FOCUS on the Banana Shire - December 2021

ourhome ourcommunity banana.qld.gov.au

Contact Council P (07) 4992 9500 F (07) 4992 3493 E enquiries@banana.qld.gov.au Postal Address: PO Box 412, Biloela QLD 4715 Customer Service Centres BILOELA Shire Chambers 62 Valentine Plains Road Biloela QLD Australia 4715 8am to 5pm Mon-Fri MOURA Administration Office Gillespie Street Moura QLD Australia 4718 8.30am to 4.30pm Mon-Fri TAROOM Administration Office Yaldwyn Street Taroom QLD Australia 4420 8am to 5pm Mon-Fri For after hours emergencies visit www.banana.qld.gov.au/contact-us

From the CEO Tom Upton of Australia, encouraging tourism, new residents and business investment. The coming year, 2022, will undoubtedly hold challenges we cannot perceive, but you can rest assured that over the forthcoming year Council will continue to work hard to make the Banana Shire a prosperous, safe and pleasant place to call home. Finally, I want to thank all the Councillors and Council staff for their contribution this year and at the same time, I’d like to wish everyone in Banana Shire a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

CONTACT YOUR COUNCILLOR Mayor Nev Ferrier 0448 011 814 Division 1 – Cr John Ramsey 0478 198 499 Division 2 – Cr Judy Pender 0429 922 859 Division 3 – Cr Philip Casey 0499 043 719

BILOELA INDUSTRIAL ESTATE STAGE 3 OPENS FOR BUSINESS

Division 4 – Cr Colin Semple 0437 740 189 Division 5 – Cr Brooke Leo 0438 110 325 Division 6 – Cr Terri Boyce 0427 283 202

The Banana Shire Council acknowledges First Nations Peoples and recognises their continuous connection to Country, Community and Culture.

We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and honour the sharing of traditional stories and knowledge passed down through generations.

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W

ith 2021 coming to an end and Christmas almost here, it pays to reflect upon what Banana Shire Council has achieved over the last year. During 2021 Council worked hard to improve the quality of life for residents by assisting businesses, improving infrastructure, and ensuring the continued smooth operation of the Shire. We have worked with the local enterprises, both large and small, as well as State and Federal governments to promote investment in the Shire and foster growth, all the while ensuring that the safety of our residents is a forefront concern. We continued to develop the infrastructure within the Shire and promote its natural assets to the rest

Biloela is set for a new wave of investment with the opening of Stage 3 of the Industrial Estate, made possible through almost $2.8 million of combined funding from the Queensland Government’s Building our Regions and Works for Queensland programs.

Assistant Minister for Local Government Nikki Boyd officially opened the sevenlot third stage of the Industrial Estate on the 26th of October. Innovative rubberrecycling company Novum Energy Australia has already purchased a lot in Stage 3, expecting to employ up to 25 workers there. There is no doubt the Industrial Estate will play a key role in the local economy for many years to come through providing jobs and encouraging more businesses to call Biloela home.

BRIGALOW ARTS FESTIVAL CELEBRATED 25 YEARS

Tracy Hewitt Moore Acquisition I Won’t Give Up

Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, the Brigalow Arts Festival featured a wide variety of artwork and photography from local artists and those further afield.

The festival was presented by Banana Shire Regional Art Gallery Association and their committee of volunteers who worked tirelessly to put this together for our Shire.

The festival was opened on the 15th of October, with an official opening-night ceremony. Winners were announced on the night and those attending had the chance to admire the art on display and vote for their favourite in the People’s Choice Award. This year, the exhibits included photography, sculpture, installations, ceramics and paintings, and were judged by renowned Artists Andrea Chapman and Mark Coombe. The Brigalow Arts Festival encouraged Artists from the Shire and its surrounds to enter work to be displayed, judged and admired by the community and visitors throughout the exhibition.

The exhibition concluded on the 3rd of December 2021.

Proudly supported by Banana Shire Council, the Brigalow Arts Festival is the longest standing visual arts awards festival in the Shire.

SECTION 9 – YOUTH ARTWORK YEAR 7-9 | ANY MEDIUM ANY THEME Mia Evans - Second place: My Journey Reflection Glenda Semple with Teresa Adornato

www.banana.qld.gov.au

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Shop LOCAL for HO • HO • HO

Make it a jolly Christmas by supporting local businesses this festive season

by Jen Gourley

Christmas

Christmas is just around the corner and there are

stockings to be stuffed, secret Santa gifts to choose and presents to purchase for friends and family.

Yes, it’s the season of giving and what better way to tick off those items on your Christmas shopping list than to go browsing around the Banana Shire? There are so many wonderful gifts available in our own region and by shopping locally across the Shire you will not only find some exciting treasures to put under the tree, you will also be helping local businesses.

Mementos in

Moura

So, grab a friend or a family member, hop in the car and crank up some Christmas tunes while you take a tour of some of the fantastic shops in the Banana Shire (and keep an eye out as there are plenty more places with festive goodies as well!).

You’ll be ‘wrapped’ in the great selection of gifts available in Moura

Moura News, at 25 Gillespie Street, not only offers Lotto, scratchies, newspapers and magazines .. there’s also a wide selection of Christmas cards, Bramble Bay Collections hand balm, fragrance diffusers, candles, luxury gift sets, Australiana, photo frames, home décor items, Louenhide bags, toys, puzzles and more.

If you’ve stopped by Country Atmosphere Café to refuel with coffee or a snack whilst on your Christmas shopping trek around the Shire, look to the left and you’ll find Angela’s Garden Gifts. This room includes attractive doorstops by Rayell, funky earrings, cute garden pots, scrunchies and other pleasing presents.

Moura Post Office is the whole ‘package’ when it comes to Christmas loot. The post office is now under the new management of Karen Botha, and as well as offering postal services, there’s quite a selection of gifts and goodies. There are lots of toys to choose from including brands such as Disney, Matchbox and CAT; charming koala notebooks, coffee mugs and ballpoint pens by Australian artist Andrew Gibbons; DB Northern Lights hand cream; Random Harvest gourmet sauces; and some handy kitchen items too.

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Baubles in

Biloela

You’re bound to find something special when you step inside Little Market Co, at 50 Kariboe Street, Biloela. This marvellous collective of local creative businesses, all housed under one roof, is a place both locals and tourists love to stop by. Words and Paper, White Oleander, Birdie and Lace, Watch This Space, Vital Vinyl, Red Cherry Kitchen, The Soap Boxx, Rusticks Homewares and Cuddlebug Creations by Michelle are just some of the businesses you’ll discover there. Everything is so beautifully displayed – it makes for excellent browsing!

So, if you’ve got fudge, soap, bath bombs, earrings, clothing, bags, books, scented candles and other handmade gifts on your list, you’re likely to find them at Little Market Co.

“Just because we live in the country, we don’t have to miss out,” is Chris Gunnourie’s philosophy at Biloela Florist. As well as providing stunning floral arrangements, Biloela Florist at 55A Kariboe Street offers a gorgeous range of gifts. There are Louenhide handbags, purses and wallets; the elegantly packaged scented candles from Glasshouse Fragrances including their special Christmas range; Robert Gordon Pottery; and tasty treats from New England Larder. Chris is also proud to stock products from T-leaf Collections – handmade gifts and home decor that capture your favourite memories. This multi-award-winning business is the brainchild of former Biloela resident Taleah de Fontenelle.

Remember how we were all sad that Target Country left Biloela at the start of 2020, and then that large shop at 38-44 Kariboe Street sat empty for most of the year? Well, good news – it’s now home to two terrific businesses in one big space! On one side, there’s the Paper Shop, which has stationery, Lotto, scratchies, newspapers, magazines, cards, calendars and giftware. On the other side, there’s Kidz, a well-stocked toy shop to delight the young and the young at heart. Lego, Beanie Boos, stocking stuffers, jigsaw puzzles, board games, Bluey items, the popular Melissa and Doug range, Sylvanian Families and John Deere tractors for budding young farmers are just some of the toys on display.

Feel like making your Christmas giving extra personal this year?

Then drop by Smiley Willow Creations at Biloela Shoppingworld.

This shop, owned by Cass Lloyd, is filled with all manner of custom-made creations. There are personalised, insulated, resin tumblers, and candles hand-made by Cass, plus Bubblegum Bead keyrings and resin initial keyrings. Also, inside Smiley Willow Creations, you’ll discover Lisa Swift’s Day Dream Creations – hampers filled with all sorts of delicious goodies; Fragrances by Dannie Pannett for your perfume needs; and sweet treats such as cupcakes, biscuits, slices and cakes for all occasions by A’licious.

“Everything in store can be made to order and personalised,” Cass said.

You can also find each of these businesses on Facebook www.banana.qld.gov.au

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Bounty in

Baralaba Goovigen

Want some good news?

You can do your Christmas shopping in Baralaba too!

Have a look around Baralaba News at 31 Stopford Street and you’ll find lots of treasures. There are plants and figurines, gardening supplies, scented candles, gifts for the man in your life, gifts for the ladies, toys, jewellery, scratchies and heaps more!

Greenery at

If you’ve got a green thumb to shop for this Christmas, then check out Orana Gardens in Goovigen. Located at 60 Fiveways-Lake Pleasant Road, Goovigen, this nursery offers all sorts of leafy loveliness from natives to indoors plants, and palms to bromeliads.

Orana Gardens hosts an open day once a month and is also available to open by appointment. The next open day is scheduled for Sunday, December 12. Keep up to date with the Orana Gardens Facebook page and call 0413 305 509 for more details.

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Treasures at

Theodore

Toys, board games, souvenirs, camping gear and an extended range of Christmas cards and gift wrap are available at Paul and Denise Fowkes’ Theodore News (57 The Boulevard). You’ll also find Lotto and scratchies, and if you’re lucky, you’ll even find Dawson the cat reclining on the counter.

Scratch-its gift packs and trees can be made to order and a giftwrapping service is also provided (free for items bought in-store).

Take some time to browse through Theodore Home and Garden Café.

As well as yummy refreshments on offer, this spacious business at 60 The Boulevard includes the town’s information centre, a display of local artists’ work and a variety of local goods including a great range of gifts; second-hand books; relishes, jams and chutneys from Bushmans Tuckerbox; and resin jewellery, including rings and earrings, and framed prints by Theodore artist Tracy Hewitt.

Just across the road is the most delightful department store, Holmes Enterprises, which was established in Theodore way back in 1924. This business has been in the Holmes family since its inception and is now owned by Sharon Holmes. With a fantastic range of items on offer and a superb selection of giftware, this special shop is serving as a drawcard for tourists to the town as well as providing retail services to generations of Theodore residents.

There are toys galore, stylish Christmas decorations, soaps, candles, cushions, clothing, hats, purses, handbags, baby gifts, fine bone china, picnic baskets and more! You’ll also find beautiful earrings

by The Dressing Table on display. These earrings are designed and created by Colleen McDonald, a former Theodore resident of many years, who is now based in Roma with her family.

Trinkets at

Taroom

If you are tripping around Taroom, then swing

by Taroom Hardware Gift Shop at 26 Yaldwyn Street. You just might find the perfect Christmas present there – from jewellery to manchester; shoes to handbags; toys to table lamps; and kitchenware such as stunning Ashdene teapots and mugs.

Pop into Taroom Newsagency for a great range of stationery, cards and wrap. They also stock personal gifts, souvenirs, phone accessories and toys. You can find them at 46 Yaldwyn Street.

www.banana.qld.gov.au

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COMMUNITY

Council’s Community Grants Program Community groups are invited to make application for funding and assistance via Council’s Community Grants Program.

Applications under this program will be accepted throughout the year but will only be processed after the closing date for each round.

Remaining closing dates for the 2021-22 financial year are:

Get Ready Banana Shire

5pm Monday 31 January 2022 5pm Friday 29 April 2022

When it comes to extreme weather events in Queensland, it’s not a matter of ‘if’ but ‘when’.

Note these dates in your calendars to ensure your application is submitted in the most appropriate round with enough time for processing prior to your project/event commencing. Please allow a minimum of four weeks’ turnaround time from the closing date to notification of the outcome of your application.

You can’t control the weather or when the next disaster will hit our Shire, but you can be aware and prepared. It’s important that we take steps to prepare because having a ‘what-if-plan’ could be the difference between staying safe and putting your life in danger.

Application forms and further information on the Community Grants Program can be found on Council’s website www.banana. qld.gov.au/community-grants.

For assistance in completing the forms and for any enquiries regarding the program, applicants are encouraged to contact Council’s Community Development Advisor, Melinda Petty, on (07) 4992 9500.

The GET READY QUEENSLAND website will give you the tools to prepare for any disaster that may come our way.

To learn more head to

www.getready.qld.gov.au

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REMEMBER TO  Understand your risk  Pack an emergency kit  Prepare a household emergency plan

COMMUNITY

TVMCC donating $10,000 to Autism Qld from left to right; representative from Harbour City Harley Davidson Gladstone; Edward Wust President TVMCC; Katrina O’Brien (Autism Qld); Jacob Davis Secretary TVMCC

Cardboard & paper recycling only

Cardboard boxes, cartons & packaging

Paper, envelopes, newspapers & magazines

Materials NOT accepted in your blue lid bin include

Polystyrene & plastics

Tissues, paper towel, shredded paper & waxed cardboard

Food scraps & rubbish

Bikers with Big Hearts

Y

ou may have seen members of the Twin Valleys Motor Cycle Club (TVMCC) touring around our Shire from time to time. What you may not know is that behind those handle bars and helmets is a wonderful group who continually give back to our community.

In this year alone, TVMCC has donated over $15,000 to local charities within our community.

Some of these donations include $500 to Biloela PCYC, $500 to Biloela Womens Golf and $500 to Biloela Scouts.

We’d like to thank Eddie and the TVMCC for all that they do for our Shire. TVMCC is a social motorcycle club based in Biloela.

They are about mateship and having fun while raising money for charity.

If you want to get involved, head down to the Clubhouse – every Friday night they have a licensed bar that is open to the public from 5.00pm – 1.00am where everybody is welcome to come out for a chat over a couple of reasonably priced liquid refreshments.

www.banana.qld.gov.au

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WHAT’S ON

Events / What’s on AUSTRALIA DAY 26 t h JA N u a r y 202 2

JOIN US TO REFLECT, RESPECT AND CELEBRATE AT THE QUEENSLAND HERITAGE PARK, BILOELA POET’S BREAKFAST FROM 7AM OFFICIAL CEREMONY FROM 9AM FUN FOR THE YOUNG AND OLD WITH LIVE MUSIC, AIRTIME FMX FREESTYLE MOTOCROSS DEMONSTRATIONS, RIDES, GAMES, FOOD STALLS, BAR AND MUCH MORE!

www.banana.qld.gov.au

Banana New Year’s Eve Bullarama Banana Sports Ground Friday 31 December 2021

Gates open at 5.30pm; $15 Adults; Under 18’s FREE; $10,000 in prize money plus buckles; fireworks displays, food vans, bar & music till late; free camping; held at the Banana Sports Ground Leichhardt Highway Banana; tickets available through www.trybooking.com/840128

Thangool Races

Australia Day

Thangool is the home of country horse racing in the Banana Shire. What better excuse to get dressed up and enjoy a day at the races with family and friends.

Catering is available or BYO picnic. For more information head to www.thangoolraceclub.com.au

Join us for Banana Shire’s Australia Day celebrations. Poet’s Breakfast from 7am; Official Ceremony from 9am; Fun for the young and old with live music, Airtime FMX Freestyle Motocross demonstrations, rides, games, food stalls, bar and much more! For further info visit www.banana.qld.gov.au/ community/australia-day

Thangool Race Club Saturday 15 January 2022

Queensland Heritage Park, Biloela Wednesday 26 January 2022

iday

Christmas

School Hol

FUN

Join us this Christmas school holidays for a selection of wonderful fun craft activities at your local library.

Numbers are limited so make sure you drop in or phone your local library to book in.

Christmas Tree Ornaments 13 December from 10.30am Biloela Library

Christmas Tree Decorations 14 December from 10.30am Biloela Library

Christmas Gift Pack for your Mum 15 December from 10.30am Biloela Library

Christmas Craft

15 December from 10am Moura Library

Christmas Craft

16 December from 10.30am Theodore Library

Big Screen Christmas 16 December from 3pm Biloela Library The Santa Clause

Christmas Biscuit Decorating 17 December from 9.30am Biloela Library

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COUNCIL NEWS

Remote Water Metering Banana Shire Council has implemented the first stage of its automated water meter reading project which enables remote meter reading and monitoring of water consumption to connected properties. Property owners within Biloela, Thangool, Callide Dam, Banana and Moura that are connected to Council’s reticulated water supply can sign up to Aqualus Water via https://banana.aqualus.com.

The automated meter reading devices will be installed in remaining schemes as budget permits. Once signed up, property owners and tenants will have the ability to view their own property water usage information on a daily basis.

New Floodways Banana Shire Council has recently completed works on the construction of floodways on both Valentine Plains Road and Crowsdale Camboon Road which should reduce the amount of water sitting on the road during a rain event. These projects have been proudly funded by the Queensland Government through the Local Road and Community Infrastructure Program (LRCIP) Scheme and Banana Shire Council.

Defence Road Banana Shire Council has recently completed a gravel resheet project along Defence Road. This involved the addition of gravel to 5km of the Defence Road which should increase the quality of the road surface within this area.

This project has been proudly funded by the Queensland Government through the Roads to Recovery (R2R) Scheme and Banana Shire Council.

Drought Affected – Can You Claim Water Rebate?

Council has approved rebates of up to $2.50 per kilolitre for potable and recycled water purchased for stock and domestic use (potable water only for domestic use) in the Banana Shire subject to eligibility criteria.

Details and forms available on Council’s website or by contacting Council.

Theodore Moura Road Upgrade As part of Banana Shire Council’s commitment to the continuous improvement of the road network throughout the Shire, repairs have been completed on the road shoulders of Theodore Moura Road.

This project has improved the safety of the pavement by repairing the damage to the road shoulders and reinstating the previous 8m wide sealed running surface along a section of approximately 9.5kms.

This project has been proudly funded by the Queensland Government through the Local Road and Community Infrastructure Program (LRCIP) Scheme and Banana Shire Council.

www.banana.qld.gov.au

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AUSTRALIA DAY 26th JANuary 20 22

JOIN US TO REFLECT, RESPECT AND CELEBRATE AT THE QUEENSLAND HERITAGE PARK, BILOELA POET’S BREAKFAST FROM 7AM OFFICIAL CEREMONY FROM 9AM FUN FOR THE YOUNG AND OLD WITH LIVE MUSIC, AIRTIME FMX FREESTYLE MOTOCROSS DEMONSTRATIONS, RIDES, GAMES, FOOD STALLS, BAR AND MUCH MORE!

www.banana.qld.gov.au