community update Issue 8 – DECEMBER 2012
Message from the Mayor It is a privilege to have been re-elected to lead the Western Downs, the fifth fastest growing region in Australia, for another term. I am proud to be surrounded by a team of Councillors who are all dedicated to the advancement of our region. Some of my fellow Councillors have been serving you for many years and there are also some fresh faces who bring new insight and energy to the task (read their profiles inside). Floods, farms and fire… The year kicked off with flooding impacting Western parts of our region and Dalby playing host to evacuees from the flooded town of St George in February. The way the Western Downs community rallied to help another township was just a wonderful achievement. Our agricultural sector had a great start to the year, culminating in grass cover for graziers and an enormous cotton pick. However, as the Australian Year of the Farmer draws to a close, it’s disheartening to see that recent conditions have not offered the best finish for our winter crops. I personally wish all those on the land the very best as they move into summer. With dry conditions lingering, we are facing a huge fire danger. Again we rely so heavily on volunteers to help prepare and protect us from this threat of bush fire. I’d like to sincerely thank all those people across our region who dedicate themselves to volunteer roles – not just fire brigades, but all community groups.
Managing the resource boom It is very obvious as you move around our bustling region, that we are in the midst of a resource boom. It’s exciting to see the growth and opportunity this brings, but we are certainly feeling the pressure on our infrastructure, such as waste, water, housing and roads, and our social infrastructure. The number of people in construction camps alone is expected to jump from around 7,000 to 12,000 by mid-January. Balancing the challenges of serving the needs of the resource sector, whilst ensuring a sustainable future for our traditional ratepayers, has been a key factor in our budget and strategic planning. Delivering a responsible budget Council has worked hard to deliver a 2012-13 budget that we believe to be fair and equitable. This is a $312M budget which is substantially more than the budget we’ve delivered in previous years. Our budget is funded through rates increases – predominantly from the intensive industry sector, and sourcing of available funds through State and Federal Government grant schemes, industry partnerships and some borrowing. It represents responsible forward planning with some really exciting projects across all areas of our region. Community spirit I have been very proud to see our region’s produce, talent and community spirit showcased in cultural, arts and sporting events and festivals across the region – Beef Bells and Bottle Trees in Miles, Timbertown
in Jandowae, Yabbies in Moonie, Camels and Culture in Tara, Delicious and DeLIGHTful in Dalby, our agricultural shows and everything in between. Even ABC radio station Triple J shone a national spotlight on our region with the ‘One Night Stand’ concert in Dalby in June. It’s uncanny that this event was impacted by a serious rain event, but nevertheless wherever I go now people mention the hospitality of our local people at this event. Speaking of community spirit, it doesn’t get any better than our Australia Day events – held right across the Western Downs on 26 January. I’d urge you to nominate people who make a difference. It’s one day in the year that we get to acknowledge people who make our world a better place. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank each and every person who has made a contribution to the Western Downs this year – our WDRC team from our trainees to senior executives, local business owners and residents – you should all take a bow. I’d like to wish you all a safe and enjoyable festive season and a prosperous and energetic 2013.
Cr Ray Brown Mayor Western Downs Regional Council Cr Ray Brown
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2012/2013 BUDGET AT A GLANCE Where The Money Is Spent Council has delivered a fair, equitable and responsible package for 2012-13 with a record total expenditure budget of $312.8M comprising of operating expenditure of $125.3M and a capital works investment of $187.5M. Council has been concerned that rates on properties associated with the resources and energy sector and related intensive industries are not adequate to fund the impact they are having on the region. Therefore, rates for this sector will, on average, be increasing by around 50% and will yield a further $4.4M in revenue. There has been a need to increase rates in other areas too. For some time now residential, commercial and industrial rates have been falling well behind state averages. Traditional ratepayers will see an average general rates increase of 9.3% (yielding $2.3M). Water charges will increase by 6.4%, waste collection charges will increase by 5.4% and new sewerage charges will be phased in over the next three years. Gas charges will increase by around 20% to cover the expected additional costs associated with the Carbon Tax, additional compliance costs and other cost increases. This will be the first
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increase in gas charges for two years. While Council recognises that these increases may be a strain for some people, we trust that local residents and businesses will recognise the need to keep our rates on par with the rest of the state so we can deliver adequate services and support to our region. The budget is also supported by sourcing funding from State and Federal Government, funding partnerships for specific projects with resource companies, grants programs and borrowing for some major projects.
Total Expenditure Budget Of
$312.8M
Operating Expenditure Of
$125.3M
Capital Works Investment Of
$187.5M
Top 20 projects included in this year’s budget are: Project Description
District
Expenditure
Flood Damage Road Reconstruction
Regional
$33,475,953
Miles Aerodrome Construction
Miles
$15,000,000
Horse Creek Road – Upgrade 12km of new road funded by Origin Energy
Miles
$10,000,000
Redevelopment of Dalby Saleyards – Stage 1
Dalby
$5,000,000
Wandoan
$4,750,000
Wandoan
$4,500,000
A recent announcement that the Western Downs Regional Council has been shortlisted to progress 10 proposed projects in the first round of the Royalties for the Regions program is expected to lessen some financial pressure.
Wandoan Treatment Plant Augmentation
Regional
$4,106,250
Work is continuing on the development of a new WDRC Corporate Plan which aligns to the themes contained in the Council’s 2050 Community Plan. This will provide a sound base for future budgetary decisions.
Effluent Irrigation Area subject to external funding Wandoan
$2,750,000
For further details, the full Mayoral Budget Statement is available at http://www.wdrc.qld.gov.au/ budget-2012/2013
Gadsbys Road – Upgrade 12km of existing road and creation of 5km of new road project funded by QGC West Regional Landfill and Transfer Station subject to external funding Recycled Water Rising Main subject to external funding Edward Street (Cunningham to Hogan) Flood Damage
Wandoan
$2,200,000
Dalby
$1,773,000
Gaske Lane Drainage Scheme
Chinchilla
$1,672,580
Gravel Resheets – Chinchilla District
Chinchilla
$1,622,000
Gravel Resheets – Tara District
Tara
$1,622,000
Dalby Library Relocation
Dalby
$1,600,000
Dalby Wambo
$1,156,000
Dalby Wambo Gravel Resheet Program
Pay On Time And Save
Rising Water Main
Miles
$1,484,000
Remember, for most rates and charges a discount of 10% will apply if you pay by the due date. Rates and utilities are levied twice a year around September and February. Eligible pensioners will also get some rates relief via the State Pensioner Rate Subsidy Scheme which is matched by Council to provide a 20% Council remission on rates and charges up to $200 per year ($20 more than last year).
Power Station Road – Upgrade Bitumen
Miles
$1,400,000
Kumbarilla Lane Construction to bitumen standard externally funded Chinchilla Waste Transfer Station – Front of house facility with weighbridge
Dalby
$1,300,000
Chinchilla
$1,250,000
Dalby
$1,170,000
Wood Street (Myall to Owen) Flood Damage
WHERE DO MY RATES GO? Every $100 of rates is used in the following way‌
$43.22
Construction, operation and maintenance of Transport Infrastructure
$10.56
Construction, operation and maintenance of Wastewater Infrastructure
$8.95
Construction, operation and maintenance of Depots, Workshops and Fleet
$8.28
Construction, operation and maintenance of Water Infrastructure
$8.25
Community Facilities, Development and Services
$6.24
Customer Service, Administration, Human Resources, IT, Communications and Safety
$4.63
Wheelie Bin Collections, Waste Disposal and Recycling
$2.25
Saleyards
$2.03
Environmental Health, Natural Resources and Rural Services
$1.73
Quarry Operations
$1.02
Economic Development including Tourism
$0.93
Construction, operation and maintenance of Parks and Gardens
$0.93
Planning and Building Approval Services
$0.85
Construction, operation and maintenance of Gas Infrastructure
$0.13
Cemetery Operations 3
Water Projects Flow With the Western Downs population growing rapidly, Council is investing $30 million in several major water and wastewater infrastructure projects to make sure the system can keep pace. As Wandoan is on the cusp of becoming a major resource sector hub, new water filtration and wastewater treatment plants are needed. The planning and design of these projects is now well-advanced, with construction likely to begin early in the New Year. It’s anticipated that the population of Miles will quadruple within a few years, so the drinking water and wastewater systems need to be upgraded to meet the growing demand. Augmentation to water and wastewater plants are in the early planning stages, while a rolling program of expansion work to the water network and wastewater pump stations will help ensure Miles’ current water and wastewater system copes with the increasing population, until the new plants come online. Tara’s existing water filtration plant will be given
a boost with desalination upgrades designed to increase the plant’s overall capacity to ensure residents have a reliable and consistent supply of quality drinking water. Tenders for the upgrades are likely to be called early in the New Year. Chinchilla’s wastewater plant is approaching capacity, so to double its size, some upgrade works are planned for the coming year. The town’s sewage pipe and pump station network will also receive upgrades to boost capacity and enhance the overall system’s performance. More major upgrades are planned for Chinchilla in the next few years. Meanwhile, tenders for construction will be called early in the New Year for Stage 3 of Dalby’s desalination plant. Stage 3 will improve the efficiency of the desalination process. There will also be ongoing minor works around town, with pump stations and main pipes being maintained and replaced as part of ongoing flood recovery work and to accommodate the increasing population.
Hitting the Bull’s Eye Livestock buyers and sellers are looking forward to a major redevelopment of the saleyards in Dalby which will go into full swing early next year. The multi-million dollar redevelopment, which is supported by a major grant from the State Government, will modernise the saleyards by incorporating the latest technology in dealing with livestock, improvements in workplace health and safety compliance, improved effluent control and management, new receivable and drafting facilities, and new undercover sale pens with a soft floor. Saleyard users are already benefiting from upgrades to gates, ramps, steps and walkways which Council has put in place over the past 12 months. Consultation with key stakeholders who regularly use the saleyards, led by the Council’s project Steering Committee, has helped to identify the best way to phase the redevelopment so as to meet pressing needs and prepare the facility for continued growth. Stage One of the upgrade will involve around 80 new undercover sale pens as well as the first of the new-style receivable and drafting areas. A truck wash down facility will also be built in the vicinity of the saleyards. This stage is already in the detailed design phase, with tenders for construction likely to be finalised by the end of this year and construction expected to begin in February. Council is also putting together a marketing plan to promote the facility and position it as the number one cattle saleyard facility in Australia. Stage Two will involve building the remaining new undercover receivable and drafting facilities. Ideas for future stages, like putting a roof over the existing pens and building more holding pens, have been ‘penciled in’ to the current planning. While these projects are not currently funded, it is anticipated that these concepts will be further developed in a few years’ time.
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COUNCILLOR PROFILES The second-term Western Downs Regional Council elected earlier this year, sees new faces join some familiar ones. Since holding its first Ordinary Meeting in Wandoan back in May, the Council has been busy delivering its first budget and settling into individual portfolios. Here’s a look at the team of Councillors serving our region ...
WDRC VALUES RESPECT “We treat others as we would like to be treated”
TEAMWORK “We work together to achieve a common goal”
COMMUNICATION “We get the right information to the right people”
LEADERSHIP “We lead by example”
ACCOUNTABILITY “We take personal ownership for our actions and outcomes”
WORK / LIFE BALANCE “It’s not all about work”
Mayor Cr Ray Brown Portfolio: Governance, Emergency Management and Major Projects
Cr Moore represents Council on the Wild Dog Committee, the Gasfields Community Leaders Council, and is a director of Condamine Alliance Natural Resources Group.
Cr Ray Brown has more than 22 years of experience in local government, serving Cr Ray Brown 17 years on the former Tara Shire Council and was appointed Chair of the Dalby Regional Council Local Transition Committee (during amalgamation), before being voted in as Mayor of Western Downs in 2008.
Cr Moore’s family has a long history in the Miles and Condamine districts and continues to manage family grazing and grain farming operations. He is a keen sportsperson, treasures time spent with family and friends, and enjoys assisting members of our community.
In his second term as Mayor, Cr Brown continues to draw on his experience managing agricultural properties and interests in accounting, governance, economic development, aged care and disaster management. Focused on achieving a balanced, positive and sustainable future for the community he serves, Cr Brown was honoured to be appointed a Commissioner on the newly formed Queensland Gasfields Commission earlier this year, to be selected to sit on the Board of Directors and the Policy Executive of the Local Government Association of Queensland, and as Chairman and Director of the Western Downs Affordable Housing Fund. Outside of the office, Mayor Brown is passionate about his family, rugby, cricket (any sport really), pecan nut trees, and supporting mental health issues. Cr Brown and his family live in Dalby but maintain ties to their grain and cattle property at Moonie. Deputy Mayor: Cr George Moore Portfolio: Utilities (Water, Wastewater and Gas) With 23 years experience serving in local government as an employee and elected representative, Cr George Moore brings a unique perspective.
Cr George Moore
Drawing on his background in engineering and construction fields, Cr Moore enjoyed his first term as Councillor working with the Environment and Health portfolio and is looking forward to the challenges of the Utilities portfolio in his second term. He is committed to addressing affordable housing issues across the region, ensuring the delivery of effective water and wastewater infrastructure, maintaining the liveability of our regional communities, and preserving the natural environment.
Cr Tony Brame Portfolio: Economic Development and Tourism Cr Tony Brame is a familiar face to many on the Western Downs, having served for 37 years in the Queensland Police Service with the last eight as District Officer of Dalby.
Cr Tony Brame
Recently retired from the force as an Inspector and District Officer, Cr Tony Brame is delighted to undertake his first term with Western Downs Regional Council, focusing on the exciting and diverse portfolio of Economic Development and Tourism. Cr Brame is enjoying the opportunity to apply his expertise in community relations, corporate management, and disaster management to his role as a Councillor; especially in working to incorporate ideas and suggestions from community forums into policy and action. He resides in Jandowae with his family and has close connections with various communities in the region through this active participation for more than ten years in Crime Stoppers, memberships of Bell Art Group, Dalby Lions, and Jandowae Bowls Club, and is the immediate Past President of North Dalby Bowls Club. Cr Charlene Hall Portfolio: Community Facilities, Sport and Recreation A strong sense of community led Cr Hall to stand for Council four years ago and she is honoured to be elected in her second term as a Councillor.
Cr Charlene Hall
A former local bank manager, Cr Hall has specialised in management roles. With a strong interest in business and finance, Cr Hall successfully established and 5
COUNCILLOR PROFILES Cont’d Cr Andrew Smith Portfolio: Works and Plant
operated two businesses in Dalby and Toowoomba, giving her a keen insight into the challenges and opportunities of local business owners.
Cr Greg Olm Portfolio: Environment and Health
Cr Hall’s main passion is the people in our community and her commitment is trying to ensure that our communities are not negatively impacted by the massive amount of growth resulting from the booming resources and energy sector. Cr Hall is also committed to strengthening the partnerships between all three levels of government.
In his first term with the Western Downs Regional Council, Cr Greg Olm brings with him eight years of Cr Greg Olm previous experience serving as Councillor for the former Chinchilla Shire with the portfolio of Works and Plant.
Cr Hall has three young children and resides in Dalby. Cr Hall and her family are actively involved in a number of local sporting clubs and community groups, with her husband heavily involved as the Coach of the Dalby Diehards Rugby League Club. She is passionate about providing access to health and wellbeing opportunities on the Western Downs.
Cr Olm is a farmer and grazier by trade and maintains an interest in this area, as well as having expertise and interest in agriculture and local government.
Cr Ray Jamieson Portfolio: Planning Cr Ray Jamieson has eight years experience in local government — the first four as Councillor for the former Tara Shire and then four with Cr Ray Jamieson Western Downs. He is now serving his second term as a Western Downs Regional Councillor. A self-employed primary producer for 30 years, Cr Jamieson had operated a school bus service in Meandarra and Hannaford for 25 years. His areas of expertise and interest include town planning and livestock breeding, as demonstrated in the positions he also holds as board member of Australia Livestock Marketers, Chair of the DalbyWambo Saleyards Redevelopment Advisory Board, and a Director of the Western Downs Affordable Housing Fund. Cr Jamieson is keen for sustainable growth in all sectors whilst maintaining and improving the balance between economic development and the social and environmental assets of this region. Cr Jamieson and his family live on a property outside of Meandarra where he is a passionate breeder of Poll Hereford cattle and an avid rugby league fan.
This interest, combined with the most important factor to Cr Olm being a close connection and communication with the communities he represents, means he is looking forward to getting out and about as the Environment and Health spokesperson to work through the challenges and opportunities that such issues as the impending resources and energy sector boom present. Cr Olm and his family reside in Brigalow. His personal interests include rugby league, horse racing, and fostering his grandchildren. Cr Ian Rasmussen Portfolio: Finance, Information Technology and Information Services This is Cr Ian Rasmussen’s first term on Council as a newly elected Councillor for Western Downs.
Cr Ian Rasmussen
A former teacher, leadership and management trainer, Cr Rasmussen maintains a strong interest in educational opportunities in the region. He has a passion for working with communities, in particular helping youth in the areas of leadership and motivation. Cr Rasmussen has a background in farming and continues to operate a grazing and pasture seed production business. He also has experience in managing investment portfolios with particular expertise in business building. He is enjoying the opportunity to apply real life business acumen to the challenging portfolio of Finance, Information Technology and Information Services. A dedicated family man and keen sportsperson, Cr Rasmussen resides in Dalby with his family where he is also involved in coaching and playing sport at a national and international level.
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Cr Andrew Smith has just over five years experience in local government, having worked as an Economic Development Officer prior to being elected as Councillor in 2008.
Cr Andrew Smith
Based at Condamine, Cr Smith has professional experience as a radio announcer and publican. A successful entrepreneur, he still maintains several business interests in the region. His areas of expertise and interest include business, economic development and supporting small communities. As spokesperson for Works and Plant, Cr Smith is excited to be a part of the most aggressive road program ever seen on the Western Downs. Cr Smith resides in Condamine with his family where he is a founding member and sponsor of the Condamine Cods Rugby Club. His passions include his family, supporting his children through their sporting pursuits, refereeing Rugby League/Union, and Saturday afternoons at the Fishtank. Cr Carolyn Tillman Portfolio: Cultural Development and Community Services Cr Carolyn Tillman has 15 years experience in local government having served Cr Carolyn Tillman for 11 years with the former Dalby Town Council before being elected to the Western Downs Regional Council in 2008. Now in her second term serving the Western Downs, Cr Tillman is enjoying the opportunity to apply her passion for community, culture, music and the arts to her portfolio. Professionally Cr Tillman’s background is in childcare having been a Kindergarten Director for 23 years and then Coordinator of the Outside School Hours Care Program at the PCYC for 15 years. Her areas of interest include community development and ensuring that our regional communities receive adequate government and not-for-profit services. She has a strong connection with community groups and a genuine interest in providing advocacy for local youth. Cr Tillman and her family reside in Dalby where she pursues her love of cultural events including the Dalby Singers Community Choir, Delicious and DeLIGHTful and the Dalby Eisteddfod.
STRUCTURE AND EXECUTIVE TEAM WDRC Executive Team
Council Structure Serves Community
Chief Executive Officer – Mr Phil Berting, PSM
Council’s new organisational structure, which has been in place for just over a year, is providing a more streamlined and efficient approach to the management of Council activities.
Western Downs Regional Council Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Phil Berting has dedicated the last 20 years to serving the community in Mr Phil Berting, PSM local government positions, including as the Chief Executive Officer for Tara and Murilla Shire Councils (the latter for eight years), and in various positions in the Wambo Shire and Dalby Town Councils for twelve years.
Designed to align the strategic vision of Councillors and the community with the operational activities of Council, the ‘Organisation Transformation for Us’ (OTUS) project involved reviewing WDRC values, culture, structure, systems and capability, in the context of its, mission, vision, and strategies, common direction and purpose. One of the positive outcomes of OTUS was the adoption of shared values, which have now been built into all staff members’ job descriptions and performance measures. Similar functions were grouped together resulting in three core divisions — Community and Development, Engineering Services, and Corporate Services. The structure has allowed for a clear connection to Council’s Strategic and Operational Plans and has been a positive reminder that Council exists to serve the community. More work will now be done, together with the newly-elected Council, to undertake Corporate Planning for the five years ahead.
Western Downs Regional Council CEO Phil Berting has received national recognition for his dedication to the community. At the Australia Day Honour and Awards Ceremony earlier this year, Phil was awarded a Public Service Medal “For outstanding public service to local government in Queensland.” “It was very moving to be standing at Government House alongside those receiving the Order of Australia, Police service awards and awards for military service. It was quite a humbling experience.” Phil Berting.
Public and Private Working Hand-in-Hand Council’s combined leadership team of
continuing to improve its leadership, planning
Councillors and Senior Management recently
and governance functions.
undertook a recognised and respected professional development course at the Bunya Mountains to help ensure they have the requisite skills to fulfill their roles.
The course focused on providing the leadership team with a greater understanding of the fundamentals of effective governance, financial literary, strategic planning, risk management,
As the leadership team operates in a similar
and best practice in decision making. These tools
environment to that of corporate Boards, the
and skills are important to ensuring that each
Company Directors Course (CDC), delivered by
member of the leadership team is able to raise
the Australian Institute of Company Directors,
the standard of their individual leadership as
was a tremendous step towards Council
well as that of Council as a whole.
He was appointed to the CEO role in 2008, after serving as Interim Chief Executive Officer of the Dalby Regional Council Local Transition Committee during amalgamation. He has enjoyed helping to steer Council in its delivery of essential services that offer community sustainability and a balanced lifestyle. Phil, who was awarded the prestigious Public Service Medal this year, holds a business degree in accounting and local government management, is a Certified Practising Accountant, a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and a member of the Local Government Managers Australia (Queensland). Corporate Services General Manager – Mr Lee Vohland Lee Vohland has some 40 years experience in local government, primarily within the fields of engineering Mr Lee Vohland services, information technology, finance and corporate governance. Prior to the local government amalgamations, Lee was CEO of Wambo Shire Council for three years and, before that, CEO of the Balonne Shire Council for twelve years. As General Manager of the Corporate Services Division, Lee leads Council’s professional services team including: human resources, workplace health and safety, and disaster management; information systems, including records management, corporate governance and customer contact services; information technology services; and financial operations, planning and reporting. His on-the-job experience is backed up by a Bachelor of Business from the University of 7
STRUCTURE AND EXECUTIVE TEAM Cont’d
Southern Queensland. He is also a member
of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a member of the Local Government Managers Australia (Queensland). Engineering Services General Manager – Mr Graham Cook Local government service
He is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
is at the centre of Graham Cook’s career, having taken his first job out of school with the former Wambo
Graham’s role involves overseeing the construction and maintenance of roads, drainage, streetscapes, parks and recreation reserves. The division also provides essential services, including water supply and sewerage treatment and a commercial gas operation in Dalby, as well as internal services including asset management, design services, fleet management and quarry operations.
Mr Graham Cook
Shire Council in 1983 and progressing through the ranks to an executive position. Graham has built his expertise by working in most of the operational areas of the Engineering Services Division and was formerly the Director of Engineering Services at the Wambo Shire Council.
Community and Development General Manager – Mr Ed Hoffmann Ed Hoffmann brings a wealth of experience from 20 years working in senior positions in state government with Main
Mr Ed Hoffmann
Roads and Health and a further 20 years experience with senior positions in local government. Ed now leads a broad community-focused portfolio that includes: town planning, development and assessment, building certification, public health, waste and animal management, natural resource management, facilities asset management and maintenance, health and wellbeing, home and community care and aged care, arts and culture development, and sport and recreation. As former CEO of Chinchilla Shire Council, Ed brings to the role a keenness to facilitate and attract new business and industry to the region, while at the same time meeting the challenges of a growing regional community and respecting the existing culture of local communities and the natural environment. He is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a member of the Local Government Managers Australia (Queensland).
Out With The Old And In With The New – Ways To Manage Rubbish Forget the pictures that come to mind when you think “rubbish dump”. The Dalby Waste and Recycling Centre, officially opened on 19 November, sets a new benchmark for recovering recyclables and managing waste in the Western Downs region. A trip to unload your recyclables and waste will now be much easier and more convenient, thanks to the provision of clean, concreted and undercover drop off bays. Since “one person’s trash is another person’s treasure” there’ll also be a recycling market where you can drop off suitable 8
material that can be sold for reuse. Construction of the multi-million dollar state-of-the-art waste management facility began last December and was mostly funded by the State Government’s former “Environmental Infrastructure Program”. It’s located just past the Kogan turn-off on the Warrego Highway, approximately 7 km from the town centre and was constructed by Dalby business Carmichael Builders, while on-site operations will be conducted by JJ Richards and Sons Pty Ltd.
This innovative facility is part of a new era in modern and sustainable waste management across the whole region. Similar flagship facilities for Miles and Chinchilla are partially funded this financial year. Smaller scale centres, similar to that at Kaimkillenbun, will be provided in the short to medium-term at Kogan, Condamine and Bell. Plans are already underway for two regional landfills: one for the east of the region at Winfields Road near Jandowae; and the other, for the western part of the region, is expected to be located near Wandoan.
Announcing Operation Road Restore Thanks to over $80 million of funding under the National Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements, Western Downs Regional Council is embarking on the biggest intensive roadworks program the region has ever seen. Nicknamed “Operation Road Restore”, the works will include Dalby Urban Flood Reconstruction valued at approximately $30 million (of which Council will be co-contributing $6 million towards some complementary kerbing and channelling works) and the rural road restoration (including some roadworks in Tara and Chinchilla) in the order of $50 million. The most visible aspect of the program will be the work taking place in the Dalby town area which will involve some 45 roads to be repaired and/or upgraded between now and the middle of 2014. Council is excited about delivering such an advantageous project to the people of the Western Downs and is appealing to the community for cooperation and patience as it endeavours to complete the work as quickly and efficiently as possible. Operation Road Restore is being led by Council’s Engineering Services Division and both Council staff and contractors will be engaged to complete the work. Council has accessed all suitable and available local contractors where possible. The project is subject to very strict timeframes for completion and there is going to be a large amount of resources given to the project to make sure deadlines are met. Communication will be a key part of making this project run smoothly. Council will be keeping the community informed as to what is occurring where
via updates in the local newspaper and on the WDRC website. Residents who live in streets that are to be repaired will receive a letter in advance of works starting in the street. These letters will include contact details of the site supervisor working in the area, so that residents will have a key contact who can answer questions specific to them. During the works, which will predominantly be undertaken from 6am to 6pm from Monday to Friday, streets will be closed to all traffic with the exception of local residents. Council will make every effort to ensure that residents can access their property during the roadworks, however there will be times that residents may be inconvenienced and have to park in a designated area. Residents will be contacted in advance of this occurring. A project of this scale will have impacts such as noise, dust and traffic movement around the Dalby area. At times the community may be inconvenienced or experience time delays travelling around town, so please keep calm and behave safely and responsibly. If driving near roadworks, please reduce your speed and obey the signage and instructions of traffic controllers. With everyone’s cooperation Council hopes to make Operation Road Restore a positive experience for the community.
OPERATION ROAD RESTORE PROGRAM Stage one January 2013 – June 2013 • Bunya Street (Myall to Orpen) • Bunya Street (Orpen to Owen) • Alfred Street (Myall to Charles) • Edward Street (Jimbour to Creek) • Edward Street (Creek to Orpen) • Edward Street (Orpen to Owen) • Edward Street (Owen to Hogan) • Moreton Street (Reid to Charles) • Wood Street (Myall to Owen) • Ayrton Street (Orpen to Charles) • Owen Street (Blaxland to Drayton) • Winton Street East (Blaxland to Hayden) • Branch Creek Road • Dixon Street (Bitumen Floodways) • Roche Street (Condamine to Nicholson) • Sandalwood Avenue West (Branch to Rosina) • Jimbour Street (Drayton to Bunya) • Jimbour Street (Bunya to Edward) • Jimbour Street (Wood to Alfred) • Coxen Street (Condamine to Wood) • Wambo Street (Revise Chainage Digouts)
Find Out More
• Edward Street (Cunningham to Jimbour)
If you have any concerns or queries about how the project will affect you please Contact 1300 COUNCIL (1300 268 624), or go to www.wdrc.qld.gov.au/roadrestore
Information about rural roads and/or the streets scheduled from July 2013 - June 2014 go to www.wdrc.qld.gov.au/roadrestore or call 1300 COUNCIL for a fact sheet. 9
Western Downs Shortlisted for Royalties Ten projects of the Western Downs Regional Council have been shortlisted for consideration under the Royalties for the Regions Program. Royalties for the Regions is a $495 million four year State Government program that is about reinvesting a share of royalties in resource regions to help build new and improved community, road and floodplain security infrastructure. WDRC is one of six regional councils invited to progress 20 projects for funding under the program. The pilot funding round is focusing on critical or urgent infrastructure needs in resource communities. The next step is for WDRC to develop business cases for its proposed 10 projects under Resource Community Building Fund and Roads to Resources. The projects are: • Miles Water, Wastewater and Recycled Water Scheme Stage 1 • Chinchilla Washdown Bay • Winfields Road Landfill Upgrade • Fairymeadow Road Seal Widening • Goombi Fairymeadow Road Seal Widening • Bennetts School Road Sealing • Weranga North Road Upgrade • Mary Road Upgrade • Joseph Road Upgrade • Beelbee Road Sealing Business cases are due on 17 December 2012, with a final go-ahead for the projects early in the New Year. 10
Housing Strategy Keeps Vital Workers In Our Towns Western Downs Regional Council has incorporated an exciting and innovative Western Downs Housing Trust with the purpose of keeping high quality workers employed in essential services in our communities by offering them an affordable place to live. Over the past few years, the influx of resource industry workers coupled with high demand for, and, in some places, limited supply of housing has resulted in significant housing pressure in our region. Instead of standing by and watching this play out, Council established the Trust in a move to proactively address access to affordable housing. Council’s strategy aims to make sure that workers who are essential to keeping our community healthy and strong can be both attracted from outside of the region and those workers already here are able to stay. The Trust will buy and/or acquire land to build affordable and high quality housing which will be available to key service workers to rent or buy. The housing will be designed and built to maximise the use of land while providing housing that caters to the needs of these workers. The Trust has also received Deductible Gift Recipient status from the Australian Taxation Office and exemption from land tax and stamp duty from the Queensland State Government.
It’s still early days, so the specific details as to exactly who will have access to the housing and how they will apply is being developed. The Trust will kick this off with a major consultation process of surveys and focus groups with business, government service agencies and community groups. This will assist in building a priority list of workers who will need access to affordable houses. Although workers for the resource sector will not be eligible for this type of housing, the resource sector is keen to take an active role in supporting the communities their activities have an impact on – as shown by QGC’s generous donation of a $5.7 million towards the strategy. The Trust is governed by the Western Downs Advisory Board and an eighteen-member Reference Group, which are made-up of representatives from finance and banking, community centres, support groups, emergency services, the media, resource companies, and Council. The Reference Group will provide recommendations to the Advisory Board on the policies, programs and guidelines to assist with the ongoing implementation, monitoring and review of housing needs across the region and housing reform that may be required. The Trust is expected to announce a contractor to manage the buying and building processes before the end of the year. Land options are also being investigated and its anticipated that construction will start on the first parcel of land by early next year.
Making Contact With Council Your queries will be answered quickly and efficiently when you call Council’s single toll free number 1300 COUNCIL (1300 268 624). With a dedicated team of customer contact officers, who are highly trained and knowledgeable on everything from rates, water, animals, wheelie bins and roads, the first person you speak to is most likely the one who’ll answer your questions. When calling during open hours of 8am – 5pm Monday to Friday, our records show that more often than not, you’ll be answered by a real person after just a few rings. If our contact officers happen to be on other calls or serving other customers, then you’ll receive a brief recorded message while you wait. The good news is that our average on-hold wait time has been just 48 seconds – which is impressive considering that the contact centre has fielded over 74,200 since 28 March 2011. We understand that not everyone likes to wait on the line, so Council has brought in a ‘call back’ option. Selecting ‘call back’ means your position in the queue will be held and you’ll receive a call
from a contact officer when your call reaches the front of the queue. Our professional and friendly team of 16 people who are based regionally are also available to respond to over-the-counter queries if you’d prefer to visit a Council Customer Service Centre. Thanks to the computer-based Customer Request Management System, the team can track all queries, to ensure all requests are accurately recorded. This system is a key service monitoring system used for logging all phone and counter requests. Council now has TV screens in the Service Centres advertising upcoming events and activities within our region – another great initiative of Western Downs Regional Council. For those who like keeping in touch via email, you might prefer to sign up for Council’s eNews. Just follow the link on the Council home page www.wdrc.qld.gov.au and you’ll soon be receiving the latest Council news directly in your in-box. With the many ways available to interact with Council we are certain you will enjoy a positive experience.
Library Move Creates Cultural Hub If the wellbeing of a community can be measured by the quality of its library, as stated in a recent State Library research study*, then Dalby’s community is on the up-and-up. Dalby will be home to a new cultural hub thanks to the relocation of the Dalby Library next year. By the end of 2013, the Dalby Library will move from its current location in Stuart Street to co-locate with the Dalby Cinema and Dalby Regional Art Gallery at 107 Drayton Street. The move is a big part of the plan to form a cultural hub in Dalby; something the towns of Miles, Jandowae, Wandoan and Meandarra already enjoy, and that Bell is also about to receive. The $1.6M relocation project will provide more space for the library and an enhanced experience for library users. The new library will feature rooms that can be booked by community groups, a children’s media room, a lounge area to watch television and dedicated spaces for quiet reading. This means that when events like storytime are held, parents and children can enjoy the stories without impacting on how others are using the library at the same time. Perhaps the most significant benefit of the move is that, for the first time, the Dalby Library’s entire collection will be accessible to the general public, a service that can’t happen at its current location because of a lack of space. Council has incorporated community suggestions in developing the design concepts for the new space. Construction will start in the New Year with the grand opening expected before Christmas 2013. *The Library Dividend - A guide to the socioeconomic value of Queensland’s public libraries September 2012. 11
Get Ready, Get Set And Survive The Storm, Flood And Bushfire Season Summertime brings the joy of holidays and festive celebrations. However, summer can also bring sorrow in the form of storms, floods and fires. Council is urging residents to protect your homes, cars and possessions and most importantly yourself and your family by being prepared. Help us to help you, by getting ready, getting set and surviving. Get Ready —
Survive —
• Clear your home or property of hazards such as blocked gutters, overhanging trees, and loose items like bicycles
• Tune into the media for weather warnings and developments throughout the season
• Replace any out-of-date material in your emergency and evacuation kits and ensure they’re stocked with prescription medicines, non-perishable food, first aid kits, mobile phone chargers, waterproof bags for clothing, and valuable documents • Sign up to Council’s free alerts via email and mobile phone (text ‘SUBSCRIBE’ and your postcode to 0408 063 733)
• Keep an eye out for neighbours to make sure they’re okay • For your own safety and that of emergency workers, please follow any evacuation orders.
Contact Council
Get Set —
All correspondence should be addressed to:
• Rehearse your family’s emergency plans for storm, flood and fire, including what will happen with pets
The Chief Executive Officer PO Box 551 Dalby QLD 4405
• If you have insurance, confirm it covers storm, flood or fire damage • Make sure each person in your household has a list of emergency numbers, including triple zero (000), SES (132 500) and Rural Fire
By E-mail info@wdrc.qld.gov.au Internet www.wdrc.qld.gov.au You can contact WDRC in person at any of our Customer Service Centres.
Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, Oi, Oi, Oi! Now’s your chance to recognise, reward and celebrate an unsung hero, a high achiever, exceptional community group, or tireless community worker, who has made a difference in the community or who have achieved success in their field by nominating them for the 2013 Australia Day Awards. Categories for the Awards include: Young Citizen and Citizen of the Year; Community Event and Project of the Year; Junior and Senior Cultural Awards; Junior and Senior Sports Awards; and Sports Administrator/Coach/Official Award. Don’t delay, fill in the nomination form and post 12
or deliver it in person to your nearest Council Customer Service Centre. Forms and further information are available on the Council’s website www.wdrc.qld.gov.au. Nominations close 5pm, Monday 7 January 2013.
DMS 1211099