Feb2011 COUNCILLORs COLUMN

Well, what seems like an all too short Christmas/New Year break is behind us and everyone will have been gearing up for return to work, preparing for school, keeping the weeds under control, mowing the lawns, then almost out of the blue, so many people around this country have had their lives changed forever as a result of the devastating floods of the last few weeks.

Some 245 homes across the Moreton Region have been inundated either partly or wholly and many others have been impacted to varying degrees.  To these residents, our hearts go out to you and a huge thank you to the hundreds of friends, neighbours and total strangers who rushed so unselfishly to their aid.  If you know someone who is still in need of assistance to get their lives and property back to some normality, please give me a call as many generous folk have called me offering assistance.  There are many others who have been inconvenienced by some of the 100 plus flooded roads and causeways around the region.  Contractors and staff are also facing the challenge of dealing in these wet conditions with the rapidly growing grass along our roads and around our sports fields.  I hope you all have a good year and I look forward to working with you as the year goes by.
DAYBORO BOUNCES BACK
The worst flooding Dayboro has experienced since 1974 has certainly not broken the spirit of this community nor those who have been so badly affected.  The magnitude of this flood event has been attributed to the 400 mm of rain that fell following approx 200mm over the previous couple of days and an already saturated land.  The ferocity of the rain and resultant flooding was evidenced by the amount of property damage it has caused and  the amount of change that has occurred along our creeks and streams.  Council officers and representatives of a number of Government agencies hit the ground in the days immediately after the flood on Tuesday to offer assistance and advice to residents and businesses that had been affected.  I was also very impressed by the 170 plus turnout to the post flood community gathering organized by Constable Troy which gave many residents the opportunity to gain more information and share their experiences.  Carmel Bond even mounted a display of past events and, as with many towns and cities around our nation, it is simply not possible to flood proof the town.  Council officers have been undertaking flood studies and the information gathered from this event will assist in planning whatever may be possible to reduce some of the flooding on this very flat floodplain upon which Dayboro Village sits.  Hopefully we will get through the rest of summer without another flood but I am nervous about the forecasts for the next month or so.
ROAD AND BRIDGE CONDITIONS REPORT
With the current extreme weather conditions motorists and residents need to be alert to all the changes these conditions bring. In particular roads and bridges have suffered badly as a consequence of the long wet and potholes exist by the thousands.  Residents are welcome to report any issues or potholes through the call centre on 3205 0555, however Council crews and contractors are currently working to bring these situations under control.  Engineers will also be checking on bridges (one a priority basis) throughout our area for structural damage.  The prolonged wet has also contributed to a build up of moss and slime on many of our roads and footpaths and, until they have the opportunity to dry out, residents need to exercise extra caution in moving about.  Local roads that are the responsibility of the State Government Department of Main Roads include Samford Road, Mt Glorious Rd, Main Street, and Eatons Crossing Road.
UPGRADE OF DAYBORO RODEO ARENA
Plans are underway to upgrade part of the Dayboro Showgrounds before the annual rodeo in May.  Council has contributed $35,000 towards the project while six local organisations have collaborated to contribute a similar amount.  The annual rodeo is a big event for the township and it generates significant funds for the local community.  The rodeo area was very much in need of an upgrade and is currently utilised by several clubs and casual hirers, who I am sure will appreciated the improvements.
NEW1300 NUMBER FOR UNITYWATER
Unity water has been working towards a viable solution for Unitywater customers who live beyond the ‘local’ call area. We have now been advised that the new number is 1300 778 478 and this number can be used for faults and emergencies 24 hours, seven days a week.  The other local number is of course still available for Moreton Bay area customers (07) 5495 3333 or (07) 5431 8333.
AUSTRALIA DAY AWARDS – MADONNA SCORES
Our own local Citizen of the Year for 2010, Alison Taylor has now “handed over the crown” to Robert Hayes from Deception Bay who at a grand event held at the Redcliffe Cultural Centre on the 22nd January was named as 2011 Citizen of the Year for the Moreton Bay Region.  Stephanie Freeman from Eatons Hill was named, Young Citizen of the Year.  However, in a defining, emotion filled moment, I had the pleasure of presenting a Special Environmental Recognition Award to Madonna O’Brien from Ocean View. Madonna, as many of you know, is a longtime wildlife carer, educator on wildlife and fundraiser extraordinaire for her local Rural Fire Brigade.  I am sure that we all congratulate you on this achievement, Madonna.
DAYBORO REGAINS INTER TOWN CRICKET TROPHY
This year’s hotly contested 40 overs annual cricket match hosted by the Winn family in memory of long time local resident Ben Winn and played on 23rd January between Dayboro and Samford, saw Dayboro run out victors by 28 runs.  In batting second, Samford stayed in touch with Dayboro’s run rate and score of 8/155, but lost 4 valuable wickets to Mel Geddes good hands in the field finishing up all out for 124.  Dayboro’s win, if I recall correctly,  means that the two teams are 12 wins each in this long running competition.  The perpetual trophy struck a few years ago in memory of long time 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 Mel Geddes who scored an unbeaten 49 and followed that up with 1 wicket for 15 and 4 catches.  Once again, another great sporting event has contributed towards building the spirit that makes such a positive mark on our local community.
IT’S PINE RIVERS CUP TIME AGAIN 
The keenly contested annual Pine Rivers Cup pre-season rugby league competition kicks off its 15th  year on Saturday 12th February.  The first match will be played at the Les Hughes Sports complex, Francis Road Lawnton, commencing at 6pm.  The second round will be held at Samford on 19th February and will feature the battle between Samford and Dayboro for the longstanding Earl McDonald and Jack Lawson trophy.  The Over 35’s competition for born again stars and masochists continues to be a highlight of this competition and precedes the main games.  The finals will be played at Mathieson Park, Petrie on Saturday 26th February. 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 evening’s sporting entertainment so please put these dates in your diary and make a commitment to support your local club.
DID YOU KNOW?
That across Moreton Bay Region there is over 3,370 klms of Council owned roads.  Regular inspection programs help identify the age and condition of these assets and repair/reconstruction works undertaken as prioritised and funds become available.
For all your general council enquiries call 3205 0555 or email mbrc@moretonbay.qld.gov.au
If I can assist further please contact me.