COUNCILLORS COLUMN Feb09
by Cr Bob Millar
WELCOME TO THE NEW YEAR
As we start another new year I sincerely hope that everyone had a Happy Christmas and is looking forward to a positive New Year. Everyone should be back at work, schools will be busy with new students and clubs will be organising their programs. Our new Council has had a very busy first nine months, and as we move into the new year there continues to be many challenges ahead.
Amongst these will be the continued dealing with the many post amalgamation issues such as rating uniformity across all districts. We planning to meet the sporting, recreational, social and environmental needs of our growing communities and are confident that we can provide the best possible services and facilities. Our new corporate structure is now in place and staff movements within the districts are being finalised which will ensure a more streamlined approach to managing resident and general Council issues. I look forward to continuing to work with the many communities of interest spread across the 600 sq kms that comprises Division 11. I wish you all a safe and happy 2009.
CLEAN UP AUSTRALIA DAY
We need your help. Clean up Australia Day this year will be held on Sunday 1st March 2009. This great community activity gives residents an opportunity to contribute to improve their environment and our community. Council has numerous sites across the Shire where community groups and individuals can turn out to help clean up. If you can spare a couple of hours between 8 am and 11 am, please come and do your bit for our environment and join the good folk from the Lions and APEX clubs or the Samsonvale Rural Fire Brigade who are regulars with Clean Up. For more information about this event or where sites are located please phone Council on 3480 6666.
ROADWORKS – WHITESIDE ROAD / POSTMANS TRACK
Design work on the long awaited upgrade of the Whiteside Road / Postmans Track intersection has now been completed. The project involves realigning Whiteside Road to the top of the crest on Postmans Track and work on this $355,000 project is due to commence in late February/early March. I am sure that the residents of Whiteside Road will welcome this significant upgrade.
SAFETY IMPROVEMENT WORKS
We have been advised that Department of Main Roads is undertaking work at various locations along Gympie Road, Dayboro Road and Mount Mee Road to improve safety for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists. Works will include: installing guardrails at various locations between Strathpine and Ocean View; improving roadside signage; and upgrading pedestrian and cyclist crossing facilities in various locations. Works are scheduled to commence in early 2009 and should be completed by late June 2009. Works will take place between 8am and 3.30pm Monday to Friday, however some night works may take place between 9pm and 5am. Minor traffic delays may occur due to lane closures with reduced speed limits through the work site. If you require any further information please contact Ms Marilyn Razika, Main Roads project manager on 3137 8116.
STREET TREES ON DELANEY
Over the last couple of years the condition of the grand old street trees on Delaney Street have continued to decline due to a combination of age and the drought conditions. It has been necessary to remove some of these trees and unfortunately more trees are destined for removal because of their poor health. Given the value to local amenity that street trees provide, I have requested Council officers to implement an appropriate replacement program for these trees.
IT’S RUGBY LEAGUE TIME AGAIN
The keenly contested annual Pine Rivers Cup pre-season rugby league competition kicks off its 13th year at Les Hughes Reserve, Francis Road, Lawnton from 6pm on Saturday 14th February 2009. Pine Rivers will be playing Samford, and Pine Central/Holy Spirit will be playing Dayboro with the second game commencing at 7.30pm. The usually good spirited but intensive clash between Dayboro and Samford for the long standing Earl McDonald and Jack Lawson trophy will also take place in the second round at Samford on 21st February starting at 7.30pm. Council is again pleased to be supporting this competition with $1500 in sponsorship. The Pine Rivers Cup competition over the years has built a strong following and provides spectators with a great evenings’ sporting entertainment and runs over three weeks concluding with the finals at Pine Rivers, Mundin Street fields, Petrie on Saturday 28th February. These games are proving very popular local entertainment so please put these dates in your diary and make a commitment to support your local club.
BLOOD DONORMOBILE IN TOWN AGAIN – DO SOMETHING SPECIAL
Our good friends at the Red Cross Blood Service will be after some more of that good Dayboro blood when the van makes one of its regular visits to town on Wednesday 4th February 2009. Blood stocks in all types are at extremely low levels after Christmas and strong donor support is sought. The van will be located in Williams Street near the Community Pool and taking collections between 9.00am – 3.00pm. For medical enquiries or an appointment prior to the visit please phone 3889 7333 or on the day of the visit phone 0413 153 590 for an appointment. New Donors are always welcome – remember you never know when you may need this service.
For all your general council enquiries call 3480 6666 or email customer_service@moretonbay.qld.gov.au
If I can assist further please contact me.
CLEAN UP AUSTRALIA DAY
We need your help. Clean up Australia Day this year will be held on Sunday 1st March 2009. This great community activity gives residents an opportunity to contribute to improve their environment and our community. Council has numerous sites across the Shire where community groups and individuals can turn out to help clean up. If you can spare a couple of hours between 8 am and 11 am, please come and do your bit for our environment and join the good folk from the Lions and APEX clubs or the Samsonvale Rural Fire Brigade who are regulars with Clean Up. For more information about this event or where sites are located please phone Council on 3480 6666.
ROADWORKS – WHITESIDE ROAD / POSTMANS TRACK
Design work on the long awaited upgrade of the Whiteside Road / Postmans Track intersection has now been completed. The project involves realigning Whiteside Road to the top of the crest on Postmans Track and work on this $355,000 project is due to commence in late February/early March. I am sure that the residents of Whiteside Road will welcome this significant upgrade.
SAFETY IMPROVEMENT WORKS
We have been advised that Department of Main Roads is undertaking work at various locations along Gympie Road, Dayboro Road and Mount Mee Road to improve safety for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists. Works will include: installing guardrails at various locations between Strathpine and Ocean View; improving roadside signage; and upgrading pedestrian and cyclist crossing facilities in various locations. Works are scheduled to commence in early 2009 and should be completed by late June 2009. Works will take place between 8am and 3.30pm Monday to Friday, however some night works may take place between 9pm and 5am. Minor traffic delays may occur due to lane closures with reduced speed limits through the work site. If you require any further information please contact Ms Marilyn Razika, Main Roads project manager on 3137 8116.
STREET TREES ON DELANEY
Over the last couple of years the condition of the grand old street trees on Delaney Street have continued to decline due to a combination of age and the drought conditions. It has been necessary to remove some of these trees and unfortunately more trees are destined for removal because of their poor health. Given the value to local amenity that street trees provide, I have requested Council officers to implement an appropriate replacement program for these trees.
IT’S RUGBY LEAGUE TIME AGAIN
The keenly contested annual Pine Rivers Cup pre-season rugby league competition kicks off its 13th year at Les Hughes Reserve, Francis Road, Lawnton from 6pm on Saturday 14th February 2009. Pine Rivers will be playing Samford, and Pine Central/Holy Spirit will be playing Dayboro with the second game commencing at 7.30pm. The usually good spirited but intensive clash between Dayboro and Samford for the long standing Earl McDonald and Jack Lawson trophy will also take place in the second round at Samford on 21st February starting at 7.30pm. Council is again pleased to be supporting this competition with $1500 in sponsorship. The Pine Rivers Cup competition over the years has built a strong following and provides spectators with a great evenings’ sporting entertainment and runs over three weeks concluding with the finals at Pine Rivers, Mundin Street fields, Petrie on Saturday 28th February. These games are proving very popular local entertainment so please put these dates in your diary and make a commitment to support your local club.
BLOOD DONORMOBILE IN TOWN AGAIN – DO SOMETHING SPECIAL
Our good friends at the Red Cross Blood Service will be after some more of that good Dayboro blood when the van makes one of its regular visits to town on Wednesday 4th February 2009. Blood stocks in all types are at extremely low levels after Christmas and strong donor support is sought. The van will be located in Williams Street near the Community Pool and taking collections between 9.00am – 3.00pm. For medical enquiries or an appointment prior to the visit please phone 3889 7333 or on the day of the visit phone 0413 153 590 for an appointment. New Donors are always welcome – remember you never know when you may need this service.
For all your general council enquiries call 3480 6666 or email customer_service@moretonbay.qld.gov.au
If I can assist further please contact me.
Councillor Bob Millar
Independent – Division 11
Moreton Bay Regional Council
Ph. 3480 6455
Email: bob.millar@moretonbay.qld.gov.au
