July2014_COUNCILLORs COLUMN
by Cr Bob Millar
COUNCIL BUDGET 2014/15
On 5th June, the Mayor and I delivered the 2014/15 Moreton Bay Regional Council Budget and were pleased to report that despite the impact of the same cost pressures that affect many in the community, Council was able to keep a rate increase within reach of inflation and for the owner occupied residential property, this amounted to an average increase of 3.25% or 82 cents per week. Obviously, depending on valuations, this will vary across the Region but it is the average.
More than $6m will be spent this year on road resurfacing, embankment repairs and stormwater infrastructure across Division 11 with an increased amount of $2.3m being committed to continue the ongoing road resurfacing programme. The Dayboro War Memorial Grounds which service a number of user groups is set for a further $150,000 to complete reconstruction of the Rodeo Arena Yards complex which will be underway shortly. An amount of $250,000 has also been provided to replace the existing tennis clubhouse and improve its flood immunity. $1.25 million is provided over 2 years to undertake further flood mitigation of the Dayboro Village which includes drains and culverts between Heathwood Street and the existing drainage system across William Street. I will provide further details on individual budget items in future editions. Additional information on the budget plus mine and the Mayors speeches are posted on the council’s website www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au
SAFETY SWITCHES ON RIDE ON MOWERS
From time to time I hear of residents having misadventures with their ride-on mowers, sometimes as they navigate the challenging terrain of our rural residential properties. Some residents have been known to disengage the motor and blade cut out switches which form part of the safety features of their machine and on at least one occasion has caused serious injury through the operator coming into contact with rotating blades. Having grown up on a farm I learnt from an early age that working around machinery carries a number of risks and this message is a gentle reminder for residents to take care when maintaining their properties.
DEAR OH! DEER
Whilst wild deer (mainly the Rusa deer) are a concern on the other side of the D’Aguilar range, unfortunately increasing numbers are being seen in our part of the world, from Samford to Narangba and particularly around this time of the year. It is breeding season and not only can the animals be quite aggressive, they are very skittish and can pose a risk on our roads particularly at night. Sightings should be reported to Council on 3205 0555 or mbrc@moretonbay.qld.gov.au.
DAYBORO DAY
Having now been involved with Dayboro Day in one way or another for more than half of its 23 year existence, I must say that the 2014 event along with the Antiques and Collectibles Fair has taken this significant activity to new heights. Council continues to actively support Dayboro Day both financially and in kind but the accolades for the success of the event are due to the huge contribution from an enthusiastic band of local organisers. May I also add my congratulations to the Young Achiever, Johnathon Thomson , Lee Tapper and Selwyn Barr for taking out the Business Recognition Award and of course Ian and Sue Flinders to whom I had the pleasure of presenting the Residents of the Year Award. They are all most deserving awardees and living proof of what makes Dayboro such a great community.
PEDESTRIAN REFUGE PROJECT COMMENCES
Detailed survey work has been completed on the Hay Road pedestrian refuge project and construction will have commenced by the time you read this column. The Variable Message Boards are alerting drivers to the project timeframe and whilst some disruption to traffic may occur during construction, the aim will be to keep this to a minimum. Weather permitting, the projects target completion date is early August
DID YOU KNOW?
That MoretonAlert is an early warning service offered by council. The service can provide free SMS and e-mail alerts to your mobile phone about severe weather and storm tide warnings, potential flash flooding incidents, and planned releases from North Pine Dam. For people without access to the internet or a mobile phone, MoretonAlert can provide automated voice calls to your landline phone.
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
