November 2008 - Mackay Regional Council - Queensland ...

inISSUE 4 | NOVEMBER 2008focus’Tis theseason tobe jollyNew Christmas decorations, street banners,the lighting of Christmas trees and singingof carols – December truly is the season ofall things festive.One and all are invited to celebrate thisChristmas on Saturday, December 6, withMackay Regional Council, 4MKFM andJohn Donnelly the Good Guys who havejoined forces to deliver a spectacularevening of festivities on the Civic Precinctlawn in Gordon Street.This celebration, combining Carols in theCity and the lighting of the communityChristmas tree, will feature renownedcomposer Kim Kirkman and a stunningcast of local and visiting performers whowill lead the carol singing.Keep an eye out for Mayor Col Meng –there are whispers he will arrive with a“special guest” in tow to light the communityChristmas tree.Cr Meng said businesses throughout theregion would help to spread Christmascheer by donating prizes for youngsters tobe given away on the night.“Everyone looks forward to this annualcelebration – there is something specialabout seeing children’s eyes light up whenthe man in the red suit arrives,” he said.Festivities kick off at 6pm and food anddrinks will be on sale. Please note, thisevent is an alcohol-free, family friendlycelebration.Lighting of the Christmas tree celebrationswill also be held at the following locations:> Mirani: On Wednesday, December 3, atRailway Park, Alexandra Street at 6pm> Walkerston: Friday, December 5, at 6pm(location to be advised)> Sarina: Sunday, December 7, at AnzacSquare at 6pmVisit www.mackay.qld.gov.au for furtherinformation.Council is committed to providing communications suitable to the needs of all residents. If you wish to receive information in analternative format or if you require an interpreter for any council related business, contact 1300 MACKAY (622 529).what’sinside4Sing carolsin thegardens6 & 7A ‘flowing’success10Chrissy giftpacks

Free waste weekendhelps residents preparefor cyclone seasonCyclone season is upon us and MackayRegional Council is urging all residents totake advantage of a free waste weekendon November 15-16 to rid their homes ofunwanted household rubbish.Use the following checklist to getyourself organised:¤ Trim any branches overhanging yourhouse¤ Clear gutters of leaves and debris¤ Clear your backyard of any unsecureditems¤ Check the condition of your roof andrepair any loose tiles, eaves or roofscrews¤ Ensure your home and contentsinsurance covers you for storm surge,flooding and cyclone damage¤ Mackay does not have certifiedshelters for use during a cyclone – youshould prepare a plan for evacuation(eg taking refuge with friends/familymembers who live in high places)¤ Keep emergency phone numbershandy¤ Prepare or restock your emergency kitand your evacuation kitFocus on pool safetya must this summerRESIDENTS are being urged to take somesimple but critical steps to ensure the safetyof loved ones around swimming pools thissummer.Regulatory Services Director GrahamTaylor said residents could not afford to becomplacent when drowning was the leadingcause of accidental death in children agedunder five in Queensland.¤ Check to see if you are in a storm surgeevacuation area, if so find out yourevacuation code colour on the councilwebsite or call customer service on1300 622 529¤ I n the event of a natural disastercouncil will activate the Disaster CoordinationCentre – call 4951 2466for assistance¤ During an event, listen to your radio forupdated warnings and informationThe free waste weekend will not includethe free disposal of tyres or asbestos.Car bodies, white goods and any itemsthat can be re-sold or reused can bedisposed of free of charge to ChansesR, a community based not-for-profitorganisation, located at Paget WasteTransfer Station.Chanses R employs people with disabilitiesand other disadvantaged job seekers whowill be on hand to provide any additionalassistance over the weekend.For details on opening times call councilon 1300 622 529 or visit www.mackay.qld.gov.au.“It’s important to ensure all pools are safe; ifthere’s an unsafe pool in your neighbourhood- tell council - don’t wait for an incident tooccur,” he said.“If a pool is capable of being filled with waterto a depth of 30cm or more, the owneris legally required to ensure it is properlyfenced.”Planning and Development portfoliocouncillor Di Hatfield said this included spapools, spa tubs, inflatable pools (whetherportable or fixed) and wading pools.All age groups will enjoy an evening of carolsinging at Mackay Regional Botanic Gardenson December 20.Sing carols inthe gardensEnjoy a night of family fun and festivitieswith carols under the Bunya PineChristmas tree on Saturday, December 20,at Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens.Sit back on the Tropical Sun Garden lawn,Lagoon Street, and be entertained bylocal groups including popular band theHarmonics from 5.30-8.30pm.Glow-in-the-dark face painting andhairstyling will be sure to keep the kidsentertained.Friends of Mackay Regional BotanicGardens will host a gold coin raffle andsafe glow candles and bracelets will beon sale.For more information call 4952 7300.“If your fence does not comply, pool ownerscan face significant penalties; the last thingyou want to do is start the new year without aloved one,” she said.Three simple steps to follow are the ABCsof pool safety:Always supervise your toddlers near apool. Begin swimming lessons for yourtoddlers. Close the pool gate and keepyour fence maintained. For more tips visit:www.poolfencing.qld.gov.au.4

ISSUE 4 | NOVEMBER 2008Aussie icon to visit EungellaHow do we create a no dig garden?What’s the best way to grow herbs?How do we keep pests out of our veggiegarden?Eungella State School students are diggingaround for questions like these to askAustralian TV personality and author DonBurke, founder of Burke’s Backyard, whenhe drops by.This celebrity visit is the school’s reward fortaking out the prestigious Keep AustraliaBeautiful and Ergon Energy Tidy TownsQueensland Young Legends Award.To top off their success, the school alsoscored a highly commended award forEungella township in the EnvironmentalProtection category.Mackay Regional Council Mayor Col Mengcongratulated the school for taking out thetop award against 109 state-level finalists.“This is a tremendous accomplishmentparticularly for a school with only 42students,” he said.“Principal Sue Vonthien should becommended for having implemented somany inspiring and environmentally friendlyinitiatives.”Principal Vonthien said students had takenon “environmental portfolios” to conducttheir conservation work more effectively.“We have the Rainforest Rescuers, GardenGrubs, Paper People, Worm Warriors,Rubbish Rogues and Can Crushers, all ofwhom are on the lookout for new ways to beself-sufficient and minimise the amount ofrubbish we dispose of each week,” she said.“We recycle lunch scraps and waste paper toproduce mulch through compost and wormfarms, recycle all cans and paper, grow andcook meals with our own vegetables and areactively involved in re-vegetation projectswith Eungella National Park staff.”“The Garden Grubs’ latest crops yielded arange of healthy veggies for the school’sSnack Shack including pumpkins (whichwere turned into pumpkin soup), broccoli,beans, snow peas, cabbages, potatoes andtomatoes.”Ms Vonthien said the school was gratefulfor the tremendous support received fromcouncil, Queensland Parks and WildlifeService, Eungella Business Group andcommunity volunteers.Construction works around the region under wayField Street > Shoulder treatmentimprovements> Mary Street to Wardrop Street> Wardrop Street to Paulette Street> Paulette Street to George Street> Smith Street to Bridge RoadGlendaragh Road reconstruction> From Bruce Highway to Holts RoadBedford Road> Road improvementand reconstruction from Coles Road toAndergrove RoadAnzac Avenue/Kennys Road> Intersection reconstructionLeichardt Road> Shoulder improvement and resealSchmidtkes Road> Major culvert upgradeRiver Street> East Trunk Drainage Project> Major drainage and road pavementupgrade from Brisbane Street to CarlyleStreetBluewater Quay Q150 project> Upgrade of river frontage and provisionof waterfront facilitiesDalrymple Road, Eungella>Pavement improvement and sealingPetersen Street, Sarina> Reconstruction and resurfacing fromPlace Avenue to Brooks RoadFootpath improvements> Davey Street from Herrigan Street toSchapers Road> Herrigan Street from Eva Parade toDavey Street> Malcomson Street from the Goosepondsto the service stationLeft: Shoulder improvement work is underway on Leichardt Road.Nebia Creek Bridge, Pleystowe-Connection Road> Improved alignment of approachesand new concrete bridge > Expectedcompletion December 2008 > $1.09millionPalm Tree Creek Bridge, Mirani> Upgrade of bridge approaches and newconcrete bridge> Expected completion January 2009 >$1.25 millionToons Road Bridge over St HelenCreek, Calen> New concrete bridge and improvedalignment of approaches > $1.6 millionCathu O’Connell River Roadcauseway> Expected completion December 2008> $340,000Motorists please be advised that trafficdisruptions are likely during construction ofprojects. We thank you for your patience.5

Flow of waste waterFacility a product ofPlant job a treatfor AndrewAndrew McHutcheon jokingly reckonshe may have discovered the secret tolongevity.It has something to do with his 30 yearsworking at the Mt Bassett Treatment Plant,which is about to be de-commissionedand replaced by the Mackay South ReuseFacility at Bakers Creek.“I just became accustomed to the smell, ithas probably done me the world of good,”joked the 59 year old.“In those days we never had a showerbefore going home from work and my wifealways said that I stunk; she had sometough times trying to get rid of the smell.”And his friends never missed an opportunityto have a laugh at his expense.“I used to get a lot of phone calls at homefrom people asking if Sue Reach wasthere,” he said.Andrew’s introduction to the smellysurrounds of the treatment plant was asa 16-year-old apprentice carpenter. Hebuilt filters, balance tanks, clarifiers andaeration tanks and helped construct manyof the city’s pump stations.“People thought there was somethingwrong with me, but we had a good groupof guys; it was an enjoyable job and I lovedit,” he said.About 16 megalitres of effluent isbeing produced daily at the newstate-of-the-art Mackay South WaterRecycling Facility – the culminationof about nine years of planning.The revamped site and upgradedplant is now home to one ofAustralia’s major environmental,economical and socially beneficialwaste water re-use schemes.Mackay Regional Council MayorCol Meng said it was a red-letteroccasion for residents.“It is not every day a councilcommissions a new $154 millionfacility and closes down ageinginfrastructure while protecting theGreat Barrier Reef,” he said.“Operating at world’s best practice,this plant has set a new benchmarkby safeguarding the Great BarrierReef from high levels of nutrients.”Ninety per cent of treated effluentat the Bakers Creek facility will beAnd as you would expect, not a day passedwithout finding something a little unusualin the sewage.“We often found false teeth, watches, creditcards or the occasional driver’s license,” hesaid.“It’s a bit sad to see Mt Bassett closebecause we achieved a lot at the site.”While the strong odour wafting acrossHarbour Road became synonymous withMt Bassett, the plant played a pivotal rolein the treatment of the city’s effluent.First built in 1963, the plant was expandedin the 1980s to cater for Mackay’s growth.By the year 2000, and with an overflowingcapacity, it was time to reconsider therecycled, allowing the irrigationof about 3,200 hectares of nearbyagricultural land – an area severelyhampered by a worsening saltwaterintrusion problem and restrictedgroundwater allocations.Cr Meng said the project wastangible evidence of LocalGovernment working in collaborationwith the Queensland Governmentand National Water Commissionto provide water security andsignificant environmental benefitsfor the region.“It has been funded equally by thethree tiers of government,future of the facility.Hence council’s decision to seek Stateand Federal funding to deliver thebiggest infrastructure project of its typein the region. The result is a world-classtreatment plant at Bakers Creek whichwill turn effluent into high-quality recycledwater that is suitable for irrigation - a futurethat Andrew is proud to be part of.In 2007 Andrew joined Tenix Alliance asa co-ordinator at the new Mackay SouthReuse Facility. He now ventures to workevery day, content in the knowledge he nolonger has to return home with lingeringodour problems - something Harbour Roadresidents will also no doubt be grateful for.6

ISSUE 4 | NOVEMBER 2008Artspace exhibition programFrame by Frame features MichaelParekowhai’s Boulogne.Frame by Frame: Asia PacificArtists on Tour> McAleese Gallery> On show until November 30Frame by Frame, a Queensland Art Gallerytravelling exhibition, showcases a broadcross-section of photography and themoving image by artists from contemporaryAsian, Pacific and Australian collections.Photography and the moving image wereintegral to The Fifth Asia Pacifi c Triennialof Contemporary Art (APT5), from AiWeiwei’s iconoclastic Dropping a HanDynasty Urn to Rashid Rana’s dissectionof the photographic image through theuse of the pixel. The exhibition includesmany acquisitions from APT5.Also showing in the Mackay MazdaFoyer> Ti Parks: Recent worksOlafur Eliasson’s The CubicStructural Evolution Project> Seminar RoomSanta @ BMA Kidspace> A gallery of fun, Christmas-themedactivities for under 5s, their parentsand carers (presented by BHP BillitonMitsubishi Alliance).Date: Tuesday, December 9Times: 10am-2pm > Free artist-runactivities and gallery tours11.30am > Visit from SantaNoon to 1pm > Live music byRubberband.> On show until December 14Olafur Eliasson’s The Cubic StructuralEvolution Project (2004), created frommore than 300 kilograms of white Legobuilding blocks, is a highlight from theQueensland Art Gallery’s internationalcollection.Myth to Modern: Bronzes from theQueensland Art Gallery Collection> McAleese Gallery> December 5 to February 1This exhibition draws on the QueenslandArt Gallery’s collection of figurative bronzesculpture to explore the application ofthis enduring medium across a varietyof subjects and themes. Myth, legend,portraiture and modernism feature in aselection of works dating from c.1700to the emerging modernism of AugustMadame Schuffenecker (1890), cast in 1960by Paul Gauguin, will be on show at ArtspaceMackay from December 5.Photos: QUEENSLAND ART GALLERY.Take part in holiday art workshopsHoliday Art Workshop> Art for children aged 8-12 yearsDate: Wednesday, January 14Times: 10am to 12pm and 2pm to 4pmVenue: Seminar roomCost: $20 per child ($10 for subsequentsiblings)Boooking essential: 4961 9722Rodin and early twentieth-century worksby Jacob Epstein and Henry Moore. Thisintimate-focus exhibition, comprising14 works by predominantly Europeanartists, also includes works by Australiansculptors Daphne Mayo, BertramMackennal and Harold Parker who weredirectly influenced by the rich tradition ofWestern myth and history.Making it Modern: The Watercoloursof Kenneth Macqueen> Also showing in the McAleeseGallery> December 5 to February 1Making it Modern, a Queensland ArtGallery Travelling Exhibition of KennethMacqueen’s (1897–1960) watercolours,highlights his importance as a keyAustralian modernist and reveals him asa complex and highly individual artist.> Floor Talks: 11am, Saturday,December 6Also showing in the Mackay MazdaFoyer> Correspondence: Ngaio LenzCreative Kids: A Showcase ofChildren’s Artwork> Seminar room> December 23 to February 1This exhibition celebrates our creativechildren and showcases artworksproduced in Artspace Mackay’s 2008kids’ art programs. Programs offeredthroughout the year include: BMAKidspace (a monthly program fortoddlers), school holiday workshops andthe Kids’ Art Club.Artspace-To-Go Holiday ArtWorkshop> Art for children aged 8-12 yearsDate: Thursday, January 15Time: 10am to noonCost: $20 per child ($10 for subsequentsiblings)Bookings essential: 4961 97229

Check out artwork by Bush to Beach artists,from left, Steve Howells, Sue Ford, Bill Hancock, Mary Brown, Pam Bartley, Brigitte Zimmerman, Mary-Therese Watson and Marilyn Bliss at Sarina Art Gallery.Region inspires Sarina artistsWorks inspired by some of the popular andmore difficult-to-reach locations aroundthe region are highlighted in the Bushto Beach Art Group’s exhibition at SarinaSuccess grows ontrees at Sugar ShedIt’s no secret the Sarina Sugar Shed is agrowing success – but now so too is theirgarden.The facility recently took out first placein the Newly Established Garden (under5 years old) category in the 2008 SarinaGarden Competition.The gardens, featuring a range of tropicalplants and trees including cycads, trianglepalms, day lilies, hibiscuses and colourfulpetunias, are designed to attract visitorsto the venue.Facility manager Glenys Mansfield saidplans were in the works to extend thegarden for next year’s competition.“We are hoping to plant lime trees so wecan use the juice in our homemade sweetchilli sauce,” she said.Art Gallery until November 30. The group,formed in 2006, is made up of local artists.The exhibition features a range of acrylics,mixed media, oils, pastels, photographyCheck out the Sugar Shed’saward-winning garden.Sarina Sugar Shed is Australia’s firstminiature sugar mill and distillery –discover it for yourself at the Field ofDreams Parkland, Railway Square.The Sugar Shed has a range of goodies onoffer this Christmas.and watercolours. The Sarina Art Gallery,located in the Field of Dreams parklandon the Bruce Highway, is open from 10amto 3pm every day except Mondays.Christmas hamperssatisfy a sweet toothSarina Sugar Shed’s delectable delightsare sure to impress this Christmas.Surprise your loved ones, friends,colleagues or workers with a goodies boxthat will satisfy their sweet tooth.Gift packs feature beautifully packagedSarina Sugar Shed products such asmango chutney, homemade apricot balls,truffles, liqueurs, fudge, mini Christmaspudding, passion fruit butter, mangojam, and some of the Sugar Shed’s ownsauces.Gift boxes, ranging from $30 to $200,can be delivered throughout the region.To discuss the packages on offer or topurchase one call 49432 801 or drop intothe Sugar Shed at the Field of DreamsParkland, Railway Square. Orders mustbe in by November 30.10

ISSUE 4 | NOVEMBER 2008Book yourself in for holiday funTake advantage of the following activitiesfor children or teens on offer at MackayRegional Council’s libraries:Storytime > An hour-long programof stories, songs, rhymes and craft forchildren aged 2-5 and their parents/carers. Sessions will be held at:¤ Walkerston Library > Fortnightly from10-11am (Ph 4959 2545)¤ Gordon White Library > EveryWednesday from 10.30-11.30am (49619300)¤ Mackay City Library > Every Thursdayfrom 10.30-11.30am (4961 9387)¤ Sarina Library > Every Wednesdayfrom 10-11am (4961 9297)¤ Mirani Library > Every second Tuesdayfrom 9.30-10.30am (4961 9231)Saturday Storytime > A monthlyprogram aimed at families who are notable to come to Storytime during theweek. Next session is November 29at Mackay City Library from 10.30-11.30am.Christmas activities at the libraryLetters to Santa > Children can writeletters to Santa and post them at thelibraries. Santa’s mailbox will be out onMonday, November 24.Christmas parties > Bookings openMonday, December 1. Make craft, singcarols, hear Christmas stories and meetSanta from 10-11.30am at:¤ Walkerston Library> Tuesday, December 16¤ Gordon White Library> Wednesday, December 17¤ Mackay City Library> Thursday, December 18¤ Mirani Library> Tuesday, December 16 (10-11am &2-3pm)Summer Reading Club > Be oneof thousands of children aroundQueensland to take part in this programfrom December 13. Call your local libraryto register from Monday, December 8.School holiday activities > Circusthemedactivities for children aged 6-12years. Parental supervision is requiredand bookings are essential > Call yourlocal library from January 5 to enrol.Activities will be held at:¤ Walkerston Library > Tuesday, January20, from 10-11.30am¤ Mirani Library > Tuesday, January 20,from 2-3.30pm¤ Gordon White Library > Wednesday,January 21, from 10-11.30am¤ Mackay City Library > Thursday,January 22, from 10-11.30am¤ Sarina Library > Friday, January 23,from 10-11.30amActivities for young people from 12-18 yearsFinally It’s Friday > Learn to makeChristmas craft on November 28 atMackay City Library from 3-5pm.Bookings open from November 17.Movie night > At Gordon White Libraryon Monday, January 19, from 6-8.30pm.Bookings open from Monday, January 5.Dive into summerSoak up the fun at Mackay RegionalCouncil’s aquatic facilities and make themost of the warmer weather with thefollowing activities:Holiday intensive swimming lessons> This half-hour program will run fi vedays a week at the Pioneer Pool fromDecember 15 to January 23. To book call4957 5767.Learn to Swim Term 1 > This nineweekterm will run from February 2 toApril 4. To book call 4957 5767.Adult Swim 4 Fitness program >This 10-week fi tness program will beheld at either the Memorial or PioneerPool from January 26 to April 4. Fordetails call 4957 5767 or 4961 9533.*Adult learn to swim classes arealso available.Christmas holiday activitiesSplash Out > This event promisesSamantha Westcott splashes out at thePioneer Pool.fun for the whole family and featuresinfl atable toys and a free slushy for thekids from 9.30-11.30am at the PioneerPool on the following dates: Mondayand Wednesday, December 15 and 17,and every Monday and Wednesday fromJanuary 5-21.Mission Inflatable > Have a ballnavigating the large infl atable obstaclecourse. Suitable for all ages (thoughparticipants must be able to swim) theobstacle course will be at Pioneer Poolfrom 2-4pm on the following dates:Tuesday and Thursday, December 16and 18, and every Tuesday and Thursdayfrom January 6-22.Bluewater Lagoon > Entry is freeand children 10 years and under mustbe accompanied and supervised by aparent/carer.November to February opening times:Monday to Thursday > 9am to 6pmFriday to Sunday (including schoolholidays and public holidays) > 9amto 8pmHoliday suggestion > Why not stagea Christmas or birthday party at one ofour region’s pools?Barbecue facilities are available. PhoneRhona Westcott on 1300 622 529for information or to book your nextfunction.11

Contact your councillorCr Col MengMayor of Mackay regionPhone: 4961 9455Cr Darryl Camilleri Deputy MayorFinance/TechnologyMobile: 0408 151 031Cr Wendy CameronRural C ommunitie s/E ngagementMobile: 0458 226 801Cr Kevin CaseyR oad s & I nf r a s t r u c t ur eMobile: 0417 168 730Cr George ChristensenCommunit y Ser vice s & Facilitie sMobile: 0438 344 453Cr Deirdre ComerfordWater ServicesMobile: 0419 028 016Cr Diane HatfieldPlanning & DevelopmentMobile: 0417 790 812NovemberMercy College AwardsNight........................... ....................................................11Friends of Theatre Christmas Party ......15St Patrick’s CollegeValedictory .................................................................17Fitzgerald Spectacular .....................................20TAM Showcase ............................................ 21/22Mackay Pipe Band St Andrew’s DayConcert .........................................................................25Morning Melodies - Flat on YourBacharach ..................................................................27Roby Rogers School of DanceConcert .........................................................................29DecemberWhitsunday Anglican Awards Night .........1Leisa Payne School of Dance Concert ..6Carols in the Foyer ..................................................7Centre Stage danceconcert ....................................................................... 8/9Cr Karen MayParks & Natural EnvironmentMobile: 0419 669 134Cr David PerkinsTourism & EconomicDevelopmentMobile: 0418 776 799Cr Paul SteindlHealth, Sport & RecreationMobile: 0403 266 216Cr Greg ThomsenWaste ServicesMobile: 0408 076 470For information on councilmatters call MackayRegional Council on1300 622 529or visit the website:www.mackay.qld.gov.auWhat’s on at the MECPioneer Valley School of Danceconcert ..........................................................................13Free concert - Mackay ChoralSociety ..........................................................................14Flat on Your Bacharach (MatthewCarey, Melissa McCaig and LibbyO’Donovan) comes tothe MECin November‘‘On behalf of MackayRegional Council I wish youall a festive and safe holidayseason,”– Mayor Col Meng.‘‘Councilclosures overChristmasPlease be aware of the following closuresof council facilities over the Christmasperiod:Customer service centres > Closedfrom Christmas Day to Friday, January 2(re-opens Monday, January 5).Mackay Regional Council libraries >All libraries will close from Christmas Dayto Friday, January 2 (re-opening Monday,January 5).Artspace > Closed from Christmas Dayto Monday, December 29, and New Year’sDay.Lagoons Café and Gallery > ClosedChristmas Day and Boxing Day and fromMonday, December 29, to Thursday,January 1.Mackay Regional Botanic Gardensadministration and the TropicalShade Garden > Closed fromChristmas Day to Sunday, January 4.Memorial and Pioneer Pools > ClosedChristmas Day only.Mirani Pool > Closed Christmas Day,Boxing Day and New Year’s DaySarina Pool > Closed from 11amChristmas Eve (re-opening Saturday,December 27). Closed New Year’s Day.Mackay Entertainment Centre >Closed Monday, December 15, to Sunday,January 4.12