May2014_COUNCILLOR’S COLUMN
by Cr Bob Millar
DAYBORO RODEO YARDS SET FOR UPGRADE
I have been working with representatives of the Dayboro Rodeo Association and other stakeholder groups for the last few years on plans to upgrade the Rodeo facilities and see the Dayboro Rodeo continue to grow as one of the major sporting and tourism events in the Regional calendar. The arena itself was upgraded a little over twelve months ago with contributions from Council adding to the significant financial input that came from the user groups and I am pleased to have been able to secure significant additional funding in the 2013/14 budget to undertake redevelopment of the livestock holding yards.
Tenders closed last month for this project and council officers will be working with the Rodeo Association and the preferred contractor to ensure the project delivers the best possible value for money. Work is expected to commence shortly after this year’s Rodeo.
MCKENZIE STREET DRAINAGE
A significant drainage project adjacent to the school in McKenzie street should be well underway at the time of reading this column. The project costing approximately $200,000 includes the upgrade of the McKenzie street stormwater inlets and drainage network down to Tullamore Park to reduce water ponding on the street and reduce the overland flow currently affecting residents on the downstream side of the road. Works will take several weeks to complete and inconvenience to motorists will hopefully be kept to a minimum.
DAYBORO ART GALLERY ALMOST GETS THE STIFF BRUSH
As part of Council’s ongoing inspections of its hundreds of buildings across the Region, the ageing and structurally suspect Dayboro Art Gallery recently seriously failed an engineering assessment of its condition. Whilst the building has for a long time been known to be less than might be desired structurally but has withstood the ravages of time and quite a few floods, the recent report on its condition has taken myself and the Gallery members by surprise. Whilst there has been considerable inconvenience to the operation of the gallery, I have been working closely with its members and council officers to hopefully recover from what at first looked like a very dismal future for the building. It seems that a way has been found to salvage this grand old lady and preserve its future as one of the districts historical and tourism related icons through a special financial commitment from Council and a revised view of what building repairs might be possible.
Hopefully, building works can commence as soon as practicable and the Gallery members can fully return to normal operations.
DAYBORO DAY – 23rd Year!
This huge event draws visitors from far and wide, including interstate, and not only contributes to the growing interest in our area as a tourist destination, but is the final major activity of the annual Pine Rivers Festival. This mainly free event, which I am pleased continues to be supported by Council, also provides an opportunity for local community groups to raise valuable funds to support their activities. With volunteerism struggling to provide adequate resources for so many of our important community activities, can I ask all readers, who may not be otherwise engaged in Dayboro Day festivities, to dig deep into their time and energy to assist the small band of people who do most of the organizing for what is an outstanding community event. For more information visit www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au .
MORETONS NEW PLANNING SCHEME
Since completion of the Community Plan in 2011 which gave residents of the Region the opportunity to identify key values with which to guide a draft strategic framework, council and its officers have over the last two and a half years been committing significant time and resources towards drafting the new planning scheme. The scheme will bring together and review the town plans of the former three councils and following a State interest check will shortly be released for community consultation. An extensive on-line presence is currently being prepared to assist in this consultation process.
DID YOU KNOW?
That there are more than 600,000 books, movies and songs at your fingertips with the Moreton Bay Region Libraries’ new smartphone app. The new app allows users to search the region’s extensive library catalogue, access accounts, reserve items, download eBooks and discover upcoming event all from a smartphone or tablet. For more information visit www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/libraries
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
Office 3480 6455.
Follow me on twitter.com/CrBobMillar and Facebook.com/bob.millar.92
