- What is an abandoned vehicle?
- Any unregistered motorised vehicle, trailer, caravan, horse float or similar found on any road or in any park or on other land under the control of Council, apparently abandoned or discarded. If you are aware of an abandoned vehicle please contact us.
- What steps will be taken to remove an abandoned vehicle?
- An Environmental Health Officer will locate the vehicle and endeavour to determine if the vehicle is the property of a person through some form of identification, ie. number plates or registration sticker. A search will be conducted by Council in an attempt to determine the last known owner of the vehicle. Subsequently the owner will be notified that failure to effect removal of the vehicle within a period of fourteen (14) days will result in seizure and removal by Council. Following expiration of the specified period a further inspection will be conducted to determine if removal has taken place. Should this not be the case proceedings will be instigated to have the vehicle removed to a place of safe keeping.
- What happens to unclaimed vehicles seized by Council?
- All apparently abandoned unclaimed vehicles detained by Council are stored at a facility to await auction, the proceeds of which are used to defray the aforesaid costs.
- How many animals can I have?
- Council allows the keeping of 2 dogs and 2 cats per house without requiring a permit. If you would like to have more than 2 dogs and 2 cats you will be required to obtain a permit.
- When do I need to have my dog/cat registered?
- Council requires your dog/cat to be registered once it turns 3 months of age. Notices to re-register animals are sent out at the end of May each year and fees are required to be paid by 30th June to entitle animal owners to an "early bird" discount.
- Where can I register my dog/cat?
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Registration of animals can be done at:
- Council Chambers, 145 Young Street, Ayr
- Home Hill Library, Ninth Avenue, Home Hill
- Giru News & Gifts, Drysdale Road, Giru.
- What should I do if my dog/cat loses its tag?
- A new tag can be obtained from Burdekin Shire Council at a cost of $5.65 (2007/2008 fee).
- What should I do about animal registration if I move to the Burdekin and my dog/cat is already registered in another Shire?
- You will need to purchase a new tag ($5.65), fill out an application form for the animal, and provide proof of current registration or complete a Statutory Declaration stating that the dog is currently registered in another Shire.
- What can I do about my neighbour's barking dog?
- Contact the Environment and Health Department during office hours on 4783 9870 and provide details about the dog and its exact address.
- If there is a stray animal in your street, what can you do?
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Firstly, you should report the following details to Council:
- Your name and address
- A full description of the animal (eg. type, colour, breed, size)
- The identity and address of the owner of the animal (if possible).
We will then arrange for officers to patrol the area to capture the wandering animal.
If Council can identify the owner of a stray animal, they may be issued with an "on-the-spot" fine.
If Council cannot locate the animal or determine the owner, we suggest you contact us immediately the next time you see the animal, with as much information as possible.
For further information, please contact us.
- If a dog on the street attacks you, what can you do?
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Firstly, you should report the following details to Council:
- Your name and address
- The date, time and location of the attack
- A full description of the dog (eg. colour, breed, size)
- The identity and address of the owner of the dog (if possible).
If Council can identify the dog and determine where it came from, legal action may be taken against the dog's owner through Infringement penalties; and/or declaration of the dog as dangerous; and/or seizure of the dog.
For further information, please contact us.
- How do I get a copy of my house plans?
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Provided that the Burdekin Shire Council has records of your property available, you need to call in and we will photocopy them for you. (Please note fees apply). Should someone else be applying to get a copy of your house plans on your behalf, an appropriate authority defined as being the owner of the property or acting on behalf of the owner with their consent is required before releasing copies of the house plans.
Further note, that whilst every attempt is made to maintain all of Council's property files, generally the Council is only required to maintain them for a period of ten years.
- How do I know exactly where my boundary is?
- The Burdekin Shire Council advises that you could try to find the original pegs, or contact the Department of Natural Resources and Mines to obtain a copy of the original survey plan. However, if you want to know exactly where your boundary is, you will need to contact a private surveyor and engage them to come out and survey the property to find the exact boundary line.
- What are the regulations to becoming an Owner Builder?
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An Owner Builder's Licence is issued by the Building Services Authority (BSA). They are located on Ross River Road, Townsville (next to AAMI Insurance) and can be contacted on 4725 2588.
If the estimated value of work is less than $11,000 (including GST) a person can nominate themselves to be an Owner Builder on the building work application form and need no other paperwork.
Once the value of the work is $11,000 and over, you will need to attend an Owner Builder's Course through TAFE or by correspondence or other certified organisation before the BSA will issue the person with an Owner Builder's Licence. This must be sighted by the Building Certifier before a Building Permit can be issued.
If the work exceeds $11,000, the person applying for the permit may need to attend an Owner Builder's Course through TAFE before the BSA will issue the person with an Owner Builder's Licence.
What happens to my Building Development Application once it has been lodged?
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This depends on the type of application being lodged. The Integrated Development Assessment System (IDAS) is the step-by-step process for lodging, assessing and deciding development applications. IDAS is set out in the Integrated Planning Act. Council Officers follow this system when dealing with an application. There are four (4) main stages of IDAS:
- Application Stage
- Information and Referral Stage
- Notification Stage
- Decision Stage
The following shows how Council Officers generally assess your application using the IDAS system:
Application Stage:
- Application lodged at front counter and entered into computer to create an Application Number
- Charges raised and money receipted at Counter
- Customer Service Officers complete the data entry and stamp plans
- An Acknowledgement Notice may be sent at this stage. Requests for extensions may also be made at this time.
Information and Referral Stage:
A Technical Officer (Building Certifier or Planning Officer) will commence the assessment of the application. This is when further information may be requested if there is insufficient information prohibiting a decision. The application will be circulated to other interested parties, both internally and externally. Planning and Development Technical Officers may utilise the services of a number of internal and external referrals for advice, comment and condition making, and there are some agencies that Council is required to use as stated in the Integrated Planning Act.
Notification Stage:
This stage is only for impact assessable applications. This is usually carried out by placing an advertisement in the Advocate/Observer, by erecting a large sign on the street frontage of the site of development, and by sending a letter to all adjoining neighbours advising them of the details of the proposed development. Building applications do not have to go through this stage of the IDAS.
Decision Stage:
When all comments have been received back from other departments, and all the information has been received from the applicant, the Council Officer can now start the decision making stage.
- The Council Officer refers to the relevant legislation, codes, Australian Standards and Council Policies to assess all aspects of the application and plans submitted.
- Building applications, along with the Certifier's assessment sheet and conditions of development, are passed on to an Administration Officer for typing. The Administration Officer checks all information has been submitted, such as signatures and fees, and informs the Applicant that the permit is ready. The 'Decision Notice' (permit) is posted or placed at the front counter for collection.
- For other applications, such as the Material Change of Use and Reconfiguration of a Lot, the Officer may prepare a report, which gives details of the proposal and the recommendation of the Officer to approve or refuse the application, as well as the conditions to be attached to the development.
- The report is to be endorsed by the Manager and Director of Planning and Development Services. It may also require approval under delegated authority by the Director, or may go to a Council meeting to be decided.
- A Decision Notice is posted to the applicant when a decision has been made.
- How can I become an Australian Citizen?
- You need to make an application to become an Australian Citizen. The Federal Government Department of Immigration & Multicultural & Indigenous Affairs is responsible for Australian Citizenship and processes all applications.
- How long does the citizenship process take?
- Council is not involved in the processing of applications. If you have submitted an application and you would like to check on how it is proceeding, you should contact the Department of Immigration & Multicultural & Indigenous Affairs on 131 880. The Department will advise you in writing once your application has been approved, and forward your certificate to Council so that you can attend a citizenship ceremony.
- Is there a fee involved?
- Yes. The fee is payable to the Department of Immigration & Multicultural & Indigenous Affairs. To find out what the current fee is, you should contact the Department of Immigration & Multicultural & Indigenous Affairs on 131 880.
- Where can I obtain a citizenship application form?
- Council has application packages available for your convenience. You can obtain a package from Council's Administration Building or request us to mail one to you. Alternatively, you may contact the Department of Immigration & Multicultural & Indigenous Affairs on 131 880 or visit their website www.citizenship.gov.auThe application package contains further information and a guide on how to apply.
- Do I have to attend a citizenship ceremony to become a citizen?
- Yes. All successful applicants for Australian Citizenship must attend a ceremony and make their pledge to Australia.
- When are the citizenship ceremonies held?
- Council holds a ceremony, each year on Australia Day, either at the Burdekin Theatre or the Burdekin Memorial Hall in conjunction with other Australia Day festivities. Usually another one or two ceremonies are held throughout the year in the Council Chambers.
- Can I bring my family and friends to the ceremony?
- Yes. You can bring family and/or friends. Guests for ceremonies held on Australia Day would need to purchase tickets. Numbers are limited for other ceremonies held in the Council Chambers due to the space available. You will also need to let us know the number of guests you will be bringing for catering purposes.
- My rubbish wasn't collected; my rubbish bin is broken; my rubbish bin has been stolen; or I would like an extra garbage service?
- Contact the Environment and Health Department during office hours on 4783 9870 for arrangements to be made with Council's contractor to either organise collection of the rubbish; repair the broken bin; replace the stolen bin; or for delivery of an extra bin to a property.
- Does Council operate a bulk collection throughout the year?
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Yes, at:
Alva Beach - 1st Sunday in first month of quarter (January, April, July, October)
Dalbeg - 2nd Thursday in last month of quarter (March, June, September, December)
Millaroo - 2nd Friday in last month of quarter (March, June, September, December)
Jerona - Four times a year (school holidays)
- What day is my rubbish collected?
- The regular refuse bin is serviced on a weekly basis but the recycle bin is serviced once a fortnight on the same day of the week. If you are unsure when your bin is to be serviced, contact the Environment and Health Department during office hours on 4783 9870. Note: The recycle service is not available throughout the entire Shire.
- Will rubbish be collected on public holidays?
- Yes. The kerbside refuse service runs 365 days a year regardless of public holidays.
- What are the operating hours for the dump/s?
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| Ayr Transfer Station |
7 days per week |
8am - 6pm |
| Home Hill Transfer Station |
Monday to Friday |
10am - 6pm |
| Saturday & Sunday |
8am - 6pm |
| Clare Transfer Station |
Monday/Friday/Sunday |
7am - 10am |
| Wednesday & Saturday |
3pm - 6pm |
| Giru Transfer Station |
Monday/Wednesday/Friday/Saturday |
3:30pm - 6pm |
| Sunday |
8am - 10am & 3pm - 6pm |
| Kirknie Road Landfill |
Monday to Friday |
8:30am - 4:30pm |
| Saturday |
1pm - 5pm |
NOTE: All Transfer Stations are open 365 days a year. Landfill is closed Christmas Day and Good Friday.
- How should I dispose of asbestos?
- Obtain a form from Council's Environment and Health Department. This form is to be completed by the person disposing of the asbestos and signed by an Environmental Health Officer. The disposal fee is to be paid for at the Rates Department and the form, with the receipt attached, is to be taken to the Landfill and handed to the Landfill Operator at the time of disposal. Prior arrangements must be made with the Council before disposal, in order for the Landfill Operator to be advised when the asbestos will be disposed of, so that a cell can be prepared beforehand.
- What type of funding is available for local sporting and cultural organisations and individuals?
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- Grants for Excellence in Sports and Cultural Activities - Applicants must be under the age of 18 years or bonda fide students in full- time education who have been selected for State or National representation.
- Regional Arts Development Fund, run in partnership with Arts Queensland, provides funding for artistic projects, concept development, individual professional development and skills development. There are two rounds per year.
- What are the dates for the 2009 Show Holidays?
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- Wednesday, 24th June 2009 for the northern side of the Burdekin River Ayr Annual Show Holiday; and
- Tuesday, 3rd November 2009 for the southern side of the Burdekin River Home Hill Harvest Festival.
- What are the dates for the 2010 Show Holidays?
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- Wednesday, 30th June 2010 for the northern side of the Burdekin River Ayr Annual Show Holiday; and
- Tuesday, 2nd November 2010 for the southern side of the Burdekin River Home Hill Harvest Festival.
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- Are there any markets held in the district?
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Markets are held on the first and third Sunday of every month at Plantation Park.
- First Sunday - conducted by Ayr State Primary School P&C. Contacts: Ayr State Primary School (4790 3333); Dianne MacIntosh (4782 5508)
- Third Sunday - conducted by Vietnam Veterans Association - Burdekin Sub-Branch. Contacts: Don Bailey (4783 6627); Lynette Spelta (4783 1735).
- Markets are held three times a year on a Sunday from 8:00am to 1:00pm at the Alva Beach Park. Contact: Monica Chapple (4783 7665).
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- Easter Markets (usually the week after Easter)
- July Markets (usually the last week of July) - being held this year on 27th July 2008
- Christmas Markets (usually the last week of November) - being held this year on 30th November 2008
- Who do I need to contact if I want to go camping at the Burdekin Falls Dam?
- Burdekin Falls Dam is actually in Dalrymple Shire. The Department of Natural Resources Ranger is the contact at the Dam (phone 4770 3177). Further information may be available from the Dalrymple Shire Council (4761 5300).
- What is the length of the Burdekin River Bridge?
- 800 metres.
- What are the opening times for the Library?
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Ayr Library
Tuesday/Wednesday/Friday - 10:30am to 5:30pm
Thursday - 12 noon to 7pm
Saturday - 9am to 4pm
Sunday/Monday - Closed
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Home Hill Branch Library
Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday/Friday - 1pm to 5pm
Thursday - 1pm to 6pm
Saturday - 9am to 12 noon
Sunday - Closed
For further information on the services provided by the Ayr and Home Hill Branch Library click here.
- Who should I contact if I am having a problem with noise, smoke, dust etc.
- If you live in the town area, contact Council's Environment and Health Department on 4783 9870. If you live on a rural property, you will need to ring the Environmental Protection Agency on 1300 130 372.
- What are the laws on noise from: -
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- Swiming pool and spa pumps
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7am to 7pm - noise no louder than 50 decibels
7pm to 10pm - no more than five decibels above background noise level
10pm to 7am - no audible noise permitted
- Regulated devices
(including power tools and lawn mowers)
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Monday to Saturday
7am to 7pm - regulated devices can be used
7pm to 7am - no audible noise permitted
Sundays and Public Holidays
8am to 7pm - regulated devices can be used
7pm to 8am - no audible noise permitted
- Building works
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6:30am to 6:30pm (Monday to Saturday) - noise permitted
6:30pm to 6:30am - no audible noise permitted
Sundays, Public Holidays - no audible noise permitted
- Air-conditioning equipment and refrigeration
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7am to 10pm (any day) - noise no louder than 50 decibels
10pm to 7am - either 40 decibels or five decibels above background noise level
- What is an overgrown allotment?
- Vacant land or domestic surrounds which in the opinion of an Environmental Health Officer contains grass, weeds, plants or other vegetable growth in such quantity and in such condition to cause reasonable apprehension of danger by fire or be likely to form a breeding place or harbourage for verminous creatures, which term includes reptiles. If you are aware of an overgrown allotment please contact us. When notifying Council of an overgrown allotment your name and address will be required together with the location of the offending property. NOTE: Personal details are of a confidential nature.
- What action does Council take?
- An inspection is carried out to determine the extent of the breach. If the complaint is justified a Statutory Notice is served on the owner requiring such person to clear such land to Council's satisfaction within a period of Fourteen (14) days.
- What happens in the event of non-compliance?
- Should the owner fail to clear the land within the specified period, Council's contractor will be commissioned to enter upon the property and carry out the required works within a further fourteen days from the date of notification. Council costs incurred due to this process will become a first charge upon the land.
- We would like to get married in one of the Council's Parks. Who should we contact?
- Contact the Environment and Health Department during office hours on 4783 9870 to book the Park you want to be married in.
- What is the population of Burdekin Shire?
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Australian Bureau of Statistics as at 30th June 2007 Census figures indicate the population of Burdekin Shire to be 18, 192 people.
Populations of towns in Burdekin Shire (ABS 2006 Census):
- Ayr - 8,616
- Home Hill - 2,907
- Brandon - 783
- Giru - 371
- Clare - 410
- Millaroo - 207
- Alva Beach - 191
- Airville - 447
- Airdmillan - 212
- Frederksfield - 337
- Horseshoe Lagoon - 339
- Inkerman - 520
- Jarvisfield - 253
- McDesme - 173
- Mt Kelly - 514
- Mt Surrond - 218
- Osborne - 232
- Rita Island - 149
- Shirbourne - 142
- As at 2006 Census held on 8th August 2006 - 17, 022 people.
- I would like to join a Sporting Club or Organisation. Do you have any contacts for Clubs or Organisations?
- The Burdekin Shire has a wide range of Sporting Clubs and Organisations on offer for you to join. To view contact details, click here for Clubs and Organisations, and click here for Community Groups.
- How often is my water meter read?
- Council water meters are read twice per year and may be checked at random. For more information click here.