July2015_COUNCILLOR’S COLUMN
by Cr Bob Millar
COUNCIL COMMUNITY GRANTS
In the last round of Community Assistance Grants to community groups, council received an unprecedented 135 applications totalling almost $1million of which the total available funds of $272,000 has been allocated to 63 lucky groups and individuals. This brings the total amount provided through this programme in 2014/15 to $650,000.
The Dayboro Mens Shed were successful with a grant of just under $15,000 which, with other funds they have accumulated over the last three years, will get them a start with their shed at the War Memorial Grounds. Millen Farm, Samford Bowls Club, Samford Playgroup, Samford Commons, the Mount Glorious Residents Association, the North Pine Residents Assoc and the Dayboro Lions Club were all successful with applications. The Samford Valley Target Archers who are preparing for the 2016 Australian Open Archery tournament and Olympic Trials were also successful with their application.
COUNCIL BUDGET 2015/16
At a special general meeting on Friday 5th, the Mayor Allan Sutherland and I presented the 2015/16 Council budget which has built on the strong financial management of the last 7 years and delivered one of the lowest rate rises on record. The average owner/occupier households rate increase across the whole Region will be 1.89% and across Division 11, due to higher valuations in recent years, a still modest 2.32%. For the third year in a row there will be NO increase in waste management charges and NO increase in the $52 Regional Infrastructure Charge. I’m pleased to advise that almost $6.3 million will be spent constructing and upgrading roads and drainage across the Division, including an increased amount of $3.69m to be spent on road resurfacing. In addition to a $777,000 Dayboro Village flood mitigation project in Heathwood Street, additional flood mitigation works are to be completed near Hideaway Close, Narangba. Upgrades to causeways at Kirk Road and Masseys Creek Road on Cedar Creek Road will be undertaken, along with detailed design for upgrades of causeways at Armstrong Creek and Mt Brisbane Roads.
DAYBORO DAY
Having now been involved with Dayboro Day in one way or another for more than half of its 24 year existence, I must say that the 2015 event along with the Antiques and Collectibles Fair has taken this significant event to new heights. Council continues to actively support Dayboro Day, but the accolades for the success of the event are due to the huge contribution from an enthusiastic but small band of local organisers. May I also add my congratulations to the Young Achiever Grace Lye, Scott and Virginia Wiggins of Dayboro Bakery fame for taking out the Business Recognition Award, the Dayboro First Responders for their special community award and George Thompson to whom I had the pleasure of presenting the Resident of the Year Award. They are all most deserving awardees and living proof of what makes Dayboro such a great community.
DAYBORO RODEO REVISITED
The Annual Dayboro Rodeo which was postponed due to the impact of the huge weather event on Friday May 1, postponed again on 14th June will now take place on 9 August and, I am sure, with a bigger and better spectacle in store than originally expected. It is always hard for the small team of event organisers to “back up” in these situations but I would encourage you all to show your support for this great local event by rounding up all your friends from the “big smoke” and come along on the 9th of August. I also am looking forward to officially opening the new cattle holding yards and viewing stand which have been a major part of the arenas redevelopment over recent years.
DECADES FESTIVAL – STARRING COLD CHISEL AND MORE
Council recently announced the line-up for the 2nd annual Decades Festival to be held at Pine Rivers Park in Strathpine on Saturday, 31 October, 2015. Headlined by Cold Chisel, the concert zone is the ultimate destination for rock fans. Joined by The Living End and Something for Kate, Cold Chisel are coming to Decades Festival as the only stop in the greater Brisbane area on their national tour One Night Stand.
In 2015, the Decades Festival will include both free and ticketed elements. Tickets are selling fast but can still be purchased from www.decadesfestival.com.au/buytickets/ and www.ticketek.com.au
DID YOU KNOW?
That more than 17,100 people visited the 6 Moreton Bay Region Visitor Information Centres in the first three months of 2015. This increase is in addition to the many who visit other tourism related facilities at the Slab Hut, John Scott Park, Samford and Dayboro Cottage, Williams St, Dayboro.
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
