia night you’ll attend?

Perhaps your child is very curious and often asks interesting questions to which you don’t really know the answer.

The Clermont Library has many books relating to trivia and fun facts.

One book that has recently arrived at the Clermont Library is Incredibly Curious Questions and Answers by Miles Kelly.

Although it’s a junior non-fiction, it has many interesting questions and answers about animals, dinosaurs, the body and saving the earth that would appeal to all the family.

a typist and she wrote stories for her own enjoyment.

When she reached her thirties, Jordan entered a novel she had written in a competition and although she didn’t win, she had caught the interest of an agent.

This lead to her first novel being published in the late 1970s.

Jordan didn’t start using the pen name ‘Annie Groves’ until 2003 when she was experimenting with writing historical fiction.

Jordan had previously written romance, suspense and thrillers.

She died of cancer in 2011 and following her death, the ‘District Nurses ’ books have been written by Sheila Riley.

NEW ARRIVALS • New books in adult fiction include:

Guinness World Records books are always a fascinating read.

• Protector by Conn Iggulden

Check out the Guinness World Record 2021 and find out why the most expensive cheesecake in the world has a $US 4592 price tag on it.

• Under the Alaskan Ice by Karen Harper

• Danger in Numbers by Heather Graham • Letters from Berlin by Tania Blanchard • Bad Habits by Amy Gentry

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT – ANNIE GROVES Annie Groves has become well-known as the author of The District Nurse books published since 2018.

Annie Groves was one of several pen names used by the late English author, Penny Jordan.

Jordan grew up in a household that had an affinity with books and her mother regularly took her to the local library.

Jordan’s first job after leaving school was

• A Valley Dream by Anna Jacobs • A Gift for the District Nurses by Annie Groves • The Perfect Sister by Zoe Miller • When the Apricots Bloom by Gina Wilkinson Until next time, stay safe and healthy, Sue, Mikaela, Robekah and Laura at the Clermont Library.

CLERMONT BEARS HOME GAMES

SPORTS NEWS

Saturday, 10 July: Clermont Bears v Dysart

GOLF NEWS

Saturday, 24 July: Clermont Bears v Tigers Saturday, 7 August: Clermont Bears v Bluff

On Sunday, 4 July the Golf Club played a 4BBB, sponsored by Isaac Regional Council.

Winner: A. Nairn and T. Bleakley Runner-up: R. Faint Ladies winner: R. Barnes

For all the updates, follow the Clermont Bears’ Facebook page: @ClermontBears

SSAA CLERMONT BRANCH

CLERMONT CLAY TARGET

The SSAA Clermont Branch shoot on the first and third Sunday of every month. Arrive at range at 9.30am and commence shooting at 10am.

Anyone who is interested in shooting rifles or pistols is welcome to attend. You can also find us on Facebook @SSAA Clermont Branch Inc.

Clermont Clay Target shoot the fourth Sunday of the month.

If anyone would like to give it a go just turn up, or call Allison on 0427 792 562 or Andrew on 0419 968 577.

RELIGIOUS NOTICES UNITING CHURCH Service time 8am each Sunday unless stated otherwise.

Contact: Heather James 0429 641 897 Address: Cnr Capella and Box Streets Website: clermontcapellauc.org.au NEW CREATION CHURCH CLERMONT Service time: Sundays, 10:30am Address: Scout Hall, Daintree Street Ps Trevor and Roxanne Cole: 4983 3980 UNITED CHURCH OF GOD (UCG) CLERMONT Service time: Every Sabbath (Saturdays) 2pm Address: 80 Mimosa Street Contact: Ken Murray (Elder) 0487 408 889 Website: ucg.org | beyondtoday.tv LIFE CHURCH Service time: Sundays, 9am Address: 58 Capella Street Office: Monday and Tuesday, 4983 2926

Pastor Allan Kelly: 0417 095 918 Regular events: Mainly Music (0-5 years): Thursdays, 9.15am Horse Riding: Wednesdays, 4pm - 5.30pm CLAW Youth: Fridays, 7pm - 9pm Kids Club (primary aged): 2nd Friday of every month (term time) 4pm-5.30pm SAINT MARY’S CHURCH First, third, fourth Sundays of the Month – Mass 8am Second and fifth Saturdays of the Month – Mass 6pm ANGLICAN CHURCH SERVICES ALL SAINTS’ CLERMONT Sunday July 11: Communion Service 4pm All other Sundays: Morning Prayer 9am Everyone is welcome to attend Contact: Bob Polsen (Warden) 0427 831 676 Address: Cnr Daintree and Capricorn Streets www.facebook.com/clermontanglican

CLERMONT RAG ADVERTISING DISCLAIMER The Clermont Rag is a weekly publication circulated throughout the Isaac Region. The views expressed are not necessarily the views of the Isaac Regional Council or the Editor or the distributors.

Further, any advert, article or submission must be ethical and professional in all dealings and the Editor reserves their unfettered right to confirm or delete listings as required.

While every care has been taken in the preparation of The Clermont Rag, the Editor and distributors cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions, whether whole or in part, including those caused by negligence, in this publication.

ADVERTISING IN THE RAG

The Editor and distributors do not guarantee, and accept no legal responsibility whatsoever arising from or in connection to the accuracy, reliability, correctness or completeness of any material contained within this publication.

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, the Editor and distributors disclaim all responsibility and all liability for all expenses, losses, damages and costs you might incur arising out of, or in any way related to, the information being inaccurate or incomplete.

Owing to space restrictions, the Editor reserves the right to edit long articles.

The Clermont Rag does not take positions on any political issue, nor does it endorse any candidate.

The publication therefore does not print any advert, article or any submission which can be deemed to contain content of a political nature and reserves the right to remove any advert, article or submission prior to publication.

All paid advertisements must be paid for prior to printing.

Unpaid ads will not be printed. Payment is to be made at the Council Office or by contacting 1300 ISAACS (1300 472 227) and speaking with a customer service officer.

No accounts will be issued.

COLOUR ADVERTISING Colour advertising in the Rag will be limited. If you require colour advertising then booking in advance is advisable.

Please ensure that all items are emailed prior to the closing time of 5pm Monday in word or as a PDF or JPEG file. Email your Clermont Rag items to therag@isaac.qld.gov.au Please note: a Privacy Form is required to be completed before any item can be published in the Clermont Rag.

NOTE: Any not for profit organisations are permitted one only black and white 1/8 advert (10.5cmx7.5cm) free of charge for any one event.

MEETING AND IMPORTANT NOTICES CLERMONT MEALS ON WHEELS New volunteers on a permanent or casual basis are most welcome.

If you would like to receive meals from Meals on Wheels or require more information please contact: Coordinator - Barb Lambert: 0467 280 493.

President - Chris Robertson: 0429 490 102.

Secretary/Treasurer – Marg Daniels: 0437 835 272.

CLERMONT PATCHWORK AND QUILTERS GROUP INC Monthly meetings are held on the third Thursday of the month at 10.30am at 76 Capricorn Street, Senior Citizen’s Hall.

New members and crafters are welcome.

Casual craft days are held every Thursday and Saturday.

For further information call Helen Olsen, President on 0403 198 305.

24 Francis Street, Clermont QLD 4721 Ph: (07) 4983 1801 Fax: (07) 4983 3740 Email: reception@clermontdoctors.com.au Web: www.clermontdoctors.com.au ______________________________________________________________________________________

Mackay Hospital and Health Services has formally notified Clermont Doctors Surgery currently managed by Rural Health Management Services is to close from th

July 9 2021

If you would like your records transferred to another practice or doctor here or elsewhere, please notify reception staff, otherwise records will be archived by us.

We would like to thank the Clermont Community for their support and patience during the many changes in services.

We would also like to publicly acknowledge the dedication and commitment of all the staff and doctors who are working and have worked in the Clermont Doctors Surgery Please let reception staff know if you have any questions or concerns in relation to the closure.

Rural Health Management Services

Celebrating NAIDOC Week 12th - 15th July 2021

Clermont, Queensland NAIDOC Week is held in July each year and celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

This year's theme is "Heal Country"

The Wangan and Jagalingou Traditional Owners invite you to join us to celebrate our connection to culture and country with activities to be held on Monday 12 July 2021 and continuing with educational presentations to local schools during the week long event.

PUBLIC PROGRAM - 12 JULY 2021 9am: Clermont Civic Centre Welcome to Country, Flag Raising Ceremony, W & J Elders presentation Presentation by Mayor Anne Baker 11.30 am - Sandy Creek Corroboree Ground Smoking Ceremony and Dance "Heal Country - Heal People" COME AND BE A PART OF OUR NAIDOC EVENT FOR 2021 IN CLERMONT BRING YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS

PROUDLY SPONSORED BY ISAAC REGIONAL COUNCIL For more information contact Linda on 0417 607 053

DIVISION 6 CLERMONT There is an incredible number of large-scale works and projects coming to the Clermont community in this year’s budget.

project will help deliver jobs to our community and support recovery and growth, making the showgrounds and saleyards a world-class facility for future events and as an economic driver.

There are five key elements being upgraded in stage 2. These include the Clermont rodeo arena replacement, the southern show pavilion refurbishment, CR LYN JONES the creation of a showgrounds Over the last year, Council has main entrance, an open space had some major engineering beautification and usability contracts totalling $3.4 million. Of upgrade and staged replacement that $2.2 million has been spent in of key sections of the saleyards.

Clermont area.

Pool users will be treated to new Stage 2 of the Clermont BBQ and picnic facilities, making Showgrounds and Saleyards a great space for local families to Revitalisation Project is cospend more time and make a day funded with Council through of visiting the pool. the Australian Government’s The already great facility at the Regional Recovery Partnership, Clermont Civic Centre is getting totalling $3.2M. This amazing

some beautification works done, with funding by the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program and Works for Queensland. The kitchen is getting a renewal and the courtyard is being reinvigorated, which will help cater to more people at the facility. Both projects will see an investment of $230,000.

Council’s commitment to improving the water quality, safety and sustainability of Clermont is seeing another $768,000 investment, which is on top of the $4.9M dedicated to Clermont’s water supply in last year’s budget. The opening of the new 5-megalitre water reservoir was in April 2021. Many of the water improvement projects are outlined in the Clermont Water Quality Response Plan.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

GENERAL RATES INCREASES

BUYING LOCAL FIRST

better investment in local suppliers and local businesses, injecting additional money into our Isaac economy

$3.2M Stage 2, Clermont Showgrounds & Saleyards Revitalisation Project*

$30,000 Installing a new BBQ and picnic facilities at the Clermont Pool

$40,000 Future planning for the Clermont Waste Management Facility^

$768,000 Continued improvements to the town’s water network

$230,000 Civic Centre kitchen renewal and courtyard reinvigoration**

$39,000 Installing fencing, shelter, table and bike rack at Lions Park for the skatepark

*Australian Government’s Regional Recovery Partnerships **Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program and Works for Queensland ^operational budget

This year’s budget reflects what is important to our region as we navigate our way through a pandemic and into a stronger and more resilient region. Re-energising our communities is so much more to us than just words.

The direction of where we are spending our time and money in this year’s capital budget focuses on building and strengthening the Isaac lifestyle of our people.

Our capital budget for CR ANNE BAKER the 2021-2022 budget is

$45 million. Over 50% of the capital works budget is dedicated to our road’s infrastructure and our community facilities.

As we go about re-energising our communities through our capital works budget, we are also focusing on building better communities through other programs and activities.

Significant work has been done to keep the overall rates increase to 2.4%, following on from the rates freeze for residential and rural properties

DIVISION 6

for 90% per cent of us the general rates increase is equivalent to buying a cup of coffee each week

working with all levels of government for better roads, health services, community facilities, water & more

ISAAC REGION

ADVOCATING TO IMPROVE OUR REGION

last year.

We have reduced the cent in the dollar for general rates to offset some big increases to land values, in particular agricultural land values, as a result of Queensland Government land valuations.

This means that for about 90% per cent of us the rates increase is equivalent to buying a cup of coffee each week. This is a responsible budget that will see us stay on track to meet our long-term financial forecast.

THE ISAAC STORY

WHERE DOES THE MONEY COME FROM?

We are huge!

We service 58,708km2 17 unique Spanning communities from the Modern coast to the mining towns, coalfields. historical That is 25 towns, times the size coastal and of the ACT! rural towns.

20,810 permanent population 12,500 temporary population.

1/3 of our population doesn’t live here.

We produce $19.4B annual economic output in the Isaac region .

We maintain 4,500kms of roads That’s like driving from Moranbah to Perth!

We look after 19 community facilities We want the community to stay connected.

We proudly We maintain have 85 parks and 8 aquatic open spaces facilities Our region is Because what beautiful and better way to we want you stay cool than to spend time a splash in the in it. pool?

Income at a glance 5%

5% Net Rates & Utility Charges

6%

NET RATES & UTILITY CHARGES

Sale of Contract & Recoverable Works

SALE OF CONTRACT & RECOVERABLE WORKS

13%

Other REVENUE Recurrent Revenue OTHER RECURRENT

71%

OPERATING GRANTS, SUBSIDIES & Operating Grants, Subsidies & Contributions CONTRIBUTIONS FEES & CHARGES, RENTAL INCOME, INTERESTFees RECIEVED & Charges

Rental Income Interest Recieved

$90.7M $16.4M $7.5M $6.9M $3.7M $1.5M $601K

$45M capital budget 2%

4%

3%

WHERE DOES THE MONEY GO?

9%

35%

11%

14%

22%

Roads, Drainage, Infrastructure and Technical Services

$15.7M

Community Facilities, Hubs and Compliance

$9.8M

Council Properties, Fleet, Plant and Workshops

$6.3M

Water

$4.9M

Wastewater

$4.2M

Parks and Recreation

$1M

Waste Management

$1.7M

Services, Support and Safety

$1.4M

$125.8M operational budget Roads, Drainage, Infrastructure and Technical Services

19%

Facilities, Hubs and ROADS &Community DRAINAGE

30%

Compliance

COMMUNITY FACILITIES, HUBS, EDUCATION & COMPLIANCE Council Properties, Fleet, Plant and COUNCILWorkshops PROPERTIES FLEET, PLANT & WORKSHOPS

8%

WATER Water

$38.2M $19.6M $3.6M $16.2M

WASTEWATER

Wastewater

5%

PARKS & RECREATION

WASTE MANAGEMENT Parks and Recreation

6%

16% 13%

3%

$8.1M $6.2M

SERVICES, SUPPORT & SAFETY

Waste Management Services, Support and Safety

$9.4M $24.5M

CLERMONT HISTORICAL CENTRE FROM THE PAST Crikey! A Croc in Sandy Creek?

Some of us who grew up in Clermont may have been warned not to venture too close to the edge of the lagoon because a Bunyip would jump out of the water and grab you.

But was anyone warned about the croc in Sandy Creek?

A story about a croc sighting in Sandy Creek was front page news in the June 6, 1968 edition of The Clermont Telegram.

About 10 months earlier, Dick Jansan became suspicious of a resident croc in Sandy Creek when he saw croc tracks from the top of the bank to the water’s edge opposite from where he lived on Sandy Creek.

Dick later shared his observation with Brian Goodwin and Brian said a fish trap had been badly crumpled about the same time as when Dick saw the croc tracks.

Brian repaired the fish trap, but it was again damaged.

Unfortunately, many people didn’t believe Dick’s theory of a croc in Sandy Creek.

However, Maureen James, who lived on the other side of the creek to the Jansan home, said she had seen ripples in the water similar to those made by a large creature, like a croc, and slide tracks down the bank.

Mrs James’ daughter and her daughter’s friend, Sharon Charles also saw the ripples and tracks.

Clifton Townsend, a boy whose family also lived near the creek, told Dick of the ‘huge lizard’ he saw swimming in the creek.

After describing it, Dick was sure the boy had seen a croc.

On May 15, 1968, Dick saw ripples from an object

Flood waters flow over the Sandy Creek bridge.

Photograph courtesy of Laura Crichton

apparently swimming in the creek near his house and then heard the loud pop of bubbles close by.

It was nearly dark with light from a full moon.

Dick turned to look towards the noise and saw the head of a croc laying on debris on the creek bank.

He then watched the croc until it swam across the creek.

Dick left in a hurry after hearing footsteps in the grass behind him.

He didn’t see the croc again but was always wary when near the creek.

Dick estimated the croc’s head was at least 24 inches (61 centimetres) long and that the crocodile was between seven and nine feet (2.1 to 2.7 metres) long.

He did report the croc sighting to the police.

A STEP BACK IN TIME…63 YEARS AGO Friday, June 27, 1958 New Sandy Creek Bridge Open to Traffic After months of watching the structure being built and detours around the approaches as they were formed, motorists were pleased to be able to drive across the new Sandy Creek bridge.

This bridge replaced a bridge that was more than 40 years old.

The new steel and concrete bridge cost about £50 000 ($92 378) to build.

Motorists were warned to take care when negotiating the curves of the new road and approaches to the new bridge.

While the new bridge was structurally stronger than the old bridge, it wasn’t flood-proof.

Contributed by the Staff and Volunteers at the Clermont Historical Centre

presents

EXHIBITION OPENS 23 MARCH 2021 TO 18 DECEMBER 2021

4 MARCH 19 DECEMBER 2020 REFLECTIONS OFTORESILIENCE

An exhibition honouring the fortitude and resilience of Medical Pioneers of the district, showcasing the Clermont Hospital’s historic medical and midwifery collection.

Clermont Historical Centre Gregory Highway

Open Wednesday to Saturday 9am - 3pm

FOR MORE INFORMATION: ISAAC.QLD.GOV.AU | 1300 ISAACS (1300 472 2 27) isaacregionalcouncil

isaacregionalcouncil

isaacrcouncil

$6 adults, $4 pensioners, $3 children under 12 years, $15 per family with two or more children

COUNCIL STATEMENT VALE COUNCILLOR LYN JONES Isaac Regional Council is deeply saddened to advise the passing of Councillor Lyn Jones.

“Lyn was a passionate and respected member of our council team, and her commitment to the Clermont community was unwavering during her terms,” Isaac Region Mayor Anne Baker said earlier this week.

Cr Jones lost her battle with terminal cancer on Sunday, 4 July 2021.

Mayor Baker described her passing as a great loss for her family, friends and the Clermont community.

“Councillor Jones called it how she saw it. Her authenticity, selflessness and compassion endeared her to many. Lyn was not afraid to make tough decisions in the best interest of the community.

“Words will never do justice to the fierce woman Lyn was. She had the heart of a lion and stood tall in the face of adversity.

“I am devastated at the loss of our close friend and confidant. Her infectious laugh and humour will be missed.” Mayor Baker said.

“On behalf of myself, my fellow councillors, council staff and the Isaac Region, I extend our deepest sympathy to Straw, Sara, her grandchildren, Axel, Kris, Charlie, Robbie and their extended families.”

Vale Cr Lyn Jones