HALF-YEARLY UPDATE | ISSUE 12 | AUGUST 2014
Message from the Mayor Cr Ray Brown
Welcome to the special 2014/15 Budget Edition of Council’s Half-Yearly Update Newsletter.
Council has delivered its third Budget of the 2012–16 term and continues its good work to balance its commitment to deliver quality services to all communities with financial accountability and sustainability, whilst dealing with the opportunities and challenges directly and indirectly associated with Where does theWhere moneydoes comethe from? money come from? resource sector development. Rates and utility charges Rates are and less utility thancharges are less than
This Budget is about sustainability, recovery 34% of the income Council 34% ofrelies the income on Council relies on and growth. It enables Council to continue its Rates and Utility Charges Rates and 33.83% Utility Charges 33.83% recovery from the most recent floodingCapital events Grants and Subsides Capital Grants 24.93% and Subsides 24.93% Sales of Sales of Major 12.92% Services 12.92% and deliver essential projects and services toMajor Services Operating Grants, Subsidies Operating Grants, Subsidies our communities, ensuring the prosperity of and Contributions and Contributions 12.71% 12.71% our region into the future. Fees and Charges Fees and Charges 8.03% 8.03% Contributions Contributions 3.19% I believe Council has delivered a balanced Rentaland and Levies Rental and1.61% Levies responsible budget that predicts an overall Developer Contributions Developer1.44% Contributions Interest Revenue Interest Revenue 1.15% operating surplus of $7 million – continuing Other Income Other Income 0.21%
the trend established in 2013/14.
As part of this process, Council has focused on better assessing future growth forecasts by undertaking population modelling. Council is confident that it’s now in a sustainable position to effectively deliver infrastructure for essential services like water, sewerage and waste, to benefit current and future generations. Further evidence of Council’s commitment to responsible financial management is reflected in the Queensland Treasury Corporation’s most recent Credit Review where Council has moved from a ‘Weak with a Negative’ outlook to a ‘Moderate with a Neutral’ outlook. In essence, the moderate rating reflects Council’s forecast operating surpluses, Phone 1300 COUNCIL
3.19% 1.61% 1.44% 1.15% 0.21%
adequate debt servicing capacity, and improved capacity to manage risks associated with resource development in the region. Council has focused hard on creating a
Where does theWhere moneydoes go? the money go?
By Councillor Portfolio By- Councillor PercentagePortfolio of Overall - Percentage Budget of Overall B Works and Engineering Works (footpaths, and Engineering roads, (footpaths, roads, bridges, stormwater, parks bridges, andstormwater, gardens, parks and gardens, street lighting, technical street services, lighting, technical services, aerodromes, quarry) aerodromes, quarry) 60.48% Utilities (water, wastewater, Utilitieshousehold (water, wastewater, gas) 15.56% household gas) Environmental HealthEnvironmental (waste, pests, Health (waste, pests, stock routes, local lawstock enforcement, routes, local law enforcement, natural resource management) natural resource management) 8.16% Community Facilities, Community Sport and Recreation Facilities, Sport and Recreation (public toilets, showgrounds, (public toilets, caravan showgrounds, parks, caravan parks, swimming/fitness centres, swimming/fitness sport and centres, sport and recreation grounds, halls, recreation housing, grounds, halls, housing, cemeteries) cemeteries) 5.58% Community and Cultural Community Development and Cultural and Development and Health Services (libraries, Health health Services services, (libraries, health services, cultural, events, grants) cultural, events, grants) 5.08% Planning Planning 2.05% Economic Development Economic and Tourism Development and Tourism (including Saleyards) (including Saleyards) 1.58% Corporate Support Corporate Support 0.93% Executive Services, Emergency Executive Services, Management Emergency Management and Major Projects and Major Projects 0.58%
communities. Importantly, this budget demonstrates Council’s commitment to the community to be a financially sustainable organisation, now and into the future.
budget that it can deliver, one that balances the demands of regional development while maintaining our infrastructure assets and delivering essential services to local Email info@wdrc.qld.gov.au
Cr Ray Brown, Mayor Western Downs Regional Council
Internet www.wdrc.qld.gov.au
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On display: Gallery 107 @ Dalby’s gala opening night exhibition 107 Pieces: Regeneration showcases the works of local artists. Photo courtesy of Gallery 107 @ Dalby.
107 things to do at MyALL 107 Residents have an exciting new destination to get their fix of the latest fine arts, bestselling books, and blockbuster films, with finishing touches underway at Dalby’s new cultural precinct – MyALL 107. The revamped 107 Drayton Street building is now a place that mixes learning, creation and sharing by co-locating the Dalby Civic Theatre, Gallery 107 @ Dalby, 4DDD Community Radio, and the Dalby Branch of Western Downs Libraries, at one convenient location. From these services it’s easy to see why the precinct has been named ‘MyALL 107’. At first glance the word ‘Myall’ conjures up the image of the tree most commonly found in the area, the Myall Tree, whilst the capitalisation of the acronym ‘ALL’ describes the main activities at the building – Arts, Learning and Leisure. The precinct is fast becoming a hub of social activity and a place where people can escape, connect and share. With its ability to host an array of events and activities, the $1.55 million redevelopment project provides residents and visitors with a modern, vibrant and welcoming multi-purpose community centre. The 4DDD Community Radio station and Dalby Civic Theatre continued entertaining and informing the community throughout the renovations. Whilst the relocated Dalby Library and refurbished Gallery 107 @ Dalby have now swung open their doors to the community. In its new location the Dalby Library has transformed itself into a modern digital hub, with two new creative studios that are fully decked-out with: the latest in Apple technology for content creation; professional production and recording 2
equipment; and the most up-to-date editing and digital production software available. All ready for residents and community groups to dive in and explore their creative side. Visitors can also chill out in one of the Library’s new quiet spaces, or read a good book in many of the comfy nooks and crannies, and the Library’s youngest patrons haven’t been forgotten with some fun and games waiting for them in ‘The Little Box’. A spectacular multi-level gallery space has been constructed for Gallery 107 @ Dalby, exposing the building’s original squash court timber floors and cleverly utilising the court walls as conducive hanging space. The gallery is run by a dedicated group of volunteers who always welcome more people getting involved.
The Association kindly donated the collection to Council and is entrusting us to keep the collection safe for future generations. Plans are currently underway to develop a display of the various birds’ nests, fossils, skeletons and wet specimens in the foyer of MyALL 107. A research room will be established within the centre to contain the more delicate items, such as butterflies and moths, so that interested people can continue to examine and study the many rare items in the collection. With so much more to discover, it’s easy to see why there are 107 things to do at MyALL 107.
The 107 Pieces: Regeneration is an impressive exhibition that is currently showing and features 107 artworks by local artists. Keep your calendar free on Friday 22 August for the opening of the 2014 Western Downs Regional Artists’ Exhibition Colours of Our Community. Making the most out of MyALL 107’s new facilities, Gallery 107 @ Dalby also hosts a range of workshops for school-aged children as well as adults, which are often run by established artists from throughout the region. Meanwhile, the Lake Broadwater Natural History Collection has found a new home at MyALL 107. This nationally significant collection has been developed by the Lake Broadwater Natural History Association over the past three decades to encourage an awareness and understanding of the Lake Broadwater Conservation Park environment (located 20 kilometres south-west of Dalby).
The new Dalby Library has a variety of comfortable spaces to enjoy a good book
Council delivers on ‘tap-ready’ water infrastructure This year Council has taken several leaps forward on delivering its commitment to replace and upgrade water and wastewater infrastructure throughout the region. The completion of these multi-million dollar projects has seen the townships of Dalby, Wandoan and Warra reap the benefits. Residents in Wandoan are experiencing cool tap water for the first time thanks to a new water treatment plant lowering temperatures from 40 to around 25 degrees Celsius. An upgrade to water infrastructure in Warra and a new potable water treatment plant in Dalby has residents enjoying a higher quality water to their households. Most recently a new Reverse Osmosis (RO) treatment plant became fully operational in Tara providing the community with improved drinking water, marking a major step towards giving the town a potable standard supply. This infrastructure is part of over a dozen largescale water and wastewater projects currently underway or marked for construction. An investment of $115 million over the next three years is planned to ensure local communities are provided with a reliable and sustainable utilities network that will continue to operate smoothly well into the future. Much-needed developments to the region’s water network have been designed to enhance and equip ageing infrastructure with new technologies and systems for the region’s existing users as well as accommodating the forecast population growth of our communities. For example, the town of Miles is currently experiencing a dramatic growth in population. In response, construction is already well-underway on a new Reverse Osmosis (RO) potable water treatment plant that will provide an increase in capacity so as to better service the prospering town. The plant is on track to be completed by the end of September.
Councillors tour the new potable water treatment plant at Wandoan
Time to get recycling in Chinchilla Residents will be able to get recycling with the new Chinchilla Waste and Recycling Centre, which opened on Monday 4 August, and will usher in a new era of waste wise management. You’ll be able to take your unwanted materials like timber, scrap metal and concrete to the Centre for recycling, as well as your motor oil and batteries to help reduce the carbon footprint. You’ll also be able to leave pre-loved goods like toys, bicycles, furniture and homewares to be sold as secondhand goods in The Recycling Market – you might just pick up a great find for your own home while you’re there. The idea behind the new state-of-the-art transfer station is that it will follow in the successful footsteps of the Dalby Waste and Recycling Centre, by providing the Chinchilla district with
increased opportunities to make the most out of their recycling and reuse efforts. Not only helping to divert recyclable items away from landfill but also reducing environmental impacts through sustainable waste management practices. This financial year will also see construction commence on a regional landfill at Winfields Road near Jandowae and the new Miles Waste Transfer Station. The expansion and upgrade of waste and recycling facilities across the region is part of Council’s ongoing strategy to implement and offer sustainable alternatives to managing the region’s waste as part of its Towards a Waste Wise Western Downs strategy.
One of Council’s biggest utilities project is the $24.7 million upgrade to Chinchilla’s 60-year-old water and wastewater treatment infrastructure, due to start in early 2015. This major revamp will bring the infrastructure into line with modern technologies and treatment processes. These capital works projects demonstrate Council’s long-term commitment to improve and deliver essential key services across the region that enhance sustainability and meet the needs of our growing region.
Mayor Ray Brown and Councillors Greg Olm and Andrew Smith inspect the construction site of the new Chinchilla Waste and Recycling Centre
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What do I get for my Rates? Every $100 of your rates is used the following way: Legend IN MY Home Directly outside MY Home Wider Community
$1.75
$3.83
*Governance (other), Finance, Information Technology
Environment and Health Management (other than waste, such as parking meters, pest management, stock routes, natural resource management)
$1.23 $0.71
Aerodromes
Tourism $4.45 $0.32
Planning and Development
Disaster Management
$5.18 Aged Care and Health Services
$9.79 Waste Collection and Management
$39.29 Roads and Bridges
$0.95
$1.77
Cemeteries
Saleyards
$0.62
$0.96
Footpaths
Drainage $1.22
$18.94
Cultural Facilities (such as art galleries) and Community Facilities
Utilities (water, wastewater, household gas)
$2.01 Libraries $2.59
$0.60
Pools and Sporting Fields
Streetlighting
$3.47
$0.32
Parks and Showgrounds
Community, Cultural and Youth Programs (including grants and donations)
Visit Council’s website for the full Mayoral Budget Statement and more 4
* Governance means how we do business to govern our region and provide services that deliver liveability.
Key Projects Per District Whole-of-Region – total 48 operational projects
DULACCA
Winfields Road Landfill
Regional
$1.57M
Regional Water Main Replacements
Regional
$0.80M
Sewer Relining Various
Regional
$0.60M
Telemetry Systems Round Two
Regional
$0.56M
Western Regional Landfill
Regional
$0.50M
Chinchilla and District (Chinchilla, Brigalow, Kogan) – total 67 projects
DRILLHAM JANDOWAE
BRIGALOW WARRA
CONDAMINE
BELL
JIMBOUR KOGAN
KAIMKILLENBUN
GLENMORGAN
Chinchilla Flood Restoration
Chinchilla
$4.10M
Chinchilla Aerodrome Redevelopment
Chinchilla
$3.50M
Chinchilla Wastewater Treatment Plant
Chinchilla
$3.00M
Gaske Lane Drainage Project – stage 2 construction
Chinchilla
$2.80M
Rehabilitation Avenue Road
Chinchilla
$1.84M
MEANDARRA
Dalby and District (Dalby, Bell, Jandowae, Jimbour, Kaimkillenbun, Warra) – total 72 projects
MOONIE
Rates and Charges While recognising the budgeting pressures faced by households in our region, Council aimed to strike a balance between keeping rates and charges increases to a minimum while maintaining Council’s capacity to deliver. As a result, the conservative average general rate rise of 2.6% across all categories is aligned to match the increase in Council’s own Cost Index. This equates to an extra amount per week for the average ratepayer of $0.46 for residential, $1.56 for rural, and $1.74 for industrial/commercial. Properties associated with the expanding intensive industry, resources and energy sector (oil and gas extraction, coal mining, power stations etc) will increase by $2,230 per year or $42.89 per week. Water access charges will increase by 10%, equating to an extra $0.38 per week for the average connection. Water consumption charges will increase by 3% (or $0.22 per week on average based on a total yearly usage of 200kl).
Dalby Flood Restoration
Dalby
$33.84M
Ducklo-Gulera Road Reconstruction and Widen
Dalby
$2.21M
Bitumen Reseals Various
Dalby
$1.06M
Wilds Road Restoration
Dalby
$0.81M
Gravel Resheeting Various
Dalby
$0.31M
Miles and District (Miles, Condamine, Dulacca, Drillham) – total 44 projects
Waste collection charges will increase by 12.2% ($0.60 per week per service). Gas access and consumption charges will increase by 3%. Sewerage charges will increase on average by 10.2% ($0.70 per week on average) with this year being the final year of the three year phase-in of the regional charging methodology. Ratepayers will still receive a 10% discount on most rates and charges when paid by the due date. And all qualifying pensioners will receive a 20% Council remission on rates and charges up to a maximum of $200 per year. In summary, this is a budget we can deliver – it balances the demands of regional development while maintaining our infrastructure assets and delivering essential services to local communities. This budget demonstrates Council’s commitment to the community to be a financially sustainable organisation, now and into the future.
Miles Wastewater Treatment Plant
Miles
$5.00M
Old Cameby Road (3.5 to 12.53) Widen and Seal Roads
Miles
$2.40M
Brownlies Road (0 to 7.36) Widen and Seal Roads
Miles
$1.85M
Miles Transfer Station
Miles
$1.67M
Gravel Resheeting Various
Miles
$0.87M
Tara and District (Tara, Meandarra, Moonie, Glenmorgan) – total 50 projects Resheet Various
Tara
$1.90M
Upper Humbug Road Resheet
Tara
$0.79M
Western Road Widen
Tara
$0.70M
Riverglen Road Resheet and Seal
Tara
$0.70M
Porter Street Reconstruction
Tara
$0.65M
Wandoan and District (Wandoan, Guluguba) – total 27 projects Miles / Wandoan Flood Restoration
Wandoan
$2.40M
Roche Creek Road (25.7 to 31.2) – Bitumen Extension
Wandoan
$0.90M
Bitumen Resealing Various
Wandoan
$0.54M
Wandoan Wastewater Plant
Wandoan
$0.50M
Gravel Resheeting Various
Wandoan
$0.48M
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A Galloping Start to Sports Star Awards Australian junior equestrian and Futsal champions are kicking goals as the first monthly winners in the inaugural Western Downs Regional Sports Star Awards. The awards recognise those in our community who have demonstrated exceptional sporting talent or have achieved something great in their field. One of this year’s monthly winners will be chosen as the overall 2014 Sports Star of the Year, to be announced at a gala dinner in November. So give a local sporting star a leg-up into the limelight by nominating them for recognition. Nominations close on the 28th of each month so head to www.wdrc.qld.gov.au for forms and more information.
Futsal champion and Australian representative Shaun Wirth accepts his award for March Regional Sports Star
Financial support for community groups up for grabs From Bell to Dulacca, Chinchilla to Glenmorgan, and Moonie to Wandoan, cultural, community and sporting groups from across the Western Downs have received financial support from Council.
It’s all part of Council’s aim to actively support and recognise the valuable contribution community groups, not-for-profit organisations and individuals make to our local and wider communities.
The Minor Grants and Community Support programs have helped groups repair and maintain halls and sporting facilities, given children shadier places to play, installed water tanks, and even ballet bars and mannequins, have been among the diverse activities supported.
So, if your group or organisation needs some extra assistance to get your activities, projects or events off the ground, it’s time to grab a helping hand through Council’s range of support grants, donations and sponsorships. Visit Council’s website for policy information, program guidelines and application forms.
Celebrating the Diversity of our Community Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 August Anderson Park, Dalby
Take home a new animal friend Western Downs Pound Pets, a joint initiative between Western Downs Regional Council and Dalby Newspapers, is giving animals that can’t be reunited with their owners a second chance at finding a new home. The program was launched in May and has already helped several pets find new loving families. So if you are looking for a new man’s best friend or feline companion keep an eye out for weekly featured pets in the Dalby Herald every Tuesday. And ‘like’ us on Facebook for Pound Pets sneak peeks and up-to-date information on the latest adoption success stories. 6
Our first Pound Pet Paddy finds a home with new owner Doug
4 to 14 September 2014
Public submissions shape draft regional planning scheme Council’s in-house strategic planning unit are currently in the process of reviewing and responding to all submissions received during the first round of public consultation for the Draft Western Downs Planning Scheme. The planning scheme will replace the six existing schemes still in operation, making it the first regional planning scheme for the Western Downs. The Draft Western Downs Planning Scheme will guide and regulate the use and development of land and buildings throughout the region. The scheme will ensure plans are put in place to accommodate for future population growth and development, and also ensure that our towns, communities and environment are protected and enhanced through key infrastructure and developments.
During the 169 days that the Draft Planning Scheme was open for its first round of public consultation, Council received 1,941 submissions from the community.
The next few steps for Council’s strategic planning
Though many of the concerns raised have already been addressed through the process of producing the Draft 2014 Regional Flood Study, several key themes emerged from the 162 detailed submissions received by Council.
bring the Draft Planning Scheme in line with State
Submitters expressed concerns relating to matters around land use and zoning issues affecting residential and industrial properties, the town planning codes for property and business developments, and issues that are outside of Council’s direct control such as land valuations and insurance costs.
public consultation.
unit is to amend and revise relevant sections of the planning scheme, incorporating changes that emerged from the community’s submissions to Government requirements. The revised scheme will go back to the Queensland Government for a state interest check, before Council is able to proceed with a second round of
For fact sheets, maps, and frequently asked questions about the Draft Western Downs Planning Scheme please visit www.wdrc.qld.gov.au/ western-downs-planning-scheme or call 1300 COUNCIL for more information.
Flood mitigation boosts community resilience Emergency response initiatives, evacuation routes, levees and flood warning mechanisms are flood mitigation options being investigated by Council following the adoption of the Draft 2014 Regional Flood Study. The goal of Council’s flood mitigation planning is to develop a range of measures that show a high cost-benefit ratio, avoid adverse environmental impacts, and provide the greatest improvements to flood resilience and preparedness for the region. The Flood Risk Management Study prioritises a range of regional flood mitigation options, such as the 18 new flood warning stations recently installed across various locations including Jandowae, Warra and Chinchilla. The community also delivered a clear message during the public notification phase for the Draft Western Downs Planning Scheme, with Council receiving about 1,700 submissions calling for a levee to be investigated for Dalby.
Armed with this community message, the Flood Risk Management Study, and the most accurate and relevant flood modelling data available, Council is currently investigating the feasibility of structural mitigation measures, such as levees, at Dalby and Chinchilla. These investigations are multi-layered and include: collecting a variety of scientific and engineering data; as well as balancing social, economic and environmental factors; and feedback from preliminary conversations held with landholders who could potentially be directly affected by levee alignments. Once viable detailed designs for the levees have been determined, Council will be seeking further community feedback in Chinchilla and Dalby through a series of information sessions and briefings. Keep an eye out for details. For more information, please contact Council on 1300 COUNCIL, email info@wdrc.qld.gov.au or visit our website www.wdrc.qld.gov.au/flood-mitigation.
Mayor Ray Brown, BMT WBM Associate Senior Flood Engineer Ben Caddis, Jandowae SES Local Controller Tom Bradley, Western Downs Regional Council Disaster Management Senior Officer Liz Drumm, and Councillor Tony Brame, inspect one of the installed Flood Stations.
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Alice Street in Dalby was a hive of activity as the final works were completed on Council’s Operation Road Restore program
A marathon delivered in sprint timing The largest roadworks project Dalby has ever seen, dubbed Operation Road Restore, was the equivalent size of a marathon–30 year roadworks program. The tight deadline provided by the State and Federal Government meant that roads affected by the 2010/11 summer floods, on 119 Dalby urban blocks, on 43 roads, had to be restored in a year and a half; a sprint comparatively speaking. Council made a number of innovations around how roadworks were managed and conducted, resulting in the marathon project not just being completed in sprint fashion, but being completed two months ahead of schedule. All levels of government helped fund Operation Road Restore with a revised overall project value of around $28 million. Council contributed $6 million while State and Federal Governments approved a revised $22 million contribution under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA). The final amount for the NDRRA funding will be closer to $19 million — that’s a $3 million saving! Spokesperson for Works and Engineering Services Councillor Andrew Smith said these are significant achievements given this is the first roadworks project of this scale that Council has managed. “The successful management and completion of Operation Road Restore within the very tight funding deadlines and notable budget savings, and without compromising quality, is a testament to Council’s progressive approach,” he said. “Roads reconstructed under Operation Road Restore will be stronger and last longer, giving the community a durable long-term asset. “I’d like to thank the Dalby community for their cooperation and patience during Operation Road Restore as it was an intensive period of roadworks that we wouldn’t have completed without working together. “I would also like to commend our dedicated and talented works crews and engineers who worked tirelessly to make Operation Road Restore the success it is.” 8
Operation Road Restore at a glance Objective – Reconstruct roads on 119 Dalby urban blocks, on 43 roads, damaged from summer 2010/11 floods in 19 months Preparation • Increased scope – significantly upscaled Council’s standard planning processes, which are normally structured towards reconstructing roads on four urban blocks a year • Modernised processes – using specialist contractors for specific phases • Communication – increased the direct communication with residents through letterbox drops and door-knocking Processes • Extensive planning – including investigating utility placements, which would not normally be moved but needed to be during this project to prevent damage • Internal and external crews – Council crews coordinated and prepared on-site work with specialist sub-contractors to halve the time four urban blocks could be reconstructed • Focused workers – Council crews displayed determination by working above and beyond their usual hours to ensure schedules were maintained • Improved infrastructure – upgraded or built kerbing and channelling to better manage water flow and help the new roads to better survive future heavy rainfall or flood events • Shorten processes – double-coating road seals rather than the usual one-layer-at-a-time approach reduced timeframes while maintaining quality Challenges • 2013 flood events – some sites were inundated with water during the January and March
events, but crews and contractors worked extra hours to ensure works remained on schedule • Reworking some streets – due to gravel being below grade, Council re-worked the surfaces on Edward, Wood and Bunya Streets at the time to ensure the issues were dealt with in a timely manner • Minor defects in road surface – given the nature of road construction and the size of this project, it was not unusual for some minor defects to appear, but these were rectified at the time to ensure quality assurance systems were maintained Achievements • Public feedback – residents were very cooperative and understanding and Council received few formal complaints. This is a credit to how Council staff and the community can work hand-in-hand to deliver a project of such magnitude • Delivery timeframe – project began in November 2012 with an original completion date of July 2014. Shortly after the project began the completion date was moved forward to meet tight funding deadlines. The final reseal was laid in April 2014, meaning the project was completed two months ahead of the final delivery date • Budget savings – ensured Council’s co-contribution stayed on target for the budgeted $6 million; whilst saving the joint State and Federal Government Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) program $3 million
Congratulations to Council’s Works Teams for completing the equivalent of a 30-year roadworks program in less than 1.5 years!
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