COUNCILLORS COLUMN July 09
by Cr Bob Millar
COUNCIL BUDGET TIME AGAIN
Several months of meetings and careful planning have gone into preparation of the 2009-10 budget which will have been brought down by the Mayor on 26th June 2009.
A special edition of Moreton Living containing major details of the budget will be issued to all residents and I will provide some information on specific local aspects of the budget in upcoming editions of my newsletter, Millar’s Mailbag, and other newspaper columns that I write.
I can say however, that despite the increasing demands being placed on local government, this year’s rate increases have been kept as tight and low as possible and compare favourably with other Shires and Cities in growth areas of South East Queensland.
The global financial crisis which has contributed to a significant reduction in other revenues to Council, such as development fees and charges, along with the continuing cost of bedding down the council amalgamation process have added to the budget challenges.
Increased costs of many of the services and products Council requires to operate such as the significant increase in raw water charges imposed upon us, are also impacting on this year’s budget planning.
Nevertheless, Council, in acknowledging the difficult times being experienced by many of our residents, is committed to supporting both employment in our region and the needs of our community in the provision of sporting, cultural and recreational facilities through a responsible programme of capital expenditure.
DAYBORO SHOW 2009
This popular community event is once again almost with us.
The country show has for many years been a part of the character of most rural communities and provides new and old residents alike the opportunity to savour a unique experience in the history of rural and semi-rural living
With this and similar important events suffering under the impost of the increasing cost of public liability and other issues, I would encourage you all to support this year’s 54th Dayboro Show on 10/11/12 July.
As a mark of the importance of the annual show to the Region, Council is again providing $5,000 to assist the Show Society in staging the event and a further $500 to help the woodchop programme maintain its status as one of the Show’s most popular events.
I have again arranged for a Council display/information stand to be provided and I look forward to many of you dropping by for a chat over the Show weekend.
D’AGUILAR NATIONAL PARK CREATED
On the 5th June, I was pleased to attend the World Environment Day announcement of the creation of the D’Aguilar National Park by the State Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability, Kate Jones, which was held at Walkabout Creek, The Gap.
The Park, which stretches from the western suburbs of Brisbane to as far north as Woodford, comprises approximately 50,000 ha and protects the core of this significant tract of land.
Other smaller reserves such as Bunyaville and Samford conservation parks and the Mt Coot-tha forest adjoin the National Park.
The Park supports a wide range of recreational activities with picnicking, walking, mountain biking, camping and horse riding permitted in various parts of the park.
We are lucky to have such a significant and valuable natural asset at our backdoor. A comprehensive travellers guide and map is available and further information can be obtained at www.derm.qld.gov.au or by calling 1300 130 372.
DAYBORO DAY- A COMMUNITY SUCCESS STORY
Another Dayboro Day has come and gone with the many months of careful planning undertaken by the Progress Association members and Council staff being rewarded with perfect weather and record crowds turning out to this significant event.
The success of this years event was not only measured by the great number of community and sporting groups that participated in the parade, but by the financial benefit that flowed to both those groups conducting fundraising activities, and to other businesses in the town. It also contributed significantly in promoting the region’s tourism potential.
Congratulations to Maria Hansen, Lexie Bell and their team of helpers who made this event another Dayboro success story.
I also add my congratulations to Resident of the Year, Richard Hawkins, and for David and Christine Easlea for taking out the Business Recognition Award, and to Lachy Ferguson for his Young Achiever Award.
I am pleased that Council continues to support this significant community and regional event.
AUSTRALIAN CITIZENSHIP
Moreton Bay Regional Council held another of its naturalisation ceremonies recently with more than 100 residents becoming Australian Citizens. Among those was our local GP, David Sawdon. Congratulations to all those new ‘Aussies’.
Pictured below is new “Aussie” Dr David Sawdon and Cr Bob Millar at the recent naturalisation ceremony:
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS ARE HERE AGAIN
Council are again running the SHAFT program for students who reside in or attend high school in the Moreton Bay region. Activities are subsidised by Council making them more affordable and accessible for students.
Although bookings opened on 5th June the program goes through until 10th July 2009 and includes a mix of adventure and passive activities such as archery; canoeing, jewellery making, mosaics, fencing, go-karting, laser skirmish, horse-riding, fishing to name a few. For more information call 3480 6666.
The Libraries at Strathpine and Arana Hills also have School Holiday Fun for 13 – 17 year olds. For details about what is on at these libraries visit the website at http://library.moretonbay.qld.gov.au or ask at the library.
DAYBORO AND DISTRICTS AMATEUR SWIMMING CLUB
It was a pleasure recently to attend the annual trophy presentation function for the Dayboro and Districts Amateur Swimming Club and to assist in presenting some of the well earned awards to participating swimmers.
The Dayboro Swimming Pool offers a valuable facility for our local community, and statistics that I receive periodically, reflect an increase in the number of children participating in “Learn to Swim” classes.
Having been involved with swim clubs with my own children for more than 15 years I recommend the value of participating in this form of healthy sport, as well as gaining potentially life saving experience, and encourage those families with young children to consider becoming members of the Swim Club.
SPEED LIMITS
From time to time I receive requests from residents for Council to review the speed limit on some roads (usually requests from nearby resident to reduce posted speed limits).
Over the last few years a number of roads have been audited and appropriate speed limits posted. Often the audits recommend speed limits that most users find unacceptable for normal driving behaviour.
One such road that has been brought to my attention – by residents concerned at the default speed limit (100 kpm) is Ocean View Road. I have requested officers to undertake an investigation of the speed limits for this road.
The potential cost of establishing a range of speed limits along this road would not only be significant in terms of the extent of signage and the cost, but would present some difficulties in policing. Nevertheless there may be a solution that will address the main concerns of residents.
DID YOU KNOW? That Council spends almost $10,000,000 per year on electricity for street lighting and this amount is increasing significantly following changes to the pricing structure for electricity.
I can say however, that despite the increasing demands being placed on local government, this year’s rate increases have been kept as tight and low as possible and compare favourably with other Shires and Cities in growth areas of South East Queensland.
The global financial crisis which has contributed to a significant reduction in other revenues to Council, such as development fees and charges, along with the continuing cost of bedding down the council amalgamation process have added to the budget challenges.
Increased costs of many of the services and products Council requires to operate such as the significant increase in raw water charges imposed upon us, are also impacting on this year’s budget planning.
Nevertheless, Council, in acknowledging the difficult times being experienced by many of our residents, is committed to supporting both employment in our region and the needs of our community in the provision of sporting, cultural and recreational facilities through a responsible programme of capital expenditure.
DAYBORO SHOW 2009
This popular community event is once again almost with us.
The country show has for many years been a part of the character of most rural communities and provides new and old residents alike the opportunity to savour a unique experience in the history of rural and semi-rural living
With this and similar important events suffering under the impost of the increasing cost of public liability and other issues, I would encourage you all to support this year’s 54th Dayboro Show on 10/11/12 July.
As a mark of the importance of the annual show to the Region, Council is again providing $5,000 to assist the Show Society in staging the event and a further $500 to help the woodchop programme maintain its status as one of the Show’s most popular events.
I have again arranged for a Council display/information stand to be provided and I look forward to many of you dropping by for a chat over the Show weekend.
D’AGUILAR NATIONAL PARK CREATED
On the 5th June, I was pleased to attend the World Environment Day announcement of the creation of the D’Aguilar National Park by the State Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability, Kate Jones, which was held at Walkabout Creek, The Gap.
The Park, which stretches from the western suburbs of Brisbane to as far north as Woodford, comprises approximately 50,000 ha and protects the core of this significant tract of land.
Other smaller reserves such as Bunyaville and Samford conservation parks and the Mt Coot-tha forest adjoin the National Park.
The Park supports a wide range of recreational activities with picnicking, walking, mountain biking, camping and horse riding permitted in various parts of the park.
We are lucky to have such a significant and valuable natural asset at our backdoor. A comprehensive travellers guide and map is available and further information can be obtained at www.derm.qld.gov.au or by calling 1300 130 372.
DAYBORO DAY- A COMMUNITY SUCCESS STORY
Another Dayboro Day has come and gone with the many months of careful planning undertaken by the Progress Association members and Council staff being rewarded with perfect weather and record crowds turning out to this significant event.
The success of this years event was not only measured by the great number of community and sporting groups that participated in the parade, but by the financial benefit that flowed to both those groups conducting fundraising activities, and to other businesses in the town. It also contributed significantly in promoting the region’s tourism potential.
Congratulations to Maria Hansen, Lexie Bell and their team of helpers who made this event another Dayboro success story.
I also add my congratulations to Resident of the Year, Richard Hawkins, and for David and Christine Easlea for taking out the Business Recognition Award, and to Lachy Ferguson for his Young Achiever Award.
I am pleased that Council continues to support this significant community and regional event.
AUSTRALIAN CITIZENSHIPMoreton Bay Regional Council held another of its naturalisation ceremonies recently with more than 100 residents becoming Australian Citizens. Among those was our local GP, David Sawdon. Congratulations to all those new ‘Aussies’.
Pictured below is new “Aussie” Dr David Sawdon and Cr Bob Millar at the recent naturalisation ceremony:
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS ARE HERE AGAIN
Council are again running the SHAFT program for students who reside in or attend high school in the Moreton Bay region. Activities are subsidised by Council making them more affordable and accessible for students.
Although bookings opened on 5th June the program goes through until 10th July 2009 and includes a mix of adventure and passive activities such as archery; canoeing, jewellery making, mosaics, fencing, go-karting, laser skirmish, horse-riding, fishing to name a few. For more information call 3480 6666.
The Libraries at Strathpine and Arana Hills also have School Holiday Fun for 13 – 17 year olds. For details about what is on at these libraries visit the website at http://library.moretonbay.qld.gov.au or ask at the library.
DAYBORO AND DISTRICTS AMATEUR SWIMMING CLUB
It was a pleasure recently to attend the annual trophy presentation function for the Dayboro and Districts Amateur Swimming Club and to assist in presenting some of the well earned awards to participating swimmers.
The Dayboro Swimming Pool offers a valuable facility for our local community, and statistics that I receive periodically, reflect an increase in the number of children participating in “Learn to Swim” classes.
Having been involved with swim clubs with my own children for more than 15 years I recommend the value of participating in this form of healthy sport, as well as gaining potentially life saving experience, and encourage those families with young children to consider becoming members of the Swim Club.
SPEED LIMITS
From time to time I receive requests from residents for Council to review the speed limit on some roads (usually requests from nearby resident to reduce posted speed limits).
Over the last few years a number of roads have been audited and appropriate speed limits posted. Often the audits recommend speed limits that most users find unacceptable for normal driving behaviour.
One such road that has been brought to my attention – by residents concerned at the default speed limit (100 kpm) is Ocean View Road. I have requested officers to undertake an investigation of the speed limits for this road.
The potential cost of establishing a range of speed limits along this road would not only be significant in terms of the extent of signage and the cost, but would present some difficulties in policing. Nevertheless there may be a solution that will address the main concerns of residents.
DID YOU KNOW? That Council spends almost $10,000,000 per year on electricity for street lighting and this amount is increasing significantly following changes to the pricing structure for electricity.
