Live. Explore. Grow - August 2021 by Townsville City Council

TOWNSVILLE Contents 3

MESSAGES FROM OUR COUNCILLORS 4 BUDGET 2021/22

TOWNSVILLE

CITY PROJECTS

INDUSTRIES OF THE FUTURE

WATER & WASTE

LIFESTYLE 13

AUGUST 2021

MAYOR’S MESSAGE

Contact

Acknowledgement of Country

Visit Customer Service Centre 103 Walker Street, Townsville 8am - 5pm, Monday to Friday (closed public holidays) Phone 13 48 10 Email enquiries@townsville.qld.gov.au Online (live chat) townsville.qld.gov.au Post PO Box 1268, Townsville QLD 4810 Fax 07 4727 9050

Townsville City Council acknowledges the Wulgurukaba of Gurambilbarra and Yunbenun, Bindal, Gugu Badhun and Nywaigi as the Traditional Owners of this land. We pay our respects to their cultures, their ancestors and their Elders, past and present - and all future generations.

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White Ribbon City Townsville City Council is committed to creating an environment where staff who may be experiencing Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) are supported. Mayor Jenny Hill is a member of the Local Government Association of Queensland and took a pledge in May to end DFV within the Townsville community. This has taken shape in several forms through Council in the ‘Townsville Says No to Domestic and Family Violence’ campaign as well as our White Ribbon Accreditation. Over the past months, Council has been working on numerous DFV support and awareness projects, and has partnered with local businesses to stand up, speak out and take action against DFV. In line with the White Ribbon Accreditation, Council continues education and awareness by partnering with DFV Work Aware, who conducted on-site training earlier this year with Council’s senior leadership team and front-line staff members. The training assisted staff in recognising the signs of DFV in the workplace, how to respond effectively and appropriately and how to utilise resources.

MAYOR’S MESSAGE The Townsville community’s strength and resilience in a truly challenging time has seen our city set a course of recovery. Townsville City Council’s 2021/22 budget will build on that recovery by setting the foundations to enter this new financial year in a strong financial position. The 2021/22 budget is a financial blueprint that enhances service delivery now and sets the foundation for long-term growth, while ensuring Townsville’s future as a sustainable, vibrant and prosperous city. This year’s $743 million total investment in community service delivery will prioritise job creation and the continued economic recovery of our city. Importantly, in doing this we have chosen to avoid raising general rates, keeping money in the pockets of our ratepayers. Council’s $304 million capital investment in infrastructure covers the length and breadth of Townsville, from the city to the suburbs, on new and upgraded roads and footpaths, water infrastructure and wastewater assets as well as associated maintenance. We will continue to support our enviable and unique lifestyle here in Townsville, investing $40.8 million in community, events and tourism. We have not lost sight of our community’s wellbeing, with this budget including $14.6 million for safety initiatives going into things like maintaining and monitoring of the city’s network of more than 500 CCTV cameras. We will further this by investing with an additional $5 million allocated for infrastructure and services dedicated to engaging the youth of Townsville. Building a city of the future means we must invest in futureproofing our region in terms of jobs and our city’s industries. $18.1 million will be invested into sustainable energy and environmental restoration, as well as allowing us to further develop the city’s hydrogen strategy, invest in solar energy, reduce waste going to landfill, and build resilience throughout our natural environment. We look forward to working hand in hand with our community to continue growing our city off the back of recovery, while providing the services our community deserve to cement Townsville’s future as a globally connected community driven by lifestyle and nature.

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Jenny Hill

Mayor of Townsville

MESSAGES FROM OUR COUNCILLORS

Cr Margie Ryder Division 1

Cr Sue Blom Division 2

Cr Ann-Maree Greaney Division 3

It is a privilege to be serving Division 1. It is very important to me to work with community groups who provide much needed services like running community halls or creating a sense of community. In the 2021/22 budget I am concentrating on our general services such as mowing and weeding and have advocated for the grassroot volunteers who give their time so tirelessly. I am also concerned about the illegal use of 4WDs and motorbikes and illegal dumping in my division. I will continue to work with the community and stakeholders to find a solution to these issues - but I must also give credit to those who are already looking after our natural environment.

My first 12 months back in the seat of Division 2 has been rewarding to say the least. The support I have felt from the community has been overwhelming.

A lot has happened over the last year with the pandemic and the effect it has had on our community, however we are very fortunate to live in such a wonderful place. This year, and in our budget, we are working hard to continue to deliver vital services across the city as well as include fantastic programs like the North Australian Festival of Arts (NAFA) for our community.

Cr Mark Molachino, Deputy Mayor Division 4

Cr Russ Cook Division 5

Cr Suzy Batkovic Division 6

It’s great to see Townsville back on track after the struggles of 2020 due to COVID-19. We are seeing record growth in our city and on the back of the first State of Origin held in Townsville, I am excited to see what the future brings. Our Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct will see thousands of jobs for our city, give a shot of confidence to our local economy and prove just what we can deliver in our region.

The past couple of years have proven to be tumultuous times for the people of Townsville and we don’t need reminding why. Suffice to say we Townsvillians once again bounced back and are continuing to bounce back because that is who we are and what we do. So well done everyone - they said we’d never host an Origin game, but we have, we’ve again staged world-class arts and cultural events as well as local community activities. Let’s all keep this positivity going, because we are Townsvillians and that is who we are and what we do.

It is a privilege to represent Division 6. It’s been great to meet many members of our community and I’m always happy to help. In the 2021/22 budget my focus was on general services like mowing and maintenance and getting the weeds in our river sorted. It’s been a difficult past 12 months with the pandemic and it has been great to see our community come together in this difficult time.

I look forward to working with all the residents to make our city an even better place to live, work and play!

As the 2021/22 budget was only the second one that I have been involved in during this term I am slowly finding my way for better outcomes for Division 2 of the local government area. Thank you for your support and don’t hesitate to contact me by email, phone or facebook if you need my help with any Council matter.

Thank you for your continued support, and I am always available to help you with any Council matters so please feel free to call or send me an email.

If there’s any issues that I can help you with, please contact me.

Cr Kurt Rehbein Division 7

Cr Maurie Soars Division 8

There’s been a lot happening in Division 7 with the lights along Bayswater Road being installed, Bayswater Road works occurring near the school along with a new footpath that connects the Crestbrook shops. We have seen investment in Heatley Fair from a new owner which is helping to complement the recent upgrades of Nathan Street, Heatley Park and Fulham Road footpaths. I have been out doorknocking the new area of Division 7 in Mount Louisa and I look forward to catching up.

A warm welcome to all our residents and visitors. I am looking forward to the challenges as we head into our new financial year. The year is looking exciting with many events attracting people to our great city. The North Australian Festival of Arts, coupled with major sports events and all our community lead programs, has something for every taste. If you need any assistance please do not hesitate to contact me or any of our wonderful team at Council.

Townsville City Council invites you to participate and have your say on a range of projects and initiatives in our community. Your feedback will contribute to shaping our city, and guide Council on decision making and planning for the future. haveyoursay.townsville.qld.gov.au

We’ve gone digital! Cr Liam Mooney Division 9

Cr Fran O’Callaghan

I am very proud to continue to represent Division 9. After a difficult few years for many in our community, it gives me great pleasure to know that we have been able to pick ourselves up and get back on our feet. This year we are repairing, renewing, and maintaining as much as we can. Give me a bell if there’s something you know of that needs fixing!

As well as representing the needs and requirements of ratepayers in my Division and the whole of Townsville, I am doing what I can to ensure the Council focuses on our long-term water supply, the operation of the Ross Dam and the provision of core infrastructure and services. I am working to see more resources allocated to cleaning up our environment and I am striving to ensure we have a more fair, reasonable, ethical and transparent Council.

Division 10

Residents can now receive updates straight to their inbox. Divisional News Updates contain the latest information on Council works, projects and opportunities in your area. To subscribe visit townsville. qld.gov.au/councillor-profiles, select your local Councillor and complete the online form.

BUDGET 2021/22

Townsville City Council Budget Snapshot 2021/22

What this budget means for you For every $100 - where your rates and utilities go. Rates

Environment and

Planning and

Cultural and

Council invests your rates directly back into our community. Every $100 can be divided into the following infrastructure and service costs.

Sustainability Services

Development

Community Services

$8.38

$7.87

$18.22

Roads and Transport

Drain and Stormwater

Parks and Open

Management

Space Management

$4.23

$28.29

Management $33.01

Utilities

Water Services

Council invests your utility charges directly back into our community. Every $100 can be divided into the following infrastructure and service costs.

$48.31

7 Wastewater Services $38.80

Waste Management $12.89

TOWNSVILLE

Servicing the community at a local level, Townsville City Council is part of your everyday life. The water you drink, the rubbish you dispose of, the parks you play in and the roads and pathways you travel on. Townsville City Council is the largest local government authority in Northern Australia. We are committed to creating value by growing Townsville through driving economic diversity and generating an enriching lifestyle. Our organisation provides and maintains over $5.4 billion worth of community assets including the water and wastewater network and treatment, bridges, drainage, roads, waste management, community facilities, sporting venues and more. We contribute to an active lifestyle for our residents and visitors through events, providing recreational facilities, protecting the natural environment and heritage, while creating a mentally and physically healthy city. We lead creation of a city for this and future generations by focusing on our transition to a circular economy that is resilient to social, financial and environmental shocks. We are a Council led by our community to create an exciting and dynamic future.

Our Vision A globally connected community driven by lifestyle and nature. Our Mission Add 6,400 new jobs by 2026. Our Purpose Grow Townsville

CITY PROJECTS

Weather Stations Townsville City Council in partnership with James Cook University has created a program for schools to teach sustainability where students will build and deploy their own weather stations that measures temperature, air pressure, humidity, and light intensity. These lessons are being trialled in two schools in 2021, with the program expected to be available to more schools in 2022. These lessons have been designed to connect with the broader curriculum requirements of Year 5 and 6 students with the help of local teachers, with a focus on specific Townsville environments and wildlife.

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This will teach the students critical thinking, problem-solving, and future focusing skills, and encourage a career in environmental science, engineering and ecology.

Townsville Laboratory Services Opening Townsville Laboratory Services has officially opened their new $5 million facility in Douglas. The state-of-the-art facility is equipped to deliver world-class scientific analysis and is one of the largest, local, high-quality advanced water and soil testing laboratories in the North Queensland region. Townsville Laboratory Services is accredited by the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) and is the only local government laboratory in Australia to hold PFAS (per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances) testing accreditation. The new facility ensures the future ability to expand into hygiene, emerging contaminants and food testing, placing itself amongst some of the country’s leading laboratories, capable of servicing other councils and private companies together with local residents.

Tobruk Memorial Baths Receives Accreditation

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The Tobruk Memorial Baths re-opened in 2021 following an $11.3 million redevelopment. This included the construction of new 50-metre, learn-to-swim and toddler pools all with disability ramps allowing for easier access for those who need it. The Tobruk change room received Changing Places accreditation and is one of two Changing Places accredited facilities in the city. It is designed to help people with a profound disability and includes a mobility hoist and an adult-sized adjustable change table. Changing Places accredited facilities can accommodate a range of disabilities and this room gives more people access to exercise or relax in the pools. The adult change room is accessible to anyone that is visiting The Strand and needs to use it.

INDUSTRIES OF THE FUTURE

Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct Progress continues for the Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct, Australia’s first environmentally-sustainable advanced manufacturing, technology and processing hub. The Precinct is located approximately 40 km south of Townsville and is zoned for High Impact Industrial Use. The location offers significant strategic advantages including its positioning to essential infrastructure and logistics networks needed to ensure the long-term sustainability of the North Queensland economy. The Precinct is 2,200 hectares and has already attracted substantial private sector interest with over half of the land committed or conditionally-committed to advanced battery manufacturing, clean energy, and battery minerals processing industries.

Image by Roslyn Budd (www.buddphotography.com.au)

Proponents continue to progress their developments with Edify Energy, one of Australia’s most successful renewable energy developers, lodging a development application to deliver a hydrogen facility. The facility will commence with 10-megawatt production with the ability to grow up to 1-gigawatt. The facility will transform renewable energy into ‘green hydrogen’ which can be utilised in the domestic market. Once operational, it is forecasted that the secured and conditionally committed enterprises of the Precinct will create 1,400 direct jobs and over 6,000 indirect jobs making a significant impact to the Townsville and Queensland economy.

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WATER & WASTE

Food Organics & Garden Organics (FOGO) Townsville is rolling out a trial Food Organics and Garden Organics bin (FOGO) to 1,500 households across the city as part of a strategy to reduce waste to landfill. What is FOGO? FOGO is a new green lid bin that residents will use for food scraps and garden materials. The materials will be recycled into top quality compost or soil conditions. The new green lid bin will be emptied weekly, with the general waste red lid bin being collected fortnightly. Who is getting FOGO? Around 500 households in Idalia and 500 households in Burdell will take part in a full FOGO trial, with an additional 500 households in Heatley taking part in a trial of garden organics (GO) only. These areas were selected as they provide a representative range of household and building types. Why is Townsville going FOGO? FOGO is one option Council is exploring to meet its goal for zero landfill and provide better outcomes for the environment and the community. Benefits include: • Food and garden organic waste is around half of the average household waste stream and is a valuable material that can be converted to compost and used to improve soils. • Returning valuable organic material to the soil is a better

outcome than landfilling it, where it consumes expensive landfill space and generates methane gas, which is a harmful greenhouse gas that is at least 28 times more potent than carbon dioxide. • Council’s landfill only has limited capacity and when landfilling is no longer an option in Townsville, Council will be faced with increased waste management costs. These costs will ultimately be passed onto residents. It is important to preserve our valuable landfill space. • The Queensland Government has introduced a levy on waste sent to landfill. In the coming years, this will cost Council around $6 million per year. Reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill reduces this cost burden on Council and the Townsville community. When will the FOGO trial commence? Council will be in contact with the trial areas in August for the new bin service to commence in October 2021. Currently, approximately 30% of Australian households have access to FOGO collection services, however, the Australian Government along with state and territory governments have agreed to introduce FOGO collection services to households and businesses from 2023. This trial will assist in how this program is implemented in Queensland. Each year, Australians throw away 7.3 million tonnes of food – this is approximately 300kg per person.

WATER & WASTE

Dry Season Lawn Guide Together we can be a water smart city. Did you know that more than 70% of Townsville’s water is used on residential lawns and gardens? We are currently in our dry season where lawns become dormant and can start to look a little sad. However, this is a natural process of rest during the cooler months – not even water will wake a dormant lawn. We know you love your lawn, so we have compiled monthly maintenance tips! July - Lush lawns only need 25mm of water per week. ‘Low and slow’ application ensures the most amount of water reaches your soil.

How much water do Townsville lawns need during the dry season?

August - Test your soil pH levels and adjust if needed. Add gypsum to improve the water infiltration in clay soils and build a strong lawn. September - Now is the perfect time to fertilise your lawn as growth rates pick up. Invest in ‘low flow’ sprinklers as they are perfect for Townsville lawns. Remember - Water no more than twice a week. There are a lot of ways we can all play a part in reducing water use and helping Townsville to become a water smart city. Scan the QR code for more watering and lawn care tips.

Let’s Recycle Right Townsville’s Materials Recovery Facility (Recycling Centre) processes over 15,000 tonnes of recyclables every year!

You can Recycle Right by following the six tips below: 1. Keep it simple - only recycle: - Hard plastic bottles and containers - Glass bottles and jars - Steel and aluminum cans - Paper and cardboard 2. Keep it loose – don’t bag or box your recyclables 3. Keep it clean – rinse your recyclables 4. Keep it safe – leave out hazardous items including sharps, broken glass and long flexible items 5. Keep out soft plastics – including bags, plastic wrap, and chip packets 6. Keep out small items – nothing smaller than a credit card. Come on Townsville, let’s Recycle Right!

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LIFESTYLE

Galleries 2021 is a year of celebration for our Galleries team with the 20th year of Ephemera: Seaside Sculptures which again produced a world class 2km sculptural festival along our picturesque Strand. Ephemera showcased 29 artworks by local and nationally-renowned artists, including 20 competitive sculptures, four sculptures by invited artists, two schools projects, two projection artists and a chalk artist. Held over nine unforgettable days, Ephemera celebrated 20 years of sun, sea and art. The celebrations continue with Perc Tucker Regional Gallery’s 40th anniversary with an exhibition, A Journey Through Images: 40 Years of Perc Tucker Regional Gallery, which will showcase a selection of work by Townsville artists, the community, and staff of the gallery past and present. A Journey Through Images: 40 Years of Perc Tucker Regional Gallery is an exhibition that builds on the connections made between artist and viewer through the gallery, and through the artwork, an exhibition drawn from connections, stories and anecdotes related to our city, our region and our community. Exhibiting from 3 September at Perc Tucker Regional Gallery. Featuring Tate Adams, G.W. Bot, James Brown, William Bustard, Laura Castell, John Coburn, Ray Crooke, Russell Drysdale, Donald Friend, HAHA, Sandi Hook, Jan Hynes, Robert Jacks, Jenuarrie, Peter Lawson, Sean Leathers, Anne Lord, David Malangi, Ron McBurnie, Stewart McFarlane, George Milpurrurru, Mini Graff, David Rowe, Jan Senbergs, Anneke Silver, Madonna Staunton, Ben Trupperbaumer, Fred Williams and many more.

Celebrating

Years of PTRG

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Image: Hannah Murray, Cast Adrift [detail], 2020, Acrylic on Arches Aquarelle watercolour paper, 66 x 55cm. Image courtesy of the artist.

CityLibraries - Creative Studio Our Aitkenvale CityLibrary has been busy with the newly introduced fabrication and digital studios. The new spaces were built during the COVID-19 restriction period and our Digital Life Officer invited early adopters to test the facilities and functionality of the spaces, and co-design a creative studio with purpose.

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We saw over 80 early adopters co-design with staff on projects that improve our city and adopted the Collaborative City philosophy. The next step for the studios is a call for interesting project ideas that our community members would like to try in these spaces. This can be anything from creating YouTube videos to making clothes to coding robots, something that will make our city better. We want to engage with designers, filmmakers, photographers, musicians, small business owners, students, engineers, entrepreneurs – the possibilities are endless.

Meet the Team Council’s Animal Care and Adoption Centre (ACAC) is dedicated to the wellbeing and care of Townsville’s lost and stray animals. Our team come from a wide range of animal experience and are hugely passionate about animal welfare and education. If your pet is furred, feathered, scaled, or shelled, you will find a friend in us! Adoptable animals are not just dogs and cats. We can have birds, guinea pigs, poultry and even the occasional farmyard friend who find their way to us. The animals in our care also have all their medical needs met by our resident veterinarian and vet nurses. We have an onsite veterinary clinic equipped for general practice, surgical, dental and x-ray procedures. We even have volunteer opportunities for the public to get in on the animal care action. Animal Care and Adoption Centre 69 Tompkins Road, Shaw | 0457 769 362

Business hours: Monday to Friday - 9am to 3:30pm Saturday - 9am to 2pm Closed Sunday and Public Holidays M Townsville City Animals

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How to be a Responsible Pet Owner Registration and Microchipping All dogs are required to be registered and cats require an approval. All dogs and cats are required to be microchipped. Adequate Enclosure It is a requirement to provide an adequate enclosure that prevents your animal from escaping the yard or wandering at large. Desexing Desexing your pet improves their health, reduces behavioural problems (such as roaming), prevents unwanted litters and can even increase their lifespan! Barking Ensure your pet does not cause a nuisance by excessively barking at home or when in a public space, and is not aggressive toward people or animals. Effective Control All dogs and cats are required to be under effective control (ie on a leash) when in a public place. Health and Exercise It is encouraged that you exercise your pet, and it is a requirement that you pick up after them in public spaces.

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