Heads Up WINTER 2016
INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER
Inside this issue Page 3 Sunshine Coast Cycle Challenge
Message from Director, Andrew Ryan Winter has certainly made its way to the Coast and whilst many of us consider it fortunate that we only have the cold weather for a short period of time, there are also benefits that come with the chill! With the shorter days, we tend to slow down. A great time to rest, rejuvenate ourselves and reflect on what we have achieved. This also rings true at work. With the end of financial year this is a great time to take stock of our achievements, recognise and reward ourselves and prepare to implement our plans for 2016/2017. Our department is certainly on the front foot with this. We have reported to council and the community over 97% achievement of our capital works programs. Our best result yet! In addition we have confirmation from the community that we are providing services that are not only important to them but also satisfy their needs.
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Most of the time we receive recognition for our achievements as a department, but I would like to take this opportunity to recognise the efforts of each and every one of you and the role that you have played. I also encourage you to recognise your work mates that are deserving of a thank you – not only within your team but also those that work with you from other areas and other departments – perhaps Extra Mile or Employee Recognition nominations might be in order. Make sure you check out the pictures from the recent Year’s of Service celebration which appear further on in this edition. It was a great morning enjoyed by IS staff and the Mayor who along with myself, presented our department’s long standing employees with a very deserving thank you! The stories inside this issue of Heads Up give you an idea of what has been happening in the department.
U Matter and Spotter Awards Page 5 Roys Road depot Page 6 Golden Beach Groyne Renewal Page 8 Everything including the kitchen sink Page 11 Alex Skate Park Page 12 Project Management Office Page 15 Place Making Award Page 17 Nambour Landfill Page 18 Years of Service 2016
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Message from Director, Andrew Ryan Continued from page 1
The AUSSIES – A great event with great support from Infrastructure Services In May, the Mayor and CEO hosted a function to thank Council staff for the great work that we all put in to making the Aussies National Surf Life Saving titles such a success. There was a huge effort put in by so many council staff and in particular IS staff who went above and beyond to ensure the event was such a success. For many, it was a four year journey, from the moment council signed up with the guarantee that there would be a beach full of sand to hold the event on. Since then so many IS staff have contributed energy and passion to help set up the event so that it ran super smoothly – not easy with
7000 competitors alone, and the entourage of visitors and officials. From the way we looked after our roads, parks, beaches, landscapes, BBQ’s, and footpaths, set up the highly effective traffic management plans and systems, to the way we cleaned up the whole run of beaches and foreshores every day, the Mayor could not have been prouder of our efforts. None of this happens by accident – it happens by intention and dedicated effort and commitment, and I want to thank all of you who played a role and went above and beyond to showcase our wonderful region.
Review of Customer charter A review of the Customer Service Charter has kicked off with the aim of:
• developing a new, contemporary customer charter based on feedback from staff across council • driving engagement and ownership of the charter throughout the organisation. One of the first actions, which has already been completed, was to obtain feedback from staff across Council. I am pleased to say that IS contributed more than one third of the feedback, which has helped shape the draft Charter. Two years’ worth of customer interactions was also analysed and built into the draft Charter. I will keep you informed on the new Charter and the associated roll out as things progress.
Community Survey shows great results for Infrastructure Services There was good news for IS in the results of the 2015 Community Satisfaction Survey. IS featured in the top 20 of 29 services surveyed. This is great endorsement of how important the services are that we provide to the community. The following areas rated a mention in the highest performing services:
• conservation and maintenance of beaches and foreshores • conservation and maintenance of natural bushland and wildlife • disaster management • provision of lighting in public areas • provision of recreational parks, trails and facilities • traffic management on local roads • waste collection, recycling and material re-use. It’s important that we listen to the community for continual improvement and planning. In this case the community are telling us that we are doing good work – keep it up!
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Love to Ride Sunshine Coast – it’s time for IS to get cycling! Can you ride a bike for 10 minutes? Have you always wanted to try? Do you want to get fit but need some motivation?
great prizes – enjoy the sunshine – have fun – did I mention there are great prizes??
Get ready for the Sunshine Coast Cycle Challenge 22 August to 18 September. Council will be competing against 100+ businesses and workplaces across the coast. All Council staff members can enter for free – whether you ride every day or once a year or not at all. Let us motivate you to get healthy and fit!
All you need to do is ride a bike for 10 minutes at least ONCE – that’s right, only ONCE – during the challenge. Ride at home, ride to work, ride in your lunchbreak, you choose!
What’s in it for me? So many great things! Win great prizes - get fit – get motivated – get away from your desk – win great prizes - learn to love riding again – get out of your car – get healthy win great prizes - beautiful scenery – be a kid again - new skills – win
So what do I need to do?
“But I don’t have a bike!” No worries, we will have staff bikes available for you to use at all 3 admin offices. Contact TravelSmart if you are at a depot looking for a bike. “But I can’t ride a bike!” Never fear, we can help you! TravelSmart will be offering basic cycle skills workshops and other
advice and support throughout the challenge. We will get you on that bike! “But 10 minutes is too long!” Whaaaatttt!! No way!! You can get that done in your morning tea break!! “But I want to ride 10 minutes each and every day of this amazing challenge!” Wow ok that is awesome you are such a star. You can ride as many times for as long as you like, super cycle person, great enthusiasm!
Register now To sign up or for more information go to www.lovetoride.net/sunshinecoast or contact TravelSmart by email Internet Mailbox TravelSmart or phone 07 5420 8858.
Shout outs! To Yasmin Beavis from TIM and Kurt Martin from Environmental Operations (pictured at right) who were part of a team from Council participating in the LGPA Challenge. Not only did the team take out the state title, they also took out the overall trophy against teams from across Australia and New Zealand. Please join me in patting Yasmin and Kurt on the back – well done! You have done our department and organisation proud. And to the Place Making Team in TIM – the Place Making Mooloolaba Master Plan won two Awards at the 2016 Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) State Awards. Jamie Franklin and Amy Stewart accepted the awards on behalf of council in the categories of ‘Urban Design’ and ‘Communities’. The Place Making team acknowledge the consultant design team, led by AECOM Australia, in winning these awards. The Master Plan will now go forward to the AILA National Awards to be judged in the same two categories at the AILA National Conference in October.
Heads Up / Winter 2016 / Page 3
U-matter safety award
Pine Oil a green approach to weed control Parks and Gardens is trialling the use of organic Pine Oil technology for weed control management, one of the first Queensland council’s to do so. This new green approach reduces council staff exposure to traditional weed control chemicals. If successful on the ground, it will provide a sustainable, commercially viable and organic solution. Initial application testing in high pedestrian areas to assess product effectiveness and the environmental, horticultural and financial benefits is proving successful.
Acting Park Supervisor Colin Allen is overseeing the trial with Russell Kropp (pictured), Gary Clark and Craig Nutter facilitating the spraying operations and are keen supporters of the organic approach. To claim your U Matter award please contact Tamara Riseley on 07 5420 8780.
Before
After
Spotter award
Spotted in Lake Weyba Bushland Reserve Network If this is you in the picture, you were spotted in the Lake Weyba Bushland Reserve Network. Please call Tamara Riseley on 07 5420 8780 to claim your Spotters Award
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A note from your Acting Branch Manager
Steve Gregoriou, Acting Branch Manager, Civil Asset Management
The Maintenance and Construction Delivery units, with the support of HR, have recently completed a major recruitment drive for field staff. Over 400 applications were received with the shortlisted candidates challenged by participating in a behavioural model interviews. It was pleasing that a number of existing field staff gained promotions as well as the recruitment of external candidates which provides us with a blend of youth and experience. The appointments demonstrate senior management’s commitment in using day labour resources to deliver services.
Congratulations to all who secured positions and please welcome the new recruits into your teams as they commence in the coming weeks. The Asset Strategy team has been busy developing the annual road reseal and rehabilitation program for 2016/17. A lot of effort is involved in inspecting the roads across the network; scoping up treatment options; cost estimating; and undertaking testing and pavement investigation(s). The result of this work is the annual reseal and rehabilitation program which has been handed over to the delivery team to get works underway. The Business Development team successfully delivered the $20 million 2015/16 Road Reseal/ Rehab Program which included:
• 22 chip sealed roads covering 28 kilometres. Other significant works carried out by the team included repainting 9100 kimometres of road line marking and 5000 parking bays, reapplying 2100m2 of green cycle treatment and installing/replacing just over 10,000 raised pavement markers. It is fantastic to see all CAM teams collaborating to achieve positive outcomes and delivery of the extensive works for our community. Keep up the great work.
• 245 roads being resurfaced with 61,000 tonnes of asphalt placed covering a total of 910 kilometres
Razorback pedestrian bridge, Montville A shout out to Dave Groves and his bridge maintenance team who are currently undertaking the reconstruction of the Razorback pedestrian bridge at Montville. This bridge was originally built as part of the Montville Heritage trail which was established in 1986 through a Community Employment Program and the bridge is a Montville icon. This project is a credit to Dave and the bridge maintenance team and the skills and dedication to high standards are second to none.
• 10 rehabilitation projects with roads strengthened by using a number of treatments that included foam bitumen and cement stabilisations and deeplift asphalt
Roy’s Road Depot development
Razorback pedestrian bridge
Development of the depot at Roys Rd, Beerwah is now well under way. The Civil Project’s Team have engaged both CAM Construction and Maintenance crews to undertake this important project. The wash down area has now been constructed, drainage for the site is mostly completed and roadwork is underway. The project has a focus on sustainability, environmental sensitivity and the site’s heritage character retention by refurbishing existing buildings. Ecosol stormwater pits have been used to harvest and treat surface water within the depot area for re-use. Project Delivery is managing contractors for other elements of the project, including construction of the Parks and Gardens shed, amenities block and an on-site sewerage treatment plant. Future works in the coming months will include refurbishment of the CAM sheds, construction of the Fleet parking security compound and installation of security and electrical services.
Roys Road Depot
Heads Up / Winter 2016 / Page 5
Environmental Operations update
A note from your Branch manager
Chris Allan, Branch Manager, Environmental Operations
A busy time for all as we put the 2015/16 financial year to bed. Q4 seemed to fly by but EO still managed to pack in a lot of memorable moments, including: • Welcome to Talisa (Lisa) Kath who replaces Kate Hofmeister as the Conservation Officer (Wildlife Management/TurtleCare) whilst Kate is on maternity leave; Lisa has hit the ground running and recently coordinated an end of year celebratory bbq for the TurtleCare volunteers to thank them for their efforts. This season 143 registered volunteers contributed an estimated 4,766 hours patrolling our beaches
in the early mornings and late afternoons, this is an amazing effort and indicates the depth of passion and interest shown by our ‘vollies’. • Congratulations to Michael Gilles for representing council at the recent United Nations Association of Australia World Environment Day Awards in Melbourne. Whilst we didn’t bring home the gong, our Kids in Action initiative was a finalist in the Local Government Category; a huge achievement amidst strong competition. Wonderful to receive recognition of this much loved initiative made possible by council’s support, our partners, the Sunshine Coast school communities and of course the hard work of the dedicated EO staff involved. • Congratulations also go out to Kurt Martin who was a member of council’s winning team at the
recent 2016 Local Government Professional Association Challenge. This was a fantastic achievement by all involved and just goes to show that Infrastructure Services isn’t short of thoroughbreds. • Peter Armstrong recently visited the Capricorn Coast as part of a ‘twinning’ program connected to the Sunshine Coast Rivers Initiative. Pete presented to a range of organisations on a number of topics, including erosion and sediment. These information sessions were well received and were a great opportunity for Pete to share his expertise and knowledge. Finally, a big thank you to all EO staff for their hard work and dedication over the year, your efforts never go unnoticed.
Golden Beach groyne renewal Environmental Operation’s Coastal, Constructed Water Bodies and Planning team, in conjunction with Civil Asset Management, are currently rebuilding, with rock, one of the many geobag groynes at Golden Beach, under emergency works. The groyne was lost around the time of the recent east coast low that damaged some of the Coast’s beaches. The rock being used will be imported from council’s Dulong Quarry and works are scheduled to be completed by August 2016, after which a dredging campaign will renourish the beach. A large stormwater pipe, vital for flood mitigation, is also housed and protected within the groyne. Works will be completed in time for the re-opening of the local sailboard hire business in the same vicinity which normally shuts down over the winter period.
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Wildlife Rescue EO frequently receives queries from staff who are keen to learn what to do when coming across injured or orphaned wildlife. The following is a brief guide for basic wildlife rescue – to receive the full version of this article which includes more detailed information please contact Danielle Crawford, Conservation Partnerships Officer. 1
Keep a wildlife rescue basket in your car.
2
Safety is paramount.
• Only attempt a rescue if it is safe to do so • Never attempt to rescue a bat, snake or koala in trees – this should only be undertaken by experienced carers/handlers • Always wear disposable gloves. 3
Contact a wildlife rescue group for specific advice. Some local groups include: WILVO’s Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital
1300 369 652
RSPCA
1300 ANIMAL
Wildcare Australia
07 5527 2444
Eumundi Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre
07 5442 8057
Bat Conservation and Rescue
0488 228 134
Sunshine Coast Koala Rescue
0423 618 740 or 0431 300 729
Twinnies Pelican and Seabird Rescue 4
07 5441 6200
0421 476 561
Undertake the rescue as best you can in accordance with advice from the rescue group and get the animal to a registered carer or vet as soon as possible.
In general:
DO • Treat the animal as you would want to be treated – i.e. get it into care or to a vet as quickly as possible • Record details – write down the address of the rescue location and contact details of the rescuer • Always take wildlife brought in or ‘mouthed’ by dogs or cats to a vet or carer – even if there is no obvious sign of injury as internal injuries cannot be seen • Always put a rescued animal in a secure basket or container, ideally one that can be locked or tied shut. A panicked, injured animal loose in a vehicle can be a significant safety risk when driving.
DO NOT • Do not feed or give the animal water – such attempts usually result in the animal aspirating it into their lungs or getting sick from the wrong food
Council Officer Stephanie Reif with Wilvos volunteers and LFW members at a recent Wildlife Rescue Workshop
• Do not try to sooth the animal by patting or cuddling – this will cause the animal further stress.
Heads Up / Winter 2016 / Page 7
Fleet and Quarry Services update
A note from your Branch manager
Kev Jones, Branch Manager, Fleet and Quarry Services
The safe use of Fleet assets remains a focus for the Fleet and Quarry Services branch.
We have been attending toolbox meetings across both Civil Asset Management and Parks and Gardens branches to highlight and discuss topics such as prestart inspections, fault reporting, load restraint, load covering, loose items in cabins and general fleet asset housekeeping. In addition to this, education sessions have been held with drivers and supervisors across Maroochydore and Caloundra depots focusing specifically on pre-start inspections for all categories of fleet assets. These sessions incorporate how to conduct pre-start inspections, how to record the inspection and how to report any faults identified during the inspection. Please contact Rob Rixon if you would like to conduct one of these sessions with your team.
Our Fleet First Response team are also promoting our safety message through their regular visits to Council depots and job sites. As part of these visits, they are conducting condition audits of fleet assets which include a check that regular scheduled maintenance, pre-start inspections and fault reporting has been undertaken. In addition to our normal insurance responsibilities, Fleet has been involved in accident and incident investigations. These have included an increasing number of trailer incidents as well as recovery of immobilised plant. Fleet staff are involved in identifying how the incidents occurred as well as the assessment of what preventative measures should be put in place and any additional training requirements.
Everything, including the kitchen sink
Water, water, everywhere
Occasionally Fleet staff are called upon to deliver something a little out of the ordinary. While most of our service delivery can be supported by standard vehicles, the parking meter maintenance undertaken by the Community Response branch required something a little less ordinary. Following extensive discussions with the team, including the need to be able to clean and wash various parts, a design was decided upon and the van has now been delivered. This vehicle (pictured below right) will be used to service and maintain the parking meters in the Caloundra area.
Fleet Procurement took delivery of a new, dedicated water truck (pictured top right) to replace an older tandem tipper with a slide in water tank. The Gravel Roads team of Civil Asset Management spent a morning at Nambour Depot learning how to operate the many features of this new truck. The new truck has the capacity to spray water from a single to multiple fan sprays, mounted front and rear or from rear mounted spray bars. With a 30% larger water capacity than the old set up, this truck will reduce the amount of travel time for refills required during the day and better support our gravel roads maintenance team.
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Fleet’s new dedicated water truck
Community Respose branch required a new van with special features
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Heads Up / Winter 2016 / Page 9
Parks and Gardens update
A note from your Branch manager
Mark Presswell, Branch Manager, Parks and Gardens
Isn’t it great to get some cold weather and feel the westerlies blowing for a change, makes you almost believe things are normal again! I have just finished my quarterly visits to the depots and was very impressed with the general feelings of positivity, goodwill and friendliness that I encountered. There were very few issues, and only a few complaints that were raised that seemed quite reasonable. Recently, a number of Parks and Gardens supervisors, site co-ordinators and future
leaders went through the ‘Lead Your Crew’ learning process. This has been a major success with active participation by all and those involved came away feeling stimulated and positive. I understand that there was minimal negativity which pleases me greatly as it is an indication of a healthy culture, something that we have been actively focused on within Parks and Gardens. I would like to thank HR and especially Pam Potter for co-ordinating and helping to make this learning process successful. Pam suggested this program to me and strongly recommended it. Great choice Pam! I would like to thank those people who recently filled out the Organisational Climate Survey. Parks and Gardens achieved a participation rate of 86% which is unprecedented. This indicates to me
that people are interested, engaged, and believe they can influence outcomes; again, an indication of a growing healthy culture. It has been pleasing to see all the compost and mulch being produced at the Maroochydore and Caloundra depots. This is now being used in the field and will pay dividends for years to come as we build fertility and resilience into our landscapes. Thanks to Nick, Michael, Rob and Jeff for giving this the energy required. Finally, thank you all for your ongoing efforts, whether in design, technical services or working in the field. Your work is second to none and I greatly appreciate it. You can bet that the community does too! Regards, Mark.
Saving the organic way Our parks teams are constantly dealing with vegetation debris which can soon build up! Old traditional disposable methods were to deposit at landfill sites. Now that we are much more advanced around recycling and understand the benefits these methods provide to society and the environment. In short, mulch insulates the soil helping to provide a buffer from heat and cold temperatures. Mulch retains water helping to keep the roots moist and also improves soil biology which helps our plants grow. Mulch keeps weeds out to help prevent root competition. The last 12 months approximately 6,500 cubic meters of green waste has been collected by our staff and stockpiled at 6 locations. This product is then mulched and spread across our regions garden beds. If Council was to purchase this product from local nurseries and have it delivered, the cost would exceed $350,000 per year. So not only are there significant environmental benefits, there are also significant benefits financially saving the rate payer!
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Beach access 167 renewal Council’s designer Jesse Bampton was able to utilise the existing footprint and incorporate a new viewing deck elevated over an existing stone retaining/seating structure. Due to the complexities of the site material selection was key. In response, all substructures have been constructed of structural aluminium with lightweight fibre reinforced plastic decking panels. Non-structural class 1 hardwood timbers have been added to the balustrades and viewing deck lean rails to soften the industrial aesthetic of raw marine grade aluminium. The viewing deck also has an off formed concrete seating wall to provide a maintenance free pause point to take in the panoramic views.
Alex Skate Park Upgrade: Pre-Design Community Engagement Phase The consultation process is an integral component of the development of the skate park. In order to ensure the success and longevity of this key community asset it is essential to engage with the future users of the space. Through a combination of user group workshops and surveys the consultation process aimed to empower youth and to take stewardship and pride in their public space. Workshop participants were organised into groups and asked to work collaboratively together to create their new skate/ BMX/scooter facility. The design workshops centred around the question, ‘What do you want the Alex Headlands Skate Park to be?” The aim was for participants to take selected items and features from the presentation and develop creative design ideas and solutions by generating a space and linking obstacles together to form a collective and thoughtful response.
Before
With such high participation numbers over the three consultation events, the results saw an extensive range of creative and innovative responses, whether written, drawn, modelled or using reference images. The next steps for the project will involve preparing draft concept designs for the skate park.
After
Heads Up / Winter 2016 / Page 11
Project Delivery update
A note from your Branch Manager
Tom Jamieson, Branch Manager, Project Delivery
We close another financial year on a high on outstanding safety performance and 98% project delivery achievement. The safety performance of 2 LTIs is well below the company target and in terms of delivery, we can confirm all projects delivered to schedule and overall under budget. Both, a massive reflection of the brilliant Team Project Delivery.
Upgrade of the Aerodrome Road /First Avenue intersection The Civil Project’s Team is advancing the regionally significant intersection upgrade of the Aerodrome Road / First Avenue intersection in the Maroochydore City Centre. The design procurement phase, now
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Thanks to everyone – it has been a massive team effort and I congratulate you on your achievements. We will be celebrating in August and I look forward to announcing the 2015/16 Project of the year and Project Officer of the year as well as a host of other awards. I know we are into a new financial year and there is a new program to deliver, but please take the time to reflect on your achievements, your projects and an outstanding year in the community, ELT and Council, love your work, thanks! Tom.
complete, was a first of its kind in terms of the methodology used to have consultants evaluated on providing high quality urban design and place making outcomes, not just the usual traffic and engineering design. A multidisciplinary joint venture design consultant team is now working closely with Council’s
PMO now live The Project Management Office is now live! The PMO gives Council one-way of working and reporting of projects and significant efficiency gains. Over 10 different corporate systems and processes have been eliminated as a result. Council is for the first time able to monitor live project financial and schedule performance across its entire capital works program. Congratulations to all involved!
project staff and TMR to ensure this landmark intersection upgrade delivers the key urban design elements promised while connecting all modes of transport; pedestrians, cyclists, public transport and motor vehicles. The design is planned to be complete in early 2017 with construction following immediately after.
The Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve building renewal project The Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve building renewal project is now becoming a reality – after years of planning, consultation and design. Construction commenced officially on 20 May 2016 with a sod-turning event where community members joined Mayor Mark Jamieson, divisional Councillor Jenny McKay, Councillor Tim Dwyer, Councillor Greg Rogerson and Neale Muller from the Queensland Department of Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games. The total project cost is $4.7 million. This includes $1 million from the Queensland Tourism Infrastructure
Fund and $250,000 from the Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve Advisory Committee.
which are nearing completion, with the structures starting to emerge out of the ground now.
This site represents exceptional conservational values. At the time of mobilisation careful attention was given to flora and fauna protection with more than 230 specimen across 17 species caught and relocated to suitable habitat within the reserve. Preservation of existing trees and their root systems has been a high priority throughout the civil works
The temporary education centre is open and welcoming visitors to the reserve. Throughout the construction period the rainforest walk, Glass House Mountain viewing areas, picnic and barbecue areas and the public toilets will remain open to the public.
Smart Centre and Living Lab now open Council’s Smart Centre in Bulcock Street, Caloundra is now open to the public featuring the latest technologies to be rolled out to the region under its Smart City Framework. Residents and businesses can see real time results from the Smart City Living Lab, which is testing technologies such as bin sensors to improve waste collection services, smart water quality sensors, and smart parking solutions to provide real-time information about parking vacancies. Visitors can also learn about the Smart City technologies applied in the Bulcock Street urban improvements, see real time information generated by sensors and other equipment in the Living Lab through to the users and business intelligence of our smart Wi-Fi from the beaches to our libraries and gallery. There are economic benefits of $5M-$8M, based on reduction in travel due to Digital Work Hub, improved investment attraction in employees and reduced maintenance fleet size, and optimised routing for remaining fleet. The Smart Centre is located at 63 Bulcock Street Caloundra, open Tuesday to Friday from 9am to 4pm.
It is anticipated that the works would be finished by March 2017.
Latest stage of upgrade to the Maroochy River Foreshore on Bradman Avenue now complete New features at Bradman Avenue include a picnic shelter, beach access ramp, renovated amenities block and a reconstructed revetment wall, to better protect the foreshore and to provide a much bigger grassed area to have a picnic or play with a three meter wide smooth pathway for pedestrians and cyclists also now completed. A project highlight is the sculptural artwork by local artists Kirsten Cash and Lyndon Davis, which looks fantastic. Council worked closely with local businesses to minimise disruption and to maintain easy access to the foreshore and Chambers Island. This upgrade is part of the Maroochy River Foreshore Open Space Masterplan 2011, which involved extensive community consultation.
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Transport Infrastructure Management update
A note from your Branch manager TIM Review John Clarke, Branch Manager, Transport Infrastructure Manageemnt
In developing a list of significant event topics for inclusion in this edition of Heads Up, I was amazed at the number and breadth of matters that have occurred during the past 3-months. Working in local government certainly brings lots of exciting challenges and opportunities for staff to develop and display their skills.
Design team The journey to complete all designs for all known capital works up to 2017/18 budget by June 30 2017 continues. The combined efforts of David See’s forward Design Team has us well on our way to achieving our goal. By being one year ahead with the designs will allow Project Delivery staff to undertake all the required planning and preliminary work required before in situ construction commences. I appreciate the efforts of all our TIM design staff as they work diligently toward the common goal.
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During the past few months, TIM staff were interviewed by business consultants from Aurecon, who were commissioned to undertake an independent review of our business process and operations, and to develop an action plan to address any identified issues. The Review found that “the TIM Branch is currently performing at required levels in most areas compared with industry standards and supports a positive organisation culture”. However, there are still 20 recommendations for us to collectively address and the temporary role that Jen Ison will take-up until the end of the year as Special Project Officer (TIM Review) will provide a dedicated resource to support the TIM Leadership Team to develop a response to the recommendations. From 1 July we have a new
Traffic and Transportation Sadly the branch recognised the departure of Hannah Richardson after two years of service. After a short time as a Traffic Engineer, she became the Unit co-ordinator: a significant achievement within itself. Her willingness and ability to support and provide advice to councillors, residents and staff from across the organisation with their varied traffic requests was greatly appreciated and will be sorely missed. Recruitment has already commenced.
organisation structure for the TIM Branch. Some of the changes are in response to the Review, others are addressing some internal anomalies, whilst others will improve our effectiveness in service delivery. I am confident that the change in the names for two Units (Water Management and Drainage Services to Stormwater Management and Asset Management to Technical Services) will be widely accepted, as the new names more accurately reflect the functional roles of the units. I extend my thanks to all TIM Branch staff who have continued to provide great service, even when under difficult circumstances. The new financial year provides lots of new and exciting projects for many staff and I trust that you will seize whatever opportunity comes your way during the year, and relish learning new skills and knowledge along the way.
Awards and achievements Some fantastic awards from TIM staff have been achieved over the last couple of weeks, namely Yasmin Beavis (Stormwater Management) as a member of council’s state and national winning team in the Local Government Management Challenge. And recently the CEO advised staff that the Place Making Mooloolaba Master Plan won two Awards at the 2016 Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) State Awards held in Brisbane on 3 June. Congratulations to Yasmin, Amy and Jamie.
Place Making Team The Place Making Mooloolaba Master Plan won two Awards at the 2016 Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) State Awards held in Brisbane on 3 June 2016. The Awards were in the categories of ‘Urban Design’ and ‘Communities’. The Place Making team oversaw the consultant and implemented council’s community engagement framework in the consultation and development of the Master Plan for Mooloolaba. They extend a big thank you to all the staff from across council that committed
Mooloolaba Master Plan
their time and provided valuable input into the development of this important Master Plan. The very high community acceptance of the proposals within the Master Plan, and the acknowledgment by the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects would not have be achieved without the collaboration, commitment and input from many staff across council and the Sunshine Coast community. The Master Plan will now go forward to the AILA National Awards to be judged in the same two categories at the AILA National Conference to be held in Canberra in October.
Rob Northcott has tendered his resignation from council as he and his family get ready to fly across ‘the ditch’ to start the next chapter in their lives. On behalf of the TIM Branch I wish Rob and his family all the very best.
TravelSmart – 100% hit rate Our branch has already pledged their commitment to the Sunshine Coast Cycle Challenge in August/ September (refer to TravelSmart article on page 3) by aspiring to a 100% hit rate. What can other branches commit to? This could become a fierce competition between our branches, not just in IS, but across the organisation.
Amy Stewart and Jamie Franklin
Heads Up / Winter 2016 / Page 15
Waste and Resources Management update
A note from your Branch manager
Nambour Landfill and Expansion Development
John Hogg, Branch Manager, Waste and Resources Management
Background
Welcome to Let’s Talk Rubbish Volume 9 The brass monkeys of Victoria, South Australia and most of New South Wales may be frantically googling their search engines for welders, but up here in the endless summer of Queensland, its non-stop slip, slap, slop... mostly... with the occasional rednosed sniffle. Yes folks, hurrah... it’s winter on the Sunshine Coast. Ugg boots with shorts, beanie hats with tee shirts, bare feet with woolly jumpers... and let’s not forget the occasional sartorially challenged sandals and socks sporting Grey Nomad. Paradise... Here in Waste Land, the cooler months might deliver diluted olfactometry threshold measures from the putrescible treasure that fills our bins, but the generation rates remain the same…….and so do the customer numbers at our region wide facilities. To keep up with demand, the Disposals team are as ever, busy as bees... delivering service with a smile, albeit this year with a hint of sadness as we say goodbye to Bruce Dowdell, who after 12 years hard labour (and unparalleled civility) as a Waste Facility Officer leaves SCC to return to the frozen tundra of Mount Gambier. Good luck for the future Bruce... Page 16 / Heads Up / Winter 2016
and Congratulations to Pamela Atherton who will fill the void created by Bruce’s departure as she transitions to the role from her previous casual position within the branch. We also welcome several new faces who joined the ranks of Wasters over the last quarter including Michael Grant, the newly appointed Senior Officer Capital Program and Contracts, Jeffrey Ford our new Casual Waste Facility Officer and Ashley Bright and Jessica Corley, both on temporary assignment with the branch to cover for staff on long term leave. Hopefully, that’s enough from me to warm your winter cockles this quarter... Happy Endless Summer everyone...well mostly everyone...
...Winter in Mount Gambier. John.
The Nambour facility currently incorporates the Landfill, a Resource Recovery Centre and Bulk Stockpile Areas. Waste and Resources Management (WRM) propose to expand the existing Nambour Landfill onto the adjoining land parcel to the east located at 18 Cooney Road, Bli Bli. The Nambour Landfill has been operational since 1989 and has a remaining lifespan of approximately seven to ten years. A Master Plan and concept design for the overall landfill expansion and site operation is currently being prepared. It is intended that the site will be developed as an integrated waste management facility, in conjunction with the existing Nambour Landfill. Council purchased the proposed Nambour Landfill Expansion site (known as the Cow Candy property) on 23 December 2013. The site was previously owned by Australian Sugar Cane Feeds Pty Ltd (ASCF). The site is largely cleared due to former land-use activities including the Cow Candy operation. The northern quarter of the site remains vegetated, particularly as the site topography rises to join with the adjacent Parklands Regional Park.
Nambour Landfill and Expansion Development
Nambour Landfill Expansion planning The development basis for the proposed Nambour Landfill Expansion is that the facility is intended to meet the waste management needs of the entire Sunshine Coast Council area following closure of the Caloundra Landfill in approximately 2034. The landfill expansion will accept general (putrescible) waste and limited regulated waste and be constructed and operated as an integrated waste management facility in conjunction with the existing Nambour Landfill. Planning approvals for the expansion will be sought in the 2016/17 financial year. In support of the proposed landfill concept design, a Nambour Landfill Expansion Elements/Constraints Report was prepared by MRA in January 2016. The purpose of this report was to provide Council with an understanding of the design elements and constraints associated with the proposed expansion of the Nambour Landfill. A number of Technical Assessment and site investigations have also been undertaken to further contribute to the development of a Master Plan and proposed landfill concept design. The proposed footprint for the Nambour Landfill Expansion is 208,000m2 (excluding haul road and external works). The overall airspace capacity for the Nambour Expansion Landfill (excluding lining and capping volumes) is estimated at 4,470,300m3.
Site Locality Plan
Impression of final landform in 2045
Impression of mitigated view from Yandina-Bli Bli Road (vegetation screen)
Staging (constructing and filling) is proposed to be carried out from north to south, which provides the option to utilise existing surface water and leachate management infrastructure, reducing the extent of new infrastructure development requirements. The project will be delivered through WRM.
Heads Up / Winter 2016 / Page 17
Years of Service Awards
Years of Service Awards Breakfast Wednesday 27 July 2016
Page 18 / Heads Up / Winter 2016
Images and video from the Years of Service Awards Breakfast are available online.
Heads Up / Winter 2016 / Page 19
Congratulations
www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au mail@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au T 07 5475 7272  F 07 5475 7277 Locked Bag 72 Sunshine Coast Mail Centre Qld 4560
61605 08/16.
to all our long servicing employees