Oct2012_COUNCILLORs COLUMN

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
bob.millar@moretonbay.qld.gov.au
Office 3480 6455.

ROADWORKS PROGRAMME 2012/13
I have reported in earlier columns that Council’s 2012/13 Budget includes a 25% ($26 million) increase in the investment in road maintenance and construction across the Region to help overcome the damage caused by the last 18 months of wet weather and the resultant reduced life of some of the road network.  In Division 11 alone, an investment of more than $5.9 million will be made towards more than 25 road, bridge and pathway construction and maintenance projects.  Sections of Mt Nebo Road at Jollys Lookout, Wights Mountain Rd near Mt Glorious Rd, Broads Rd at Closeburn, Oakey Flat and Mumford Roads at Narangba, Browns Road at Kurwongbah, Williams St in Dayboro, Fahey Rd at Mt Glorious as well as bridge repairs at Bunya, Closeburn, Kobble Creek and Rush Creek are some of the key projects to be undertaken this year on top of numerous smaller road patching jobs around the Division.
WILLIAMS STREET BRIDGE – Further Update
The fine weather has enabled work on this major project to progress well with all new culvert sections now in place.  The contractor is excavating the northern basin and landscaping works will commence shortly.  The project is expected to be completed towards the end of November weather permitting.
APEX PARK – Flood Recovery
As everybody is aware the Dayboro area and many residents suffered significantly in the January 2011 floods and the deluge down the North Pine River demolished most of the equipment in Apex Park.  Council staff recently installed new picnic table, shelter and BBQ in what will hopefully be a slightly safer position, although it may still flood in an extreme event.  This refurbishment will restore the Park to its former inviting condition.
EMERGENCY POWER ASSISTANCE FOR 15 DISASTER EVACUATION CENTRES
A recent 3 way partnership saw Australian and Queensland Governments, join MBRC in contributing $66,500 each to fund upgrades to the electrical systems, new concrete pads and the purchase of 3 trailer mounted generators.  This additional resource will support any of the 15 evacuation centres across the Region should power be lost in an emergency situation.
NOMINATE NOW FOR ‘AUSTRALIA DAY’ AWARDS
Nominate a local community achiever for the 2013 Moreton Bay Regional Council Australia Day Awards.  The awards are open to Moreton Bay Region residents who have donated their time to benefit the Moreton Bay Region community, or who have achieved success in their chosen sporting, environmental or cultural endeavours.  Categories include Citizen of the Year, Youth Citizen of the Year, Sportsperson of the Year, Young Sportsperson of the Year, Environmental Achievement, Cultural Award and Community Event.  Nominations are open until November 9, 2012 and can be downloaded via www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/ausawards
HEALTHY AND ACTIVE MORETON
Grab your free copy of council’s new Healthy & Active Moreton brochure and explore the free and low cost activities and programs available to residents in the Moreton Bay Region.
The guide can be downloaded via council’s website www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au  or call 3205 0555 for a copy.
PINE RIVERS BRASS BAND – CHRISTMAS CONCERT
If you feel like a lazy afternoon on Saturday 17th November why not come along to the Strathpine Community Centre in Mecklem Street, Strathpine, listen to a wide variety of music provided by the Pine Rivers Brass Band and enjoy a complimentary tea/coffee.  Tickets will be on sale at the door: Adults $8, Children under 14 $5 and Children under 5 FREE.
PINE RIVERS CHAPLAINCY SUPPORT DINNER
Another successful Chaplaincy Dinner was held at the North Leagues Club on the 3rd September with guest speaker Steve Renouf.  The evening was a great success and with ticket sales, auctions, raffles and donations raising a fantastic $21,011.45. Congratulations to all involved.
DID YOU KNOW?
Council recovers approximately 9,300 tons of ferris metal and 320 tons of non ferris metal each year through its waste facilities.  Not only does this contribute significantly to Council’s recycling efforts, sale of this material generates several million dollars each year.