HALF-YEARLY UPDATE | ISSUE 13 | FEBRUARY 2015
Message from the Mayor I hope everyone is feeling refreshed from a break over the Cr Ray Brown December / January period and ready for our Western Downs communities to have a prosperous 2015. Although our agricultural sector continues to face seasonal, climatic, and economical factors, our communities and the Council are here to support you as we greatly value the contributions you make to our regional future. Meanwhile, different business opportunities are presenting themselves around our region, with the energy and resource sector moving from construction to operation and maintenance phases, through offering services that value-add to these, and other industries, around the Western Downs. This year our communities will again host an array of local and major regional events, including local agricultural shows across the region and the Chinchilla Melon Festival, to name just a few. So please invite your family and friends to visit our region and experience the country lifestyle and attractions that our Western Downs is renowned for.
and travellers alike, be they Australian or from overseas.
live up to its status as the number one, singleday livestock selling complex in Australia.
Council is in the process of finalising the multi-million dollar regional road restoration works program, known as ‘Regional Flood Recovery Works’, which is repairing damage caused to our roads from floods and extreme weather events over recent years. This program has given our works teams some great experience and shows that local people are delivering real results by ensuring that our communities have a durable asset that will last well into the future. We’d also like to thank the Federal and State Governments for their funding which has helped rebuild this infrastructure that is essential to our region’s way of life.
On an organisational level, Western Downs Regional Council adopted is 2013/14 Annual Report late last year and I’m pleased to report that we delivered the forecast surplus, and that we’re on track to deliver another operating surplus this financial year. These results demonstrate Council’s ongoing commitment to being a financially sustainable organisation that is able to support our communities and our future. I encourage all residents to read the Annual Report, which is available on our website www.wdrc.qld.gov.au, or arranging for a hardcopy by contacting 1300 COUNCIL or dropping into one of our customer service centres.
I am pleased to see that the revamped Dalby Regional Saleyards @ Western Downs will be officially opened this month. The state-ofthe-art selling complex will benefit buyers and vendors, as well as improve animal handling arrangements, ensuring the facility continues to
All-in-all, this year promises that our Western Downs will continue to be a great place to live, work and play. Cr Ray Brown, Mayor Western Downs Regional Council
All of our sectors, from agriculture to energy, to business and tourism, will be showcased during the year when various international trade delegations visit our region. We also continue to welcome new citizens to our communities, such as at the recent Australia Day citizenship ceremony. These people have come from around the world and have chosen to settle in our Western Downs, showing that we have a lot to offer residents, businesses,
Phone 1300 COUNCIL
Email info@wdrc.qld.gov.au
Internet www.wdrc.qld.gov.au
Bridging the Digital Divide About 100 academics, government and business representatives recently discussed the future of the internet in regional and rural communities and economies at The Symposium on Broadband enabled Communities and Regional Economic Development held at the University of Southern Queensland (USQ).
Review of Draft Planning Scheme continues The development of the Draft Western Downs Planning Scheme is progressing, with Council’s dedicated in-house Strategic Planning Unit finalising the review of the 1,941 submissions received during the first round of public consultation.
As well as coordinating Council’s review of these public submissions, the Strategic Planning Unit has also been extensively reviewing other elements of the Draft Scheme including the Strategic Framework, Development Codes, and Levels of Assessment.
Council is carefully considering each of these submissions and will respond, in writing, to each person who has lodged a properly made submission, outlining the results of its consideration.
Once Council’s review of the Draft Planning Scheme is complete it will go back to the Queensland Government for a state interest check, before further public consultation is undertaken for a period of 30 business days inviting all interested parties to view and make submissions.
Please be aware that if you signed a petition, Council will only be responding directly to the primary signatory (the first signatory on the petition). It is the responsibility of the primary submitter to advise all other submitters of the outcome of Council’s consideration of the petition.
There’s no place like home
The feasibility studies into structural flood mitigation options such as levees in Dalby and Chinchilla will be presented to Council in the next month or so. In discussing the feasibility studies, Council will consider options for any further community consultation, such as information sessions.
Low-to-moderate income, essential service workers now have access to affordable housing developments in Wandoan and Chinchilla, thanks to the Western Downs Housing Trust.
Council would like to thank those in the community who have provided input into the studies so far, as it has helped to give us a real sense of what the potential direct impacts could be on residences and businesses should the levees go ahead. 2
These research projects will inform Council’s development of a Digital Economy Strategy that will help our regional communities to bridge the ‘digital divide’, by looking at how appropriate and effective Information and Communications Technology (ICT) activity can enhance regional economic development. More information on the Digital Divide research projects can be found at www.advancewesterndowns.com.
For more information on the Draft Western Downs Planning Scheme visit www.wdrc.qld.gov.au/ western-downs-planning-scheme or call 1300 COUNCIL.
Flood Levee Update
In the meantime, the feasibility studies will allow Council to continue to apply for State Government funding when appropriate opportunities arise; noting that Council was unsuccessful in the first round of the Queensland Disaster Mitigation and Resilience funding to progress the initial proposals for Dalby.
Some of the research outcomes from research projects conducted by Western Downs Regional Council partnership’s with USQ, which focus on helping regional communities take full advantage of digital technologies, was presented and discussed.
A $1.2 million development in Wandoan opened last August, offering 2 x three-bedroom and 2 x two-bedroom, two storey townhouses on Longford Lane. A $1.4 million development opened in Chinchilla in November, offering 2 x three-bedroom and 3 x two-bedroom, two storey townhouses on Barber Street. Essential service workers like emergency service personnel, medical officers, teachers, childcare workers, finance and banking staff, retail workers, utilities workers, motor vehicle repairers, and so on, are eligible to apply to rent these properties through the Horizon Housing Company.
Even though resource sector workers are not eligible for this housing, the sector is keen to support the communities in which their activities have an impact. As such, QGC made a generous $5.7 million donation to the Trust which has helped fund these new developments. Although some energy sector projects in the Western Downs have recently transitioned from construction to production phase, thereby easing some of the housing stress experienced in our communities, the Western Downs Housing Trust project ensures that our region will be better positioned for the next boom period. For more information, visit the Western Downs Housing Trust website www.housingtrust.com.au.
A long road to recovery After several years of hard work and adverse weather events, the multi-phased Regional Flood Recovery Works program is entering its final stages. The finish line is now in sight, with works associated with repairing damage from the 2010/11 summer floods and 2012 adverse weather events, including the delivery of several betterment projects, already completed on target and on budget. Now only road restoration work to repair damage
Water projects continue to flow Three years into the five-year Utilities Infrastructure Capital Works Program, which will see over $100 million invested in the region’s water and wastewater networks, is flowing well. The imminent completion of the new $7 million Miles wastewater treatment plant and the complementary $0.7 million pipe network for the recycling scheme, will help deliver recycled water to the local golf course as well as increasing capacity. Meanwhile, the Miles community is already enjoying high quality potable water thanks to the new $4 million reverse osmosis (RO) water treatment plant that became operational late last year. In Tara, the new $2.8 million water treatment plant also went operational late last year and is delivering, for the first-time, drinking water that meets Australian standards for potable water. In Chinchilla, the design phase on a new $11.3 million wastewater treatment plant is well underway; whilst planning for the $12.3 million water treatment plant continues.
to regional and rural road infrastructure caused by the 2013 flood events continues across the Western Downs. With a target completion date of April this year, Council’s internal work crews, along with external contractors, are working hard to repair 430 roads damaged in the 2013 events. The delivery and completion of the Regional Flood Recovery Works program will mean our communities
have safer and longer-lasting road assets.
This program is being funded through Council, and the State and Federal Governments under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA). For more information and the full list of individual roads undergoing restoration visit www.wdrc.qld.gov.au/floodrecovery.
Bull’s eye It’s taken almost four years of consultation, planning and building, but the two-stage $12.6 million redevelopment of the Dalby Regional Saleyards @ Western Downs has hit the bull’s eye. The redevelopment has been a multi-phase project, beginning in 2010 with twelve months of consultation with stakeholders. This resulted in a master plan for the redevelopment which was adopted by Council in mid-2011. The project to revitalise the facility was aimed at modernising and upgrading the saleyards to improve safety and animal handling arrangements. Stage 1 construction began in March 2013 and was completed in November 2013. It involved building 80 new undercover selling and holding pens with a soft floor; and livestock buyers and sellers have already given the new areas a ‘thumbs-up’. Indeed, the new curved roof is set to be an icon for the revitalised facility. Stage 2 construction began soon after and involved building roofing and water supplies for existing pens, as well as new drafting facilities.
This stage was just completed at the end of December. The saleyards redevelopment also involved the construction of a new on-site washdown facility designed to include treatment of the facility’s effluent on-site before it enters the town’s wastewater system. The proportion of works relating to the Stage 2 upgrade is completed and final works on the washdown facility are on track to be completed in March. With the redevelopment now complete, Council will continue to review the operations of the saleyards and the upgraded facilities to ensure it meets the expectations of all stakeholders. So, if you’re interested in all things livestock, head on over to the refurbished Dalby Regional Saleyards @ Western Downs on Wednesdays and experience Australia’s largest, single day, cattle selling complex.
The Queensland Government provided $6 million from the Local Government Grants and Subsidies Scheme for the saleyards redevelopment.
Council is heavily investing in upgrading the region’s water and wastewater networks to provide a reliable and sustainable service that both improves the quality of water provided to residents and ensures the system will cope with population growth in our local communities. 3
our western downs We invite you to come and explore the region we are proud to call our home.
Proudly supporting the Chinchilla Melon Festival 2015
Chinchilla Melon Festival 2015 12 - 15 February A celebration of all things melon and a tribute to our town’s melon farming reputation, the Chinchilla Melon Festival has become a renowned Queensland event. If you’ve never skied on watermelons or attempted a melon bungee, then you need to put the Chinchilla Melon Festival at the top of your to-do list! For more information visit:
www.melonfest.com.au
Community groups are advised that applications are being called for the following funding programs. Application forms are available on the Council website at www.wdrc.qld.gov.au and from Customer Service Centres. LocaL EvEnts and sponsorship program: applications close 5pm Tuesday 3 March 2015 for events beginning mid May 2015. major EvEnts and sponsorship program: applications close 5pm Tuesday 3 March 2015 for events beginning mid May 2015. community support program: applications close 5pm Monday 31 March 2015 for services and activities in the financial year of 1/07/2015 to 30/06/2016.
Other funding programs are open throughout the year and include the In Kind Assistance Program, Sporting and Recreation Assistance Program and Reimbursement Program. Information for these programs and application forms are available on the Council website under Online Payments and Services/eGrants. Applications are to be addressed to: Western Downs Regional Council Community Grants Funding Attn: Chief Executive Officer PO Box 551, DALBY QLD 4405
For further information phone 1300 COUNCIL (1300 268 624)
Anzac Centenary 2015 In Flanders fields the poppies blow…
Head to Meandarra this Anzac Day
Poppies lovingly hand-made by our communities will be
Mark the centenary of the Gallipoli landings this Anzac Day by
on display at Western Downs’ libraries, galleries and
heading to Meandarra and its ANZAC Memorial Museum for a
museums during February, before moving to Melbourne’s
multitude of events to remember the Australian service men and
Federation Square in March to become part of the national
women who have given more than 100 years of service in all wars,
‘Field of Poppies’.
conflicts, and peace-keeping operations.
Workshops were held in December and January by
Along with the Museum’s usual free-entry Open Day on Anzac Day,
Western Downs Libraries, regional galleries and community
a new exhibition of World War One memorabilia called The Anzacs,
organisations to help facilitate this local contribution to the
including locally-connected artefacts, will be opened on Anzac Day by the Museum’s patron,
national, community-driven initiative known as ‘5,000 Poppies’.
Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Garrard. Lieutenant Colonel Garrard’s father was Meandarra’s
The humble poppy was re-memorialised in John McCrae’s poem In Flanders Fields which he wrote after the death of a friend in the Second Battle of Ypres in 1915. Inspired by the poem, the red poppy has been a global symbol of remembrance since 1921. The field of hundreds of thousands of hand-made poppies will be a stunning visual tribute as part of Australia’s 2015 Anzac Commemoration, marking the centenary of World War One.
postmaster in the 1950s and 60s, and is remembered through the name of the local park, Garrard Park. The Museum recently received $9,464 under the Federal Government’s ANZAC Centenary Grants program to purchase new display cabinets to support the staging of the exhibition and create a dedicated World War One section within the museum. The township of Meandarra will also come alive with commemoration activities during the day commencing with a dawn service. The morning street parade will feature performances by local school children and Light Horse re-enactments. Other activities including a ‘street party’ are in the planning phases, so be sure to keep an eye out closer to the day for details on timings and locations. Meandarra is the ideal location on the
For more information please visit
Western Downs to learn about our local military history, participate in family-friendly
http://5000poppies.wordpress.com
activities, and pay your respects this Anzac Day.
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Who will be our inaugural Regional Sports Star of the Year? Our monthly Regional Sports Stars have kicked, hit, ridden, and thrown their way to be in the running for the title of ‘Western Downs Regional Sport Star of the Year’ for 2014/15, to be announced at a gala dinner at 6.30pm, Saturday 21 February at the Chinchilla RSL. The contenders (in alphabetical order) are: • Brandon Paerau (Chinchilla) — 12, with a handicap of 7 (yes, 7), captained the Queensland School Sport Golf Team • Connor Malone (Dalby) — 16, has represented Australia in the U16 Futsal team that toured Brazil last November
Regional Sports Star finalist John Bowling (right) representing Queensland at the 2014 Australian National Polocrosse Championships in Darwin.
• Daniel Mauch (Dalby) — 17, debuted in the Brisbane Lions Reserve last year and has broken school records on the running track
• Shaun Wirth (Dalby) — 14, has represented Australia in Futsal, touring with the team to the United Kingdom last October
• Georgina Rackemann (Chinchilla) — 19, helped Queensland come out on top in last year’s U20 Women’s State of Origin Touch Football series
• Tyler Worstear (Chinchilla) — 15, has an Australian record in Javelin under his belt.
• Jake Rynne (Dalby) — 11, is set to represent Queensland in bowls bringing home gold and silver medals from the 2014 Queensland Junior Bowls Championships • John Bowling (Wandoan) — 42, has represented Queensland in polocrosse at the Australian championships and is a keen coach at Club, Zone and State level • Sean Geraghty (Meandarra) — 15, is a State and National equestrian representative who won gold at the 2013 Australian National Interschool Equestrian Championships
Council would like to thank our major sponsor Black Toyota for their support. Keep an eye on Council’s Facebook Page, eNewsletter and website to find out who takes out the title.
Our Western Downs website Experience, explore and enjoy all that the Western Downs has to offer with the help of Council’s new dedicated Tourism and Lifestyle website www.ourwesterndowns.com. The website, which was launched by Council’s Spokesperson for Economic Development and Tourism Councillor Tony Brame at last year’s Volunteers Forum, will be the ‘go-to’ source for up-to-date information on what there is to see and do in ‘Our Western Downs’.
To help residents and visitors plan their next trip to our communities and our region, the new user-friendly website is jam-packed with information about the region’s iconic events, attractions, activities and lifestyle options. Visit www.ourwesterndowns.com to start planning your next holiday in and around our Western Downs.
The Library Toy Troop marches into town Fanfare and flashing cameras recently greeted the stuffed toy stars of Western Downs Libraries’ very first picture book series, featuring The Library Toy Troop, at special red-carpet events held across the region to celebrate the books’ release.
also provide an opportunity to further the DadsRead.org.au message that reading together is a great way for families to connect; for Dads to become reading role models; and to give children the best possible chance at school.
The series of nine picture books, with one book for each of our library branches, features the fun and mischievous antics of toys – all of whom belong to local children – while they holidayed at their local library during last year’s Stuffed Toy Sleepover.
The limited edition series of The Library Toy Troop books are available for purchase at any Western Downs Libraries branch for $7.50 per title, or $65 per set.
The kids, their mums and dads, and visitors to our local libraries will have a great time identifying all the local places and library spaces that are featured across the nine books. Libraries hope The Library Toy Troop series will
Visit any Western Downs Libraries branch, the Libraries’ website www.library.wdrc.qld.gov.au, or phone 1300 COUNCIL for more information. Western Downs Libraries would like to thank Western Downs Friends of the Library and Arrow Energy for their support in this project.
The stuffed toy stars of The Library Toy Troop book series take over the red carpet. 5
So Long, Farewell to Phil and Lee Council is paying tribute to outgoing Chief Executive Officer Phil Berting, and Corporate and Community Support General Manager Lee Vohland, who will both retire on Friday 3 July.
resource boom, and the substantial infrastructure backlog and upgrades, which we needed to complete to ensure that our communities enjoyed modern facilities,” he said.
Mayor Ray Brown said both men have played significant roles in shaping Council’s vision and direction.
“None of this could have been possible without our hard-working, dedicated staff and I thank them for their efforts. I would also like to take this opportunity to wish the organisation all the best for the future.”
“Phil and Lee have been integral senior leaders throughout amalgamation and vital in setting Western Downs Regional Council on the right strategic and financially sustainable path for the future,” he said. “Phil draws to a close a 30-year career in Local Government that included the role of CEO at Tara and Murilla Shire Councils. Lee’s 42-year Local Government career included the role of CEO at Balonne and Wambo Shire Councils. “We will miss their experience, expertise and drive, and we wish them all the best for retirement.” Outgoing CEO Mr Berting said it’s been rewarding to lead Western Downs Regional Council and thanked the staff for their efforts. “It has been a privilege for me to be able to lead the newly formed organisation for the past seven years. We have had many challenges to deal with such as the devastating floods of 2010/11 and 2013, the
A penny saved is a penny earned Securing a sustainable financial future is a major commitment by Council and we continue to deliver on this commitment. We’re making savings on interest payments by using the temporary increases in revenue from resource and energy sector activities and flood recovery works to pay off our debt sooner. Following the first quarterly review of its 14/15 Budget, Council has been able to pay an additional $10.1 million off its debt this financial year. The first review of the 14/15 Budget also confirmed that Council remains on track to achieve its forecast operating surplus for the second successive year.
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Outgoing Corporate and Community Support General Manager Mr Vohland said facing the challenges of amalgamation alongside talented and dedicated staff has been satisfying.
Chief Executive Officer Phil Berting
“We kicked off amalgamation with some significant achievements, including successfully merging the accounts of six former councils into one set of books, establishing regional business solutions and a single region-wide telecommunications network for Council,” he said. “I’ve really enjoyed being a part of the ongoing continuous improvement program which is now delivering good governance and financial sustainability for this new organisation. “It’s been a privilege to work with some very talented and dedicated staff throughout a challenging period for Council, and I’m sure they’ll continue to deliver real results for our local communities well into the future.”
Community Support General Manager Lee Vohland
Council staff are kicking goals If the Corporate Plan is Council’s ‘game plan’, then our staff form a high-performing sports team who are kicking goals and scoring tries. In 2013, our Infrastructure Services General Manager Graham Cook was recognised as Queensland’s ‘Engineer of the Year’ by the Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia, Queensland Division (IPWEAQ). In 2014, we had several staff equally recognised for their performance and expertise: • Utilities Treatment Principal Terry Fagg was recognised as Queensland’s ‘Water Professional of the Year’ by the Australian Water Association, cementing Terry’s place as a leading expert on municipal desalination and fluoridation. • At the Condamine Alliance’s ‘Condamine Awards’, the efforts of the Environment and Health Department were recognised by: • Council winning the ‘Land Award’ for work to protect local communities from weed seed spread (especially with the construction of the Chinchilla Washdown Bay); and
• Natural Resources Officer Chris Gaschk was named ‘Young Achiever of the Year’ for his contribution to promoting and protecting natural resources in the Condamine catchment (both at work and in his own time). • Our Cultural Development Coordinator Ashleigh Campbell was recognised for her passion for developing arts culture in our region, achieving a ‘Highly Commended’ in the ‘Young Alumnus of the Year’ category in the University of Southern Queensland’s Alumnus of the Year Awards. She will also be the Queensland Exhibition Team Leader for the Australia Pavilion at this year’s Venice Biennale. • Our first-year plumbing apprentice Ryan Littleton took out the ‘Ron Douglas Memorial Prize 2014’ (Certificate III Industry Award) as well as being named ‘First Year Plumbing Apprentice of the Year for the Darling Downs’ at the TAFE Queensland South West Awards. The range of expertise being recognised shows how we’re local people, delivering real results.
Keep your canine companion happy
Community groups to give the environment a helping hand Three well deserving community groups in the Dalby and surrounding area are the recipients of the second round of funding through Council’s and JJ Richards & Sons ‘The Recycling Market Enviro Grants’ program. The selection panel, which included Spokesperson for Environmental Health Councillor Greg Olm, was impressed by the number of innovative and practical environmental projects put forward by our dedicated not-for-profit organisations. The second round recipients of the Recycling Market Enviro Grants Program are: • Dalby PCYC — will receive $3,000 to install a water tank that will help capture water discharged as part of compulsory monthly fire system testing and which will help establish gardens to be maintained as part of the centre’s care and conservation programs. • Dalby District Show Society — will receive $2,604 to install a rainwater tank at the new Knox Pavilion to assist with garden maintenance, livestock watering, and dust suppression around the building • Dalby Broadcasting Association — will receive $500 to assist staff in broadcasting wastewise messages and announcements to the wider Dalby area For more information about the program visit www.wdrc.qld.gov.au/environmental-grants.
Our four-legged friends love to go for walks and they sometimes mischievously do so without us, which can get them into all sorts of trouble. To keep your canine companion happy and out of trouble, ensure that your property is secure. In the event that your dog does wander, having them registered with Council may ensure their safe return home. Registration is an important part of responsible pet ownership and is one of the simplest ways for Council to reunite lost pets with their owners. All dogs over 12 weeks old must be registered with Council and if you’ve only recently welcomed
Concrete waste given new life Recently Council’s Waste Management Team engaged a contractor to process concrete waste disposed of at Chinchilla, Dalby, Miles and Tara landfills, as part of investigating options for the re-use and diversion of concrete waste from the region’s landfills. The process used by the contractor removed steel-reinforcing-mesh from the concrete waste producing gravel sized pieces of concrete suitable for re-use. This will be used to expand or establish bulk recyclable storage pads at Council’s Waste and Recycling Centres and landfills. This has not only resulted in the successful production of a useable commodity from waste, but has also helped divert concrete waste from landfill, where it damages machinery, impedes compaction, prohibits efficient use of air space and facilitates leaching. Council will continue to investigate the processing of concrete waste with the possibility of making the processed material available for resale in the future.
Salvinia Eradication Strategy Update The management of the Salvinia Molesta weed outbreak in Dogwood Creek, Miles continues as Western Downs Regional Council, Biosecurity Queensland, and the Queensland Murray-Darling Committee (QMDC) make concerted efforts to control and treat the weed. Council has worked closely with key stakeholders and landholders to develop a strategic approach to eradicating Salvinia from Dogwood Creek. This has resulted in the development of a draft fiveyear strategy outlining what will need to be done to successfully control the weed throughout the region, especially in Miles.
The five-year action plan outlined in the ‘Salvinia Eradication Strategy’ is progressing well, with Council’s Rural Services Officers, Biosecurity’s Officers, and QMDC Rangers, continuing to implement management strategies aimed at controlling the spread of the weed. The undertaking of intensive biological control, chemical application, hand removal and the use of an aquatic harvester, has produced great results with considerable amounts of the weed either removed or damaged.
a new friend into the family, then you must register your new companion within two weeks of becoming their new owner. You can register your dog during business hours at any of Council’s Customer Service Centres. Council also conducts regular Approved Inspection Programs to monitor compliance with the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008. More information about dog registration, microchipping and desexing, and Approved Inspection Programs can be found at www.wdrc.qld.gov.au.
Bin bad recycling habits With an increasing amount of household recyclable items being disposed of in garbage bins and ending up in landfills across the region, Council is encouraging residents to become savvy recyclers by brushing up on good recycling habits. Make sure you’re getting the most out of your yellow-lidded recycling bins by collecting recyclables in every room of your home. From the kitchen to the living room, and from the bathroom to the garage, there are all manner of items that can be recycled. Did you know that hard plastic trays and berry punnets from your kitchen, deodorant spray cans and shampoo and conditioner bottles from your bathroom, and washing powder boxes and detergent bottles from your laundry, can all be recycled? However, fabrics, clothes, plastic bags and packets, film, ceramics, crockery and glasses, cannot be recycled. Disposing of these items in your yellow-lidded recycling bin can contaminate that load, meaning all of the other actual recyclables in that load will most likely end up in landfill. So, make sure you do the right thing by: putting your rubbish in the right bin; knowing what you can and cannot recycle; and importantly, not putting recyclable items in plastic bags when disposing of them in your yellow-lidded recycling bin. Visit Council’s website, drop into your nearest Customer Service Centre or call 1300 COUNCIL for more handy tips and a full list of recyclable materials. 7
Voice of Customer As part of Council’s commitment to improving customer service, a cross-section of customers who recently interacted with our key service areas were independently surveyed to gauge their experience. The Voice of Customer surveys sought customer satisfaction levels in regards to service provided by our Customer Contact Centre, Environment and Health, Human Resources, Revenue, Utilities, Waste Management, and Works sections. The highest performing sections, when combining both the customer scores of ‘high’ for satisfaction and in meeting expectations, were the Customer Contact Centre (100%) and Waste Management sections (83%), closely followed by the Environment and Health, and Utilities sections (75% respectively).
Have Council call you back
The key sections that customers ranked ‘satisfied’ but also identified as ‘needing improvement’ were Council’s Human Resources, Revenue, and Works services. This feedback from our customers enables us to fine tune service strategies and identify opportunities for enhancing our team performance so as to better meet customers’ expectations. If you would like to provide feedback at any time on your experience with any of our services, please contact Council on 1300 COUNCIL or info@wdrc.qld.gov.au.
Sign-up for Emergency SMS Alerts Keep-up-to-date during a local disaster or emergency event by signing up for Council’s SMS Emergency Alert service - it’s FREE.
the subscription form to register for your preferred type of alert.
You can choose to receive emergency alerts only, which warn of severe weather events, while general alerts also include reminders such as rates and water payments. Register by texting your postcode and “GENERAL” or “EMERGENCY” to 0428 417 811 or visit www.wdrc.qld.gov.au and follow the ‘Connect with your Council’ link to complete
While you’re online, use the ‘Connect with your Council’ link to sign-up to the Western Downs Wire: eNews, which is our fortnightly eNewsletter that will keep you up-to-date on the latest Council news, events, community updates and emergency alerts.
Complete this crossword to test your waterwise knowledge.
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Refer to Council’s website for the answers. 8
Be it over the phone, face-to-face or online, whenever you contact Council, you can expect our staff to assist with your enquiries promptly and courteously. What’s more, if you’re calling Council and don’t have the time to wait on hold, simply follow the automated prompts for the Call Back option and we’ll ring you back on your preferred contact number at our expense. The Call Back option ‘reserves’ your place in the queue, ensuring the next available Customer Contact Officer returns your call. Contacting Council is as easy as dialling 1300 COUNCIL, or for interstate callers, 07 4679 4000. To find out more on our commitments to you or how you can contact Council, pick up our Customer Service Charter at any one of our Customer Service Centres or visit our website www.wdrc.qld.gov.au.
You can also subscribe to Council’s Emergency SMS Alerts and eNews at your nearest Council Customer Service Centre.
How Waterwise are You? 1
Did you know that Council has a variety of options available for residents, businesses, and visitors to get in touch with us?
Across 1. Use a small pan of water to wash, peel or clean ____ 2. Launder full 3. Select the proper size ____ for cooking 4. Clean driveways, patios or sidewalks with this 5. Pull out ____ to eliminate competition for water in gardens 6. ____ irrigation uses 25 to 50% less water than standard hoses and sprinklers 7. When planting a ____ group similar plants that need the same amount of water together 8. Flushing this uses 3-6 litres of water 9. Place this around small trees and shrubs to retain moisture Down 1. Use this many inches of water in the bath tub 2. Use a high pressure cleaner to clean ____ bins 3. Turn this off when you brush your teeth 4. Fill this with water to wash your hands or shave 5. Limit these to five minutes or less 6. Water your lawn and garden early in the ____ 7. Keep a covered bottle or pitcher of water in the refrigerator for____ 8. Take advantage of a soft summer rain to wash your ____ 9. Hand wash several items at the same ____
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