COUNCIL CONNECTION

With Division 5 Councillor Cherie Rutherford

Hello Everyone,

Recently I have received several calls requesting information on several projects underway in Mount Morgan. I realised it has been a while since we have shared any updates, so I have compiled some information to bring you up to date on where each project is at.

However, before I begin, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Golden Mount Festival Association on a fantastic event. Thank you to all involved in delivering an event that did Mount Morgan and indeed the entire region proud.

I know there is a great deal of anticipation for the Mount Morgan Pipeline and I can assure you Council shares your excitement for this project. The following are the steps we have taken in advance of the tender process to ensure we can hit the ground running as soon as possible:

• The pipes, fittings, and valves have been procured in preparation for the commencement of the project and have been delivered to the Gracemere Storage yard.

• The initial Cultural Heritage Assessment for the proposed route has been completed and we will continue engaging with the Traditional Owners.

• Design development completed and proposed pipeline route finalised.

• Agreement negotiated and finalised with Education QLD for land lease, and a secure storage yard has been established.

• Applications for statutory approvals in progress.

We have now completed the tender package for the project and are currently in tender assessment and negotiation stage. I look forward to providing an update to the community once this has been finalised.

I have heard there are members of the community concerned that the Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline has replaced the Mount Morgan Pipeline. This is certainly not the case. The Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline is not a Rockhampton Regional Council project, it is being delivered by the Gladstone Area Water Board and has been in various stages of planning for over 15 years.

The Mount Morgan Swimming Pool is very close to the exciting stage of seeing work commencing on site. The design and construct tender was awarded to Taylor Builders Pty Ltd. The contractor has been working with six specialised consultants, ranging from electrical consultants to civil works consultants as well as working with Ergon Energy in preparation for the works. The pool complex is in the final stages of the design process and Taylor Builders Pty Ltd in expected to commence siteworks in July. All going well you should be swimming in your new pool in early 2024.

Many of you will have noticed the removal of the dwelling at 2 Byrnes Parade. The dwelling and the land were assets of the State Government. In 1994 the Mount Morgan Shire Council leased the property from the State and that lease was due to expire. At the expiration of the lease the dwelling was to be repaired or removed. Council had no reason to re-lease this property from the State and estimated costs to repair the dwelling made this an unviable option. The dwelling was put out to tender for removal and relocation, however no tenders were received. Council will now request the State to convert the property to Dam Reserve.

I am aware there are issues with the power at Newman Oval and this has had a significant impact on Mount Morgan’s Lorikeets Rugby Union team. I have been working with Council Officers on identifying the issues here and a path forward.

I have been advised there is an earth fault in the sub-main feeding the amenities and lighting. (The canteen has its own sub-main, but it is not big enough to supply all assets on the site). The proposed solution is to upgrade the site to current electrical standards by deleting both existing sub-mains and run one larger sub-main to feed both buildings. This will require an upgrade to the consumer mains at the main switchboard on the property pole by Ergon. Council Officers are working with Ergon on a project timeline and Mayor Williams, and I are working on having funds allocated in the coming budget to deliver the project.

Council acknowledges the difficulties this issue has caused the Lorikeets and has waived the annual lease fee for the use of the buildings. Sporting fields are free of charge for all user groups. From Monday 12th June, Council and MM Rugby Union in partnership will deploy a temporary lighting tower for a period of 8 weeks to support the 2023 training activities at Newman Oval (council will contribute 50% towards hire cost).

I know the Club is also keen to have permanent field lighting and Council are always willing to assist with information on funding opportunities and support funding applications.

I will continue to update you on these projects as more information becomes available as well as other projects happening in the Mount. I am in Mount Morgan on a regular basis so if you would ever like to catch up, please give me a call. I also encourage you to call, text or flick me an email if you have any concerns, questions or suggestions I’m more than happy to help wherever I can.

Cherie Rutherford

Rockhampton Regional Council - Ph: 0439 753 056

Email: Cherie.Rutheford@rrc.qld.gov.au

Meyenburg

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