FOCUS on the Banana Shire (December 2020)

DECEMBER

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Take Steps to Prepare for Storm & Cyclone Season

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Mayor’s Message

Chaplaincy Vehicle

Free Online Courses for Banana Shire Residents

Book Week

Food Safety during the Festive Season

Biloela I Moura I Taroom I Banana I Baralaba I Dululu I Goovigen I Jambin I Thangool I Theodore I Wowan I Cracow

Mayor’s Message TRADITIONALLY, DECEMBER THROUGH TO MARCH IS CLASSIFIED AS OUR ‘WET SEASON’ AND THE BUREAU OF METEOROLOGY HAS ADVISED THAT EL NINO SOUTHERN OSCILLATION (ENSO) OUTLOOK IS AT LA NINA AND WILL CONTINUE IN THIS PHASE UNTIL AT LEAST THE END OF SUMMER.

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CONTACT COUNCIL P (07) 4992 9500 | F (07) 4992 3493 E enquiries@banana.qld.gov.au Postal Address: PO Box 412, Biloela Q 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

ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Contact Michael at Interactivink 07 3334 8000 michael@interactivink.com.au

his means there is a stronger chance of increased storm and cyclone activity.

With the possibility of above average rainfall over the next few months, Council has started preparing its local disaster management centre staff in case the centre is activated over the next few months.

Council has checked that its disaster management equipment is operational, including rain and river gauges, and all staff have undergone refresher training.

While additional rain is needed, and fingers crossed it eventuates, I hope it is not at the same levels we experienced during the last La Nina phase which was back in 2010 to 2012 when Australia experienced one of its wettest two year periods.

While Council has taken steps to prepare for the coming wet season, I encourage residents to also start taking their own precautions. The best way to do this is to refer to the State Government’s Get Ready Queensland website which has a vast array of resources to help people prepare for disasters.

It is better to be prepared and not need to activate your individual plans than for a disaster to occur and not be ready.

Following the recent rain we have enjoyed, the number of people conducting small burn offs on their properties has increased. It is important that any landholder wishing to carry out a burn

follows the proper procedure and apply for a fire permit.

Council has completed and commenced a number of projects that were funded by Round Two of the Federal Government’s Drought Communities Program. The completed projects include: $60,000 on an Imam People Artefacts Display Shed at the Taroom Museum and $175,000 on Stage 2 of the Baralaba Riverbank Stabilisation project. Other projects that have commenced include replacing the Taroom Pool amenities block, repairs to Greycliffe Homestead, improvements to facilities at Jambin Campdraft Grounds, shade and irrigation at Lake Callide playground, fire suppression water tanks at Taroom, Theodore and Moura aerodromes, water facilities for road construction, footpaths in Theodore and replacement of unlevel pavers in footpaths in Moura and Biloela.

Council is extremely grateful to the Federal Government for providing this funding through this program which has allowed us to carry out these projects that might otherwise may have taken several years to appear on the schedule of budgeted works.

On behalf of all Councillors and staff, I wish everybody a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. If you are travelling to visit family and friends, drive safe, respect fellow road users and take your time. Remember to also continue to adhere to all personal hygiene and social distancing practices over the festival season.

Contact your Councillor

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Mayor Nev Ferrier

0448 011 814

Division 1 | Cr David Snell

0427 922 176

Division 2 | Cr Warren Middleton

0488 410 275

Division 3 | Cr Pat Brennan

0419 156 958

Division 4 | Cr Colin Semple

0437 740 189

Division 5 | Cr Brooke Leo

0438 110 325

Division 6 | Cr Terri Boyce

0427 283 202

ON THE BANANA SHIRE

Cr Nev Ferrier

DECEMBER 2020

LUKE SIEGMEIER TRAVELS THOUSANDS OF KILOMETRES EVERY MONTH IN HIS ROLE AS DAWSON VALLEY SCHOOL CHAPLAIN.

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very week he drives from Biloela out to Baralaba, Woorabinda and Jambin State Schools to provide this service to the students attending these small schools. Providing this service would be made more difficult without the financial assistance of Banana Shire Council. Since 2007 Council has helped

Chaplaincy Vehicle provide a vehicle for use by the School Chaplaincy service in the Banana Shire.

Recently Council agreed to increase and extend its vehicle service agreement with the chaplaincy service.

Historically Council has paid for registration costs, insurance, servicing and maintenance of the vehicle. Council will increase its annual contribution from $2000 annually to $3000, with the agreement extended to 2024.

Dawson Valley School Chaplain Luke Siegmeier said Council’s assistance was greatly appreciated.

“This contribution helps to ensure the Scripture Union can continue to deliver this service to some of the smaller schools in the region,” Luke said.

“The Scripture Union is a Christian organisation seeking to bring God’s love, hope and good news to children, young people and their families.

“We work with local schools, local churches of all denominations and community groups towards a common vision – to see each child and young person connected and supported in the community, serving others and experiencing the fullness of life.

Luke said he used the vehicle to travel out to Baralaba, Woorabinda and Jambin schools each week.

“The vehicle is also used by other members of the chaplaincy service when needed to attend training or to travel to other parts of the region.”

Mayor Nev Ferrier and Luke Siegmeier

BANANA SHIRE COUNCIL COMMUNITY GRANTS PROGRAM COMMUNITY GROUPS ARE INVITED TO MAKE APPLICATION FOR FUNDING AND ASSISTANCE VIA COUNCIL’S COMMUNITY GRANTS PROGRAM.

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

Closing dates for 2021 are:

For assistance in completing the forms and for any enquiries regarding the program, applicants are encouraged to contact:

■ 5pm Friday 29 January ■ 5pm Friday 30 April ■ 5pm Friday 30 July ■ 5pm Friday 29 October

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

Melinda Petty – Council’s Community Development Advisor (07) 4992 9500

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DECEMBER 2020

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Council continues long term support of RACQ Rescue Helicopter Service A TOTAL OF 82 PATIENTS WERE RETRIEVED FROM THE BANANA SHIRE REGION BY RACQ CAPRICORN RESCUE HELICOPTER SERVICES LAST YEAR, AT A COST OF $984,000.

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anana Shire Council has been a long term supporter of the rescue helicopter service and this year Council will continue to provide its annual contribution of $7500. Council also provides staff with the mechanism to provide their own contributions from their fortnightly pay.

Banana Shire Mayor Nev Ferrier said Council was happy to continue to support this life saving service.

“Due to the vast distances between the towns across the shire and the distance to the region’s major emergency department

at Rockhampton, the Capricorn Rescue Helicopter is essential and at an average cost of $12,000 per flight, it is not a cheap service to provide,” Cr Ferrier said.

“If our support helps to save the life of one of our residents, then it is certainly money well spent.

“It is hard to image what would happen if we did not have access to this emergency medical service and it is terrific that the rescue helicopter service continues to receive support from RACQ, the government and other large corporate and mining companies.”

Take Steps to Prepare for Storm and Cyclone Season WITH ANOTHER STORM AND CYCLONE SEASON APPROACHING, BANANA SHIRE RESIDENTS ARE BEING URGED TO CARRY OUT SOME SIMPLE PREPARATIONS

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aking just a few simple steps now could make a major difference in residents’ abilities to cope with disaster situations.

It is a very simple four-step process and there is really no excuse for being caught unprepared this season.

The first step is preparing a Household Emergency Plan which considers the potential risks in your neighbourhood; what preparations are needed; how to stay in contact with loved ones and emergency services; and what to do during different disaster situations.

Step two is to prepare your personal evacuation kit and an emergency kit. This means having enough water and non-perishable food to last a minimum of three days as well as essential medicine,

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ON THE BANANA SHIRE

RACQ Capricorn Rescue Helicopter

clothing, batteries, tools and supplies to keep you going.

Most of these items are already in your house – but you need to keep them all together in one place, as well as filling the gaps now if something is missing.

Step three is to prepare your home for the disasters you are likely to face. This includes actions like identifying places to shelter, cleaning gutters and making sure your insurance is up to date.

The final step is to understand how you will get information during a disaster. This means having a battery-powered radio, spare batteries for your mobile phone or laptop and a way to recharge your devices, such as wind-up chargers, solar panel chargers or a generator.

These actions are not difficult, but they can make a huge difference to your family during times of disaster. This basic level of preparation can mean the difference between sitting out the worst of a flood or other event in relative comfort and struggling to cope without life’s essentials.

Residents ready to brush up on their disaster preparations should visit www.getready.qld.gov.au.

DECEMBER 2020

Wowan audience thrilled by

Festival of Small Halls THE WEATHER WAS MILD, THE MUSIC DIVINE AND THE ATMOSPHERE SOOTHING – COMBINING FOR A HUGELY SUCCESSFUL FESTIVAL OF SMALL HALLS EVENT AT WOWAN.

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he third Festival of Small Halls Spring Tour coordinated by Banana Shire Council was held at the Wowan RSL Hall on October 30.

A crowd of 102 people enjoyed the entertainment provided by Shellie Morris and Hussy Hicks and local homegrown talent the Olsson Sisters.

Banana Shire Deputy Mayor Colin Semple said it was a great night for everyone who attended – locals and visitors. “The quality of the artists who performed was top class,” Cr Semple said. “This is the third Festival of Small Halls tour Council has hosted, with the communities of Goovigen and Theodore enjoying previous events.

“Council is committed to supporting access to unique cultural experiences for our communities.”

Festival of Small Halls producer Eleanor Rigden said the artists fully appreciated all the work that went into the event and the crew were really impressed with local performers the Olsson Sisters.

Free Online Courses for Banana Shire Residents

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hese courses will help you improve your participation in a community organisation by providing a solid foundation of knowledge in three critical areas: ■ Committee Governance

Learn the essentials that you need

BANANA SHIRE COUNCIL IS OFFERING FREE ACCESS FOR BANANA SHIRE RESIDENTS TO THREE ONLINE COURSES. obtain a certificate from the Institute of Community Directors.

to know as a board member, staff member or volunteer of a not-for-profit organisation.

Each course is self paced and you will have up to 30 days to complete each

■ Sources of Income

course from the date that you commence.

■ How to win Grants

Upon completion of each course you will

Access to these courses is only available to 30 June 2021.

Visit www.communitydirectors.com.au/ training for more information or contact Banana Shire Council on (07) 4992 9500 to access login details.

KRT Automotive All Mechanical Repairs • All Fleet Vehicle Repairs All Makes & Models • Dobinson Springs Supplier 4X4 Accessories • Brake & Clutch Repairs Log Book Servicing • All Work Guaranteed 21-23 Okano St, Moura • 4997 3776

DECEMBER 2020

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Council & Infrastructure Services Bounty Payments Last month 60 wild dog bounties were paid out. No bounties were paid for foxes or feral cats.

Pools All pools are open for business with all unexpected maintenance issues complete with positive results.

The Taroom Aquatic Facility construction has commenced with foundation and flooring completed. There has been very positive feedback from the community.

Environmental Health

Theodore Cracow Road

The annual licensed food premises audits were carried out across the Shire, with identified high risk premises being given priority. Seventeen inspections were carried out in October.

are to be upgraded and replaced by high definition lenses to ensure better clarity for detection of illegal dumping.

Waste Facilities

Building Services

Council has applied for two grants to obtain funding to transform the Taroom and Cracow landfills into Waste Transfer Stations. Results expected at the end of December.

Civic Centre Power Upgrade has been completed.

Planning is underway to provide ratepayer access/security for the Waste Transfer Stations at Baralaba, Jambin and Wowan. Gates have been installed at these stations; some fencing is required as well as pin pad systems. All cameras

Moura Shade Structure in Gilliespie Street has been completed.

All pipework for the Magavalis bore and water pipeline project has been completed and is waiting on electricity connection.

Construction of the new pound facility has commenced.

INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES Current Project Status ■ RURAL CONSTRUCTION Work has commenced on the Jambin Dakenba Road upgrade, Deearne Road upgrade, Cracow Road gravel resheet and Colombo Road gravel resheet. Upgrade to the Theodore Moura Road is nearing completion. Work has been completed on the Smiths Road gravel resheet near Taroom and Racecourse land gravel resheet near Taroom.

■ RURAL DRAINAGE Goovigen Rannes Road, Goovigen – Harris Creek floodway extension and the Terrence Road floodway reconstruction near Theodore has been completed.

■ URBAN CONSTRUCTION Raedon Street subdivision in Biloela nearing completion.

■ URBAN DRAINAGE Dunn Street drainage in Biloela complete.

Yaldwyn Street kerb and channel in Taroom complete. Thangool drainage project nearly complete. Dawson Highway kerb and channel replacement in Biloela commenced.

■ DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT AND MAIN ROADS WORKS

Burnett Highway Rehabilitation

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ON THE BANANA SHIRE

Work has been completed on the 2020/21 Baralaba Woorabinda Road reseal preparation project and the rehabilitation of 1km of the Burnett Highway near Dooney Smith Road intersection.

DECEMBER 2020

Curious creatures & characters help library celebrate Book Week displays, run activities and competitions or have a parade as part of the festivities.

from oncoming traffic as she drove through the shire carrying out book exchanges in Biloela, Moura, Theodore and Taroom. The library staff get just as much enjoyment out of the celebration as the children.

Banana Shire Library celebrated with a display in the library and with staff donning their fancy dress outfits on Thursday 22 October.

During the week The Children’s Book Council of Australia also celebrates authors and illustrators by hosting an awards ceremony.

Banana Shire Senior Library and Information Services Advisor Ruth Thompson dressed up as Mad Hatter and got more than a few strange looks

Winners of the Book of the Year Award can be found at www.cbca.org.au/ news/announcing-the-2020-cbcabook-of-the-year-awards

A FAIRY PRINCESS, THE MAD HATTER, MR BUMP AND A HOST OF OTHER FICTIONAL CHARACTERS ALL MADE CAMEO APPEARANCES AT BANANA SHIRE LIBRARIES THIS WEEK.

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ouncil’s library staff dressed up as their favourite story time character to help celebrate 2020 Book Week which had the theme ‘Curious Creatures, Wild Minds’.

Book Week is coordinated by The Children’s Book Council of Australia which was established in 1945 to bring books and children together.

Traditionally schools and libraries create

Additional funding from Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program boost for Council roads BANANA SHIRE COUNCIL HAS RECEIVED AN ADDITIONAL $1,577,538 IN FUNDING FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT’S LOCAL ROADS AND COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE (LRCI) PROGRAM.

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ouncil was notified of the funding in a joint announcement by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack and

Minister for Regional Health, Regional Communication and Local Government Mark Coulton.

Banana Shire Mayor Nev Ferrier said the announcement was welcome news for Council and thanked the Federal Government for their support through the LRCI Program.

“While we have not finalised which projects this money will be spent on, our preference will be to use it to gravel some of our rural roads,” Cr Ferrier said.

“Council will identify these roads and then lodge a submission to the government for their approval.”

Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said the Federal Government was again demonstrating its commitment to partner with local governments, like Banana, as they play a critical role as part of the national recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, delivering local jobs through local projects.

Mr McCormack said this funding extension would continue to assist local governments to deliver local road and community infrastructure projects, as well as create local job opportunities particularly where employment in other sectors had been negatively impacted.

The funding will be made available from 1 January 2021.

Injune Road

DECEMBER 2020

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TOP TIPS FOR FOOD SAFETY DURING THE FESTIVE SEASON EVERYONE LOVES TO INDULGE JUST A LITTLE DURING THE FESTIVE SEASON BY ENJOYING DELICIOUS FOOD IN THE COMPANY OF OUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS.

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nfortunately, it is also a time for a higher risk of food poisoning.

By remembering to follow some simple rules we can all enjoy the holidays without having to worry about bouts of sickness. Food safety tips during the festive season:

1. G OOD TEMPERATURE CONTROL

3. CLEANLINESS INDOORS AND OUTDOORS ■ Give your BBQ a good scrub with soapy water.

■ Wash hands frequently to avoid cross contamination.

■ Clean down counters and other preparation surfaces effectively.

■ Ensure your refrigerators are working efficiently (below 5ºC).

4. TRUSTWORTHY LEFTOVERS

■ Have a back-up plan to keep your food items cool should there be a power failure.

■ Reheat quickly in a microwave (above 60ºC).

■ Transport perishable items in an insulated cooler bag.

■ Discard any food if it has been left out of the refrigerator for 4 hours or more.

2. SAFE SEAFOOD ■ Purchase seafood from a reputable supplier.

■ Keep refrigerated/chilled during transport.

■ Use a probe thermometer to ensure you cook the seafood correctly.

■ Store in clean, airtight containers.

■ Reheat evenly – cold spots can breed harmful bacteria and make you sick.

■ If you aren’t feeling well, don’t handle the leftovers.

FOR MORE HELPFUL TIPS AND WAYS TO KEEP YOUR FAMILY SAFE DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON, VISIT THE FOOD SAFETY WEBSITE – WWW.FOODSAFETY.COM.AU

Banana Shire aerodromes essential for Royal Flying Doctor Service THE ROYAL FLYING DOCTOR SERVICE (RFDS) PROVIDES LIFESAVING AND VITAL MEDICAL TRANSPORTATION SERVICES TO RESIDENTS IN THE CALLIDE DAWSON VALLEYS.

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ut it would not be possible without the aerodromes maintained and operated by Banana Shire.

Banana Shire has six aerodromes used by the RFDS. Last year the Flying Doctors touched down at these aerodromes 156 times, with 52 of those being at Theodore, 35

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Doctors can land and take off safely, ensuring that patients needing emergency medical care have access to the facilities they need,” Cr Ferrier said.

at Thangool, 33 at Moura, 25 at Taroom (which has two aerodromes that are used by the RFDS) and 11 at Baralaba.

“Council will spend $904,896 to maintain these aerodromes during the 2020/21 financial year.

Banana Shire Mayor Nev Ferrier said this was just another example of the vital services Council provided for the benefit of its residents.

“This is a large financial contribution, but these aerodromes are important community assets and essential for lifesaving services like the Royal Flying Doctor Service, the aerial ambulance service and Angel Flight.”

“These aerodromes ensure that the Flying

ON THE BANANA SHIRE

DECEMBER 2020

BANANA SHIRE

PLEASE CONTACT COUNCIL ON (07) 4992 9500

RATES

if you have not received your rates notice

2021 RATES

JA N UA RY – J U N E 2 0 21

NOTICE DATES

ISSUE: 11 February 2021 • DUE: 18 March 2021

UPDATE YOUR MAILING ADDRESS WITH COUNCIL Ratepayers who have changed their mailing address and failed to notify Council run the risk of not receiving their rates notice and missing out on discounts offered.

If you have changed your mailing address please notify Council in writing so your details can be updated. Address changes will not be accepted over the telephone and must be signed by at least one owner.

Application forms are available from Banana Shire Council website or offices.

PREPAY YOUR RATES Get ahead of your bill by prepaying rates throughout the year.

You can use the BPAY biller code and reference number from your rates notice to set up weekly, fortnightly or monthly BPAY payment installments.

EMAIL

RECEIVE YOUR RATES NOTICE BY EMAIL

Having issues with the mail getting to you?

Are you travelling within Australia or abroad?

You can now receive your rates notice – anytime, anywhere – via email. Find the eNotices logo on your rates notice to register online.

PENSIONER RATE SUBSIDY A State Pensioner Subsidy and Council Pensioner Subsidy is available for eligible pensioners on all current rates and charges as levied (excluding the Taroom Rural Water Connection Special charge). The State Fire and Emergency Services also grant eligible pensioners a discount on the State Emergency Management Levy.

Eligibility requirements include: ■ Must be a holder of a Queensland Pension Concession Card or a Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card (Senior Card holders are not eligible).

■ Must be the owner or life tenant of the property and legally responsible for paying government rates and charges.

■ Subsidies can only be granted on the principal place of residence.

Application forms are available from Banana Shire Council website or offices.

RATES PAYMENT COMMITMENT Council encourage people who are experiencing difficulties in paying their rates to submit a Rates Payment Commitment application by the due date. Application forms are available from Banana Shire Council website or offices.

Gates & Grids Considering installing a gate or grid on a Council Road? The following information has been prepared to assist you with the requirements of the installation of gates and grids on council controlled roads.

To install a gate or grid on a council road, a Minor Works on Roads Application must be completed and submitted to council. The application process includes the submission of: ■ Minor Works on Roads application form ■ Indemnity form ■ Locality plan (should clearly identify the site both at a high level and close in perspective) ■ Construction plan ■ Traffic Management Plan (how the road is to remain open during construction) ■ Anything else you might think is prudent to the project. The more information the better!

DECEMBER 2020

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The Minor Works on Roads Application can be found on www.banana.qld.gov. au/council-services/infrastructureservices/minor-works-on-roads.

Council officers from the Infrastructure, Environmental and Safety departments will review the application and provide response within 10 business days.

To help facilitate the design and construction, standard drawings and construction methods can be found on the Capricorn Municipal Development Guidelines (CMDG). Any differences to the stated guidelines should be clearly indicated on the construction plans and endorsed by a suitably qualified professional.

If there are any questions or enquiries regarding the installation of a gate or grid, or the Minor Works on Roads process please contact the Infrastructure Technology Team at Banana Shire Council on (07) 4992 9500.

www.banana.qld.gov.au

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Like us on Facebook Banana Shire Regional Art Gallery

BANANA SHIRE

REGIONAL ART GALLERY VISIT THE GALLERY | FREE ENTRY 62 Valentine Plains Road, Biloela Open weekdays 9:30am – 4pm

CONTACT THE GALLERY Shanna Muston | Arts and Cultural Advisor P: 4992 9500 | E: enquiries@banana.qld.gov.au www.banana.qld.gov.au

Banana Shire Regional Art Gallery is closed from 2pm 24 December 2020 – re-opening on Monday 4 January 2021.

Follow us on Instagram @bananashireregionalartgallery

EXHIBITIONS Works from the Collection | Main Gallery 7 Dec 20 – 29 Jan 21

This is Me | Carers Queensland | Palm Tree Room 7 Dec 20 – 29 Jan 21 This Is Me features works by people with disability from across Central Queensland. Carers Queensland is facilitating this exhibition to amplify the voices and lived experiences of people with disability, and to support and promote artists with disability.

BANANA SHIRE COUNCIL BRIGALOW ARTS FESTIVAL ACQUISITION AWARD My Pal | Ping Carlyon My Pal delicately captures the strong bond between Elle and Ace, who have been training together since Elle was a little girl. This work was created for an exhibition Our Shining Stars where artist Ping Carlyon captured local youth sports persons throughout the Gladstone region.

Ping followed their journey for 10 months, interviewing and filming training and competitions. This work illustrates the talent and passion of these young people and the artist.

Ping Carlyon is a Calliope based artist originally from Taiwan. Her watercolour works are intricate with fine detail, often depicting signature ribbon-like patterns.

Biloela Civic Centre Sound System BILOELA’S CIVIC CENTRE HAS BEEN FITTED WITH AN “AUSTRALIAN-FIRST” SPEAKER SYSTEM, TRANSFORMING THE COMMUNITY HALL INTO A STATE-OF-THE-ART ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE.

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he $150,000 system was purchased after Banana Shire Council received a grant from the Federal Government’s Drought Funding Program.

The system includes a 50,000 watt sound system which was imported directly from Italy and the first of its kind to be installed in Australia, a remote camera which will

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provide vision of the main stage into all public areas of the hall, mobile 100 inch TV for use in each area including the courtyard and the replacement of stage lighting which was originally installed in the 70s and 80s with LED lights.

The system is run by a digital audio console with adequate microphone and auxiliary inputs and a new lighting console which can be run by laptops or tablets.

Banana Shire Mayor Nev Ferrier said the Civic Centre is now a state-of-the-art entertainment centre with viewing and sound options available through the entire complex. “It will allow for most shows and touring artists to plug directly into the

ON THE BANANA SHIRE

system and use it to its full capacity.

“The quality of the system will allow movies to be screened and have the feel of a cinema.”

In addition to the new sound and audio equipment, a full rewiring of the complex has been completed to enable uninterrupted sound and visuals to enhance the experience and for clear, undistorted sound.

With hide away wall, the venue is ideal for birthday, engagement or Christmas parties, weddings and conferences of any size.

For more information or bookings contact the Biloela Anzac Club.

DECEMBER 2020

Historic homestead closed while $100,000 repairs are carried out THE HISTORIC GREYCLIFFE HOMESTEAD WILL BE CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC DURING DECEMBER WHILE IT UNDERGOES REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE.

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ork will be done to repair roof, gutters and flooring on the 150-year-old building.

The $100,000 project is being funded with a grant from the Federal Government’s Drought Community Funding Program.

This is the first stage of planned renovations to the heritage-listed property.

Most of the repair work will be carried out by local contractor Valley Constructions, with Banana Shire Council plumbers replacing the roof and guttering.

Greycliffe Homestead was originally built in the 1870s and constructed of slabs cut with an adze and pitsaw, rafters crafted from round bush timber and also featured a shingle roof.

The homestead was owned by the Nott Family, who, whilst residing in the home along with their seven children, renovated it in the 1920s and the shingled roof replaced by a pyramid-shaped iron roof.

Greycliffe Homestead was in the Nott Family for 100 years, but after the last of

Greycliffe Homestead

the Notts died in 1974, it was apparent that the old homestead could not be sustained in its current location. In 1979, it was relocated by the Banana Shire Historical Society (in two sections) to where it now resides, some 37 kilometres away on Gladstone Road in Biloela.

The homestead was heritage-listed in 1992 and there has been a great deal of consultation with Heritage Protection experts which resulted in a conservation plan being drafted. An architect was consulted and a heritage building consultant engaged to oversee the works.

The Banana Shire Historical Society hopes more residents take a keen interest in local history and become members of the group.

A spokesperson for the historical society said the restoration work, funded by the Drought Communities Program, was important for the future of the old building.

“Tourists have always shown a deep interest in the old home; hundreds of people have visited over the last 40 years and it is therefore an important attraction for the community.”

Students schooled on recycling A GROUP OF GRADE 4 STUDENTS AT MOURA STATE SCHOOL WERE SCHOOLED ON RECYCLING AND THE ROLE COUNCIL PLAYS DURING A RECENT SPECIAL VISIT.

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anana Shire Division 5 Councillor Brooke Leo and Council’s Environmental Sustainability Advisors visited the classroom for the presentation.

Cr Leo talked to the students about the role of a councillor and the work that Banana Shire Council carries out.

Ms Jo Graham provided a presentation

DECEMBER 2020

on how Council manages waste and recycling, including what Council does to be more sustainable. The students were also provided with advice on what they can do to help out.

The presentation was well received with the students fully engaged and asking many questions about the different materials that can be recycled.

It was an excellent community education opportunity which Council is hoping to replicate.

www.banana.qld.gov.au

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Australia Day

TUESDAY 26 JANUARY 2021 BANANA SPORTS RESERVE

GATES O P E N F R O M 1 0 a m CRICKET COMPETITION FROM 11am OFFICIAL CEREMONY COMMENCES 3PM

SNACK FOOD

FAMILY FUN

LICENSED

BARBECUE

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MORE IN FORMATION: WWW.BANANA.OLD.GOV.AU/ AUSTRALIA-DAY BANANA SHIRE COUNCIL: PHONE 4992 9500 OR EMAIL ENQUIRIES@BANANA.QLD.GOV.AU