FOCUS September 2021

FOCUS ON THE BANANA SHIRE

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

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

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 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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From the CEO Tom Upton W elcome to our September issue of Focus Magazine. On 30 June 2021, Council adopted its budget for the financial year ended 30 June 2022. For the first time in four years, we have budgeted for an operating surplus of $1,227,953 for the year.

Council remains in a very strong financial position with operating surpluses remaining in place for the next five years. For this financial year, Council has in place a significant recoverable works program with over $15 million in a Recoverable Works Plan. The budget provides for a total expenditure of just over $71 million and a Capital Works program just over $28 million.

The federal government financial assistance grant remains an important source of funding for the Banana Shire

with approximately $7.5 million provided to fund Council’s operations for the year ended 30 June 2022.

The Queensland government’s Works for Queensland program has provided $1,650,000 over the next three years with Building Our Regions fund also contributing to the renewal of key infrastructure.

It is clear to say that Banana Shire is going through a period of growth and change. We are pleased to be opening the new Biloela Industrial Estate later this year and hope it is an attraction to many businesses who want to relocate to our region.

Please make sure you like our facebook page and follow our website for all Council updates and announcements.

We hope you enjoy this edition of Focus magazine.

Million Dollar Game Tees Off In Bilo

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he official tee off of the 2021 Outback Queensland Masters took place in June at the Biloela Golf Club with a gala party entertained by renowned band Busby Marou (above). The event was a sell out with participants playing for a chance to win a $10,000 hole-in-one. This 1,900km golfing odyssey culminated with a million-dollar hole-in-one opportunity in July at Longreach. “Competitors from every corner of Queensland have travelled to Biloela, and from all over Australia,” said Luke Bates, Queensland Manager, Golf Australia. “This year’s event also attracted players of all ages

from 14 years to 84 years.” Australia’s most remote golf tournament, the Outback Queensland Masters is the richest amateur prize pool in the world, travelling to five locations with $10,000 hole-in-one challenges, and then onto the million-dollar hole-in-one challenge in Longreach. Banana Shire Council Mayor Nev Ferrier was there to welcome the players to Biloela and officially open the series. “It was so wonderful to welcome visitors to Biloela and our region for this event,” said Mayor of Banana Shire, Cr Neville Ferrier. The Outback Masters have announced they will be back again in 2022.

With a Flourish

The day the world came to Biloela!

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lourish Festival, a vibrant multicultural touring festival, took place on Saturday the 26th July at Kariboe Street, Biloela and by all accounts, was a tremendous success. The touring festival is popular across regional Queensland and Biloela was no exception. Large crowds gathered for the festival, despite the cloudy weather, to witness a cultural melting pot of art, music, fashion and dance. It is the first of its kind in Biloela.

People were entertained with dance performances, buskers, fashion parades and workshops from 2pm until 7pm. In addition, an art exhibition featuring local artists took place along with a photographic competition with the theme Flourishing in Biloela. Local band Ruby Comeback entertained guests throughout the day with a medley of folk songs. Flourish Biloela is facilitated by Integreat Queensland in partnership with Banana Shire Council, Central Queensland Rural Health, The Biloela Community Art House, Teys, Callide Dawson Chamber of Commerce, and the View of the Valleys.

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Biloela has a new Animal Management Facility Banana Shire Council is pleased to announce its new Animal Management Facility located at 167 State Farm Road, Biloela

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new Rural Service and Compliance Team Office and Animal Management Facility has been built onsite and funded by the Works for Queensland Program and cofunded by Banana Shire Council. The new facility features 10 Customised Mason FRP Sani-Kennel systems, a forefront of design and functionality, and 8 Cat Condos with integrated ventilation. The Animal Management Facility also has multiple outside run areas for animal exercise and stimulation, including the relocation of drop-off cages off State Farm Road for members of the public.

Council are now offering an adoption service for dogs and cats that have been behaviourally assessed as suitable for rehoming purposes. Animal

Management Officer at Banana Shire Council, Natalie Eather says that there has been a significant rise in the number of dogs and cats being dumped or abandoned throughout the year. Please consider adopting an animal before buying a new puppy or kitten. If you are interested in adopting a new furry friend from Council’s Animal Management Facility, please contact Council’s Compliance Team. Before making this decision, please consider the enclosure and exercise requirements of your new pet, your current and future lifestyle choices and how they may affect your new pet. Conditions for adoption approval do apply (e.g. desexing, microchipping and registration), as Banana Shire Council advocates responsible animal ownership.

Upcoming Exhibitions MY LIFE BY STITCHES, BRONWYNNE BATES 21 August – 28 September A stunning collection of quilts celebrating reaching 60 years of life.

Key themes include healing process, gifting and giving, travel, and skill and expertise.

Work for Council Professional Development Flexible Working Arrangements Work/Life Balance All currently advertised positions are available on the Banana Shire Council Website www.banana.qld.gov.au Enquiries should be directed to the Human Resources Section by emailing enquiries@banana.qld.gov.au or by phoning (07) 4992 9500.

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BRIGALOW ARTS FESTIVAL, BANANA SHIRE REGIONAL ART GALLERY ASSOCIATION 15 October – 3 December (Festival Opening and Presentations Friday 15 October) Banana Shire Art Gallery Association Inc. proudly presents the Brigalow Arts Festival. Hosted annually in October the festival is Banana Shire’s local visual art awards.

WEEKEND OPENING HOURS Saturday 25 September 10am – 12pm Saturday 30 October 10am – 12pm Saturday 27 November 10am – 12pm WEEKDAY OPENING HOURS 9.30am – 4pm For a list of programs and events, visit the Banana Shire Council website or contact the Gallery on (07) 4992 9500 for more information.

The Star of Taroom Walks to Iman Country Walkers carried the 160kg stone 500km from Brisbane to return it to where it was found 45 years ago.

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n ancient Aboriginal stone known as The Star of Taroom returned to Iman Country on Saturday the 24th July after being unearthed by a farmer 45 years ago. The group arrived at Taroom Racecourse after walking The Star over 500km from Brisbane by hand cart back to Iman Country. The Iman Wardingarri people welcomed The Star home with over 700 people in attendance for this special occasion. The celebrations commenced with an official Welcome to Country by Iman Elders and also included a warm welcome by the Mayor of Banana Shire Council, Nev Ferrier.

Other celebrations included a traditional smoking and dance celebration, Naidoc activities, food stalls and BBQs.

Mayor of Banana Shire Council Nev Ferrier said, “This is a very significant celebration that brings everyone together through healing and connection.”

The Star of Taroom was pulled from the earth 45 years ago. A Veterinarian Jim Danalis was working on a cattle station in the early 1970s when the large and interesting rock caught his eye.

He wrapped a chain around the 160kg stone and pulled it from its resting place with a tractor and took it back to Brisbane where it stayed for 45 years.

Jim Danalis wanted to return the Star back to its original home but unfortunately died of cancer in 2019. He

discussed returning the stone with his son Johnny who took up the challenge.

Johnny Danalis led the walking trek from Brisbane to Taroom carrying the 160kg stone by hand cart with a group of volunteers along the way.

Banana Shire Council in conjunction with Taroom & District Historical Society built a purpose built shed to house The Star of Taroom which will be its official resting place on Country. The shed has been gifted to the Iman Wardingarri people and will house The Star of Taroom along with other Indigenous artefacts for people to enjoy now and in the future.

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“We are so pleased that we can provide this special Keeping Place to the Iman Wardingarri people so they can display special artefacts and Iman history for our community and tourists to view and learn about our Indigenous history,” said Mayor Ferrier.

The Star of Taroom is now on display at the Iman Wardingarri Keeping Place that is located at the Taroom Museum.

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Moura Library Upgrade Venkat Peteti, Director Corporate & Community Services, explains what’s happening.

What are the plans for the new Moura library/museum?

There is an existing museum on Gillespie Street, Moura. The Moura community and council are working together to replace the existing museum building with a brand-new building that hosts the museum, library, council offices, and space for any service organisations to use (i.e. financial counselling, banking). This project will rejuvenate Gillespie Street in Moura by activating the current lessactive end of Gillespie Street.

When do you envisage building will commence?

The community and council are working to achieve a grant to build this project. The project could commence

as soon as the grant is achieved. The community and council worked to achieve a concept plan, design and costings for the project, with AngloAmerican provided funding.

Is Council funding the project or is it funded by other Government funding?

Council is exploring funding under Resource Communities Infrastructure Fund.

What is the proposed cost of the project?

Approximately $5 million.

will come to fruition). At this stage, the details are not confirmed. They are: n Enhanced museum experience with audio-visual and virtual reality devices n Additional space in the libraries that could support youth activities n More services to the community due to additional community meeting space and flexible office space n Additional hours of access to the library and museum due to synergies of working in a hub

What are some of the upgraded features?

n Opportunities to serve tourists in a much better way as all the facilities are together

There are a number of features that are under exploration (and some of them

n Close to the main street of Moura (shops, cafes)

IMAGE COURTESY DESIGNTEK

ATTENTION RATE PAYERS

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anana Shire Council has issued its first rate notice for the 2021/22 financial year on the 9th August 2021. From the date of the notice, property owners have 35 days to pay or enter into a payment arrangement with Council. A 10% discount on applicable rates and charges will be allowed if payment of the full amount outstanding is received by the due date shown on the notice.

Council reviews its differential rate categories and charges each year during the budget process in an effort to better recognise the levels of facilities and services required by different classes of land.

Council has prepared a comprehensive Rates Brochure that was sent to all Rate Payers earlier in the month with their rates notice which explains all rates and charges in full.

For further information on rates and charges head to the Banana Shire Council website www.banana.qld.gov.au

www.banana.qld.gov.au

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WHAT’S ON

Events / What’s on

Heat for the Biloela Autofeste

Moura Coal & Country Festival

The Great Baralaba Saratoga Classic

Get set for hot, slick, weird and wonderful vehicles that are heading to Biloela Showgrounds on Saturday 18 September 2021. Come and see your favourite drivers laying rubber and burning smoke. It’s a wild spectacle with 100-plus vehicles – trucks, buses, hot rods, vintage and latest models will be on show at this year’s event. Bring the family and make a day of it. You won’t be disappointed.

Grab your boots and shovel for the annual Moura Coal & Country Festival. This year is the festival’s 49th anniversary and features a great line up of entertainment including Busby Marou, Brad Butcher and Alex Lloyd.

The kids will be entertained with laser tag, petting zoo, face painting and much more. Follow them on Facebook for regular updates and ticket sales.

Now in its 16th year and touted as one of Queensland’s top inland fishing competitions, the Saratoga Classic falls on the second weekend in September.

Attracting 300-plus participants, aged from four years and up, and with rich prizes up for grabs, there’s no shortage of willing challengers. It’s all friendly rivalry though, and a great excuse for family fun with live entertainment until midnight, markets (free to stall vendors) and festival fare provided by the local P&C.

27-28 August Moura Coal & Country Festival

18 September Biloela Autofeste

15-16 October Taroom Theatre Restaurant

28-29 August Long Drive for Drought Convoy, Cracow, overnight in Theodore

24-26 September Dawson River Festival and Art Show, Taroom; Camboon Campdraft

23 October Bulls N Barrels Bonanza, Theodore

Biloela Showgrounds Saturday 18 September

Moura Recreational Grounds 27–28 August

4-5 September Champagne Campdraft, Jambin

25 September Dawson River Festival Races and Museum Open Day, Taroom

10-12 September Spindles & Spurs Campdraft, Theodore

2-3 October VDMfest, Biloela

11 September Thangool Cup

3 October Lawgi Heritage Day

11-12 September The Great Baralaba Saratoga Classic 12 September Thangool Spring Fair

9 October Wowan Show 9-10 October Theodore River Festival and Hooked on Theodore Fishing Competition

Baralaba 11–12 September

24 October Colour Me Capricorn Fun Run 30 October Banana Races, Banana; Rotary Biloela Annual Market Day 30-31 October Lake Callide Family Fishing Competition 15 October – 3 December Brigalow Arts Festival, Biloela November Taroom Annual Fishing Competition December Various Christmas events

Please note all dates are subject to change and that events will operate under covid-safe guidelines.

To view or list more community events, visit www.banana.qld.gov.au/community-events-calendar

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COMMUNITY

Banana Stories In a Queensland first, Banana Shire Council has partnered with Storytowns to launch the “Hidden Gems of the Sandstone Wonders” podcast tour. The tour uncovers stories from locals who live here including publicans, farmers, an artist, café proprietor, rural retreat owner and our Mayor. The app users listen to real stories in real time while travelling and find out about the little-known places, history and attractions to be found in the diverse communities of Banana Shire. Local characters with incredible stories including a ghostly encounter, our link with World Expo ‘88 and tips for fishing in the region. Search “Storytowns” from your app store.

Call for nominations WHO WOULD YOU NOMINATE? The 2022 Banana Shire Australia Day celebrations will be hosted by the Biloela community. The Australia Day Committee are now calling for nominations for the various Australia Day Awards. These awards recognise and honour the outstanding achievements of Australians.

Shire residents and organisations are asked to support these awards by nominating members of their community in appreciation of their efforts. Nomination forms and an information pack can be found on Council’s website and hard copies are available from Council’s Customer Service Centres and Libraries.

Award categories n Citizen and Young Citizen of the Year n Cultural and Junior Cultural – Artist and/or Arts Worker n Volunteer of the Year n Junior and Senior Sportsperson n Sports Coach, Official and/or Administrator n Community Group or Team n Community Event of the Year NOMINATIONS CLOSE AT 5PM FRIDAY, 19 NOVEMBER, 2021.

The winners will be announced and awards presented at the 2022 Australia Day Celebrations. For more information contact the Banana Shire Australia Day Committee on (07) 4992 9500 or email enquiries@banana.qld.gov.au – ATTN: Australia Day Committee.

Do you need support?

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he National Recovery and Resilience Agency works hand-in-hand with communities, all levels of government, charities and agricultural organisations to support farmers and rural and regional Australians living through the immediate and longer-term effects of bushfire drought and flood.

The Agency in conjunction with Rotary Australia will be conducting community outreach events throughout the Banana Shire from 30th August – 2nd September to provide community members important information about available drought support and how to access it.

Rotary will be distributing $500 vouchers to drought-affected households and conducting community wellbeing activities at the outreach events.

The outreach events provide opportunities for face-to-face, confidential conversations with farmers and community members experiencing the impacts of drought.

For more information please contact us at communityoutreach@recovery.gov.au

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COMMUNITY

Community Grants Available 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:

Winning Colours The winning entries for the 2021 NAIDOC Week Colouring-In Competition!

Congratulations to all that entered. We received a fantastic 312 entries from 7 schools! We would like to thank our artists Wayne Martin and Susan Cook for their beautiful colouring artwork. Our Mayor Nev Ferrier and Susan Cook had a very hard time choosing the winners! We will be in contact with the winning entrants’ schools to arrange delivery of prize packs. All entries will be returned to schools to be distributed back to their students.

Major Winner: Grade 2, Biloela State School

Grade 3: Prospect Creek State School

Prep: Jambin State School

Grade 4: Redeemer Lutheran College

Grade 1: Taroom State School

Grade 5: Biloela State School

Grade 2: Biloela State School

Grade 6: Biloela State School

5pm Friday 29th October 2021 5pm Monday 31st January 2022 5pm Friday 29th April 2022 Please ensure your application is submitted in the most appropriate round with enough time for processing prior to your project commencing.

Allow a minimum of four weeks’ turnaround time. Application forms and further information on the Community Grants Program can be found on Council’s website.

For assistance or enquiries regarding the program, applicants can contact Council’s Community Development Advisor, Melinda Petty, on (07) 4992 9500.

From Top Clockwise: Major winner, Year 6, Year 5, Year 4, Year 3, Year 2, Year 1, Prep

Community Workshops

Boost wellbeing and improve relationships

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our community education workshops will be presented by the highly soughtafter international speaker Dr Justin Coulson, who delivers keynote speeches and workshops to boost wellbeing and improve relationships for parents, teachers, students and employees. These workshops are being brought to Biloela by Callide Dawson Special Needs Support Group Incorporated (CSSNSG) in conjunction with the Banana Shire Community Resource Centre (CRC).

More information about Dr Justin Coulson can be found on his website www.happyfamilies.com.au/ Cost TBA

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COUNCIL NEWS

Road News Melton Park in Biloela Reopened!

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anana Shire Council recently carried out extensive works under the Covid W4Q funding program to repair the old maze which was vandalised and made unusable for kids.

The community has been involved with every process of the park upgrade from choosing the design team to letting us know what play equipment they wanted in the new park. The results are an outstanding success for all. Melton Park has something for everyone including a built-in trampoline, turbo slide, a scaling climber, obstacle course for the older kids and outdoor seating

that is accessible for parents with strollers. Ensuring the park is accessible for all abilities, a hammock swing has been installed to allow children with disabilities the opportunity to have fun in the park.

Safety is paramount at Melton Park with a new fence erected and fitted with a lockable gate. CCTV cameras have been installed in the park to deter vandalism and to keep our community safe. Make sure you take the kids down to the new park and check it out. You’ll be glad you did.

Collaboration to Beautify Taroom Works Beautifully

Council’s Construction and Drainage crews have undertaken a project to improve the pavement and drainage along Dixalea Doreen Road. The project included a 3km pavement rehabilitation of the road formation, including a further 2km of road reseal.

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

Also, Banana Shire Council has completed widening of the concrete pathway along Winston Street in Thangool between the Burnett Highway and Leslie Street. This project was proudly funded by the Queensland Government through the Works for Queensland Scheme and Banana Shire Council.

By Cr Terri Boyce.

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uring 2020 the Banana Shire Council (BSC) installed a new Waste Management facility in Taroom. This new area fronted the Leichhardt Highway and is visible by the passing public. A wall was erected along the length of the facility to eliminate rubbish escaping onto the Highway. The TDDA (Taroom District Development Association) in conjunction with the BSC joined forces to beautify the southern approach to Taroom. A few options were considered but a community decision was made that planting trees and shrubbery will help make this facility less visible to the passing public and ensure the approach to Taroom was more inviting. The joint venture between BSC and TDDA has now been completed. The two groups

have come together and rehabilitated the nature strip. The area was first cleared, levelled, and then manure and loam were spread the length of the wall.

“To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow” Audrey Hepburn The local water infrastructure team laid irrigation lines to ensure the trees were well watered and then it was time to start the planting. The team considered continuity was important and whilst they had many offers locally of trees it was decided that Council would help

cover the costs for a range of Lilly Pillies and Australian Natives to cover the complete length of the wall. The supply of all materials and purchases were kept local which has been very satisfying for the TDDA. Some of the donated trees have been interspersed along the nature strip. The TDDA invited the public to get involved with the plantings and appreciated the inundation of offers of trees. A special thanks must go to Mrs Val Bradshaw and Gretchen Speed who safeguarded this project from the outset, along with a team of merry helpers including Erica Perrett, Terri Boyce, Tom Boyce, Margaret Speed and Nell Blackley. We look forward to seeing these plants flourish in the spring.

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