July2013_COUNCILLORs COLUMN
For all your general council enquiries call 3205 0555 or email mbrc@moretonbay.qld.gov.au
If I can assist further please contact me.
Councillor Bob Millar
Independent – Division 11
bob.millar@moretonbay.qld.gov.au
Office 3480 6455.
Follow me on @CrBobMillar
or Connect with me on Facebook
2013/14 COUNCIL BUDGET
On the 7th June the Mayor and I delivered the 2013/14 budget for next year, and whilst it has been framed in the face of similar significant challenges to that experienced by other levels of government with the impact of increased costs being compounded by reduced non-rate revenue and reduced contributions from State and Federal governments, your council has been able to contain the average owner occupied general rate increase to 3.54%. In addition there will be no increase in the waste collection charge or the infrastructure charge of $52 introduced last year. More than $5.6 million will be spent on reconstruction and resealing of a number of roads across the Division, with a number of Parks undergoing park equipment replacements and an additional two river gauges at Highvale and Kobble Creek to provide early flood warnings. More details will be provided in future columns and Millar’s Mailbag.
STUDY TO TRACK WILD DOGS IN URBAN FRINGE
Wild dogs are a major problem for residents, pets and livestock in many urban fringe areas. Council is participating, along with 5 other South East Queensland councils in a three year research project facilitated by Biosecurity Queensland to help develop better strategies for controlling wild dogs in urban areas next to bushland.
The research project involves tagging wild dogs with GPS trackers to gain a better understanding of their habits and movements. DNA will also be taken from captured dogs and tested to determine the animals’ genetic origins. Dr Matt Gentle from Biosecurity Queensland says wild dogs harass and kill domestic stock and pets and are a source of disease. However, strategies used in rural areas are often not possible on city outskirts.
COMMUNITY GROUPS SHARE GRANTS HANDOUT – ROUND 2
At a recent meeting, Council approved grants totaling more than $200,000 to a range of community groups across the Region under its Community Assistance Grants Scheme. Local groups successful in gaining funding included Mt Nebo Residents Association, Samford Community Kindergarten, Samford Area Men’s Shed, Dayboro Soccer Club, and Red Deer Music and Arts Festival.
VOLUNTARY CONSERVATION AGREEMENTS
Council supports a number of landholders to maintain environmentally significant land as part of its Voluntary Conservation Agreement (VCA) Program. Council recently reviewed its financial and non-monetary support and has made a number of changes that will benefit qualifying landholders who are a part of the programme. There are a number of quite stringent conditions relating to admission to this program. Rebates of up to 75% of the general rate or $2000 pa (whichever is the lesser) are available along with a number of financial and non-financial support to assist with care and maintenance of the property within the programme. Details of this programme are available on council’s website www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au
DAYBORO SOCCER FIELD DRAINAGE
The ongoing issue of a wet area at the northern end of the Soccer field is to be the subject of what will hopefully be a long-term solution at the end of this playing season. The mystery of why this problem persists has puzzled locals and experts alike but should be solved with $110,000 being allocated in the 2013/14 budget to install additional drainage and re-turf the affected area prior to the commencement of the 2014 soccer season.
DAYBORO DAY A HUGE SUCCESS
