COUNCILLOR’S COLUMN Nov 08
by Cr Bob Millar
SNAKES ON THE MOVE
It’s that time of the year when reptiles are emerging from their winter hibernation and are easily coming into contact with people and pets and often acting aggressively. Residents should be especially careful when working in gardens and walking along our many recreational trails. It is advisable to carry a compression bandage in the event of snake bite. If not disturbed, snakes present little or no danger to people. For further information on snake bite first aid visit www.ambulance.qld.gov.au/publications/pdf/First_Aid_Hints_Booklet_contents.pdf.
DAYBORO CEMETERY FUTURE CAPITAL WORKS
Council has $10,000 included in the 2008/09 budget to continue design of a concept plan for the future of the Dayboro Cemetery and how this can best be managed to deal with the difficult terrain on the site. It is expected that the design work will be completed within the next couple of months.
PARKING AND VISIBILITY
Following completion of the significant works to remove the deep drains around Dayboro, some new line marking has been applied along Williams and Bradley streets. In response to an enquiry of me at a recent meeting in Dayboro, I have asked Council officers to investigate the possible impact on visibility for drivers turning left out of Williams Street from vehicles parked along the hall side of Bradley Street. These investigations have resulted in some minor changes to parking arrangements in this area so drivers should note these changes. Remember, Yellow line marking means “No Standing”.
MOBILE LIBRARY VISITS
Council’s mobile library visits Dayboro Monday fortnightly for our residents. The large white bus is found in Williams Street outside Hay Cottage. Visiting times: 1.30pm – 3.00 pm and also 5.00pm – 7.30pm. For further details please phone 3480 6666.
BUSH FIRE PREPAREDNESS
The rain that we have had during the year has significantly increased fuel loadings with undergrowth flourishing and this does not auger well for the coming fire season. Therefore this is a timely reminder that not only is the fire season fast approaching but it is time for everyone in fire prone areas to “bushfire proof” their homes and properties. Council has been working with the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, local volunteer Fire Brigades and the community to ensure any risks are minimised as much as possible. Residents in the higher risk areas are encouraged to take all steps to prepare their properties by controlling undergrowth, and to have plans in place for their families in the event of a bushfire. Publications offering valuable advice are available from your local Brigade, Council offices and on the Fire Service website www.fire.qldau..gov .
HOME WATERWISE SERVICE
This service has now concluded. The program was jointly funded by Council and the State Government and has been extremely successful in saving water now and into the future. There were 29,043 retrofits completed in the Moreton Bay Regional Council area alone. Across the SEQ region more than 4.5 million litres of water per annum is being saved, and Co 2 reductions of some 129 thousand tonnes per annum are being achieved.
The State Government has announced a new Climate Smart program which will commence on 2 January 2009. This program will cost $50 and still includes a shower rose and a simple water audit, along with energy efficient products and advice. The number to register for this program is 1800 199 794.
NEW QUEENSLAND LITTER LAWS
The State Government recently passed amendments to Queensland’s litter laws. These amendments (under the EPA 1994) commenced on 1st February 2008. The laws introduce a range of new offences, including “dangerous littering” and “littering from a vehicle”, and also allow Council to direct a person to clean up rubbish.
The new litter laws introduce a range of new offences that will assist Council in addressing litter problems. They will be beneficial in helping Council to promote a “clean and green” image that is conducive to a good standard of visual amenity, a healthy environment and promoting tourism.
Please report littering to Council on 3480 6666.
DID YOU KNOW?
Only 3% of the world’s water is fresh and only 1% of that is fit for human consumption. We are now starting to appreciate its real value as a very scarce resource.( Saltwater oceans hold 97% of surface water, glaciers and polar ice caps 2.4%, and other land surface water such as rivers, lakes and ponds 0.6%.)
Council has $10,000 included in the 2008/09 budget to continue design of a concept plan for the future of the Dayboro Cemetery and how this can best be managed to deal with the difficult terrain on the site. It is expected that the design work will be completed within the next couple of months.
PARKING AND VISIBILITY
Following completion of the significant works to remove the deep drains around Dayboro, some new line marking has been applied along Williams and Bradley streets. In response to an enquiry of me at a recent meeting in Dayboro, I have asked Council officers to investigate the possible impact on visibility for drivers turning left out of Williams Street from vehicles parked along the hall side of Bradley Street. These investigations have resulted in some minor changes to parking arrangements in this area so drivers should note these changes. Remember, Yellow line marking means “No Standing”.
MOBILE LIBRARY VISITS
Council’s mobile library visits Dayboro Monday fortnightly for our residents. The large white bus is found in Williams Street outside Hay Cottage. Visiting times: 1.30pm – 3.00 pm and also 5.00pm – 7.30pm. For further details please phone 3480 6666.
BUSH FIRE PREPAREDNESS
The rain that we have had during the year has significantly increased fuel loadings with undergrowth flourishing and this does not auger well for the coming fire season. Therefore this is a timely reminder that not only is the fire season fast approaching but it is time for everyone in fire prone areas to “bushfire proof” their homes and properties. Council has been working with the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, local volunteer Fire Brigades and the community to ensure any risks are minimised as much as possible. Residents in the higher risk areas are encouraged to take all steps to prepare their properties by controlling undergrowth, and to have plans in place for their families in the event of a bushfire. Publications offering valuable advice are available from your local Brigade, Council offices and on the Fire Service website www.fire.qldau..gov .
HOME WATERWISE SERVICE
This service has now concluded. The program was jointly funded by Council and the State Government and has been extremely successful in saving water now and into the future. There were 29,043 retrofits completed in the Moreton Bay Regional Council area alone. Across the SEQ region more than 4.5 million litres of water per annum is being saved, and Co 2 reductions of some 129 thousand tonnes per annum are being achieved.
The State Government has announced a new Climate Smart program which will commence on 2 January 2009. This program will cost $50 and still includes a shower rose and a simple water audit, along with energy efficient products and advice. The number to register for this program is 1800 199 794.
NEW QUEENSLAND LITTER LAWS
The State Government recently passed amendments to Queensland’s litter laws. These amendments (under the EPA 1994) commenced on 1st February 2008. The laws introduce a range of new offences, including “dangerous littering” and “littering from a vehicle”, and also allow Council to direct a person to clean up rubbish.
The new litter laws introduce a range of new offences that will assist Council in addressing litter problems. They will be beneficial in helping Council to promote a “clean and green” image that is conducive to a good standard of visual amenity, a healthy environment and promoting tourism.
Please report littering to Council on 3480 6666.
DID YOU KNOW?
Only 3% of the world’s water is fresh and only 1% of that is fit for human consumption. We are now starting to appreciate its real value as a very scarce resource.( Saltwater oceans hold 97% of surface water, glaciers and polar ice caps 2.4%, and other land surface water such as rivers, lakes and ponds 0.6%.)
