June2012_COUNCILLORs COLUMN

by Cr Bob Millar
YOUR NEW COUNCIL COMES TOGETHER
Voters of Division 11 have delivered me yet another resounding show of support at the council elections on the 28th April which takes me into my 13th year of community service as your Councillor.

I am humbled by the extent of this support and would like to thank everyone who, on the 28th April, braved the atrocious weather conditions and saw fit to endorse my community representation and leadership.  The last four years have seen significant achievements in this part of my Division, whether they be new soccer facilities, improved parks, pathways and showground/rodeo facilities or the significant investment in our road infrastructure.  The future remains full of challenge for this rapidly growing Moreton Bay Region with continuing investment in both active and passive recreation, increased investment in road reconstruction/maintenance being balanced against the need to keep a tight rein on financial management to ensure good value for the ratepayers dollar.  Important also is the preservation and enhancement of our natural environment and the protection of those things that we all value and which make this a great place to live, work and play.  I would also like to publicly pay special thanks to the more than 90 volunteers who worked so hard during this election campaign, many of whom stood their ground on a wet and miserable election day to ensure they gave me the best possible opportunity to achieve the success that has come our way.  I am indebted to you all.  Council also held its post election induction meeting on Monday 14th May during which I have again been elected as spokesman for Corporate Services.  This includes the finance portfolio which has already commenced a busy program of budget deliberations in the reduced time available between now and the planned budget release date of the 29th June.
WILLIAMS STREET BRIDGE UPDATE
This major project to assist in improving flood mitigation of Dayboro Village, which involves widening of Sugar Mill Creek and rebuilding of the Williams Street bridge, is scheduled to commence in mid June.  Water and telephone services have already been relocated and tenders for the construction work has been let.  Construction of this project will involve quite an amount of disruption in the local area, but the Project Manager has been working with the local businesses to minimise the impact.  During this period there will be varying amounts of dislocation to traffic, for which Council apologises but which is unavoidable in completing this much needed piece of flood management work.  Efforts have been made in the design of this project to meet all required traffic and pedestrian safety requirements, but still maintain as much character/amenity as possible of this important community asset.
DAYBORO BOWLS CLUB IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Following representations from the Dayboro Bowls Club, arrangements are currently being made with Energex to locate a street light on the pole closest to the entrance of the Club from Bradley Street.  Approvals have been provided and installation of the light will be undertaken by Energex as soon as possible to improve visibility for the Bowls Club entrance.
NATIONAL BROADBAND NETWORK
The National Broadband Co recently announced its roll out schedule for the next 3 years, and whilst council has been pursuing a much more active program for our Region, it is pleasing to see that Dayboro has been scheduled for works to commence within the next 3 years.  Information on the National Broadband Network – its services and roll out – is available on the website www.nbnco.com.au.
FREE CONCERT
The Pine Rivers Brass Band will be holding its annual free of charge Seniors’ Concert on Saturday 16th June 2012.  The concert will be held at the Strathpine Community Centre, Mecklem Street Strathpine between 2.00pm – 4.30pm.  A complimentary afternoon tea will be available and there is a raffle with lots of prizes to win.  Why not go along for an enjoyable afternoon of entertainment.  Contact Ruth on 3886 0429, after 7pm, for your free tickets.
SHAFT – Super Holiday Activities for Teenagers
Shaft is a program introduced by Moreton Bay Regional Council for students who reside in or attend high school in the Moreton Bay region.  The exciting range of activities are subsidised by Council, making them more affordable and accessible for students.  The Program runs from 25th June – 6th July 2012 and includes all types of activities.  Bookings for Round 1 are open between 30th May and 8th June and bookings for Round 2 are open between 13th June and 20th June.  For more information phone (07) 5433 2052 or email events@moretonbay.qld.gov.au.
DID YOU KNOW?
That our website http://www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/  has an amazing amount of information but also ‘Quick Links’ to the following topics: 
Make a payment, Animal ownership, Cemeteries search, Fees & Charges, Flood mapping, Forms and Fact sheets, Major projects, Meetings & Minutes, Tenders online, Vacancies, Waste collections … WOW  and more!
For all your general council enquiries call 3205 0555 or email mbrc@moretonbay.qld.gov.au
If I can assist further please contact me.
Councillor Bob Millar
Independent – Division 11
info@bobmillar.com.au
mobile   0409 890 203