in this issue - Sunshine Coast Council

More documents

Recommendations

Info

Encompass March 2010 14 Beerwah or bust – by bus A new trial bus service, connecting Landsborough and Beerwah, will improve travel between the two towns and across the region for locals using the Sunshine Coast’s growing public transport network. The seven-day-a-week service meets the Translink 605 bus from Kawana to Landsborough via Caloundra, the 615 from Maroochydore to Landsborough via Mooloolaba and University of the Sunshine Coast and some Brisbane trains. The service also connects with Glasshouse Country Coaches daily services between Landsborough and Maleny which, as a result of this trial service have now been extended to include weekends. Regular commuters should check this timetable as some run times have changed. Integrated Transport portfolio holder, Vivien Griffin, said an effective public transport network was vital to council’s vision for a sustainable Sunshine Coast. “Sustainable living calls for innovation and change which makes this new hinterland service a great way to get around the Coast, reducing greenhouse gases and traffic congestion at the same time,” Cr Griffin said. “So during the trial phase I say ‘all aboard’ and encourage hinterland residents to support Sunshine Coast Council the new service by telling their friends about it and using it as often as possible because the service needs patronage to succeed. “Catching the bus couldn’t be easier.” In addition to making regular stops, you can hail ‘n ride. This means that as long as it is safe for the driver to stop, you can board the bus after clearly signalling to the driver by placing your hand out as the bus approaches. The new bus service is a joint initiative of the Sunshine Coast Council and the Department of Transport and Main Roads. It is funded by council’s Public Transport Levy which is raised to improve local public transport services, infrastructure and patronage across the Coast. For more information on this service contact Glasshouse Country Coaches 5496 9249. For more information on connecting bus services to the coast and train services contact Translink 131230 or visit www.translink.com.au. Forget traffic smog: Is that popcorn I smell? Council will start using B20 biodiesel in all its heavy vehicles and machinery from mid-2010 to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. A tanker, capable of fuelling all council’s heavy fleet vehicles, is now installed at the Nambour depot, making Sunshine Coast Council one of the first councils in Queensland to introduce biodiesel. B20 diesel is a mix of 20 per cent biodiesel and 80 per cent petroleum diesel. It burns cleaner and faster, resulting in less wear and tear on engines, it reduces harmful emissions – and it apparently smells like popcorn. Council’s Fleet Management Manager, Kevin Jones, said that in November 2009 alone, council’s diesel consumption was a quarter of a million litres. “We’ll be using the fuel in everything from trucks and graders to excavators and tractors. Further down the line we hope to expand our use,” Mr Jones said. “B20 is sourced and produced in Australia from either tallow, a bi-product of the abattoir industry, recycled oil or seeds.” Council’s Assets Management Portfolio holder, Ted Hungerford, said the introduction of biodiesel brings us one step closer to making the Sunshine Coast Australia’s most sustainable region. “Because B20 contains 20 per cent less fossil fuel than ordinary diesel, we’ll be reducing our greenhouse gas emissions by 20 per cent,” Cr Hungerford said. “We also hope to see some cost benefits when we introduce biodiesel and anticipate seeing a reduction in our fuel usage. “This initiative really does represent triple bottom line sustainability.”
Are you prepared for disaster? Taking the time now to discuss and plan for emergencies could help you prepare for, survive and minimise the impact of natural disasters. Late last year, council adopted the first disaster management plan for the Sunshine Coast region. This milestone document was the result of a partnership approach between council and a range of emergency and community services on the Sunshine Coast, as part of the Sunshine Coast Local Disaster Management Group (SCLDMG). SCLDMG Chair, Tim Dwyer, said the plan’s aim is to provide the Sunshine Coast community with the tools to ensure a timely and effective response, recovery and return to a safe environment after a disaster. He said with that plan in place, the emphasis now is to encourage individuals, families and businesses to view it and then begin preparing their own personal disaster plan. “We can all take steps before, during and after any disaster to help reduce potential loss of life and property damage,” Cr Dwyer said. “By being prepared, with a well thought-out plan, it is easier to remain calm and take positive, effective steps towards protecting yourself, your family and your business. “So I encourage our community to read the new Sunshine Coast Local Disaster Management Plan and then develop a simple plan of their own – so that they and their family are also well prepared for any disaster.” The Sunshine Coast Local Disaster Management Plan integrates with State and Federal disaster management arrangements, allowing district and state disaster management groups to provide assistance if required. It replaces the previous Local Disaster Management Plans of Noosa and Caloundra City and the draft Maroochy Disaster Management Plan. The plan and information on how to draft your own emergency plan are available via council’s website. Being prepared for a disaster includes having: ► An emergency kit that includes non-perishable foods, bottled water, first aid kit, essential medications, torch and batterypowered radio (with extra batteries), clothing and footwear. ► A list of emergency and related phone numbers: - Police/fire/ambulance: 000 - SES: 132 500 - medical services - local council - service providers - insurance providers - relatives - friends. ► A list of all householder mobile phones, other phone numbers such as work, school, childcare providers, friends, neighbours and your household emergency contacts. ► Details of the two meeting places you have nominated. ► Details of any specific medical conditions, essential medications and dosages. ► Details of your pets – description, photo, veterinarian contact details and medication. ► Radio frequency of your local ABC radio station, Bureau of Meteorology website and telephone weather services for local warnings. Encompass March 2010 Sunshine Coast Council 15
Page 1 and 2: encompass Issue 5 March 2010 in thi
Page 3 and 4: Wasting away: let’s cut landfill
Page 5 and 6: Firing the imagination It’s offic
Page 7 and 8: Green changes at Sunshine Coast Air
Page 9 and 10: Pianos on the beach at Caloundra Mu
Page 11 and 12: Street smart: Coast towns get a mak
Page 13: 3 4 5 1 Best in BMX: New and improv
Page 17 and 18: From super models to ceramics at Co
Page 19 and 20: Planning on target for the Maleny C
Page 21 and 22: Smart management reduces bushfire r
Page 23 and 24: Picnic anyone? The Sunshine Coast h

in this issue - Sunshine Coast Council

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?