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YOURCOUNCILLORS

Cr Stuart Mackenzie, MayorP: 4656 4771 / M: 0429 069 314E: mayor@quilpie.qld.gov.au

Cr Jenny Hewson, Deputy MayorP: 4656 1311 / M: 0428 461 294E: jhewson@quilpie.qld.gov.au

Cr Bruce PaulsenP: 4656 1421 / M: 0447 802 389E: bpaulsen@quilpie.qld.gov.au

Cr Bob HallP: 4656 1124 M: 0428 561 166E: bhall@quilpie.qld.gov.au

Cr Roger Volz:Mob: 0428 561 468E: rvolz@quilpie.qld.gov.au

MAYOR’S MESSAGE MAY 2019

I was filled with a feeling of satisfaction and relief as theresults of the recent Federal election became apparent. Ithought it was a watershed election and the long termeffects of a Labour government would have been verydetrimental to Australia, in particular regional Australia.

A key moment in the election campaign for me was whenBill Shorten, on being asked about the cost of his 45%emissions reduction policy, said he didn’t know and it didn’treally matter because you had to take into account the costof doing nothing as part of the equation. Now everyoneknows (or should know) that whatever Australia does as acountry won’t have any effect on the climate because weonly produce 1.3% of the world’s emissions. So the cost ofdoing nothing is nothing!! Either Bill Shorten knew this butwas deliberately being untruthful or he honestly thoughthis Government could change the climate. Both positionsare completely indefensible and he and others pushing thisline of argument should be condemned.

It brought it home to me something I have always felt verystrongly about. In public life you should never lie or bendthe truth and should be completely honest at all times, evenwhen it is inconvenient. It makes life a lot simpler, believeme! I felt the Federal election result vindicated that beliefand that no one should ever be rewarded for beinguntruthful.

It is so wonderful to see the rain over much of the shire butour thoughts are with those in the south of the shire whohave largely missed out. It is extremely tough when so manyother areas receive rain and you don’t. We can only hopethat the rain continues and everyone gets the relief they sodesperately need. I have already noticed stock being truckedback into the shire and although the recovery will be patchyit is heartening to see the activity starting to happen.

The Quilpie Wellspring project is still progressing. I must bevery honest with everyone and make it clear that this is along term project and, if it happens, it will only be aftergoing through the necessary steps in a methodical way. Wehave to complete a full business case and also get partnerson board to share the cost. This is a “business” projectrather than a “tourism” one which does make Governmentfunding harder to source although we are already gettinggood feedback from State Government in particular. Ourconsultant, Robert Prestipino has had good responses fromprospective partners and I have been contacted personallyby one interested party.

If the business case stacks up we will then have to attractthe right people in the private sector to drive the variousbusiness opportunities that will be critical to the project.Council will also be looking for community buy-in to helpdrive this proposal in the right direction. I can’t emphasiseenough how important this step is. The Bulloo Parkdevelopment was successful because we received a lot ofinput from all of the users of the complex to make sure thenew facility met the requirements of the community. TheWellspring project will be the same and, to be honest, unlessmembers from the community are willing to be involved,then I would have to question just how strong thecommunity commitment is. I imagine the involvementwould initially involve an advisory role so watch this space.

The tourism season promises to be a good one with theState Government proclaiming it as the “Year of theOutback” and they have also committed substantial fundingfor its promotion. The start of the season has been slowbecause of roads being cut but the rain and flooding acrossthe west will certainly help to attract visitors. Another lurefor visitors will be the Eromanga Natural History Museum,now in its 4�� year of operation. Tourism Events Queensland,the State Government tourism (Continued on page 2)

promotion organisation, has recently launched its “Best ofQueensland” program where it scores each tourismattraction across the state out of 100 and if you score 80 orbetter they will promote you as part of the program. TheENHM has received a perfect score of 100, one of only threein the whole Outback region, so the staff at the museumare doing a great job. 60 of the 100 points up for grabs arebased on visitor reviews so they must be providing a greatexperience for our visitors.

We have also received good feedback on increasingvisitation to Hell Hole Gorge National Park which is also verypleasing to see. It takes some years to get known in thetourism world and it seems that is starting to happen. At a

recent public business development meeting in Quilpie wediscussed the possibility of building a major event in theshire to take advantage of significant funding available fordeveloping such an event. An existing event such as the“Pride of the West” was suggested as one possibility to buildon to create a significant occasion. Again, we will needcommunity involvement to get anything progressing.

With our oil and gas industry ticking along and the greenbackdrop providing much needed encouragement for ourgrazing and tourism industries we can only feel that 2019will certainly be a much better year for the Quilpie Shire.The quicker 2018 fades into history the better!

Kind Regards,

Stuart Mackenzie.

(Continued from page 1)

PUBLIC MEETINGS - ADAVALE AND TOOMPINEResidents are advised that Council will be conducting publicmeetings on Friday 31 May 2019 in Adavale and Toompine.

Councillors and senior staff will be available to discuss variousissues, concerns and suggestions from community meetings.

The meeting will be held at the Adavale Hotel at approximately9:30am, while the Toompine meeting will be at the ToompineHotel at approximately 2.00pm

Community consultation is vital to the residents of the shire and all community members are invited to attend thismeeting.

For further information contact Council’s Customer Service Centre on (07) 4656 0500.

Individuals, families, farms andcommunities in the Quilpie Shire can

access a range of services andsupport to help them manage duringtimes of drought and prepare for

future conditions.

For more information and to apply forassistance visit

http://www.agriculture.go v.au/ag-farm-food/drought

ON TODAY

- NO RS

VP RE

QUIRED

FROM THE CEO DESK MAY 2019

Council held its Ordinary Meeting on Friday 17 May 2019.

Prior to the meeting a Special Meeting of Council was heldto consider tender T17 18-19 - Construction of EromangaNatural History Museum Stage 2A. Cr Mackenzie was notin attendance at the meeting.

At the Special Meeting Council resolved to deferconsideration of Tender T17 1819 until the July 2019Ordinary Meeting of Council due to the tendered pricesexceeding the current grant funding. Council willendeavour to source additional funding. Council alsoresolved to undertake consultation with the communityand the Outback Gondwana Foundation on the issue ofthis stage of the Natural History Museum being located inQuilpie.

Council will be commencing to seek feedback in the nearfuture and we encourage all residents to participate.

The Ordinary Meeting commenced with a deputation fromMulga Mates Committee Members Mrs Karen Grimm (VicePresident) and Ms Kerry Thompson (Treasurer) whoprovided a detailed update on progress at the centre. Anumber of requests from the Committee for assistance willbe considered at the June 2019 Ordinary Meeting ofCouncil.

Council has previously made application to REX airlines forthe provision of a disabled passenger lift at the QuilpieAirport. At the meeting Council resolved to accept theoffer from REX airlines to co-purchase a disable passengerlift at a cost of $1,000 per annum over a ten (10) year term.

As is customary all Councillors provided an overview ofactivities they have undertaken since the last Councilmeeting.

The Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) Round Four(and final round for 2018-19) applications were considered,

along with two late applications. Council approved therecommendation of the RADF Committee to award fundingto a total of seven (7) projects, up to the financial limit ofCouncil’s budgeted expenditure for the program.

A request for financial assistance was received from theQuilpie Golf Club. The request was made to assist with thecost of purchasing prizes for the Annual Quilpie Golf Clubweekend. Council approved the request to provideassistance of $2,500 subject to the prizes being purchasedfrom business operators within the Quilpie Shire Councilarea where possible.

Following the monthly finance report and the quarterlybudget review report, Council considered a review of theCommunity Assistance Policy. As indicated above, financialcontribution for purchases will now be made to applicantssubject to the goods being purchased locally whereverpossible.

Council also approved minor amendments to theCorporate Plan 2017-2022 and the Caravan and CampingPolicy.

As usual a number of administrative matters wereconsidered, including updates to Council’s delegationsregister.

The full minutes of the most recent meetings are availableon Council’s website at www.quilpie.qld.gov.au (AboutCouncil / Meetings). Minutes are generally available onthe Tuesday or Wednesday following a Friday meeting.

I am happy to meet with anyone that would like furtherinformation on any meeting outcomes. Members of thecommunity are also reminded that all Councillors arehappy to speak with you on any issue.

Regards,

Dave B.

PUBLICNOTICES

Dave Burges (07) 4656 0500

Chief Executive Officer www.quilpie.qld.gov.au

JOHN WAUGHPARK OVAL

CLOSURE

Residents arereminded that dueto the upgrade ofthe oval at JohnWaugh Park, thisfacility will be closeduntil further notice.Please stay off theoval surface whilstworks are beingundertaken.

POSITION VACANT

GRADER OPERATOR

Position: Fulltime

Salary: negotiable dependent on experience

Closing Date: 4:00pm on Monday 10 June 2019

Council is seeking a self-motivated, experiencedand dedicated Grader Operator who is capable ofperforming a wide range of maintenance, repairand construction activities within the Roads andDrainage section of Council. The successfulapplicant will possess demonstrated teamleadership skills with the ability to motivate andencourage team members to effectively andefficiently deliver capital works, maintenanceactivities, minor works or specific tasks as required.It is a requirement of the position that thesuccessful applicant is willing to camp out whennecessary. The successful applicant will beexpected to exhibit and promote Council’scorporate values, and this will be considered aspart of the selection process.

For all the details including how to apply, visit theemployment opportunities pages of our websiteat quilpie.qld.gov.au.

POSITION VACANT

ADMINISTRATION OFFICER CORPORATE ANDCOMMUNITY SERVICES

Position: Fulltime

Salary: $58,619 – $68,131 per annum plus applicable allowances

Closing Date: 4:00pm on Tuesday 28 May 2019

Are you an experienced Administration Officer that is seeking achallenge that offers variety? If so, this could be the role for you!Providing support to Council’s Director of Corporate andCommunity Services, this position will assist in the delivery ofCouncil’s Corporate and Community Services functions including(but not limited to) coordination and successful delivery of facilitymanagement, community initiatives and events, disastermanagement, sport and recreation, grants and other generaladministrative duties just to name a few.

The successful applicant will be expected to exhibit and promoteCouncil’s corporate values, and this will be considered as part ofthe selection process.For all the details including how to apply,visit the employment opportunities pages of our website atquilpie.qld.gov.au.

POSITION VACANT

DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING SERVICES

Council is currently offering an outstanding opportunity for aDirector of Engineering Services. This is an excellent role for aprofessional who wishes to develop their career in a shire whichis consistently achieving outstanding infrastructure outcomes.

For further information and how to apply, head to the followinglink:

https://applynow.net.au/jobs/ni/PEAK101-director-of-engineering-services

AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

After school craft activities are held during term every Monday atthe Library from 3.30pm – 4.30pm for school aged children to 9years.

After school fun activities for 10-16 yr olds are held at the CWABuilding every Wednesday from 3.15pm – 5.00pm.

Afternoon tea is supplied.

For further information please contact Council’s HealthPromotions Officer, Michelle Donohune on (07) 4656 0500.

Special events and school holiday activites are also arranged.

OVERGROWNALLOTMENTS

Following the recentrains, it has come toCouncil’s attention thatsome residential yardshave become untidy.Please ensure lawns arekept maintained to detervermin etc.

Council thanks you foryour cooperation.

Dental Services

The Dental Truck will be visiting Quilpie on aregular basis.

The next scheduled visit is: 05-07 June

To make appointments please call (02) 9923 2478or email truck@thedentalstation.com.au

CWAATSICH – Quilpie Health Services

PLEASE NOTE: Dates and Times are Subject ToChange

Occupational Therapist - 30 May 2019

Speech Therapist – 30 May 2019

Physiotherapist – 30 May 2019

Optometrist (M Young) – TBA

Dr Fielding – TBA

Speech Pathologist – 30 May 2019

Clarity Hearing – 24 May 2019

Allied Health Visits – Quilpie Hospital (SW)

A range of allied health and medical specialistsvisit Quilpie Hospital on a regular basis. Forfurther information and dates contact the QuilpieMedical Centre directly on 07 4656 1158.

Dental Services

South West Oral Health Clinic – will be providingOral Health Services at the Quilpie Hospital DentalClinic. To make an appointment call: 1300 215 659

Visiting Allied Health Services requiring referral:

Speech Pathologist – 21 May 2019

Occupational Therapist – 21 May 2019

Dietician – 21 May 2019

Physiotherapist – 23 May 2019

Women’s Health Clinic – 19 & 20 June 2019

Big Red BashThank you to all residents whoattended the community meetingto consider opportunities toincrease visitation andexpenditure across the shire aspeople travel to the Big Red Bash.

The attendance at the meetingsupported host an event.

In addition to Quilpie, Eromangaand Toompine will be promotedas great stops to ‘have a break’ onthe way to the bash.

The Visitor Information Centre willbe distributing a register of

interest form for organisations tocomplete and submit for any stallsor activities they would like toundertake for fundraising.

We will also speak with localbusinesses to promote hours andservices / products available inQuilpie prior to the event.

AMP’s Tomorrow FundGrants of between $5,000 to $100,000can cover a range of activities,including training, travel andequipment costs, living expenses, rentand research.

Apply online atampstomorrowfund.com.au.

Applications must be in by 4pm(AEST) on 27 May 2019. Thewebsite’s Tips and tools section alsoincludes FAQs, useful resources suchas downloadable posters, fact sheetsand a sample application. There arealso profiles on our past recipients -known as AMP Tomorrow Makers.

FARM HOUSEHOLDALLOWANCE

The Farm Household Allowance (FHA) isan Australian Government supportpackage that’s available to eligible famersand their partners experiencing hardship(including drought) for up to fourcumulative years.

FHA gives farmers breathing space toimplement plans and seek training so theyare better placed to sustain their farmingbusiness.

The Australian Government has madesome important changes to the program:

Applications must be submittedbefore June 30 2019.

The asset threshold will be temporarilyincreased to $5 million to allow thousandsmore farmers to access this package.

To apply for the Farm HouseholdAllowance, you can either call the FarmerAssistance Hotline on 132 316 or online atFarm Household Allowance or downloadan application form atwww.humanservices.gov.au/farmhouseholdallowance.

CO-EX CONTAINER EXCHANGE

It is anticipated the contract to operate theContainer Exchange Program will be signedlater this week.Eligible Containers:Most aluminium, glass, plastic, steel andliquid paperboard beverage containersbetween 150ml and three litres are eligiblefor a refund when returned to a containerrefund point. To be eligible the beveragecontainer must:- Have contained a beverage product that isnot excluded from the scheme. For example,cordials and plain milk are not included in thescheme so containers that have held theseproducts are not eligible for a refund- Display the refund mark. This is so that thecontainer refund point operator can see if thecontainer is part of the scheme. Mostcontainers will already have a refund markfor SA and NT and these containers areeligible under Containers for Change.Beverage manufacturers have until 1December 2019 to display the new refundmark on their containers- Be an approved container. Some containersare made out of materials that cannot berecycled. These containers may not beapproved (by the Queensland Government)as an eligible container as the schemerequires that when a refund is paid on acontainer that container must be recycled.You can check if a container is eligible for arefund by typing in the barcode athttps://www.containersforchange.com.au/how-it-worksIf your product does not have a barcode,please call *13 42 42 or emailenquires@containersforchange.com.au forclarification.The Container Exchange Program will beoperated by Peter Donohue in SommerfieldRoad. Council will advise residents when thescheme is operational.

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St Matthew’s wish to advise that therewill be no jumble sale for the month of

May and apologise for theinconvenience.

They would also like to remindresidents that due to high stock levels,contributions are not currently being

received.

Kaye Kerner Exhibition Coming Soon

Kaye is a talented artist from Yowah whosestunning landscape paintings capture theessence of the Outback and are somethingyou have to see!

Everyone is welcome to attend the officialexhibition opening on Friday 07 June whichwill commence at 6.30pm with wine, nibblesand refreshments provided. This exhibitionwill be on display until Monday 15th Julyso be sure to pop down and have a look!

For more information please contact theQuilpie Visitor Information Centre on 46560540 or via tourism@quilpie.qld.gov.au

VISITING HEALTH SERVICES

Body Alignment Therapy

Body Alignment Therapist, LoisFernandez offers pain relief andfunctional support to those who haveissues such as sciatica, sore backs, stiffnecks, stress related conditions as wellas conditions in children. To book for anappointment please ring 0419 657 408.

Dental Services

The Dental Truck will be visitingQuilpie from 05 - 07 June.

To make appointments please call(02) 9923 2478 or emailtruck@thedentalstation.com.au

CWAATSICH

Quilpie Health Services -please contact CWAATSICHdirectly on 4656 1391.

PLEASE NOTE: Dates and Times areSubject To Change

Occupational Therapist - 30 May

Speech Therapist – 30 May

Physiotherapist – 30 May 2019

Clarity Hearing – 24 May 2019

Allied Health Visits – Quilpie Hospital(SWHHS)

A range of allied health and medicalspecialists visit Quilpie Hospital on aregular basis. For further informationand dates contact the Quilpie MedicalCentre directly on 07 4656 1158.

Dental Services

South West Oral Health Clinic – will beproviding Oral Health Services at theQuilpie Hospital Dental Clinic. To makean appointment call: 1300 215 659.

Visiting Allied Health Servicesrequiring referral:

Women’s Health Clinic – 19 & 20 June

GET UP TO SPEED – PHOTOELECTRIC SMOKE ALARMS

In a house fire seconds can make all the difference between escapeand tragedy. Interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms give youthe best chance to get out before smoke and toxic fumes overcomeyou.

Photoelectric smoke alarms are particularly responsive tosmouldering fires and dense smoke, the most common type ofhousehold fire. They are also less likely to cause nuisance alarms asa result of cooking or steam. Having interconnected alarms meanswhen one alarm is activated, all alarms will sound.

As part of Queensland legislation all Queensland homes must installinterconnected photoelectric smoke alarms by 2027.

The legislation requires all homes to have interconnectedphotoelectric smoke alarms in every bedroom, in hallways and onevery level. The legislation comes into effect in three stages over 10years to allow enough time for all households to have their smokealarms installed correctly. New builds and existing homes undergoingmajor renovations need to comply from January 2017, while thosewho own rental accommodation have until 2022. All otherhouseholds have until 2027 to install interconnected photoelectricsmoke alarms. While some households have up to 10 years beforethey need to comply with the legislation, every Queensland homeshould make these changes as soon as practical.

When seconds can make all the difference during a house fire, giveyourself more time.

Get up to speed at www.qld.gov.au/smokealarms