Apr2014_COUNCILLOR’S COLUMN
by Cr Bob Millar
MOBILE LIBRARY
How lucky are we – the Library comes to us! Why not visit the Mobile Library and check out what is available. The Mobile Library van’s next visit to Dayboro is Tuesday 22 April 2014.
The van stops outside Hay Cottage, Williams Street every second Tuesday from 2.00pm – 7.00pm. The bus also visits Ocean View and Mt Mee in the same week. Mt Samson School, Camp Constable (Mt Glorious) and Mt Nebo Hall are visited on each alternative week. For more information and a complete roster visit our website:
www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au
ANIMAL CONTROL
Council officers are continually dealing with complaints relating to animals. Often the nuisance of dogs barking or roaming outside their own property is caused by inadequate management by the animal’s owners or a lack of understanding of a dogs actions during the owner’s absence from the premises. Pets are little different to children and require much more attention than people often think when they acquire the “little ball of fluff”. Council has local laws that deal with the issues of animal control and it is important that pet and other animal owners understand these laws and the need for responsible ownership where permissible including giving appropriate consideration to those who live around them and who may be affected by their animal’s behaviour. Information is available on council’s website.
CLEAN UP AUSTRALIA DAY
More than 8,000 volunteers turned out at 120 Clean Up Australia Day sites across the Region on the first weekend in March. The efforts of these volunteers contributed to the collection of more than 145 cubic metres of rubbish and 71 wheelie bins of recyclable waste from the Region’s parks, open spaces, schools, beaches, roadways and waterways. This has been a great outcome for our environment and I would like to thank all of those volunteers and schools from the 14 groups around Division 11 who gave up their time to make a real difference. Let’s hope the rest of us can keep the place clear of litter for the rest of the year!!
NEW PROPERTY VALUATIONS
Residents across many Council regions in Queensland will, by now, have received property valuation notices from the State Department of Natural Resources and Mines. With a soft property market the latest valuations for Res A land including flats and townhouses, reflected a slight reduction of 1.76% over the valuations of 12 months ago. Any increase/decrease in a properties valuation does not translate directly to a similar change in Council’s general rates for next year. The spread of residential valuations in the Grapevine circulation area ranged from a decrease of 3.44% in Laceys Creek to an increase of 3.86% in Mount Samson. The Department has increased the amount of information available from its website with valuation details, including how to appeal your valuation if you believe it is inaccurate being available at www.dnrm.qld.gov.au/property/valuations/annual-valuations
LOCAL ROAD AND DRAINAGE WORKS
A significant project to improve drainage on and around McKenzie St is underway adjacent to the laneway to the Kindergarten. This $210k will involve increasing stormwater catchpit capacity and improved drainage into Tullamore Park.
Laceys Creek Road is receiving upgrade works along a number of sections under council’s reseal and reconstruction programme and construction of a number of culverts along Wirth Rd funded in the main by disaster relief monies, is progressing on schedule. The major construction of an internal driveway and carpark facility within the War Memorial Grounds has also recently been completed which will provide safe, level parking to service the soccer and rugby league facilities in this precinct.
MORETONS NEW PLANNING SCHEME
Since completion of the Community Plan in 2011 which gave residents of the Region the opportunity to identify key values with which to guide a draft strategic framework, council and its officers have over the last two and a half years been committing significant time and resources towards drafting the new planning scheme. The scheme will bring together and review the town plans of the former three councils and following a State interest check will shortly be released for community consultation. An extensive on-line presence is currently being prepared to assist in this consultation process.
SHAFT – Super Holiday Activities for Teenagers
Shaft is a program conducted 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 next program runs from Monday 7 April – Thursday 17 April 2014. SHAFT bookings have been open for awhile but it may not be too late get a booking online. More information is available on:
DID YOU KNOW?
Currently we have more than 45,000 registered dogs and 9,000 registered cats in the Moreton Bay Region and that these numbers are predicted to grow by an average annual growth rate of 2% over the next ten years. Pet ownership comes with a significant responsibility and commitment that can extend for up to 15 years.
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
Office 3480 6455.
Follow me on twitter.com/CrBobMillar
