Jun2013_COUNCILLORs COLUMN
by Cr Bob Millar
COUNCIL’S 3 YEAR WATER SUBSIDY ENDS
Council over the last 3 years has been providing a subsidy to water and sewerage customers of Unitywater. This subsidy was to assist residents by easing the financial burden of some of the changes to water pricing that became necessary as a consequence of the introduction of the previous State Governments water reforms.
Moreton Bay Regional Council was the only council in South East Queensland to provide such a subsidy on water and sewerage accounts which has cost $70 million over this period. As previously advised this subsidy will expire 30 June 2013, and will not appear on Unitywater accounts after this time.
COUNCIL BUDGET TIME
On top of the myriad of day to day issues, your Council has been working hard over the last few months on the challenging task of preparing the 2013/14 Budget and in so doing, is facing many of the same difficulties as other levels of Government such as reduced non rate revenues and increased costs. With the need to provide well for our community through adequate infrastructure and services and yet contain the cost to ratepayers, we have been aided by the strong financial and organisational management that has been exercised over the last few years. I will be assisting the Mayor in delivering the budget on 7th June and will report in further editions on the main aspects affecting residents in Division 11.
COUNTRY SHOWTIME AGAIN
The Country Show has, for many years, been a part of the character of most rural communities and provides new and old residents alike the opportunity to savour a unique experience in the history of rural and semi-rural living. With Dayboro and Samford hosting their 2013 show on the 6 and 7th July and 13 and 14th respectively, residents of our region and further afield are fortunate to have these two unique events so close at hand. In recognition of the importance of the annual Shows to the Region, Council is again providing $5,000.00 to assist each of these Show Societies in staging their events in addition to other in kind and financial assistance. I am also pleased to continue my long standing contribution towards the increasingly popular wood chopping events and will again have a Council display/information stand at the Show. I look forward to many of you dropping by for a chat over these two weekends.
SHAFT – SUPER HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES FOR TEENAGERS
Shaft is a program introduced 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 Program runs from Monday 24 June to Friday 5 July 2013 and includes all types of activities. The activity timetable and program booklet is available on Council’s website, with bookings being taken from 4 June 2013. You can join our SHAFT contact list to receive email and SMS updates.
For more information phone (07) 5433 2052 or email events@moretonbay.qld.gov.au.
QUEENSLAND DAY
Working Queenslanders are invited to mark Queensland Day by hosting their own workplace event on Thursday 6 June with the Queensland Day in the Office program, marking our official separation from New South Wales, and wear maroon. Workplaces could host a morning tea or barbeque lunch featuring fresh Queensland foods, or deck out the office in Queensland’s favourite colour. For more information about Queensland Day in the Office and to register your workplace, visit www.queenslandweek.qld.gov.au.
DID YOU KNOW?
That there are 2,684 kilometres of roadway in Moreton Bay Regional Council of which 421 remains unsealed. There are 1,010 kilometres of cycle and footpaths.
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 @CrBobMillar or Connect with me on Facebook
