CR BOB MILLAR Sept 08

• September 5, 2008
• Politics and Council
• Editor

Cr Millar topics this month include: ROADSIDE LITTER, REGIONAL ARTS DEVELOPMENT FUND, BUSHFIRE SEASON ON OUR DOORSTEP, DOGS AND KOALAS, DRINK FOUNTAIN FOR LIONS PARK, ROADWORKS PROGRAM, and SILKY OAK SUFFERS RAVAGES OF TIME.

ROADSIDE LITTER

Residents who live in this wonderful area and those that like to visit the countryside should be aware that apart from being harmful to the environment, littering is an offence. This includes throwing litter from a vehicle, and illegal dumping. Whilst most people do the right thing there are those who have disregard for the laws and their fellow residents and/or are just careless in transporting rubbish in trailers and utes which is where most of our roadside litter seems to originate. The cost of litter collection is a significant burden on ratepayers and a recent case of asbestos dumping in the Camp Mountain area has cost council over $2,000 to clean up. A fine of up to $12,000 will apply if the offender is caught.  On the spot fines of $225.00 now apply to general littering and anyone seeing offences taking place are able to call 3480 6666 with details which may enable council to follow up. Unlike most other local authorities, Moreton Bay Regional Council provides free additional dumping of domestic waste at its transfer stations and landfill sites although larger items should be taken to one of the landfill sites at either Bunya Road, Bunya, Old Gympie Rd, Dakabin or McNaught Rd Caboolture.

REGIONAL ARTS DEVELOPMENT FUND

The Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) is a joint Queensland Government and Moreton Bay Regional Council partnership to support local arts and culture.   RADF provides support for the Moreton Bay region’s artists and arts organisations in the following ways: individual professional development;  arts projects, heritage projects, workshops and concept development;  or  creative industry and cultural tourism development. To discuss your project, obtain guidelines, application forms or to book your place in an information session, contact our RADF Liaison Officer John Watson Ph 3480 6741.

BUSHFIRE SEASON ON OUR DOORSTEP

The regular but small rain periods last summer have significantly increased fuel loadings and the rapidly drying conditions we are currently experiencing do not auger well for the coming fire season. Council has been working with the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, local volunteer Fire Brigades and the community to ensure any risks are minimised as much as possible. A number of community fire awareness meetings have been conducted and with regular hazard reduction burning over recent months the region is as well prepared for wildfires as it has been for many years. Residents in the higher risk areas are encouraged to do all within their power to prepare their properties and families and be aware of what they should do in the event of a bushfire. Publications offering valuable advice are available from your local Brigade, Council offices and on the Fire Service website www.fire.qld.gov.au

DOGS AND KOALAS

As our cities grow it is an unfortunate fact that koalas are an endangered species and as such we need to protect them in our environment as much as possible.  We can all do our bit especially were dogs are concerned.   If you are a dog owner you are required to restrain or confine your dog, if there is a koala in a tree on your property, until the koala has left.  It is your responsibility to ensure your dog does not attack and injure native wildlife.  Council undertakes a number of programmes, often with other community groups and agencies, to increase the koala habitat and food sources. Some residents will be aware that a plantation of Koala trees exists on the Dayboro waste water treatment plant site and is sourced by some of the wildlife carers who give their valuable time to help protect our wildlife.

DRINK FOUNTAIN FOR LIONS PARK

The long awaited drink fountain has now been installed in LIONS Park, Williams Street. This will ensure that the sustenance of the many walkers around the “township” can be assured and no one should collapse from dehydration.

ROADWORKS PROGRAM

In the recent budget funds have been allocated to undertake a number of projects throughout Division 11. Of interest to residents in the Dayboro area will be the following projects:

1. Intersection construction – Whiteside Road/Postmans Track.

2. Sealing of the missing section of Theodore Road in conjunction with the neighbouring subdivision.

3. Additional 230 metres of footpath along Mt Samson Road from the Morris Street intersection.

A number of other smaller projects and planning of others will take place during the year at a total cost of around $570,000.

SILKY OAK SUFFERS RAVAGES OF TIME

In response to concerns raised with them, Council officers have recently inspected the health of one of the remaining silky oak trees in Delaney Street adjacent to the CWA Hall.  I have been advised that damage to the tree creates a safety issue to pedestrians and vehicles in the vicinity and Council has an obligation to remove this tree.  Consideration is currently being given to replacement trees in this section of the road reserve.

DID YOU KNOW?

That brushing your teeth with the tap running uses approximately 5 litres of water each time!

That a dripping tap can use from 30-150 litres of water per day!