Aug2014_COUNCILLORs COLUMN
by Cr Bob Millar
DAYBORO SHOW SUCCESS
To the enjoyment of the thousands of residents and visitors who attended 2014 Show, a respite from the less favourable conditions of the last two years was welcome and a great relief for the hard working Show committee and their volunteers.
This local show which each year should be on every resident’s calendar has again provided a great selection of entertainment for the whole family at a very affordable price in a safe and family friendly environment. Having grown up around small country shows, it still surprises me when I bump into residents around the area who have not yet attended one of these great community Shows. Congratulations to the small band that make up the committee and to their helpers for another outstanding event. It has been a pleasure to continue Council’s support and see the organisers efforts rewarded.
ARE YOU LIGHTING FIRES
With recent frosts burning off grass and the winter dry period setting in, it is timely to remind residents of the risks involved in lighting fires, whether you are burning that build-up of fallen vegetation or having the backyard bonfire. Open fires over 2 metres in any direction require a permit from your local fire warden and even if the size of the fire is smaller you should call your local Rural Fire Brigade to let them know about your fire. Residents with inside fireplaces should also exercise care with the quality of timber being used and the smoke that might impact on your neighbours. Details for fire wardens and your local brigade are on the inside back page of the Village Pump.
HAVE YOU A DOG, HORSE OR CAT
More regularly than they would prefer, council officers have to deal with matters involving dogs not on a leash outside their property coming into conflict with other animals and/or their owners in public places. Often offending dogs are in the company of their owner or carer. Council’s Local Laws require that if your dog leaves your property, it must be under “effective control” which means on a leash and with a person physically able to restrain it. Pets walked off leash are not considered to be under effective control. The exception is if the dog is in a designated off leash park/area such as the one under construction in Warwick Lane. The consequences of animals attacking other animals or people can be quite severe and apart from the prospect of civil action, significant penalties apply for this offence. Under Council Local Law, it is also an offence not to remove your dog or horse faeces if it defecates in a public place and dispose of it in a sanitary way. Whilst some common sense does prevail in the rural/residential areas on both these issues, the cleanliness of paths, parks, sports precincts and other public places must be maintained. Whilst signage and bag dispensers are sometimes provided, be prepared to carry disposable bags or commercially available “pooper scoopers” when your animal (including cats, dogs & horses) is in a public place.
MOBILITY IN MORETON
Council recently released a booklet in conjunction with Queensland Government and Queensland Police providing advice on the use of mobility scooters. If you or someone you know uses a mobile scooter and would like one, please contact my office. A free visibility flag is also available whilst stocks last.
COUNCIL’S NEW PLANNING SCHEME
If you missed the mention of the new Moreton Bay Region Planning Scheme in my last column, here again is the key information. The Plan will be released for public consultation on 4 July and interested residents are encouraged to either view the detail on-line at www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au or visit the special manned displays at Strathpine, Redcliffe or Caboolture offices. The consultation period will end on 15th August following which detailed assessment of any submissions will be undertaken, accepted changes made and hopefully the State Governments approval gained by years end.
PROGRESS ON HAY ROAD REFUGE
I was in Dayboro recently on one of my many visits and very pleased to see that construction work on the Pedestrian refuge and pathway connection across Dayboro Road to the Terrors Creek bridge and hence to the village and beyond was well advanced. Just to clarify reference to Hay Rd as this section of road is still referred to as Hay Road in government records although the original Hay Rd which was the road into town is now the adjoining service road.
DID YOU KNOW?
That Round One of the Council’s 2014/2015 Community Grants Program has opened and will close on the 31 August 2014. For more information, see community grants program on www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au
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
