Dec2014_COUNCILLOR’S COLUMN
by Cr Bob Millar
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 and Facebook.com/bob.millar.92
CHRISTMAS IS ALMOST UPON US
By the time this edition of the Grapevine is on the streets, we will be within a few weeks of yet another Christmas and I’m sure like me, you all wonder where the past 12 months have gone. There is also no doubt that they seem to come around much faster every year. It has been another year of considerable achievement much of which I have been able to report to you through my regular columns and my Millars Mailbag newsletter. I look forward to working with you all in 2015 to make our substantial part of the huge Moreton Bay Regional Council an even better place to live. As this is the last edition of the Grapevine before Christmas, I would like to take the opportunity to wish you and your families a holy, enjoyable and safe festive season and a hope that the New Year is kind to you all. Despite this busy time of the year, I hope to see some of you at Swaggies, which I am pleased to continue to support to help offset the production costs. Access to Council services continues to be available over the holiday period on 3205 0555. (This number also contacts the Council’s Out of Hours Service for emergency matters).
FIREWORKS
Leading up to Christmas, a number of residents are involved in activities that include the use of fireworks. Under state legislation, fireworks may only be included at your event if they are provided and operated by a licensed pyro-technician and fireworks comes under the responsibility of the Queensland Department of Natural Resources and Mines. Apart from noise bouncing around our relatively quiet area we have many owners of horses and other domestic animals that do not enjoy the impact of fireworks. It is timely to remind residents of their responsibility on these matters to avoid potential prosecution and the risk of starting unwanted bush fires.
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. Activities are grouped into categories of Accelerate (Not for the faint hearted), Active (Fun and physical activities) and Arty (Creative and cultural). The next program runs from Monday 12 January to Friday 23 January 2015. Bookings open from Tuesday 9 December at 9.00am.
More information is available on: www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/shaft or by phoning 5433 2052, or email recreationprograms@moretonbay.qld.gov.au
COMMUNITY GRANT APPROVALS
Council recently approved more than $235,000 in grants to 36 community groups around the Region in its Round One 2014/15 program. Whilst demand for these grants continues to increase, I am pleased that 7 groups in Division 11 were successful. Projects such as a playground upgrade at the Dayboro Community Kindergarten, planning for Hall improvements at Mt Nebo and development of an Arts Trail event were among those successful. Grants to support worthwhile community projects and events are provided twice each year with applications for the next round opening on 1 February. Details are available from the website.
DID YOU KNOW?
That in 2014 there were more than 60,000 registered dogs and 9,500 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. As we approach Christmas and the potential for a pet to be on children’s wish list, remember that pet ownership comes with a significant responsibility and a commitment that can extend for up to 15 years.
