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encompass<br />
Issue 5 March 2010<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>this</strong> <strong>issue</strong><br />
Let’s cut landfill<br />
by 70 per cent<br />
A new library<br />
for Cooroy<br />
What is the<br />
<strong>Coast</strong>’s culture?
Encompass<br />
Contents<br />
One way for<br />
Tooway Bridge ............................ 4<br />
Australia Day w<strong>in</strong>ners ........... 6<br />
A new library for Cooroy ...... 8<br />
<strong>Council</strong> plans for<br />
a creative <strong>Coast</strong> ........................ 9<br />
<strong>Coast</strong> towns get a<br />
makeover ...................................... 11<br />
Responsible dr<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g<br />
campaign a success ........... 16<br />
Maleny Community<br />
Prec<strong>in</strong>ct on target .................. 19<br />
Picnic at <strong>Coast</strong> parks .......... 23<br />
What’s On .................................... 24<br />
Publisher<br />
Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong> <strong>Council</strong><br />
Encompass is produced<br />
and published by Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e<br />
<strong>Coast</strong> <strong>Council</strong>. Copy and<br />
photographs can only be<br />
reproduced <strong>in</strong> whole or<br />
part with the permission of<br />
Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong> <strong>Council</strong>.<br />
For more <strong>in</strong>formation<br />
or to provide feedback<br />
on the publication, contact<br />
Claudia Di Blasi<br />
(email: claudia.diblasi<br />
@sunsh<strong>in</strong>ecoast.qld.gov.au).<br />
A message from<br />
your Mayor<br />
March 15 will mark two years<br />
s<strong>in</strong>ce the election of the Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e<br />
<strong>Coast</strong> <strong>Council</strong> and I am extremely<br />
proud of our achievements <strong>in</strong> that<br />
relatively short space of time.<br />
We’ve written and released a series<br />
of significant documents that will<br />
lay the foundation for our region’s<br />
future and we’ve started work<br />
on develop<strong>in</strong>g the first Plann<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Scheme for the entire Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e<br />
<strong>Coast</strong>.<br />
<strong>Council</strong> staff have received statewide<br />
recognition with awards for<br />
their outstand<strong>in</strong>g efforts <strong>in</strong> our<br />
libraries, art galleries and for the<br />
protection of our waterways.<br />
We’ve been tested by nature with<br />
flood<strong>in</strong>g and cyclonic conditions that<br />
caused major beach erosion and a<br />
massive oil spill along our prist<strong>in</strong>e<br />
coastl<strong>in</strong>e.<br />
<strong>Council</strong> will cont<strong>in</strong>ue to pursue<br />
its vision for the Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e<br />
<strong>Coast</strong> to become Australia’s<br />
most susta<strong>in</strong>able region despite<br />
pressures to embrace rapid<br />
population growth.<br />
We have made it clear to the<br />
State Government and others that<br />
we believe the level of growth<br />
should be based on our region’s<br />
carry<strong>in</strong>g capacity and we will<br />
strongly resist any attempt to<br />
force us to accommodate an <strong>in</strong>flux<br />
of new residents without hav<strong>in</strong>g<br />
the necessary <strong>in</strong>frastructure to<br />
support it.<br />
This is perhaps the greatest, but<br />
not the only challenge we face.<br />
From 1 July, council will lose<br />
the revenue we previously<br />
received from provid<strong>in</strong>g water and<br />
sewerage services across the<br />
<strong>Coast</strong>.<br />
Under the State Government’s<br />
water reforms, the Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e<br />
<strong>Coast</strong> and Moreton Bay regional<br />
councils have jo<strong>in</strong>ed forces to<br />
form a new, <strong>in</strong>dependently run<br />
bus<strong>in</strong>ess – Unitywater – to deliver<br />
those services.<br />
Unitywater will beg<strong>in</strong> bill<strong>in</strong>g<br />
residents from 1 July and at <strong>this</strong><br />
time, the return council receives<br />
from that new bus<strong>in</strong>ess is still an<br />
unknown quantity.<br />
Encompass March 2010<br />
Cover story<br />
Our cover shows the 2010<br />
Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong> Australia Day<br />
award w<strong>in</strong>ners John Cooke<br />
and Bianca Bond.<br />
John is the <strong>Coast</strong>’s Senior<br />
Citizen of the Year for shar<strong>in</strong>g<br />
his love of sail<strong>in</strong>g, alongside<br />
his enthusiastic team of<br />
volunteers, with more than 100<br />
children and adults each week.<br />
Bianca was named Young<br />
Citizen of the Year for her roles<br />
as youth worker and organiser<br />
of Nambour High School’s<br />
Women’s Bus<strong>in</strong>ess Workshop<br />
for <strong>in</strong>digenous women.<br />
Meet all the w<strong>in</strong>ners on page 6.<br />
And we now have a s<strong>in</strong>gle<br />
organisation deliver<strong>in</strong>g services to<br />
residents the length and breadth of<br />
our region.<br />
Much of the groundwork has been<br />
completed, however some of the<br />
biggest challenges lie ahead.<br />
“…we will strongly resist<br />
any attempt to force<br />
us to accommodate an<br />
<strong>in</strong>flux of new residents<br />
without hav<strong>in</strong>g the<br />
necessary <strong>in</strong>frastructure<br />
to support it.”<br />
In addition, we’ve embarked on<br />
reforms to ensure the <strong>Coast</strong>’s $2.4<br />
billion tourism <strong>in</strong>dustry cont<strong>in</strong>ues<br />
to survive and thrive, we’re<br />
look<strong>in</strong>g for further opportunities to<br />
diversify our economy and attract<br />
new bus<strong>in</strong>ess to the region and<br />
we’ll keep search<strong>in</strong>g for sav<strong>in</strong>gs<br />
so that we can provide our<br />
community with the best possible<br />
value for money.<br />
There is much to be done and I<br />
am confident that together, we will<br />
rise to the challenge <strong>in</strong> 2010.<br />
Bob Abbot<br />
Mayor - Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong> <strong>Council</strong><br />
2<br />
Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong> <strong>Council</strong>
Wast<strong>in</strong>g away:<br />
let’s cut landfill by 70%<br />
Cutt<strong>in</strong>g down on waste is<br />
a major goal for council<br />
– it is not only one of our<br />
largest ongo<strong>in</strong>g costs, it<br />
also produces more than<br />
two-thirds of council’s<br />
greenhouse gas emissions.<br />
In a bold move <strong>in</strong> December<br />
2009, council adopted a new<br />
Waste M<strong>in</strong>imisation Strategy<br />
that aims to reduce the region’s<br />
landfill waste by 70 per cent.<br />
Environment Portfolio holder,<br />
Keryn Jones, said the strategy<br />
would guide council’s decisionmak<strong>in</strong>g<br />
and resource priorities<br />
for the next five years.<br />
So what’s been done so far?<br />
► By June 2010, council hopes<br />
to have a partner <strong>in</strong> place to<br />
assist <strong>in</strong> the process<strong>in</strong>g of<br />
construction and demolition<br />
waste from build<strong>in</strong>g sites.<br />
► An excit<strong>in</strong>g new alternative<br />
energy <strong>in</strong>itiative to capture<br />
landfill gas and enable emission<br />
reductions was adopted <strong>in</strong><br />
December 2009 and council has<br />
been actively seek<strong>in</strong>g a partner<br />
to create a tailor-made contract<br />
to reduce council’s greenhouse<br />
gas emissions by 60 per cent.<br />
► Education was identified as<br />
a major element <strong>in</strong> the strategy<br />
and the current education<br />
program is be<strong>in</strong>g revamped and<br />
<strong>in</strong>creased to cover bus<strong>in</strong>esses,<br />
schools and residents.<br />
► All bus<strong>in</strong>esses that use<br />
council’s waste services are<br />
entitled to a bulk recycl<strong>in</strong>g b<strong>in</strong> at<br />
no additional cost. In November<br />
“It maps out how council can<br />
reduce the need for landfill,<br />
help educate the community,<br />
raise the bar on recycl<strong>in</strong>g,<br />
improve resource management,<br />
create jobs and make the<br />
Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong> Australia’s<br />
most susta<strong>in</strong>able region,”<br />
Cr Jones said.<br />
“The strategy gives us the<br />
freedom to work with the<br />
community and <strong>in</strong>dustry, adapt<br />
to regional changes such<br />
as population growth and<br />
habits, and <strong>in</strong>vestigate new<br />
technologies as they become<br />
available.”<br />
2009, requests for <strong>this</strong> service<br />
jumped from 12 per week to 104<br />
<strong>in</strong> some areas of the <strong>Coast</strong>.<br />
► With<strong>in</strong> the next 12 months,<br />
council will <strong>in</strong>vite companies<br />
<strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> alternative waste<br />
technology to submit an<br />
expression of <strong>in</strong>terest for a new<br />
waste process<strong>in</strong>g facility. This<br />
process will enable council to<br />
select the preferred technology<br />
for the <strong>Coast</strong>’s waste stream.<br />
► Trials <strong>in</strong>to organic collections<br />
are expected to start <strong>in</strong> the<br />
2010-2011 f<strong>in</strong>ancial year.<br />
<strong>Council</strong> will use the data to<br />
move forward with improved<br />
domestic collections.<br />
► Mattress process<strong>in</strong>g is also<br />
high on the agenda and council<br />
hopes to have a contract <strong>in</strong> place<br />
with<strong>in</strong> the next 12 months that will<br />
divert about 18,000 mattresses<br />
from landfill each year.<br />
Merg<strong>in</strong>g<br />
of the<br />
w a t e r s<br />
From 1 July, Unitywater, the<br />
region’s new water supplier and<br />
wastewater services company,<br />
will provide all Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong><br />
residents with water services.<br />
This means residents will no<br />
longer receive water and sewage<br />
charges on rates notices but will<br />
receive a separate bill for these<br />
services from Unitywater.<br />
This new entity is the result of the<br />
Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong> and Moreton Bay<br />
regional councils’ water supply<br />
and wastewater services merg<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>in</strong>to a s<strong>in</strong>gle bus<strong>in</strong>ess that will<br />
service both regions.<br />
The merge is required under the<br />
State Government’s water reform<br />
measures and is the third such<br />
company to be established <strong>in</strong><br />
South East Queensland under the<br />
reform.<br />
What else does <strong>this</strong> mean for<br />
Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong> residents and<br />
bus<strong>in</strong>esses?<br />
► Unitywater will be the region’s<br />
new water supply and sewerage<br />
services distribution and retail<br />
company. It will be wholly owned<br />
by the two councils but will<br />
operate <strong>in</strong>dependently under its<br />
own board of directors.<br />
► Residents will cont<strong>in</strong>ue to<br />
receive the same water and<br />
wastewater services as they<br />
always have, just under the<br />
Unitywater name.<br />
► Unitywater will handle all<br />
water supplies and wastewater<br />
bill<strong>in</strong>g and any services enquiries,<br />
rather than the council.<br />
As it is established, the new<br />
bus<strong>in</strong>ess will contact you directly<br />
and help you through the change.<br />
For more <strong>in</strong>formation about the<br />
South East Queensland water<br />
reform, visit the Queensland<br />
Water Commission’s website<br />
at www.qwc.qld.gov.au<br />
or council’s website<br />
www.sunsh<strong>in</strong>ecoast.qld.gov.au.<br />
Encompass March 2010<br />
Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong> <strong>Council</strong> 3
Encompass March 2010<br />
4<br />
Oil spill funds<br />
put to good use<br />
In the wake of last year’s oil spill, council is<br />
us<strong>in</strong>g the $700,000 received from the Australian<br />
Government’s oil spill recovery project to shore<br />
up <strong>Coast</strong> beaches.<br />
Work<strong>in</strong>g with more than 32 partners, council is<br />
coord<strong>in</strong>at<strong>in</strong>g a coastal resilience program to strengthen<br />
beaches which were affected when the Pacific<br />
Adventurer lost 270 tonnes of oil from her decks dur<strong>in</strong>g<br />
a storm last March.<br />
The oil washed up on <strong>Coast</strong> beaches <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Kawana, Marcoola and Coolum, for days. Hardest<br />
hit was Moreton Island, with Bribie also need<strong>in</strong>g an<br />
<strong>in</strong>tensive clean-up.<br />
While council’s quick response to the oil spill<br />
significantly reduced the impact on our beaches,<br />
the event highlighted the need to build strength and<br />
resilience <strong>in</strong>to our coastal zone.<br />
The oil spill recovery project aims to achieve a range<br />
of outcomes that will br<strong>in</strong>g long-last<strong>in</strong>g benefits to the<br />
Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong> <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g:<br />
► dunal rehabilitation on at least 17 sites along the<br />
<strong>Coast</strong><br />
► further support for the turtle conservation program<br />
► community-based monitor<strong>in</strong>g of the rocky foreshores<br />
► tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g of key personnel <strong>in</strong> emergency procedures<br />
► establishment of a new monitor<strong>in</strong>g program for<br />
critical frog habitats<br />
► support of the sea grass, mangrove and Reef Check<br />
monitor<strong>in</strong>g programs<br />
► community capacity build<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> dunal restoration and<br />
revegetation<br />
► <strong>in</strong>creased capacity build<strong>in</strong>g for three local native<br />
community nurseries<br />
► a partnership between the University of the<br />
Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong>, Department of Environment and<br />
Resource Management and council, to establish vital<br />
ecological basel<strong>in</strong>e data and shorel<strong>in</strong>e accretion/<br />
erosion patterns of areas associated with the oil spill<br />
disaster. The data will assist the development of a<br />
Regional <strong>Coast</strong>al Management Strategy.<br />
Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong> <strong>Council</strong><br />
One way for Tooway<br />
It will be one way at a time for traffic<br />
over Tooway Creek at Moffat Beach<br />
for much of <strong>this</strong> year, with council’s<br />
$5.6 million bridge replacement project<br />
scheduled to start soon.<br />
<strong>Council</strong> plans to beg<strong>in</strong> prelim<strong>in</strong>ary work<br />
<strong>in</strong> late March to early April, subject to the<br />
appropriate permits – <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g those<br />
address<strong>in</strong>g a range of environmental<br />
requirements – be<strong>in</strong>g signed off by State<br />
Government agencies.<br />
The exist<strong>in</strong>g timber bridge must be<br />
replaced before it becomes a public safety<br />
concern.<br />
Constra<strong>in</strong>ts around the site mean council<br />
faced significant challenges when plann<strong>in</strong>g<br />
the project, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g the impact on the<br />
local community, bus<strong>in</strong>esses, schools,<br />
emergency services and public transport.<br />
Follow<strong>in</strong>g extensive community<br />
engagement and stakeholder consultation<br />
it was determ<strong>in</strong>ed that the best solution<br />
was for council to provide a temporary<br />
one-lane bridge across Tooway Creek<br />
dur<strong>in</strong>g the removal and replacement of the<br />
exist<strong>in</strong>g structure. The temporary bridge<br />
will be under traffic signal control at all<br />
times and will be open to traffic as much<br />
as possible. However, there will be times<br />
where it will need to be closed, such as<br />
when the crane is lift<strong>in</strong>g bridge deck units<br />
<strong>in</strong>to place on the new bridge. <strong>Council</strong> will,<br />
where possible, undertake these works<br />
on weekends and at off-peak times to<br />
m<strong>in</strong>imise impact on road users.<br />
However, people are advised that the<br />
project will result <strong>in</strong> possible delays.<br />
An alternative route is available via<br />
Nickl<strong>in</strong> Way.<br />
Tooway bridge to be replaced
Fir<strong>in</strong>g the imag<strong>in</strong>ation<br />
It’s official – the Noosa<br />
Regional Gallery is among the<br />
best <strong>in</strong> Queensland.<br />
The gallery’s Float<strong>in</strong>g Land<br />
exhibition scooped a prestigious<br />
Queensland Gallery and Museum<br />
Achievement Award.<br />
Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong> Mayor Bob<br />
Abbot accepted the award,<br />
which <strong>in</strong>cluded a $1000 cash<br />
prize and a specially-designed<br />
trophy, at a gala presentation<br />
at the Queensland Museum <strong>in</strong><br />
Brisbane’s South Bank.<br />
Float<strong>in</strong>g Land 2009 was a 10-<br />
day festival held last June at<br />
Lake Cootharaba that allowed<br />
the public to <strong>in</strong>teract with live<br />
art as they watched sculptors at<br />
work, attended forums and saw<br />
daily photographic and writ<strong>in</strong>g<br />
exhibitions take shape.<br />
A highlight was the sunset fir<strong>in</strong>g<br />
of paper kilns (pictured) that were<br />
floated on the lake to slowly<br />
smoulder before shoot<strong>in</strong>g flames<br />
<strong>in</strong>to the sky.<br />
Participants <strong>in</strong>cluded renowned<br />
Australian performer Robyn<br />
Archer, Queensland sculptor Terry<br />
Summers and lead<strong>in</strong>g academics<br />
from Queensland University, QUT<br />
and the University of the Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e<br />
<strong>Coast</strong>, as well as Aborig<strong>in</strong>al and<br />
Pacific Islander dancers.<br />
<strong>Council</strong>’s Creative Plann<strong>in</strong>g and<br />
Programs Manager, Christ<strong>in</strong>e<br />
Ball<strong>in</strong>ger, said staff were delighted<br />
to be recognised for an exhibition<br />
that attracted 15,000 people.<br />
“Float<strong>in</strong>g Land is a special art<br />
event on the Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong><br />
that the community just loves,”<br />
she said.<br />
“A comb<strong>in</strong>ation of the magical<br />
sett<strong>in</strong>g and the fasc<strong>in</strong>at<strong>in</strong>g theme<br />
brought out the best <strong>in</strong> creativity<br />
from everyone who took part.”<br />
She said judges were especially<br />
impressed that the gallery had<br />
made a DVD of the festival. The<br />
DVD is a significant educational<br />
tool on climate change and the<br />
role artists can play to build<br />
community awareness of <strong>this</strong><br />
<strong>issue</strong>.<br />
The biennial event is UNESCOendorsed,<br />
with the next planned<br />
for June 2011.<br />
Residents flock to<br />
Cr Green asked residents to keep<br />
an eye out for more opportunities<br />
to get <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> the preparation<br />
of the new plann<strong>in</strong>g scheme<br />
throughout 2010 and 2011.<br />
Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong> residents<br />
responded with more than<br />
3000 submissions to the twomonth<br />
Our place Our future<br />
community engagement<br />
program – results of which will<br />
help shape the region over the<br />
next 20 years.<br />
The program <strong>in</strong>vited community<br />
comment on 12 direction-sett<strong>in</strong>g<br />
documents that will guide the<br />
creation of the new Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e<br />
<strong>Coast</strong> Plann<strong>in</strong>g Scheme and the<br />
way the region looks and feels<br />
dur<strong>in</strong>g the next two decades.<br />
Statutory and Regional Plann<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Portfolio holder, Russell Green,<br />
said the community response<br />
was unprecedented and thanked<br />
everyone for their feedback.<br />
“About 1800 people visited 36<br />
roadshow displays that stopped at<br />
close to 25 locations around the<br />
region,” Cr Green said.<br />
“<strong>Council</strong> had more than 2800<br />
hits to the Our place Our future<br />
website page and received about<br />
3000 submissions — all <strong>this</strong><br />
demonstrates just how keen the<br />
community is to be <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong><br />
plann<strong>in</strong>g for the region’s future.”<br />
“<strong>Council</strong> has now reviewed all the<br />
submissions received and <strong>this</strong><br />
feedback is be<strong>in</strong>g used to draft<br />
the ‘detail’ of the new plann<strong>in</strong>g<br />
scheme and will also <strong>in</strong>form other<br />
council policies and programs,”<br />
Cr Green said.<br />
“The draft plann<strong>in</strong>g scheme<br />
will be available for community<br />
comment with<strong>in</strong> a year and a half<br />
and we look forward to the same<br />
enthusiastic community <strong>in</strong>terest <strong>in</strong><br />
the next key stage.”<br />
Keep your eye on council’s<br />
website for updates and<br />
opportunities to get <strong>in</strong>volved.<br />
Encompass March 2010<br />
Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong> <strong>Council</strong> 5
Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong><br />
Australia Day Award w<strong>in</strong>ners.<br />
Back row:<br />
Don McBryde,<br />
Tams<strong>in</strong> Kerr,<br />
Ross Annels,<br />
Vernon Flood<br />
and Kristy Ellis.<br />
Front row:<br />
John Cooke,<br />
Mayor Bob Abbot,<br />
Dawn Wilson<br />
and Bianca Bond.<br />
Australia Day Award w<strong>in</strong>ners 2010<br />
Meet <strong>this</strong> year’s w<strong>in</strong>ners of the Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong> Australia Day Awards, announced by Mayor Bob<br />
Abbot on the sands of Mooloolaba Beach at a mov<strong>in</strong>g twilight ceremony on 25 January.<br />
Encompass March 2010<br />
6<br />
Community Award<br />
Dawn Wilson Golden Beach<br />
Dawn’s volunteer<strong>in</strong>g has made an outstand<strong>in</strong>g<br />
contribution to the Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong> community.<br />
Locally her commitments <strong>in</strong>clude work<strong>in</strong>g with<br />
L<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong> Services for the mentally ill, Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong><br />
Emergency Accommodation Centre, Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong><br />
Hous<strong>in</strong>g <strong>Council</strong> and Community L<strong>in</strong>ks Program.<br />
Dawn’s dedication and commitment are an <strong>in</strong>spiration<br />
to many, as is her happ<strong>in</strong>ess as a result of her<br />
extraord<strong>in</strong>ary and effective community work.<br />
Environmental Award<br />
Vernon Flood Nambour<br />
Vernon’s 10-year commitment to Maroochy<br />
Waterwatch has been <strong>in</strong>strumental <strong>in</strong> mak<strong>in</strong>g it the<br />
effective, f<strong>in</strong>ancially secure community group it is<br />
today. Maroochy Waterwatch supports volunteer<strong>in</strong>g,<br />
skill development and partnerships to improve the<br />
Maroochy river and encourage ecological susta<strong>in</strong>abliity.<br />
Vernon has also contributed to significant national<br />
and <strong>in</strong>ternational environmental <strong>in</strong>itiatives and is a<br />
dist<strong>in</strong>guished Toastmaster of more than 30 years.<br />
Creative Award<br />
Ross Annels and Tams<strong>in</strong> Kerr<br />
Cooroora Institute Cooroy<br />
Ross Annels and Dr Tams<strong>in</strong> Kerr have fostered<br />
creativity and their local community’s love of place<br />
for many years. Through the Cooroora Institute, they<br />
organise artists’ residencies and workshops, run<br />
cross-cultural performances and local artist <strong>in</strong>itiatives.<br />
The environment <strong>in</strong>spires Ross’s furniture design, and<br />
is a backdrop for Tams<strong>in</strong>’s work promot<strong>in</strong>g artists and<br />
musicians and teach<strong>in</strong>g bus<strong>in</strong>ess courses.<br />
Bus<strong>in</strong>ess Award<br />
Don McBryde Noosa<br />
Don McBryde, the man beh<strong>in</strong>d the iconic Noosa Ferry<br />
Cruise, has <strong>in</strong>troduced about 700,000 visitors to the<br />
beauty of the Noosa River, Tewant<strong>in</strong> and Noosaville <strong>in</strong><br />
just 11 years. While still a small bus<strong>in</strong>ess, the Noosa<br />
Ferry Cruise contributed to the growth of Noosa<br />
Harbour as a key tourist dest<strong>in</strong>ation, br<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g tangible<br />
benefits to retailers, market operators, restaurants and<br />
cafes along the Noosa River.<br />
Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong> <strong>Council</strong><br />
Sport and Recreation Award<br />
Kristy Ellis (nee Munroe) Maroochydore<br />
In 1988, Kristy jo<strong>in</strong>ed Alexandra Headland Surf<br />
Lifesav<strong>in</strong>g Club as a six-year-old nipper. While now<br />
one of the best female surf life sav<strong>in</strong>g competitors <strong>in</strong><br />
the world – capta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g the Australian Surf Life Sav<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Team to victory at the 2008 World Championships –<br />
she rema<strong>in</strong>s a local member of the SLSC, coaches<br />
juniors, and is a member of the International Life<br />
Sav<strong>in</strong>g Federation. Kristy is a 2010 Australia Day<br />
Ambassador for the state and Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong>.<br />
Senior Citizen of the Year<br />
John Cooke M<strong>in</strong>yama<br />
John’s lifetime love of sail<strong>in</strong>g and his role as President<br />
of Sailability Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong> adds up to a very special<br />
contribution to sail<strong>in</strong>g on the Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong>. Each<br />
week John and his enthusiastic team of volunteers<br />
provide sail<strong>in</strong>g experiences to more than 100 children<br />
and adults <strong>in</strong> 10 boats supported by his self-funded<br />
project.<br />
Young Citizen of the Year<br />
Bianca Bond Bli Bli<br />
Bianca’s outstand<strong>in</strong>g, positive leadership sh<strong>in</strong>es <strong>in</strong> her<br />
roles as youth worker and organiser of Nambour High<br />
School’s Women’s Bus<strong>in</strong>ess Workshop for <strong>in</strong>digenous<br />
women. In 2009, Bianca attended the <strong>in</strong>augural<br />
Indigenous Youth Parliament at Parliament House,<br />
Brisbane. She is also a member of the Cultural<br />
Board for the Noosa Biosphere and the Queensland<br />
Indigenous Youth Advisory Committee.<br />
Services to the Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong> Community<br />
Posthumous Award<br />
Allan and Kari Taylor<br />
Allan and Kari Taylor have been described as “father<br />
to the fatherless” and “mother to the motherless”. Allan<br />
was a passionate youth leader and mentor, and Kari<br />
a gifted dancer and conservatorium-tra<strong>in</strong>ed s<strong>in</strong>ger<br />
who poured her life <strong>in</strong>to others. They were loved by<br />
all age groups, impact<strong>in</strong>g positively on all those who<br />
came <strong>in</strong> contact with their dance, faith, and tireless<br />
work for the people of their local area. The couple<br />
tragically died after be<strong>in</strong>g hit by a vehicle beside the<br />
Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e Motorway last August. This special award<br />
was created to honour their outstand<strong>in</strong>g contribution<br />
to the Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong> community.
Green changes at<br />
Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong> Airport<br />
Ready for take-off<br />
Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong> Airport’s<br />
new look <strong>in</strong>cludes:<br />
► the unique ra<strong>in</strong>forest<br />
walkway which provides a<br />
portal for public awareness<br />
for the Richmond Birdw<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Butterfly<br />
► extensive use of solar tubes<br />
and skylights to maximise<br />
natural light<br />
► ra<strong>in</strong>water harvest<strong>in</strong>g for use<br />
<strong>in</strong> toilets and on gardens<br />
► carpet made from recycled<br />
material<br />
► waste recycl<strong>in</strong>g b<strong>in</strong>s.<br />
Any regular traveller knows that comfort and be<strong>in</strong>g able to move around easily are the keys to<br />
a great airport experience – and to be able to do <strong>this</strong> with plenty of sunlight and a ra<strong>in</strong>forest<br />
walkway is even better.<br />
The Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong> Airport now<br />
offers all <strong>this</strong> on your doorstep.<br />
When open<strong>in</strong>g the redevelopment<br />
of the Airport term<strong>in</strong>al <strong>in</strong> late 2009,<br />
Mayor Bob Abbot said significant<br />
improvements had boosted<br />
both the convenience factor for<br />
passengers and efficiency for<br />
airl<strong>in</strong>es servic<strong>in</strong>g the Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e<br />
<strong>Coast</strong>.<br />
”Our vision to become Australia’s<br />
most susta<strong>in</strong>able region is<br />
reflected <strong>in</strong> the design that<br />
<strong>in</strong>corporates the susta<strong>in</strong>ability<br />
pr<strong>in</strong>ciples of reduce, reuse and<br />
recycle,” Cr Abbot said.<br />
“<strong>Council</strong>’s $3.5 million <strong>in</strong>vestment<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>this</strong> project also demonstrates<br />
our ongo<strong>in</strong>g support for the tourism<br />
<strong>in</strong>dustry through improvements<br />
to vital <strong>in</strong>frastructure that will help<br />
build our regional economy.”<br />
“The Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong> Airport<br />
contributed more than $475 million<br />
to the Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong>’s economy<br />
last year and we know that figure<br />
will cont<strong>in</strong>ue to grow.”<br />
Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong> Airport General<br />
Manager, Peter Pallot, said the first<br />
th<strong>in</strong>g passengers and guests will<br />
notice is the new entrance to the<br />
departure lounge that is now via<br />
the ra<strong>in</strong>forest walk to the security<br />
screen<strong>in</strong>g po<strong>in</strong>t.<br />
From that po<strong>in</strong>t, there is access<br />
to shopp<strong>in</strong>g, food and beverage<br />
outlets, toilets and the outdoor<br />
observation area.<br />
“The design <strong>in</strong>corporates green<br />
<strong>in</strong>itiatives <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g plenty of<br />
natural light, use of natural<br />
materials and the harvest<strong>in</strong>g of<br />
ra<strong>in</strong> for our gardens,” Mr Pallot<br />
said.<br />
“There’s much less congestion<br />
now around security screen<strong>in</strong>g<br />
po<strong>in</strong>ts and, once you’re <strong>in</strong>side<br />
the secured area, there are many<br />
new retail stores and food and<br />
beverage outlets to choose from.”<br />
“All of <strong>this</strong> adds up to a more<br />
enjoyable and green travell<strong>in</strong>g<br />
experience for residents and<br />
visitors.”<br />
Susta<strong>in</strong>ability pr<strong>in</strong>ciples <strong>in</strong>corporated<br />
<strong>in</strong>to the new design<br />
Showcas<strong>in</strong>g the<br />
Richmond Birdw<strong>in</strong>g Butterfly<br />
Encompass March 2010<br />
Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong> <strong>Council</strong> 7
Encompass March 2010<br />
8<br />
Cooroy Library:<br />
a new chapter <strong>in</strong> green design<br />
The <strong>Coast</strong>’s newest library<br />
– the much-anticipated $9.7<br />
million Cooroy Library – is<br />
due to open its doors <strong>in</strong><br />
March.<br />
Nestled <strong>in</strong> the heart of the<br />
Cooroy Mill prec<strong>in</strong>ct, the library<br />
is the largest of council’s<br />
libraries, cover<strong>in</strong>g 1200 square<br />
metres. It is also the ‘greenest’,<br />
designed with a focus on<br />
energy efficiency to reduce its<br />
environmental footpr<strong>in</strong>t.<br />
Environmental susta<strong>in</strong>ability<br />
formed a key component of<br />
the build<strong>in</strong>g’s design. A large<br />
section of the build<strong>in</strong>g is cut <strong>in</strong>to<br />
the ground, provid<strong>in</strong>g thermal<br />
mass to help control the <strong>in</strong>ternal<br />
temperature and reduce the<br />
heat load <strong>in</strong>to the build<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Half of the library’s roof is<br />
covered <strong>in</strong> grass, further<br />
reduc<strong>in</strong>g power consumption.<br />
Photo voltaic cells on the roof<br />
help generate power and<br />
account for 40 per cent of<br />
the build<strong>in</strong>g’s <strong>in</strong>ternal light<strong>in</strong>g<br />
needs.<br />
Like all libraries, it will be a hub<br />
for the community with social<br />
spaces as well as a ‘Peaceful<br />
Place’ for quiet read<strong>in</strong>g,<br />
reflection and study. High-speed<br />
broadband and onl<strong>in</strong>e services<br />
Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong> <strong>Council</strong><br />
will be available <strong>in</strong> the Global<br />
Connect Centre, as well as<br />
tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g facilities and community<br />
meet<strong>in</strong>g rooms.<br />
Enterta<strong>in</strong>ment has not been<br />
forgotten <strong>in</strong> spaces such as the<br />
Children’s Discovery Area and<br />
Young Adult Infota<strong>in</strong>ment Zone.<br />
Executive Director of<br />
Community Services, Lisbet<br />
Dean, said the open<strong>in</strong>g of the<br />
new library was a significant<br />
milestone <strong>in</strong> the regeneration of<br />
Cooroy.<br />
“This library, like so many<br />
across the Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong>, is<br />
located <strong>in</strong> the centre of town to<br />
allow it to become a hub of the<br />
community,” she said.<br />
“It’s the result of the hard<br />
work of a dedicated group of<br />
<strong>in</strong>dividuals and organisations,<br />
who have worked with council<br />
to help deliver <strong>this</strong> new library.<br />
“The role played by the<br />
community groups, the local<br />
school children and many<br />
<strong>in</strong>dividuals over many years<br />
cannot be underestimated.<br />
“Their hard work has helped<br />
to provide a new community<br />
hub where people can gather<br />
together to read and relax with<br />
a selection of the best books at<br />
their f<strong>in</strong>gertips.”<br />
In the swim<br />
Community feedback on<br />
council’s Regional Sport and<br />
Recreation Strategy and<br />
Regional Aquatics Strategy has<br />
unearthed some <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g<br />
f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>gs.<br />
The ma<strong>in</strong> <strong>issue</strong>s identified by local<br />
sport<strong>in</strong>g clubs and residents were:<br />
► shortage of land due to the<br />
grow<strong>in</strong>g population and<br />
overuse of exist<strong>in</strong>g facilities<br />
► sport<strong>in</strong>g clubs look<strong>in</strong>g for<br />
homes for their <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g<br />
membership<br />
► lack of volunteers<br />
► cost of <strong>in</strong>surance.<br />
On a positive note, the community<br />
engagement and focus groups<br />
run by council found there<br />
was greater awareness of the<br />
benefits of physical activity and its<br />
contribution to a healthy lifestyle<br />
and the community was generally<br />
satisfied with council’s assistance.<br />
Community surveys are now<br />
be<strong>in</strong>g completed and are <strong>in</strong> the<br />
process of be<strong>in</strong>g analysed.<br />
The project team is work<strong>in</strong>g<br />
on develop<strong>in</strong>g drafts of these<br />
strategies for community<br />
consultation <strong>in</strong> June.<br />
If residents want to have a say<br />
please visit council’s website<br />
or contact Strategic Leisure on<br />
1300 734 626 or email<br />
scpools@strategicleisure.com.au
Pianos on the beach<br />
at Caloundra<br />
Music Festival<br />
<strong>Coast</strong><br />
culture:<br />
a creative and<br />
artistic region<br />
The Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong>’s unique culture<br />
is treasured by locals – and it’s high<br />
on council’s agenda <strong>in</strong> 2010.<br />
To protect and strengthen our local<br />
culture, council is develop<strong>in</strong>g the<br />
region’s first cultural plan to be known<br />
as our Creative Communities Plan.<br />
The five-year plan will outl<strong>in</strong>e a shared<br />
vision of how communities across the<br />
region wish to experience and express<br />
their sense of place, culture and<br />
lifestyle.<br />
It will cover cultural facilities, festivals,<br />
markets, libraries, museums, art<br />
galleries, local historical societies and<br />
arts and craft.<br />
Executive Director of Community<br />
Services, Lisbet Dean, encouraged<br />
residents to have a say <strong>in</strong> help<strong>in</strong>g to<br />
shape culture on the <strong>Coast</strong> over the<br />
next five years.<br />
“Many people th<strong>in</strong>k of culture as be<strong>in</strong>g<br />
about the arts or galleries, but it’s so<br />
much more,” Ms Dean said.<br />
“It’s the rich smell of food as you<br />
wander through the markets or the<br />
chorus of a local community choir.<br />
“The unique and diverse culture that<br />
exists with<strong>in</strong> our many communities<br />
must be preserved and now is the<br />
time to do it by gett<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> the<br />
Creative Communities Plan.”<br />
Residents can get <strong>in</strong>volved by<br />
complet<strong>in</strong>g the onl<strong>in</strong>e questionnaire on<br />
council’s website or by attend<strong>in</strong>g one<br />
of the focus groups be<strong>in</strong>g held across<br />
the region over the next few months.<br />
A discussion paper and fact sheets<br />
on the Creative Communites Plan are<br />
available on council’s website.<br />
The onl<strong>in</strong>e questionnaire closes on 28<br />
March. Hard copies are available at all<br />
Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong> libraries and customer<br />
service centres.<br />
For more <strong>in</strong>formation on the Creative<br />
Communities Plan or how you can<br />
have your say, visit council’s website or<br />
contact a customer service centre on<br />
5475 7272.<br />
The Creative Communities Plan will exam<strong>in</strong>e the follow<strong>in</strong>g areas<br />
that make up the coast’s cultural landscape:<br />
► arts and crafts<br />
► architecture and design<br />
► cultural facilities<br />
► cultural heritage (<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Indigenous heritage)<br />
► festivals and markets<br />
► libraries, literature, writ<strong>in</strong>g and<br />
publish<strong>in</strong>g<br />
► museums, art galleries, local<br />
historical societies, archives<br />
and keep<strong>in</strong>g places<br />
► media, film, television, radio,<br />
video and language<br />
► parks, open spaces, wildlife<br />
habitats, water environments<br />
► sports and leisure events and<br />
facilities.<br />
Just briefly<br />
Help for Maleny’s<br />
water woes<br />
Help is on the way to<br />
secure Maleny’s at-risk<br />
water supply.<br />
Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong> Water<br />
is lay<strong>in</strong>g a pipel<strong>in</strong>e to the<br />
Maleny township from<br />
the water treatment plant<br />
at Landers Shute near<br />
Palmwoods.<br />
This will l<strong>in</strong>k Maleny<br />
to the same water<br />
supply as the rest of<br />
the Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong>,<br />
giv<strong>in</strong>g residents and<br />
bus<strong>in</strong>esses a permanent<br />
and secure water source<br />
<strong>in</strong>stead of hav<strong>in</strong>g to rely<br />
on the Obi Obi Creek as<br />
the town’s only source of<br />
water.<br />
The new pipel<strong>in</strong>e to<br />
Maleny is expected to<br />
be completed by June<br />
2010.<br />
New funds for<br />
community groups<br />
Community<br />
organisations have until<br />
15 March to apply for a<br />
new source of fund<strong>in</strong>g<br />
from council.<br />
The Community<br />
Partnership Fund<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Program is aimed at<br />
community organisations<br />
whose operations<br />
or services make a<br />
significant contribution<br />
to the Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong><br />
community and are<br />
closely aligned to<br />
council’s vision for<br />
the future. Applicants<br />
must be not-for-profit,<br />
<strong>in</strong>corporated community<br />
organisations.<br />
The partnership program<br />
is an adjunct to council’s<br />
already popular regional<br />
grants program.<br />
To apply, see council’s<br />
website.<br />
Encompass March 2010<br />
Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong> <strong>Council</strong> 9
$$$$<br />
How council monitors its<br />
BUDGET<br />
Manag<strong>in</strong>g a budget of more than $750 million of<br />
other people’s money calls for strong f<strong>in</strong>ancial<br />
management, and constant monitor<strong>in</strong>g of what is<br />
spent and what is earned.<br />
Our focus on be<strong>in</strong>g f<strong>in</strong>ancially susta<strong>in</strong>able and<br />
comply<strong>in</strong>g with Local Government F<strong>in</strong>ance Standards<br />
requires council to amend the budget if there are<br />
material changes to expected revenue or expenses.<br />
In do<strong>in</strong>g <strong>this</strong>, council produces a monthly f<strong>in</strong>ancial<br />
report and if any emerg<strong>in</strong>g m<strong>in</strong>or <strong>issue</strong>s are identified,<br />
the budget is amended. <strong>Council</strong> also undertakes two<br />
full budget reviews each f<strong>in</strong>ancial year with the first<br />
major review held towards the end of 2009. At present,<br />
council is work<strong>in</strong>g on the second and f<strong>in</strong>al review for <strong>this</strong><br />
f<strong>in</strong>ancial year.<br />
F<strong>in</strong>ancial Management Portfolio holder, Chris<br />
Thompson, said major budget reviews of all budgeted<br />
revenue and expenditure may result <strong>in</strong> council adopt<strong>in</strong>g<br />
changes to the 2009-2010 Budget.<br />
“For example, with the December review the net<br />
result was an <strong>in</strong>crease <strong>in</strong> council’s operat<strong>in</strong>g deficit<br />
from $7.6 million to $12.7 million with our Operat<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Position Indicator stand<strong>in</strong>g at 2.8 per cent. This is still<br />
comfortably with<strong>in</strong> the Queensland Treasury m<strong>in</strong>imum<br />
<strong>in</strong>dicator of 4 per cent,” Cr Thompson said.<br />
“However, council’s target is to have a balanced<br />
operat<strong>in</strong>g result for the f<strong>in</strong>ancial year. And we adjusted<br />
all the known one-off or extra-ord<strong>in</strong>ary items, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g<br />
works funded from previous years (carry-overs) of $7.6<br />
million, works funded from reserves of $1.9 million and<br />
the early part-payment of the f<strong>in</strong>ancial assistance grant<br />
(under the federal government stimulus package) of<br />
$2.8 million, the forecast operat<strong>in</strong>g result was a deficit of<br />
$400,000.<br />
“<strong>Council</strong> was also on track to achieve its efficiency<br />
dividend with the realisation of $4.8 million, or 36 per<br />
cent of the $13.5 million target.”<br />
Examples of possible risks<br />
► Lower than the forecast 2.4 per cent growth<br />
<strong>in</strong> rateable assessments.<br />
► The impacts of the economic downturn on<br />
revenue from development-related fees and<br />
charges.<br />
► Potential significant <strong>in</strong>creases <strong>in</strong> legal<br />
expenses.<br />
► Increased costs associated with water<br />
reform.<br />
“With the community <strong>in</strong> m<strong>in</strong>d, the significant<br />
benefit of <strong>this</strong> rigorous budget review process<br />
is that we are cont<strong>in</strong>ually aware of our f<strong>in</strong>ancial<br />
situation, which <strong>in</strong> turn assists <strong>in</strong> preparations<br />
for the 2010-2011 Budget,” Cr Thompson said.<br />
Steps <strong>in</strong> the budget review process<br />
1 <strong>Council</strong> receives and reviews monthly<br />
Board and F<strong>in</strong>ancial Management reports.<br />
2 <strong>Council</strong>’s budget is adjusted for emerg<strong>in</strong>g<br />
m<strong>in</strong>or <strong>issue</strong>s.<br />
3 The major reviews (October/November and<br />
February/March) are when all budgeted<br />
revenue and expenditure is reviewed to<br />
determ<strong>in</strong>e if material changes are required<br />
to council’s budget.<br />
4 Budget adjustments are collated<br />
and presented to council’s Executive<br />
Leadership Team.<br />
5 Budget adjustments are subsequently<br />
presented to either council’s Organisational<br />
Performance Committee or General<br />
Committee Meet<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
6 The budget is formally amended by council<br />
at an Ord<strong>in</strong>ary Meet<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Encompass March 2010<br />
10<br />
Other key changes <strong>in</strong>corporated <strong>in</strong>to the 2009-2010 December review <strong>in</strong>clude:<br />
► Increased airport term<strong>in</strong>al<br />
revenue and recoveries from<br />
Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong> Enterprises.<br />
► The recognition of <strong>in</strong>creased<br />
water base and consumption<br />
charges offset by lower than<br />
anticipated general rates<br />
and Tourism and Economic<br />
Development Levy <strong>in</strong>come<br />
Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong> <strong>Council</strong><br />
► Increased revenue and<br />
expenditure associated with<br />
additional tra<strong>in</strong>ees under<br />
the Green Army and a SEQ<br />
Catchment Grant.<br />
► Increased capital works of<br />
$2.8 million, tak<strong>in</strong>g the 2009-<br />
2010 capital works program<br />
to $306.4 million.<br />
“<strong>Council</strong> rema<strong>in</strong>s on target<br />
to achieve an adjusted<br />
balanced operat<strong>in</strong>g result<br />
after adjustments for impacts<br />
from prior years and reserve<br />
transfers; however, the f<strong>in</strong>al<br />
result is be<strong>in</strong>g closely monitored<br />
for changes <strong>in</strong> any known risks,”<br />
Cr Thompson said.<br />
$$$$
Street smart:<br />
<strong>Coast</strong> towns get a make over<br />
The Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong> is a<br />
community of communities,<br />
with each town and place<br />
hav<strong>in</strong>g its own unique flavour,<br />
style and personality – and<br />
that’s how council would like<br />
to see it rema<strong>in</strong>.<br />
With such a large region be<strong>in</strong>g<br />
governed by one council, many<br />
residents were concerned that<br />
the Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong> would<br />
become a one-size-fits-all<br />
place. However, council’s<br />
Major Projects Portfolio holder,<br />
Debbie Blumel, has articulated<br />
a “placemak<strong>in</strong>g” approach. This<br />
is a key strategy to ensure the<br />
protection of the Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong><br />
character, quality of life and our<br />
diverse range of communities<br />
and places.<br />
Cr Blumel said a number of<br />
placemak<strong>in</strong>g projects currently<br />
underway demonstrated how the<br />
unique characteristics of each<br />
town were be<strong>in</strong>g protected and<br />
enhanced.<br />
“Whether it’s Maleny, Noosa or<br />
Nambour, council has developed<br />
a number of master plans that<br />
will improve the streetscape while<br />
reta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g each area’s sense of<br />
style and character,” she said.<br />
“We can do <strong>this</strong> because all of<br />
the projects <strong>in</strong>volve extensive<br />
community consultation to allow<br />
residents to have a say <strong>in</strong> how<br />
major Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong> centres<br />
and towns should cont<strong>in</strong>ue to<br />
evolve.”<br />
For the status of any of the<br />
projects listed on <strong>this</strong> page,<br />
please log onto council’s<br />
website.<br />
Placemak<strong>in</strong>g projects tak<strong>in</strong>g shape across the<br />
Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong> <strong>in</strong>clude:<br />
Caloundra<br />
A community reference panel is<br />
help<strong>in</strong>g council develop a master<br />
plan for Bulcock Street, with the<br />
aim of re<strong>in</strong>forc<strong>in</strong>g the streets<br />
village character and ‘green’<br />
feel. Residents and traders will<br />
soon be able to participate <strong>in</strong> the<br />
community engagement program<br />
and have their say. <strong>Council</strong> aims<br />
to complete the master plan by<br />
June 2010 and start Stage 1<br />
construction <strong>in</strong> the 2010-2011<br />
f<strong>in</strong>ancial year.<br />
Coolum<br />
The Coolum Village Centre<br />
Urban Design Master Plan<br />
takes not only streetscap<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>to<br />
account, but also parks and open<br />
space, pedestrian activity, village<br />
character, car park<strong>in</strong>g, traffic<br />
and community facilities. For<br />
the most up-to-date <strong>in</strong>formation<br />
on <strong>this</strong> project, head to the<br />
community engagement pages<br />
on council’s website.<br />
Maleny (pictured at top)<br />
Stage 1 of the streetscape<br />
revitalisation is now completed,<br />
with a community space<br />
<strong>in</strong>corporat<strong>in</strong>g feature pav<strong>in</strong>g,<br />
landscape light<strong>in</strong>g, custom<br />
furniture, shelters and footpath<br />
works.<br />
Marcoola<br />
Over the Christmas holidays,<br />
council asked for feedback on<br />
the draft concept design for the<br />
Suncoast Boulevard Streetscape<br />
Revitalisation Plan and aims to<br />
have a completed master plan<br />
ready by April 2010.<br />
Mooloolaba<br />
The new look for Mooloolaba was<br />
unveiled <strong>in</strong> December, br<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g with it<br />
more opportunities for outdoor d<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g,<br />
new shade areas and street furniture<br />
that also offer a relaxed place to enjoy<br />
a coffee and watch the world go by.<br />
Nambour<br />
In 2009, council completed the<br />
Nambour Streetscape Revitalisation,<br />
a milestone marked with a new<br />
town square, stage facilities, shade<br />
structures, artwork and an event space<br />
for civic celebrations and markets.<br />
Streetscap<strong>in</strong>g has l<strong>in</strong>ked Lowe, Queen<br />
and Short Streets to the rail and bus<br />
<strong>in</strong>terchange.<br />
Noosa Junction<br />
<strong>Council</strong> is engag<strong>in</strong>g with the<br />
community to come up with a future<br />
design for Noosa Junction. The project<br />
aims to develop the character of the<br />
Noosa Junction shopp<strong>in</strong>g prec<strong>in</strong>ct and<br />
reveal the potential of the unique local<br />
qualities that def<strong>in</strong>e it as a dest<strong>in</strong>ation.<br />
For detailed project <strong>in</strong>formation and<br />
to view past and current community<br />
engagement opportunities, head to<br />
council’s website.<br />
Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e Beach<br />
The Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e Beach Placemak<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Master Plan will focus on deliver<strong>in</strong>g a<br />
unique, creative and functional design<br />
that heightens the user experience<br />
and builds on the exist<strong>in</strong>g lifestyle<br />
and character of Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e Beach.<br />
The draft master plan will soon be<br />
on display for further community<br />
feedback. A f<strong>in</strong>al design is due<br />
for completion <strong>in</strong> June 2010, with<br />
construction of Stage 1 works due to<br />
start <strong>in</strong> 2011.<br />
Encompass March 2010<br />
Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong> <strong>Council</strong> 11
1 2<br />
What’s new <strong>in</strong> your neighbourhood?<br />
<strong>Council</strong> projects are deliver<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>frastructure and services to improve amenities and enhance<br />
communities across the Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong>. Here is just a sample of some of the work started, underway<br />
or f<strong>in</strong>ished s<strong>in</strong>ce the last edition of Encompass.<br />
Encompass March 2010<br />
Division 1<br />
Bushcare partnership:<br />
Landsborough<br />
Gowen Drive Bushcare Group, a<br />
community group supported by<br />
council’s Community Conservation<br />
Program, is work<strong>in</strong>g to establish<br />
Richmond Birdw<strong>in</strong>g butterfly v<strong>in</strong>es as<br />
food and habitat for <strong>this</strong> endangered<br />
butterfly.<br />
Botanic plant<strong>in</strong>g: Glass House<br />
The Community Conservation<br />
Program also supports GMAN Wattle<br />
Soldiers, who have undertaken a<br />
bush tucker botanical garden plant<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>in</strong> Settlers Park, Glass House<br />
Mounta<strong>in</strong>s.<br />
Bridge program:<br />
Beerwah and Bells Creek<br />
<strong>Council</strong> replaced two bridges on<br />
Roys Road. The most eastern bridge<br />
was replaced due to its structure<br />
s<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g. The bridge across Mellum<br />
Creek, 300 metres east of the Bruce<br />
Highway, had reached the end of its<br />
serviceable life.<br />
Division 2<br />
View<strong>in</strong>g decks: Moffat Headland<br />
<strong>Council</strong>’s $270,000 makeover of<br />
Moffat Beach headland has added<br />
beach timber view<strong>in</strong>g decks, seat<strong>in</strong>g<br />
areas, landscap<strong>in</strong>g, artworks and<br />
wider footpaths.<br />
Community grants:<br />
Pelican Waters<br />
<strong>Council</strong> grants help community<br />
groups like Pelican Waters Probus<br />
Club do important work <strong>in</strong> the area.<br />
The club received fund<strong>in</strong>g to buy<br />
equipment for presentations and<br />
tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Conservation volunteers:<br />
Shelly Beach<br />
The Shelly Beach Conservation<br />
Volunteers work <strong>in</strong> partnership with<br />
council to regenerate the beach’s<br />
dunal system. New volunteers are<br />
welcome. The group meets at the<br />
beach on the first Saturday of each<br />
month at 8am (exclud<strong>in</strong>g January).<br />
Division 3<br />
<strong>Coast</strong>al Pathway: Wurtulla<br />
The new 1.3 kilometre Kathleen<br />
McArthur Park section of the <strong>Coast</strong>al<br />
Pathway was funded partially by<br />
a state government Sport and<br />
Recreation grant and council. It<br />
<strong>in</strong>corporates mosaic artworks,<br />
<strong>in</strong>terpretive signage and a bike rack.<br />
Coondibah pathway connection:<br />
Currimundi<br />
The Coondibah Creek section of the<br />
<strong>Coast</strong>al Pathway from Buderim Street<br />
around Currimundi Primary School is<br />
an important l<strong>in</strong>k for the community<br />
and beachgoers. It also helps protect<br />
the local wetland and endangered<br />
frog population.<br />
Exercise equipment: Wurtulla<br />
High quality exercise equipment<br />
was <strong>in</strong>stalled <strong>in</strong> Moondarra Park<br />
at Parkhaven Drive, Wurtulla. The<br />
equipment allows users to get fit <strong>in</strong><br />
a great environment overlook<strong>in</strong>g the<br />
nearby waterway.<br />
Division 4<br />
Nelson Park plan:<br />
Alexandra Headland<br />
Consultation is underway for<br />
development of the Landscape<br />
Concept Plan for Nelson Park,<br />
Alexandra Headland. The local<br />
community’s ideas will <strong>in</strong>form the<br />
design process and the f<strong>in</strong>al concept<br />
plan.<br />
New seat<strong>in</strong>g: Alexandra Headland<br />
Three rusty park seats have been<br />
removed and replaced with modern<br />
alum<strong>in</strong>ium seats <strong>in</strong> the park beside<br />
Alex Surf Club.<br />
Pilot Station Road Park:<br />
Mooloolaba<br />
An upgrade of facilities at Pilot<br />
Station Road Park has added picnic<br />
shelters, shade tree plant<strong>in</strong>g, murals<br />
on the public amenities and a themed<br />
children’s play facility.<br />
Division 5<br />
Conservation agreement:<br />
Booroob<strong>in</strong><br />
A Voluntary Conservation Agreement<br />
will protect a significant parcel of<br />
ra<strong>in</strong>forest on a Booroob<strong>in</strong> property.<br />
This contributes to a wildlife<br />
corridor connect<strong>in</strong>g the Blackall and<br />
Conondale Ranges.<br />
River<strong>in</strong>e restoration:<br />
Mooloolah catchment<br />
<strong>Council</strong> is undertak<strong>in</strong>g a major<br />
river<strong>in</strong>e restoration project <strong>in</strong> the<br />
middle to upper reaches of Mooloolah<br />
River. The project, funded by the<br />
Environment Levy, focuses on weed<br />
removal, replant<strong>in</strong>g and restoration of<br />
remnant ra<strong>in</strong>forest.<br />
Park master plan: Montville<br />
Three stages of Montville’s Russell<br />
Family Park Master Plan are be<strong>in</strong>g<br />
designed for construction <strong>in</strong> 2010-<br />
2011. Works will <strong>in</strong>clude redesign<strong>in</strong>g<br />
the lagoon edges, pathways, bridges<br />
and boardwalks.<br />
Division 6<br />
Neighbourhood Park: Glenfields<br />
<strong>Council</strong> has cont<strong>in</strong>ued work at<br />
Glenfields Neighbourhood Park. A<br />
new junior playground, <strong>in</strong>corporat<strong>in</strong>g<br />
additional shade tree plant<strong>in</strong>g and<br />
park furniture, has been <strong>in</strong>stalled.<br />
Roundabout: Buderim<br />
The design of the new Dixon Road/<br />
Karawatha Drive/Ball<strong>in</strong>ger Road<br />
roundabout provides fauna fenc<strong>in</strong>g<br />
and underpasses to protect native<br />
fauna while <strong>in</strong>tegrat<strong>in</strong>g on and offroad<br />
cycl<strong>in</strong>g and pedestrian paths.<br />
12<br />
Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong> <strong>Council</strong>
3 4<br />
5<br />
1 Best <strong>in</strong> BMX: New and improved<br />
tracks at Sundial Park.<br />
2 Build<strong>in</strong>g bridges: Two bridges<br />
replaced on Roys Road.<br />
3 Calm cross<strong>in</strong>g: Buderim native<br />
fauna protected by a new underpass.<br />
4 New Nelson: Plann<strong>in</strong>g is underway<br />
for new developments at Nelson Park<br />
5 Weed whackers: Major restoration<br />
ahead for the Mooloolah river.<br />
Dogs off-leash area: Sippy Downs<br />
An area of parkland at Lakehead<br />
Drive has been fenced to allow<br />
owners to exercise their dogs. The<br />
park <strong>in</strong>cludes seat<strong>in</strong>g and new<br />
dr<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g founta<strong>in</strong>s, one for dogs and<br />
one for owners.<br />
Division 7<br />
Road and traffic plan: Forest Glen<br />
<strong>Council</strong> has approved two signalised<br />
<strong>in</strong>tersections on Mons Road, either<br />
side of the Bruce Highway at Forest<br />
Glen, to relieve traffic congestion <strong>in</strong><br />
peak periods. The road under the<br />
highway will be widened to allow<br />
additional traffic flow to clear the<br />
<strong>in</strong>tersections. Works are expected to<br />
start <strong>in</strong> March.<br />
Sports ground improvements:<br />
Maroochydore<br />
<strong>Council</strong> has extended the terrac<strong>in</strong>g<br />
around the clubhouse facilities at the<br />
Maroochydore multi-sports fields. The<br />
works provide terraced seat<strong>in</strong>g and<br />
pedestrian l<strong>in</strong>ks to the netball court.<br />
Park improvements: Buderim<br />
Improvements identified <strong>in</strong> Stage<br />
2 of the Cumberland Way Park’s<br />
master plan have delivered new park<br />
furniture, pathways, landscap<strong>in</strong>g and<br />
tree plant<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Division 8<br />
Paths and pedestrian cross<strong>in</strong>g:<br />
Cotton Tree<br />
New footpaths <strong>in</strong> Fourth Avenue,<br />
Cotton Tree and new pedestrian<br />
cross<strong>in</strong>gs where Second and Fourth<br />
avenues <strong>in</strong>tersect with the Esplanade<br />
were completed.<br />
Nojoor Road: Mudjimba<br />
Nojoor Road was sealed. This project<br />
<strong>in</strong>volved clear<strong>in</strong>g, earth works,<br />
dra<strong>in</strong>age, gravel and seal<strong>in</strong>g the<br />
road.<br />
Park furniture and bus shelters:<br />
Pacific Paradise and Maroochydore<br />
New bus shelters and new park<br />
furniture were <strong>in</strong>stalled at Keith<br />
Royal Park at Pacific Paradise and<br />
Arana Park, next to Allora Gardens<br />
Retirement Village.<br />
Division 9<br />
Park master plan: Bli Bli<br />
The 2006 master plan for Muller Park<br />
will be revised <strong>this</strong> year. Concept and<br />
stag<strong>in</strong>g plans will be prepared, and<br />
detailed design draw<strong>in</strong>gs developed,<br />
with Stages 1 and 2 scheduled for<br />
construction <strong>in</strong> 2010-2012.<br />
Landscape master plan:<br />
Coolum Village Centre<br />
This master plan for park and<br />
streetscape upgrades and improved<br />
pedestrian/cycle access and safety<br />
is near completion. At the time of<br />
publication, it was expected the plan<br />
would be out for public feedback.<br />
Wetlands: Bli Bli<br />
A new section of boardwalk near the<br />
river end of the exist<strong>in</strong>g wetlands<br />
boardwalk was completed. Additional<br />
work is planned for the cooler months<br />
of 2010.<br />
Division 10<br />
Park upgrade: Nambour<br />
The dra<strong>in</strong> at Roll<strong>in</strong>g Meadows Park<br />
was cleaned out, timber edged<br />
and planted with shade trees and<br />
grasses. A park seat and a new<br />
rubbish b<strong>in</strong> were <strong>in</strong>stalled.<br />
Landscape master plan:<br />
Petrie Creek<br />
The Petrie Creek Open Space<br />
Landscape Master Plan aims to<br />
l<strong>in</strong>k open space areas along the<br />
creek corridor through Nambour.<br />
Community consultation results and<br />
master plan options will be presented<br />
at public workshops about March.<br />
Health prec<strong>in</strong>ct: Nambour<br />
A Nambour Health Prec<strong>in</strong>ct Work<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Group, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g representatives<br />
from the public and private hospitals,<br />
bus<strong>in</strong>ess and community members,<br />
Member for Nickl<strong>in</strong> Peter Well<strong>in</strong>gton<br />
and council officers, was established<br />
to look at plann<strong>in</strong>g matters and traffic<br />
management.<br />
Division 11<br />
Park furniture: various locations<br />
New park furniture was <strong>in</strong>stalled <strong>in</strong><br />
various parks <strong>in</strong> <strong>this</strong> division. Exist<strong>in</strong>g<br />
park furniture, which deteriorated due<br />
to age, was replaced with new-style,<br />
low-ma<strong>in</strong>tenance, alum<strong>in</strong>ium furniture.<br />
David Low Way:<br />
Peregian Beach South<br />
New landscape, turf and tree<br />
plant<strong>in</strong>g works along David Low Way<br />
complement the newly constructed<br />
roadworks, south of the Plover Street<br />
<strong>in</strong>tersection.<br />
Culvert replacement: Doonan<br />
<strong>Council</strong> has recently completed works<br />
to reconstruct the exist<strong>in</strong>g culvert<br />
at Livistona Drive, Doonan that<br />
collapsed after the April 2009 flood<br />
event.<br />
Division 12<br />
BMX track: Tewant<strong>in</strong><br />
The exist<strong>in</strong>g track facilities at Sundial<br />
Park were improved and new earth<br />
mounds <strong>in</strong>stalled. Landscap<strong>in</strong>g and<br />
plant<strong>in</strong>g has also improved the area.<br />
Roundabout: Cooroy<br />
<strong>Council</strong> is construct<strong>in</strong>g a roundabout<br />
at the <strong>in</strong>tersection of Maple Street,<br />
Crystal Street and Tulip Street,<br />
Cooroy to improve road safety.<br />
Third Cutt<strong>in</strong>g: Noosa North Shore<br />
<strong>Council</strong> has realigned the Third<br />
Cutt<strong>in</strong>g and <strong>in</strong>stalled a track pad to<br />
allow easier access to and from the<br />
beach at the Third Cutt<strong>in</strong>g on Noosa’s<br />
North Shore.<br />
Encompass March 2010<br />
Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong> <strong>Council</strong> 13
Encompass March 2010<br />
14<br />
Beerwah or bust<br />
– by bus<br />
A new trial bus service, connect<strong>in</strong>g Landsborough and<br />
Beerwah, will improve travel between the two towns and<br />
across the region for locals us<strong>in</strong>g the Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong>’s<br />
grow<strong>in</strong>g public transport network.<br />
The seven-day-a-week<br />
service meets the Transl<strong>in</strong>k<br />
605 bus from Kawana to<br />
Landsborough via Caloundra,<br />
the 615 from Maroochydore to<br />
Landsborough via Mooloolaba<br />
and University of the Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e<br />
<strong>Coast</strong> and some Brisbane<br />
tra<strong>in</strong>s.<br />
The service also connects with<br />
Glasshouse Country Coaches<br />
daily services between<br />
Landsborough and Maleny<br />
which, as a result of <strong>this</strong><br />
trial service have now been<br />
extended to <strong>in</strong>clude weekends.<br />
Regular commuters should<br />
check <strong>this</strong> timetable as some<br />
run times have changed.<br />
Integrated Transport portfolio<br />
holder, Vivien Griff<strong>in</strong>, said<br />
an effective public transport<br />
network was vital to council’s<br />
vision for a susta<strong>in</strong>able<br />
Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong>.<br />
“Susta<strong>in</strong>able liv<strong>in</strong>g calls for<br />
<strong>in</strong>novation and change which<br />
makes <strong>this</strong> new h<strong>in</strong>terland<br />
service a great way to get<br />
around the <strong>Coast</strong>, reduc<strong>in</strong>g<br />
greenhouse gases and traffic<br />
congestion at the same time,”<br />
Cr Griff<strong>in</strong> said.<br />
“So dur<strong>in</strong>g the trial phase I say<br />
‘all aboard’ and encourage<br />
h<strong>in</strong>terland residents to support<br />
Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong> <strong>Council</strong><br />
the new service by tell<strong>in</strong>g their<br />
friends about it and us<strong>in</strong>g it as<br />
often as possible because the<br />
service needs patronage to<br />
succeed.<br />
“Catch<strong>in</strong>g the bus couldn’t be<br />
easier.”<br />
In addition to mak<strong>in</strong>g regular<br />
stops, you can hail ‘n ride.<br />
This means that as long as it<br />
is safe for the driver to stop,<br />
you can board the bus after<br />
clearly signall<strong>in</strong>g to the driver<br />
by plac<strong>in</strong>g your hand out as<br />
the bus approaches.<br />
The new bus service is a jo<strong>in</strong>t<br />
<strong>in</strong>itiative of the Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong><br />
<strong>Council</strong> and the Department of<br />
Transport and Ma<strong>in</strong> Roads.<br />
It is funded by council’s<br />
Public Transport Levy which<br />
is raised to improve local<br />
public transport services,<br />
<strong>in</strong>frastructure and patronage<br />
across the <strong>Coast</strong>.<br />
For more <strong>in</strong>formation on <strong>this</strong><br />
service contact Glasshouse<br />
Country Coaches 5496 9249.<br />
For more <strong>in</strong>formation on<br />
connect<strong>in</strong>g bus services to<br />
the coast and tra<strong>in</strong> services<br />
contact Transl<strong>in</strong>k 131230 or<br />
visit www.transl<strong>in</strong>k.com.au.<br />
Forget traffic smog:<br />
Is that popcorn I smell?<br />
<strong>Council</strong> will start us<strong>in</strong>g B20<br />
biodiesel <strong>in</strong> all its heavy<br />
vehicles and mach<strong>in</strong>ery from<br />
mid-2010 to significantly reduce<br />
greenhouse gas emissions.<br />
A tanker, capable of fuell<strong>in</strong>g all<br />
council’s heavy fleet vehicles,<br />
is now <strong>in</strong>stalled at the Nambour<br />
depot, mak<strong>in</strong>g Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong><br />
<strong>Council</strong> one of the first councils <strong>in</strong><br />
Queensland to <strong>in</strong>troduce biodiesel.<br />
B20 diesel is a mix of 20 per<br />
cent biodiesel and 80 per cent<br />
petroleum diesel. It burns cleaner<br />
and faster, result<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> less wear<br />
and tear on eng<strong>in</strong>es, it reduces<br />
harmful emissions – and it<br />
apparently smells like popcorn.<br />
<strong>Council</strong>’s Fleet Management<br />
Manager, Kev<strong>in</strong> Jones, said that<br />
<strong>in</strong> November 2009 alone, council’s<br />
diesel consumption was a quarter<br />
of a million litres.<br />
“We’ll be us<strong>in</strong>g the fuel <strong>in</strong><br />
everyth<strong>in</strong>g from trucks and graders<br />
to excavators and tractors. Further<br />
down the l<strong>in</strong>e we hope to expand<br />
our use,” Mr Jones said.<br />
“B20 is sourced and produced<br />
<strong>in</strong> Australia from either tallow, a<br />
bi-product of the abattoir <strong>in</strong>dustry,<br />
recycled oil or seeds.”<br />
<strong>Council</strong>’s Assets Management<br />
Portfolio holder, Ted Hungerford,<br />
said the <strong>in</strong>troduction of biodiesel<br />
br<strong>in</strong>gs us one step closer to<br />
mak<strong>in</strong>g the Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong><br />
Australia’s most susta<strong>in</strong>able<br />
region.<br />
“Because B20 conta<strong>in</strong>s 20 per<br />
cent less fossil fuel than ord<strong>in</strong>ary<br />
diesel, we’ll be reduc<strong>in</strong>g our<br />
greenhouse gas emissions by 20<br />
per cent,” Cr Hungerford said.<br />
“We also hope to see some<br />
cost benefits when we <strong>in</strong>troduce<br />
biodiesel and anticipate see<strong>in</strong>g a<br />
reduction <strong>in</strong> our fuel usage.<br />
“This <strong>in</strong>itiative really does<br />
represent triple bottom l<strong>in</strong>e<br />
susta<strong>in</strong>ability.”
Are you prepared for<br />
disaster?<br />
Tak<strong>in</strong>g the time now to discuss and plan for emergencies<br />
could help you prepare for, survive and m<strong>in</strong>imise the<br />
impact of natural disasters.<br />
Late last year, council adopted<br />
the first disaster management<br />
plan for the Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong><br />
region.<br />
This milestone document was<br />
the result of a partnership<br />
approach between council and<br />
a range of emergency and<br />
community services on the<br />
Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong>, as part of the<br />
Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong> Local Disaster<br />
Management Group (SCLDMG).<br />
SCLDMG Chair, Tim Dwyer,<br />
said the plan’s aim is to provide<br />
the Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong> community<br />
with the tools to ensure a timely<br />
and effective response, recovery<br />
and return to a safe environment<br />
after a disaster.<br />
He said with that plan <strong>in</strong><br />
place, the emphasis now is to<br />
encourage <strong>in</strong>dividuals, families<br />
and bus<strong>in</strong>esses to view it and<br />
then beg<strong>in</strong> prepar<strong>in</strong>g their own<br />
personal disaster plan.<br />
“We can all take steps before,<br />
dur<strong>in</strong>g and after any disaster to<br />
help reduce potential loss of life<br />
and property damage,”<br />
Cr Dwyer said.<br />
“By be<strong>in</strong>g prepared, with a<br />
well thought-out plan, it is<br />
easier to rema<strong>in</strong> calm and take<br />
positive, effective steps towards<br />
protect<strong>in</strong>g yourself, your family<br />
and your bus<strong>in</strong>ess.<br />
“So I encourage our<br />
community to read the new<br />
Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong> Local Disaster<br />
Management Plan and then<br />
develop a simple plan of their<br />
own – so that they and their<br />
family are also well prepared<br />
for any disaster.”<br />
The Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong> Local<br />
Disaster Management Plan<br />
<strong>in</strong>tegrates with State and<br />
Federal disaster management<br />
arrangements, allow<strong>in</strong>g<br />
district and state disaster<br />
management groups to provide<br />
assistance if required.<br />
It replaces the previous Local<br />
Disaster Management Plans of<br />
Noosa and Caloundra City and<br />
the draft Maroochy Disaster<br />
Management Plan.<br />
The plan and <strong>in</strong>formation<br />
on how to draft your own<br />
emergency plan are available<br />
via council’s website.<br />
Be<strong>in</strong>g prepared for a<br />
disaster <strong>in</strong>cludes hav<strong>in</strong>g:<br />
► An emergency kit that <strong>in</strong>cludes<br />
non-perishable foods, bottled<br />
water, first aid kit, essential<br />
medications, torch and batterypowered<br />
radio (with extra<br />
batteries), cloth<strong>in</strong>g and footwear.<br />
► A list of emergency and related<br />
phone numbers:<br />
- Police/fire/ambulance: 000<br />
- SES: 132 500<br />
- medical services<br />
- local council<br />
- service providers<br />
- <strong>in</strong>surance providers<br />
- relatives<br />
- friends.<br />
► A list of all householder mobile<br />
phones, other phone numbers<br />
such as work, school, childcare<br />
providers, friends, neighbours<br />
and your household emergency<br />
contacts.<br />
► Details of the two meet<strong>in</strong>g<br />
places you have nom<strong>in</strong>ated.<br />
► Details of any specific<br />
medical conditions, essential<br />
medications and dosages.<br />
► Details of your pets –<br />
description, photo, veter<strong>in</strong>arian<br />
contact details and medication.<br />
► Radio frequency of your local<br />
ABC radio station, Bureau<br />
of Meteorology website and<br />
telephone weather services for<br />
local warn<strong>in</strong>gs.<br />
Encompass March 2010<br />
Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong> <strong>Council</strong> 15
Encompass March 2010<br />
16<br />
Blaze the new<br />
Noosa Trail<br />
Network<br />
You can go by bike, horse<br />
or foot – but whatever you<br />
do, don’t miss the two new<br />
h<strong>in</strong>terland trails that are now<br />
open.<br />
<strong>Council</strong> opened the new Noosa<br />
Trail Network <strong>in</strong> December<br />
to a crowd of more than 200<br />
trailblazers who were eager to<br />
brave the summer sun and give<br />
the new tracks a go.<br />
Autumn is an even better<br />
time to get outdoors, as the<br />
temperatures are less punish<strong>in</strong>g<br />
to the active.<br />
The two new trails form part of<br />
the exist<strong>in</strong>g Noosa Trail Network<br />
and l<strong>in</strong>k Pomona to both Cooroy<br />
and Lake MacDonald. Both<br />
are relatively flat and can be<br />
completed as a day walk.<br />
The 15 kilometre Mac’n’Back<br />
Trail (Trail 7) extends from the<br />
Noosa Showgrounds located at<br />
Pomona, under the railway and<br />
across Yurol Forest Drive to the<br />
picturesque Lake Macdonald.<br />
The Cooroy Wanderer (Trail 8)<br />
is an 11 kilometre easy walk<strong>in</strong>g<br />
trail that also starts at the Noosa<br />
Showgrounds, and extends<br />
through the Yurol State Forest to<br />
Cooroy.<br />
Don’t forget to wear a hat,<br />
sunscreen and comfortable<br />
shoes if walk<strong>in</strong>g and take along<br />
a water bottle.<br />
An updated Noosa Trail<br />
Network brochure is available<br />
on council’s website.<br />
Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong> <strong>Council</strong><br />
New campaign urges<br />
positive ways to dr<strong>in</strong>k at 18<br />
A new program that takes a realistic approach<br />
to encourag<strong>in</strong>g responsible dr<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g behaviour is<br />
gett<strong>in</strong>g rave reviews from schools.<br />
Year 12 students from Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e<br />
<strong>Coast</strong> high schools are the focus<br />
of the program, My decision,<br />
My life, My responsibility, which<br />
aims to alert young people to the<br />
expectations and responsibilities<br />
associated with the privilege of<br />
be<strong>in</strong>g able to legally dr<strong>in</strong>k and<br />
attend licensed premises.<br />
<strong>Council</strong>’s Community<br />
Engagement and Governance<br />
Portfolio holder, Christian<br />
Dickson, said young people have<br />
been given lots of <strong>in</strong>formation<br />
about the dangers of excessive<br />
dr<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g on their health but not<br />
programs that talk about the<br />
realities of the 18-plus life they<br />
will move <strong>in</strong>to.<br />
“At 18 they can vote, get their<br />
driver’s licence, legally dr<strong>in</strong>k<br />
alcohol and go <strong>in</strong>to licensed<br />
premises – it’s an excit<strong>in</strong>g time,”<br />
he said.<br />
“But there is a dark side – <strong>this</strong><br />
mixture can be a catalyst for<br />
disaster.<br />
“The program hopes to imbed<br />
<strong>in</strong> these young people the need<br />
to make responsible decisions<br />
for the safety of themselves and<br />
their friends.”<br />
<strong>Council</strong>’s Community Programs<br />
Manager, Mike Lollback, said<br />
feedback from students who had<br />
taken part <strong>in</strong> the program so far<br />
was very positive.<br />
“They said it was the first<br />
program they had attended that<br />
treated them like adults able to<br />
make decisions for their own<br />
good,” he said.<br />
Unlike other responsible<br />
dr<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g campaigns, <strong>this</strong> one<br />
acknowledges that young people<br />
do have the right to dr<strong>in</strong>k at 18,<br />
but need guidance around how<br />
to do so.<br />
18<br />
“No one <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> <strong>this</strong> program<br />
is say<strong>in</strong>g ‘don’t dr<strong>in</strong>k’, but if you<br />
are go<strong>in</strong>g out with friends to<br />
a licensed venue and you are<br />
go<strong>in</strong>g to dr<strong>in</strong>k, plan to get home<br />
safely,” Mr Lollback said.<br />
“Make the plan before you go out<br />
and stick to it.<br />
“Don’t take your car only to<br />
make a fateful spur-of-themoment<br />
decision to drive it home<br />
because you don’t want to leave<br />
it parked on the street.<br />
“These are the types of<br />
messages we want to get across<br />
to young people and show<br />
them that there are a number of<br />
transport options available on<br />
the coast.<br />
“The biggest part about grow<strong>in</strong>g<br />
up is tak<strong>in</strong>g responsibility for<br />
your decisions. So if you make<br />
a decision to go down a certa<strong>in</strong><br />
path – first ask yourself if it is<br />
worth it and, if so, be prepared<br />
to take responsibility for that<br />
decision.”<br />
My decision, My life, My<br />
responsibility is designed to<br />
provide young people with<br />
factual <strong>in</strong>formation <strong>in</strong> relation to<br />
the expectations, responsibilities<br />
and realities associated with<br />
alcohol, licensed venues and<br />
personal behaviour.<br />
It was launched last year at St<br />
John’s College and St Andrew’s<br />
Anglican College at Peregian<br />
Spr<strong>in</strong>gs, with plans to expand it<br />
to more schools <strong>this</strong> year.<br />
The program is an <strong>in</strong>itiative of CALM<br />
(Collaborative Approach to Liquor<br />
Management), and was delivered<br />
to schools by Queensland Police,<br />
Queensland Transport, Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e<br />
<strong>Coast</strong> <strong>Council</strong>, and proprietors of<br />
pubs and clubs. Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong><br />
Street Angels also took part.
From super models<br />
to ceramics at<br />
<strong>Coast</strong> galleries<br />
Super models from the ’60s<br />
and ’70s and a look at how<br />
the Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong>’s built<br />
environment evolved are<br />
among the highlights of<br />
exhibitions at council’s three<br />
art galleries <strong>this</strong> year.<br />
The Noosa Regional Art Gallery,<br />
Caloundra Regional Art Gallery<br />
and the Cooroy Butter Factory<br />
have more than 30 exhibitions<br />
and events planned for the<br />
com<strong>in</strong>g year, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g free<br />
workshops, floor talks and public<br />
forums.<br />
Noosa Regional Art Gallery<br />
features a photographic<br />
exhibition of Australia’s young<br />
fashion <strong>in</strong>dustry <strong>in</strong> the 1960s and<br />
70s (see back page).<br />
The Caloundra Regional Art<br />
Gallery is celebrat<strong>in</strong>g its 10th<br />
year of operation <strong>in</strong> 2010. To<br />
celebrate, photographer Deborah<br />
Halls has documented the<br />
gallery’s exhibitions and events<br />
dur<strong>in</strong>g the past decade through<br />
her exhibition Gallery Life, held<br />
from 10 March to 18 April.<br />
This will be followed by<br />
Greet<strong>in</strong>gs from Peregian Beach<br />
Roadhouse, from 21 April to 23<br />
May. This exhibition <strong>in</strong>cludes six<br />
stories chart<strong>in</strong>g the progression<br />
of our built environment on the<br />
Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong> from the turn of<br />
the century until the 1980s.<br />
On 29 May, a unique art project<br />
called TreeL<strong>in</strong>e (pictured above)<br />
will have its official launch at<br />
the Maroochy Bushland Botanic<br />
Gardens and will signal the<br />
beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g of exhibitions <strong>in</strong> all<br />
three council galleries. TreeL<strong>in</strong>e<br />
will celebrate trees and their<br />
storieswhile encourag<strong>in</strong>g the<br />
coast’s communities to take<br />
action for the environment<br />
through art. This series of<br />
exhibitions will <strong>in</strong>volve visual and<br />
new media arts, theatre, dance,<br />
music, sculpture and storytell<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Full details can be found at<br />
www.treel<strong>in</strong>e.org.au.<br />
To co<strong>in</strong>cide with the open<strong>in</strong>g<br />
of the new library at Cooroy, a<br />
series of exhibitions will focus on<br />
ceramics at the Cooroy Butter<br />
Factory from 12 March to 24<br />
April.<br />
The Tamba Connection tells the<br />
10-year story of the Japanese<br />
Anagma wood fired kiln and<br />
<strong>in</strong>clude an exhibition of recent<br />
works created <strong>in</strong> the Butter<br />
Factory’s ceramics workshop.<br />
The Butter Factory will also<br />
exhibit works by Glen Mann<strong>in</strong>g<br />
and Kathy Daly, the artists<br />
commissioned to create Bunya,<br />
the public art piece featured <strong>in</strong><br />
the new Cooroy Library prec<strong>in</strong>ct.<br />
Susan L<strong>in</strong>coln and Andrea<br />
Higg<strong>in</strong>s will present a dual show<br />
from 16 April to 16 May. The<br />
exhibit will be a comb<strong>in</strong>ation<br />
of <strong>in</strong>stallation, sculpture and<br />
photography promis<strong>in</strong>g to<br />
manipulate the space and<br />
viewers’ <strong>in</strong>terpretations. At the<br />
same time, last year’s w<strong>in</strong>ner of<br />
the Noosa Regional Art Gallery<br />
Travell<strong>in</strong>g Scholarship Award,<br />
Cather<strong>in</strong>e Fisk, will present her<br />
latest work which re-affirms the<br />
artist’s desire to return to the first<br />
pr<strong>in</strong>ciples of mark mak<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Keep<strong>in</strong>g tabs on<br />
council’s vision<br />
A review of the Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong><br />
<strong>Council</strong>’s first Operational Plan<br />
has made the document easier<br />
to understand, giv<strong>in</strong>g greater<br />
<strong>in</strong>sight <strong>in</strong>to council operations<br />
and how it aims to achieve its<br />
Corporate Plan vision.<br />
The Operational Plan prioritises<br />
the key projects and programs<br />
council will undertake <strong>in</strong> any<br />
given f<strong>in</strong>ancial year to achieve<br />
its vision of becom<strong>in</strong>g Australia’s<br />
most susta<strong>in</strong>able region.<br />
The annual Operational Plan is<br />
reported on four times a year to<br />
provide council with quarterly<br />
progress <strong>in</strong>formation on more<br />
than 160 projects and activities.<br />
It aligns with the organisation’s<br />
Corporate Plan 2009-2014.<br />
It also <strong>in</strong>forms the budget<br />
process and the allocation of<br />
resources.<br />
Milestones already reached<br />
<strong>in</strong>clude:<br />
► the adoption of the Plann<strong>in</strong>g<br />
for a Susta<strong>in</strong>able Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e<br />
<strong>Coast</strong> – a Statement of<br />
Proposals, which is the first<br />
step toward the preparation of<br />
a new plann<strong>in</strong>g scheme<br />
► the establishment of<br />
a framework for the<br />
Susta<strong>in</strong>ability and Innovation<br />
Group, to help council<br />
prioritise its susta<strong>in</strong>ability<br />
<strong>in</strong>itiatives<br />
► the development of a new<br />
water entity for <strong>this</strong> region.<br />
<strong>Council</strong>’s Annual Report,<br />
produced at the end of<br />
each f<strong>in</strong>ancial year, reports<br />
on the f<strong>in</strong>ancial status of<br />
the organisation and its<br />
achievements <strong>in</strong> a given<br />
12-month period.<br />
All these documents are<br />
available to the community via<br />
council’s website and also at<br />
local council libraries.<br />
Encompass March 2010<br />
Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong> <strong>Council</strong> 17
Are you well connected?<br />
High speed broadband connections will be available to more<br />
Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong> residents from <strong>this</strong> year.<br />
www.connect<strong>in</strong>gthecoast.com.au<br />
Check out the regularly updated<br />
website for further <strong>in</strong>formation and<br />
support <strong>in</strong> access<strong>in</strong>g improved high<br />
speed broadband.<br />
From July 2010, all new<br />
developments will need to<br />
provide for optic fibre as part<br />
of the National Broadband<br />
Network. This means that more<br />
people liv<strong>in</strong>g and work<strong>in</strong>g on<br />
the Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong> will benefit<br />
from the Connect<strong>in</strong>g the <strong>Coast</strong><br />
project.<br />
In a partnership that secured<br />
more than $11 million <strong>in</strong><br />
fund<strong>in</strong>g for much-needed new<br />
broadband <strong>in</strong>frastructure on<br />
the Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong>, the project<br />
has successfully <strong>in</strong>troduced<br />
high speed connectivity to<br />
educational <strong>in</strong>stitutions and<br />
health-care providers and now<br />
the push is to reach the general<br />
community.<br />
So, if you are relocat<strong>in</strong>g on or<br />
to the Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e coast, consider<br />
ask<strong>in</strong>g your agent or developer<br />
the follow<strong>in</strong>g questions:<br />
► Is the development/property<br />
National Broadband Network<br />
(NBN) ready?<br />
► Does the estate/property<br />
have optic fibre technology?<br />
► Will I get a choice of service<br />
providers on the network?<br />
► What will I be pay<strong>in</strong>g for<br />
these services?<br />
If you own or operate a<br />
bus<strong>in</strong>ess, you may like to ask<br />
the same questions <strong>in</strong> terms<br />
of lease arrangements and<br />
confirm that the build<strong>in</strong>g has<br />
optic fibre or is capable of be<strong>in</strong>g<br />
upgraded when the NBN comes<br />
to the Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong>.<br />
Economic Development<br />
Portfolio holder, Lew Brennan,<br />
said <strong>this</strong> high speed connectivity<br />
helps create a robust economy<br />
with everyone benefit<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
“It enhances how exist<strong>in</strong>g<br />
bus<strong>in</strong>esses can operate as<br />
well as encourag<strong>in</strong>g more<br />
companies to locate their<br />
bus<strong>in</strong>esses on the Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e<br />
<strong>Coast</strong>,” Cr Brennan said.<br />
“This <strong>in</strong> turn means more job<br />
opportunities for everyone<br />
- while liv<strong>in</strong>g our preferred<br />
lifestyles on both the coast and<br />
the h<strong>in</strong>terland.”<br />
Encompass March 2010<br />
18<br />
Free fact sheets<br />
Free fact sheets are now available from council to<br />
help give you an accurate snapshot of who lives on<br />
the Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong>, the services available and the<br />
region’s emerg<strong>in</strong>g trends.<br />
The 14 demographic fact sheets provide reliable data<br />
sourced from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)<br />
and reveal statistics such as the latest population<br />
estimates – which is now more than 300,000 – for the<br />
<strong>Coast</strong>.<br />
The fact sheets reveal that 17 per cent of our<br />
population are 11-24 years old and that 16 per cent are<br />
65 years and older. They also report that a person on<br />
the Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong> is expected to live for an average<br />
of 81 years, with Australia hav<strong>in</strong>g the second highest<br />
life expectancy <strong>in</strong> the world.<br />
The fact sheets, provided free of charge as a<br />
community service, are available on council’s website<br />
and from libraries and council customer service centres.<br />
Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong> <strong>Council</strong><br />
The fact sheets cover the follow<strong>in</strong>g categories:<br />
► Introduction to the<br />
region<br />
► Population<br />
► Indigenous<br />
population<br />
► Households and<br />
families<br />
► Youth population<br />
► Positive age<strong>in</strong>g<br />
► Active and healthy<br />
► Population health<br />
► Education<br />
► Cultural diversity<br />
► Transport<br />
► Access and equity<br />
► Community safety<br />
► Tourism.
Plann<strong>in</strong>g on target<br />
for the Maleny Community Prec<strong>in</strong>ct<br />
Work on the Maleny Community Prec<strong>in</strong>ct<br />
Master Plan project is well underway with<br />
a draft plan expected to be delivered to<br />
council by mid-April.<br />
The facilities proposed for the prec<strong>in</strong>ct <strong>in</strong>clude<br />
a community golf course, a ra<strong>in</strong>forest park,<br />
walk<strong>in</strong>g trails, restoration of historic Pattemore<br />
House, a nursery, sports and recreation<br />
facilities and residential uses.<br />
Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong> Community Policy and<br />
Programs Portfolio holder, Jenny McKay, is<br />
predict<strong>in</strong>g a great outcome with the project’s<br />
progress and the way everyone is work<strong>in</strong>g<br />
together, on target.<br />
“Build<strong>in</strong>g on all the work done to date, a multidiscipl<strong>in</strong>ary<br />
team of consultants will cont<strong>in</strong>ue<br />
to work with the Maleny Community Prec<strong>in</strong>ct<br />
work<strong>in</strong>g group and council to develop the<br />
master plan,” Cr McKay said.<br />
“We expect the consultants to present the draft<br />
master plan to council by mid April 2010 and a<br />
f<strong>in</strong>al plan by June 2010.”<br />
Cr McKay said the concept plan for the 122<br />
hectare site, approved by the former Caloundra<br />
City <strong>Council</strong> <strong>in</strong> November 2007, is the basis for<br />
the work.<br />
“The master plan is the next stage <strong>in</strong> br<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g<br />
the prec<strong>in</strong>ct to life – when it’s f<strong>in</strong>ished we will<br />
have a clear vision of what is actually feasible<br />
for the area.<br />
“It will f<strong>in</strong>alise the detail and layout of the site<br />
as well as provide a cost estimate for the<br />
prec<strong>in</strong>ct and an assessment of the feasibility of<br />
the proposed residential areas.<br />
“S<strong>in</strong>ce the new year, we’ve had several<br />
meet<strong>in</strong>gs with the work<strong>in</strong>g group to nut out<br />
some of the <strong>issue</strong>s <strong>in</strong> the master plan and the<br />
concepts are start<strong>in</strong>g to take shape.<br />
“The <strong>in</strong>dividual stakeholders, who will operate<br />
on the area, have also been work<strong>in</strong>g with a<br />
consultant to develop their bus<strong>in</strong>ess case for<br />
the day-to-day runn<strong>in</strong>g of the site.<br />
“We are mak<strong>in</strong>g good progress and the<br />
feedback that I am receiv<strong>in</strong>g from the Maleny<br />
community <strong>in</strong>dicates they are very grateful for<br />
all the hard work the work<strong>in</strong>g group and council<br />
are putt<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>.<br />
“This is a complicated project with multiple<br />
players and lots of <strong>issue</strong>s but we are look<strong>in</strong>g<br />
forward – <strong>this</strong> is all about the future and<br />
creat<strong>in</strong>g a space for the whole community to<br />
enjoy.”<br />
Encompass March 2010<br />
Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong> <strong>Council</strong> 19
Libraries by the book<br />
Number of library members 130,000 (about 45% of the<br />
Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong> population)<br />
Library visitors daily 6500<br />
Library visitors annually 2 million<br />
Number of items <strong>in</strong> the 590,000<br />
collection<br />
Free <strong>in</strong>ternet use annually More than 100,000 hours provided<br />
through more than 70 computers<br />
Number of events annually 4500 activities, events and<br />
programs (from storytell<strong>in</strong>g to author<br />
events and learn<strong>in</strong>g programs)<br />
Libraries:<br />
more to love <strong>in</strong> 2010<br />
Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong> libraries attract some of the country’s best speakers to the<br />
region, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g lead<strong>in</strong>g authors, travel writers, surfers and social campaigners.<br />
Encompass March 2010<br />
Every year, the libraries put together a<br />
great program of events that br<strong>in</strong>g top<br />
writers and experts <strong>in</strong> their field to the<br />
Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong> to conduct workshops,<br />
discuss their latest novels or simply<br />
enterta<strong>in</strong> us with ripp<strong>in</strong>g yarns.<br />
Highlights from last year <strong>in</strong>cluded<br />
award-w<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g Queensland author Nick<br />
Earls, former Big Brother presenter<br />
and author Gretel Killeen, author<br />
and actress Judy Nunn and river<br />
campaigner Steve Posselt.<br />
But it’s not all big names from<br />
<strong>in</strong>terstate. One of the most popular<br />
events staged by libraries last year<br />
was a workshop on how to grow your<br />
own vegies by local gardener Ros<strong>in</strong>a<br />
Buckman. Ros<strong>in</strong>a is a w<strong>in</strong>ner of one of<br />
council’s Liv<strong>in</strong>g Smart awards for her<br />
<strong>in</strong>genious ways of grow<strong>in</strong>g everyth<strong>in</strong>g<br />
from p<strong>in</strong>eapples <strong>in</strong> pot plants to<br />
lettuce <strong>in</strong> sunny backyards (the secret<br />
is shadecloth). Such is the demand<br />
for her know-how that Ros<strong>in</strong>a’s free<br />
workshops were booked out before<br />
council had the chance to publicise<br />
them.<br />
For 2010, libraries have another year of<br />
great visit<strong>in</strong>g speakers and workshops<br />
to enhance liv<strong>in</strong>g on the Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e<br />
<strong>Coast</strong>. Included <strong>in</strong> the l<strong>in</strong>e-up <strong>this</strong> year<br />
are further sessions on susta<strong>in</strong>ability<br />
and creat<strong>in</strong>g your own vegie patch and<br />
a series of Liv<strong>in</strong>g Well workshops.<br />
2010 highlights <strong>in</strong>clude:<br />
► Learn how seniors can<br />
become a whiz on a<br />
mobile phone, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g<br />
text<strong>in</strong>g, photographs and<br />
more. Most people have<br />
a mobile these days, but<br />
did you know they are<br />
capable of far more than<br />
a quick chat while on the<br />
run? Do you know how<br />
to take photos with your<br />
phone and send them<br />
to friends? How to text?<br />
Sometimes all you need is<br />
someone to show you.<br />
► Free legal advice on<br />
how to prepare a will and<br />
powers of attorney.<br />
► Plan your next holiday with<br />
Buderim author Anto<strong>in</strong>ette<br />
O’Connor discuss<strong>in</strong>g her<br />
new book, Travell<strong>in</strong>g the<br />
World. Written for those<br />
<strong>in</strong> between backpacker<br />
and five star jetsetters,<br />
it focuses on tips for the<br />
average traveller.<br />
► Reduce your landfill waste<br />
by up to 50 per cent <strong>in</strong><br />
a series of free worm<br />
farm<strong>in</strong>g and compost<strong>in</strong>g<br />
workshops. One worm<br />
farm and one compost<strong>in</strong>g<br />
system will be given<br />
away at each session<br />
and with only 30 spaces<br />
available per workshop,<br />
the odds for w<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g<br />
are great. Workshops<br />
will demonstrate how<br />
to set up a worm farm<br />
or compost<strong>in</strong>g system,<br />
how an organic recycl<strong>in</strong>g<br />
system works plus any<br />
troubleshoot<strong>in</strong>g tips.<br />
► Why is it that food you<br />
grow yourself just tastes<br />
better? Ros<strong>in</strong>a Buckman,<br />
w<strong>in</strong>ner of council’s Liv<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Smart award - Edible<br />
Landscape category,<br />
will aga<strong>in</strong> visit libraries<br />
to teach <strong>Coast</strong> residents<br />
how to grow their own<br />
food <strong>in</strong> our subtropical<br />
climate, grow food when<br />
you don’t have a garden,<br />
ensure your vegie patch<br />
survives the summer,<br />
propagate cutt<strong>in</strong>gs and<br />
seedl<strong>in</strong>gs, and more. Book<br />
early because Ros<strong>in</strong>a’s<br />
workshops are always a<br />
full house.<br />
20<br />
Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong> <strong>Council</strong>
Smart<br />
management<br />
reduces bushfire risk<br />
<strong>Council</strong> will shortly resume its proactive fire<br />
management program, aimed at reduc<strong>in</strong>g<br />
bushfire threat to homes.<br />
Each year council conducts planned prioritised<br />
burns <strong>in</strong> bushland conservation reserves to<br />
reduce the fuels surround<strong>in</strong>g residential areas.<br />
<strong>Council</strong> works closely with Queensland Fire<br />
and Rescue Services (QFRS) and Queensland<br />
Parks and Wildlife Services (QPWS) to deliver<br />
the program, which focuses on planned burns,<br />
fire trails and tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g of council staff.<br />
Service Delivery Portfolio holder, Paul Tatton,<br />
said the fire program meets strict QFRS<br />
guidel<strong>in</strong>es for responsible land management.<br />
“Planned burn<strong>in</strong>g is essential <strong>in</strong> protect<strong>in</strong>g<br />
community and private assets and promot<strong>in</strong>g<br />
fire regimes that our native vegetation has<br />
adapted to,” Cr Tatton said.<br />
In 2009, council completed 14 planned burns<br />
<strong>in</strong> urban and rural areas cover<strong>in</strong>g around 350<br />
hectares. This year’s planned burn program is<br />
scheduled to start <strong>in</strong> March/April depend<strong>in</strong>g on<br />
weather conditions.<br />
“An additional five kilometres of trails were<br />
added <strong>in</strong> 2009 to the exist<strong>in</strong>g 50 kilometre<br />
network. The trail program offers a fuel-free<br />
break between bushland and properties as<br />
well as provid<strong>in</strong>g emergency vehicle access,”<br />
Cr Tatton said.<br />
“<strong>Council</strong> has 35 staff tra<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> fire fight<strong>in</strong>g<br />
operations and seven light attack vehicles ready<br />
to be deployed <strong>in</strong> the event of a bush fire.<br />
“Provid<strong>in</strong>g tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g to council staff is an<br />
important part of the fire protection program.<br />
“When bush fires break out, the state fire<br />
service needs all hands on deck and they<br />
can rely on council crews and fire fight<strong>in</strong>g<br />
mach<strong>in</strong>ery to be ready.”<br />
For more <strong>in</strong>formation on council’s fire<br />
protection program, call the customer service<br />
centre on 5475 7272 or vist council’s website.<br />
Affordable<br />
liv<strong>in</strong>g<br />
options for all<br />
The Draft Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong> Affordable Liv<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Strategy is currently be<strong>in</strong>g f<strong>in</strong>alised by<br />
council.<br />
The draft strategy identifies ways to match<br />
hous<strong>in</strong>g type to household size, improve hous<strong>in</strong>g<br />
choice, design accessible and resource-efficient<br />
neighbourhoods and improve access to essential<br />
facilities and services.<br />
<strong>Council</strong>’s Social Strategy Portfolio holder and Hous<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Affordability Task Force Chair, Anna Grosskreutz, said<br />
that community feedback on the discussion paper was<br />
very positive and supported the affordable approach.<br />
“Late last year we <strong>in</strong>vited the community to comment<br />
on the Affordable Liv<strong>in</strong>g Discussion Paper, which gave<br />
the community <strong>in</strong>sight <strong>in</strong>to where council is head<strong>in</strong>g,”<br />
Cr Grosskruetz said.<br />
“Community feedback confirmed council is on the right<br />
track and made it clear the residents understand that<br />
affordable liv<strong>in</strong>g goes hand-<strong>in</strong>-hand with susta<strong>in</strong>ability<br />
of our region.<br />
“There were strong views <strong>in</strong> support of higher<br />
density liv<strong>in</strong>g, good hous<strong>in</strong>g design and well located<br />
communities with adequate <strong>in</strong>frastructure and<br />
services, along with acknowledgement that cultural<br />
change is needed before people embrace higher<br />
density liv<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
“<strong>Council</strong> has <strong>in</strong>corporated <strong>this</strong> feedback <strong>in</strong>to the Draft<br />
Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong> Affordable Liv<strong>in</strong>g Strategy.<br />
“The draft strategy exam<strong>in</strong>es diversity of hous<strong>in</strong>g<br />
choice, ensur<strong>in</strong>g that hous<strong>in</strong>g is looked at alongside<br />
access to services, employment and transport, as well<br />
as gett<strong>in</strong>g smaller houses on the market.<br />
“With the community’s feedback and detailed<br />
discussion with key stakeholders, the f<strong>in</strong>al strategy will<br />
become council’s position on affordable liv<strong>in</strong>g on the<br />
Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong> and guide council’s future operations<br />
on <strong>this</strong> <strong>issue</strong>.<br />
“I <strong>in</strong>vite the community to check the website for the<br />
draft strategy and have their say on the future look<br />
and feel of the Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong>.”<br />
Visit council’s website <strong>in</strong> April for more<br />
<strong>in</strong>formation or to have your say.<br />
Encompass March 2010<br />
Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong> <strong>Council</strong> 21
Have your say on<br />
Maroochydore and Palmview<br />
Don’t miss the chance to have your say on the plann<strong>in</strong>g for<br />
Maroochydore, the pr<strong>in</strong>cipal activity centre of the Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e<br />
<strong>Coast</strong>, and Palmview, the <strong>Coast</strong>’s first “br<strong>in</strong>g forward”<br />
greenfield development.<br />
<strong>Council</strong> will soon be <strong>in</strong>vit<strong>in</strong>g submissions on the structure plans<br />
and detailed plann<strong>in</strong>g scheme amendments on both master<br />
planned areas.<br />
The proposed Maroochydore and proposed Palmview Structure<br />
Plans set out the broad environmental, land use, <strong>in</strong>frastructure<br />
and development for the areas and, once adopted, will guide<br />
their detailed plann<strong>in</strong>g. Both plans have been reviewed by the<br />
State Government and council ahead of <strong>this</strong> opportunity for<br />
community comment.<br />
Executive Director of Regional Strategy and Plann<strong>in</strong>g, Warren<br />
Bunker, said the almost completed plans paved the way for<br />
council to demonstrate its vision for susta<strong>in</strong>ability.<br />
“The plans will help council to deliver great environmental,<br />
economic and social outcomes for both areas,” Mr Bunker said.<br />
“As the pr<strong>in</strong>cipal activity centre, Maroochydore is designed<br />
to <strong>in</strong>corporate opportunities for significant new bus<strong>in</strong>ess and<br />
employment necessary <strong>in</strong> provid<strong>in</strong>g jobs for the Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e<br />
<strong>Coast</strong>. The plan <strong>in</strong>corporates transport choices, active parkland,<br />
affordable liv<strong>in</strong>g and community facilities, while Palmview aims<br />
to be a world class susta<strong>in</strong>able community with a focus on<br />
environmental protection and development which is l<strong>in</strong>ked to the<br />
delivery of high quality <strong>in</strong>frastructure <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g a public transport<br />
system.<br />
“Each draft plan was developed with <strong>in</strong>put from stakeholders<br />
and the community so we anticipate more strong feedback. This<br />
will then be reviewed by council before the structure plans are<br />
resubmitted to the State Government later <strong>this</strong> year.”<br />
To f<strong>in</strong>d out more visit council’s website or contact the<br />
Strategic Plann<strong>in</strong>g Branch via council’s customer service<br />
centres.<br />
What is a<br />
structure plan?<br />
A structure plan forms part of a<br />
plann<strong>in</strong>g scheme and must:<br />
► be an <strong>in</strong>tegrated land use<br />
plan sett<strong>in</strong>g out the broad<br />
environmental, land use,<br />
<strong>in</strong>frastructure and development<br />
<strong>in</strong>tended to guide detailed<br />
plann<strong>in</strong>g for the area<br />
► appropriately reflect the standard<br />
plann<strong>in</strong>g scheme provisions<br />
► <strong>in</strong>clude a structure plan<br />
area code (which states the<br />
development entitlements and<br />
obligations for the area)<br />
► identify master plann<strong>in</strong>g<br />
requirements for all or part of<br />
the area, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g any master<br />
plans required to be made and<br />
whether the master plan is<br />
required to be assessed by the<br />
State<br />
► state the categories of<br />
development:<br />
- exempt<br />
- self assessable<br />
- development requir<strong>in</strong>g<br />
compliance assessment<br />
- assessable<br />
- prohibited<br />
► identify or <strong>in</strong>clude codes for<br />
development.<br />
Encompass March 2010<br />
22<br />
Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong> <strong>Council</strong>
Picnic anyone?<br />
The Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong> has many beautiful parks and open<br />
spaces dotted across the region, but how do you f<strong>in</strong>d them?<br />
To help residents and visitors<br />
f<strong>in</strong>d those special places<br />
tucked away across the region,<br />
council has been busy collat<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>in</strong>formation <strong>in</strong>to a searchable<br />
onl<strong>in</strong>e database called ‘Outdoor<br />
Recreation Kiosk’ or ORK.<br />
Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong> parks that<br />
are worth pack<strong>in</strong>g the picnic<br />
gear for <strong>in</strong>clude:<br />
► Lions Park Noosaville<br />
► K<strong>in</strong>gs Beach Caloundra<br />
► Cotton Tree Park<br />
Maroochydore<br />
► Kenilworth Town Park<br />
Kenilworth<br />
► Maroochy Bushland<br />
Botanic Gardens<br />
Tanawha (pictured at top)<br />
► Mary Cairncross Scenic<br />
Reserve Maleny.<br />
These parks are classified<br />
as regional parks,<br />
characterised by a range<br />
of features that appeal to<br />
different age ranges and<br />
<strong>in</strong>terests and complement<br />
their surround<strong>in</strong>gs, whether<br />
they be forest, beach or<br />
bushland.<br />
Eyes on the street<br />
ORK lets you search by suburb<br />
or by 32 different features and<br />
facilities that will guide you to<br />
that perfect recreation spot.<br />
Some of the searchable fields<br />
<strong>in</strong>clude boat ramps, wedd<strong>in</strong>g<br />
ceremony sites, exercise<br />
circuits, walk<strong>in</strong>g trails, dog<br />
off-leash areas and wheelchair<br />
access.<br />
ORK shows you the facilities<br />
available <strong>in</strong> each park, photos<br />
of the site and gives a brief<br />
summary.<br />
You’ll also f<strong>in</strong>d details on:<br />
► walk<strong>in</strong>g, cycl<strong>in</strong>g, heritage<br />
and environment trails<br />
► beach safety and<br />
<strong>in</strong>formation on council’s<br />
lifeguard service<br />
► dog exercise areas,<br />
<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g off-leash area fact<br />
sheets<br />
► wedd<strong>in</strong>g ceremony venues,<br />
with <strong>in</strong>formation on how to<br />
apply to book a site.<br />
ORK will be updated as new<br />
<strong>in</strong>formation or images become<br />
available. To access ORK,<br />
simply visit council’s website.<br />
<strong>Council</strong> relies on members of the community and our<br />
own field staff to let us know of anyth<strong>in</strong>g that needs our<br />
attention.<br />
To help us keep community facilities <strong>in</strong> top shape, please let<br />
us know if you see:<br />
► graffiti<br />
► holes <strong>in</strong> footpaths or roads<br />
► trip hazards ► rubbish on roadsides<br />
► fallen trees ► spills on roads (such as oil or gravel).<br />
If you notice someth<strong>in</strong>g that needs to be reported, please<br />
contact your nearest customer service centre.<br />
All about Encompass<br />
We hope you enjoyed the fifth<br />
<strong>issue</strong> of Encompass magaz<strong>in</strong>e.<br />
The magaz<strong>in</strong>e is designed to give<br />
residents a quarterly update on<br />
council events, activities, services<br />
and projects. Please contact us if<br />
you have ideas or questions you<br />
would like to see <strong>in</strong> future <strong>issue</strong>s.<br />
Some facts about Encompass<br />
Delivery<br />
Encompass is delivered directly <strong>in</strong>to<br />
residential letterboxes, even those<br />
bear<strong>in</strong>g the “no junk mail” message.<br />
It is delivered as unaddressed mail<br />
to ensure both ratepayers and nonratepayers<br />
receive a copy.<br />
Cost<br />
Encompass is free to you, but costs<br />
about 50 cents per <strong>issue</strong> to produce<br />
and deliver. This is less than the<br />
cost of mail<strong>in</strong>g a letter. Look out<br />
for an <strong>issue</strong> of Encompass <strong>in</strong> your<br />
mailbox four times a year.<br />
Environmental impacts<br />
Encompass is pr<strong>in</strong>ted on<br />
environmentally-certified paper<br />
stock that is produced us<strong>in</strong>g<br />
responsible forestry practices and<br />
other controlled sources. The <strong>in</strong>ks<br />
used are soy based, not petroleum<br />
derived.<br />
For more <strong>in</strong>formation about council:<br />
www.sunsh<strong>in</strong>ecoast.qld.gov.au<br />
Encompass March 2010<br />
Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong> <strong>Council</strong> 23
what’s on<br />
The Encompass What’s On guide features council owned or<br />
sponsored events. While <strong>this</strong> list is not exhaustive, it gives you a<br />
taste of the range of events held across the region.<br />
For further details, phone council on 5475 7272 or visit<br />
www.sunsh<strong>in</strong>ecoast.qld.gov.au and tap <strong>in</strong>to<br />
the About the <strong>Coast</strong> section – What’s On.<br />
30 January-4 July<br />
TreeL<strong>in</strong>e – People, art,<br />
science and nature program<br />
Caloundra Regional<br />
Art Gallery<br />
5 February-7 March<br />
Namatjira to Now –<br />
Queensland Art Gallery<br />
tour<strong>in</strong>g exhibition<br />
Noosa Regional Gallery<br />
1-31 March<br />
Liv<strong>in</strong>g Smart ‘with a low<br />
carbon diet’ month<br />
Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong> wide<br />
1 March<br />
Green Flicks Night<br />
Nambour Civic Centre<br />
3 March<br />
Vegie Patch workshop<br />
Beerwah Library<br />
3 March<br />
Chang<strong>in</strong>g Habits, Chang<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Lives with Cyndi O’Meara<br />
Maleny Library<br />
5 March<br />
Green Zone Disco<br />
The J, Noosa<br />
6 March<br />
Kids Club Art Zone<br />
Caloundra Regional<br />
Art Gallery<br />
Strike a Pose ... with Lee L<strong>in</strong> Ch<strong>in</strong><br />
Open<strong>in</strong>g at the Noosa Regional Art Gallery from 12 March to 11 April,<br />
<strong>this</strong> exhibition features 89 images taken by Australian Government<br />
photographers dur<strong>in</strong>g the 1960s and 70s to promote the burgeon<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Australian fashion <strong>in</strong>dustry. With fashion icon and SBS broadcaster Lee<br />
L<strong>in</strong> Ch<strong>in</strong> as guest curator, the exhibition celebrates the emerg<strong>in</strong>g local<br />
fashion <strong>in</strong>dustry, along with its personalities, trends and <strong>in</strong>fluences.<br />
For more <strong>in</strong>formation contact the gallery on 5449 5340. Entry is free.<br />
10 March-18 April<br />
Gallery Life exhibit<br />
Caloundra Regional<br />
Art Gallery<br />
11-13 March<br />
Giant book sale<br />
Maroochydore Library<br />
12 March-11 April<br />
Strike a Pose ... with Lee L<strong>in</strong><br />
Ch<strong>in</strong> – National Archives of<br />
Australia tour<strong>in</strong>g exhibition<br />
Noosa Regional Gallery<br />
14 March<br />
Family Day with free<br />
children’s art activities<br />
Noosa Regional Gallery<br />
23 March<br />
Worm farm<strong>in</strong>g workshop<br />
Nambour Library<br />
24 March<br />
Permaculture workshop<br />
Coolum Library<br />
25 March<br />
Build<strong>in</strong>g activity <strong>in</strong>to daily life<br />
Maroochydore Library<br />
30 March<br />
Easter storytell<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Beerwah Library<br />
30 March<br />
Compost<strong>in</strong>g workshop<br />
Noosa and Coolum Libraries<br />
2 April<br />
Green Zone Disco<br />
The J, Noosa<br />
2-4 April<br />
The Great Noosa Campout<br />
Music Festival<br />
Doonan<br />
3 April<br />
Kids Club Art Zone<br />
Caloundra Regional<br />
Art Gallery<br />
6 April<br />
Holiday storytell<strong>in</strong>g and craft<br />
Beerwah Library<br />
7 April<br />
Easter Art School<br />
Caloundra Regional<br />
Art Gallery<br />
11 April<br />
Family Day and ART Park<br />
artists market<br />
Noosa Regional Gallery<br />
21 April-23 May<br />
Greet<strong>in</strong>gs from Peregian<br />
Beach Roadhouse exhibit<br />
Caloundra Regional<br />
Art Gallery<br />
27 April-1 May<br />
Pet microchipp<strong>in</strong>g days<br />
Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong> wide<br />
1 May<br />
Kids Club Art Zone<br />
Caloundra Regional<br />
Art Gallery<br />
7 May<br />
Green Zone Disco<br />
The J, Noosa<br />
22 May<br />
Menopause the Musical<br />
The Events Centre<br />
24-28 May<br />
Pet microchipp<strong>in</strong>g days<br />
Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong> wide<br />
26 May-1 July<br />
Treel<strong>in</strong>e – People, art,<br />
science and nature exhibit<br />
Caloundra Regional<br />
Art Gallery<br />
29 May<br />
Ripe Noosa 2010<br />
Music festival<br />
Doonan<br />
1-30 June<br />
GreenJune<br />
Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong> wide<br />
www.sunsh<strong>in</strong>ecoast.qld.gov.au<br />
<strong>Council</strong> encourages Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong> residents and ratepayers to contact their local office.<br />
Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Coast</strong> <strong>Council</strong> enquiries ...................................... P 07 5475 7272<br />
...................................... P 1300 00 7272 Local calls only excludes mobiles.<br />
...................................... E mail@sunsh<strong>in</strong>ecoast.qld.gov.au<br />
Local offices Caloundra ......................... 1 Omrah Avenue ........................................ P 07 5420 8200 ........ F 5420 8900<br />
Maroochydore ................. 11-13 Ocean Street .................................. P 07 5475 8501 ........ F 5441 8338<br />
Nambour ............................ Corner Currie and Bury Streets ......... P 07 5475 8501 ........ F 5441 8338<br />
Tewant<strong>in</strong> ............................ 9 Pelican Street .......................................... P 07 5449 5200 ........ F 5447 1062<br />
Office hours (Monday to Friday excludes public holidays) Telephone contact ................................................... 8am to 5pm<br />
Customer Service Centres ................... 8.30am to 4.30pm<br />
Adm<strong>in</strong>istration build<strong>in</strong>gs ................................ 8.30am to 5pm