COUNCILLORS COLUMN March 2009
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 BUSH FIRES IN MORETON REGION
Even as I write this column with heavy rain falling, I am receiving emails from residents who, in the wake of the horrendous situation in Victoria, have taken on an increased awareness of the potential risks that exist in our region. Whilst the weather, nature of vegetation, and other conditions experienced during the recent Victorian bush fires, are not common place in South East Queensland, our region can be affected by major bush fires. Over recent years Council and other agencies have expended significant funds on increasing the safety of our communities from bush fire through organised public education programs, and construction of numerous fire breaks. Fuel reduction burning has also been undertaken by Council, Queensland Fire Service, and Queensland Parks and Wildlife, although the risks of bush fire cannot be totally mitigated. Residents in fire prone areas are continually encouraged to ensure that they have done all that is possible to ensure the protection of their own homes and families. Information on all aspects of bush fire prevention and management is available at www.fireqld.gov.au
DAYBORO ART SHOW – 28th and 29th March
I am looking forward to the opening of the Dayboro Art Show on the evening of 27th March -it promises to be a cultural event with artwork from established artists and students, and music by musicians from the Mueller International Chamber Orchestra. For more information go to www.dayboroartworks.asn.au.
BUSHCARE PROGRAM – March 2009
If you want to join in Council’s Bushcare Program come along on the following days:
The South Pine Waterway Group – Sat 21st March – 8am-10am – Meet on the Cnr of Gibbons and Mt Samson Rd next to the RSL Memorial, Samford
Mt Pleasant Bushcare Group – Sun 22nd March – 3pm-5pm – Meet at road reserve opposite 259 Mt Brisbane Rd, Mt Pleasant
Highvale Forest Revival group – Sat 28th March – 9.30-11.30am – Meet upstream from Showgrounds Drive bridge, Highvale
Activites include: Plant and weed identification; encouraging natural regeneration; tree planting; mulching; weeding; and habitat creation.
Ensure you’re wearing protective clothing (long sleeves and long pants are recommended), suitable footwear, bring plenty of water, wear a hat, sunscreen and insect repellent if necessary. Council provides tools and equipment, plants, mulch and refreshments. Bushcare volunteers receive newsletters, invitations to social events and are also offered a variety of training courses throughout the year.
For more information phone Council on 3480 6666.
DAYBORO REGAINS INTER-TOWN CRICKET TROPHY
This year’s hotly contested 40 overs annual cricket match hosted by the Winn family in memory of longtime local resident Ben Winn and played on 1st February between Dayboro and Samford, saw Dayboro run out victors by a comfortable margin. In batting second, Samford struggled to stay in touch with Dayboro’s run rate and a score of 236, falling short by about 70 runs. Dayboro’s win gives them a one victory margin over Samford with their 11th win in this 21 game competition. The perpetual trophy struck four years ago in memory of longtime player and committed supporter of the inter town competition, Kerry Flynn, and presented to the player of the match, was awarded this year to Dayboro’s Russell Mundy who scored an unbeaten 66 and followed that up with 2 wickets for 17. Once again, another great sporting event has contributed towards building the spirit that makes such a positive mark on our local community.
OVERHEAD STANDPIPES
Council amalgamations, and the transfer of Council’s water supply services under the State’s Water Reform arrangements, have necessitated a review of the free use of overhead standpipes located around the former Pine Rivers Shire. Free access by some residents to potable water via the standpipes was unique to Pine Rivers and not available to residents elsewhere in Moreton Bay Regional Council area, or throughout other Local Authorities in South East Queensland. Council officers will shortly implement arrangements to restrict public access to these standpipes although access will continue to be available to our Rural Fire Brigades to support their community safety activities. With most rainwater tanks replenished following recent rains, it will be timely for those who have accessed standpipes for domestic emergency supplies in the past to review their capacity to meet future needs, or have access to details of their local water carriers.
