Welcome to the Burdekin Shire Council

Burdekin Shire Council is planning a Shire-wide community education program aimed to reduce water consumption and in turn, residential and commercial water bills.

Mayor Lyn McLaughlin said Council was keen to work with residential and commercial customers to help reduce demand and enhance the Shire’s water resilience.

“A recent increase in watering of lawns and gardens has placed pressure on Council’s water supply and associated pumping and treatment,” Cr McLaughlin said.

“While we have a number of capital projects in the pipeline, including the construction of a 5 megalitre reservoir at Home Hill, Council wants to work in partnership with its water customers to decrease demand on residential and commercial water supply.”

While reducing consumption through the waterwise education program will decrease pressure on Council water supply network, the benefits to customers will be a saving to household and business budgets.

As part of the adoption of the 2019/20 Budget, Council revised its water charging regime resulting in a small increase to Tier 1 consumption from 25c per kilolitre to 26c per kilolitre. The vast majority of residential customers fell within Tier 1 consumption levels during 2018/19

Larger water users are encouraged to actively monitor water usage to minimise increases to water bills.

Table 1 summarises the new water charging regime.

Table 1 – 2019/20 Water Charges

*These figures do not include for water supplied by Council’s Giru Water Supply Scheme to properties included in rating category F – Sugar Milling

“Through the planned waterwise education program we want to provide a range a practical tips for customers to ensure they manage their water consumption and in turn minimise any increases to, or hopefully reduce, their water bills,” Council’s Water and Wastewater Manager Shaun Johnston said.

“The need for a waterwise community education program was identified as a key initiative of a broader Council approach to enhancing water security and resilience to residential and commercial water supply.

“Council looks forward to working collaboratively with water customers across the Shire to reduce water consumption. I encourage residents to ‘watch this space’ for tips to save money.”

Water Saving Tip #1: Stop the constant drip!

Leaking taps are a waste of precious water – up to 10,000L per year for a large leak! Fixing a dripping tap is easy, but if you need you can call a local plumber to help you.

Burdekin Shire Council is investing in a strong future for cultural development with more than $1.1 million allocated towards arts and culture projects in the 2019/20 Budget.

Among the highlights in this year’s Budget is the development of a Burdekin Arts and Cultural Strategy.

Mayor Lyn McLaughlin said the key strategic document would guide future planning and investment priorities.

“Arts and culture play an important role in our Shire. Not only do they make for a richer and more vibrant community, they also contribute to our economy by attracting visitors to local festivals, theatre performances and events,” Cr McLaughlin said.

“This strategy will not only enhance the ability of local arts groups to apply for state and federal grants, it will also provide Council with a strong direction for the future growth of arts throughout the Burdekin Shire.”

Council will also invest in maintaining and upgrading the Shire’s cultural venues.

“The Burdekin Theatre and Burdekin Memorial Hall are the cultural centres of our Shire, attracting more than 33,000 attendees each year.

“Council has allocated $48,000 in funding to replace the lighting consoles at each venue which will enhance the venues’ offerings and improve patron experiences.

“The upgrade will complement the recent sound system upgrade at the Burdekin Theatre which elevated the venue’s sound quality to rival any other in the country.”

“A further $50,000 has been budgeted to upgrade the LED lighting in the Burdekin Memorial Hall which will enable our Cultural Venues staff to continue providing the highest possible quality of performances.”

Other cultural and community venues upgrades include $900,000 to undertake planning and subsequently commence the refurbishment and upgrade of the Burdekin Theatre across two years, $55,000 to upgrade the public toilets at the Burdekin Library, and a further $240,000 to complete Phase 2 of the Ayr Showgrounds electrical upgrade.

Burdekin Library visitors will also benefit from the replacement of the library management computer system, roof, carpet and air-conditioning.

Nearly $2 million will be invested in wastewater infrastructure as part of the $19.9 million capital works program for 2019/20.

Mayor Lyn McLaughlin said two sewage pump station switchboards in the Ayr network will be replaced, with $110,000 allocated to complete the project.

“The upgrades will complement the recently completed upgrade of 28 other switchboards across the Ayr, Brandon and Home Hill Sewerage Networks in providing more reliability in the transport of wastewater through the network,” Cr McLaughlin said.

A further half a million dollars has been budgeted for the sewer relining and manhole rehabilitation program.

“This project will not only extend the life of the existing pipes; it will also prevent inflow and infiltration from entering the sewerage network through defects in pipelines and manholes.

“By preventing inflow and infiltration we will reduce the pressure on the water treatment plants, placing Council in a position to support a growth in population or industry without having to increase treatment plant capacity.

“Using no-dig technology during the project, work crews are able to access the sewer main from a nearby manhole and renew them from within with minimal interruption to service, which is a benefit for nearby residents.”

In addition, Cr McLaughlin said $80,000 has been allocated for the second year of a sewage pump replacement program.

“This program will upgrade pump capacity and improve reliability and resilience in the sewer network.

“The program will be undertaken in conjunction with the $450,000 sewage pump station rising main upgrade program, which will increase the overall capacity of the sewerage network and help prevent overflows in wet weather.”

Burdekin Shire Council is helping secure the future of water supply of Home Hill with funding allocated in the 2019/20 Budget for the construction of a five megalitre storage reservoir.

Mayor Lyn McLaughlin said the $3.3 million project, which will be constructed over two years near the existing Home Hill Water Tower, will deliver a twelve-fold increase in water storage capacity and improve the resilience of the local community.

“As our Shire is located in a disaster-prone area, Council is continuously looking at ways to improve our capacity to endure and recover from natural disasters,” Cr McLaughlin said.

“This five megalitre storage reservoir will increase our off-line water supply capacity from four hours to more than 40 hours, enabling us to ensure continuity of supply through and following disasters or other unplanned events.”

Council received nearly $2 million from the Queensland Government through the 2019-21 Local Government Grants and Subsidies Program.

Water security in Home Hill will further benefit from the 2019/20 Budget, with Council allocating $150,000 funding for Stage 2 of the Production Bore Pump Replacement Program.

Five pumps at the Home Hill Water Tower borefield site will be upgraded to submersible pumps in the first year of the ongoing program.

“In addition to being more resilient than the current end-of-life pumps, the new pumps will also generate less noise which is a win for nearby residents.”

Council will also begin the transition to smart water meters in the 2019/20 financial year, allocating $200,000 towards the first year of the ongoing program.

Cr McLaughlin said the new technology meters had many benefits over traditional water meters.

“Not only do these water meters have fewer moving parts which will increase reliability, they can also be read remotely which will allow a quicker response by Council officers and enable residents to have a greater ability to monitor their own water use.”

Burdekin Shire Council is encouraging residents to have their input on a key document which will identify risks and develop management options to battle the impacts of climate change.

The Coastal Hazard Adaption Strategy (CHAS), which is being known locally as the Our Coast – Our Lifestyle program, will identify a range of short and long-term actions to avoid, mitigate and manage the impacts of coastal hazards such as cyclones, erosion or inundation due to sea-level rise.

Mayor Lyn McLaughlin said the strategy was an important one for the district.

“It’s no secret that Burdekin Shire residents love our waterways and coastline. Our Shire boasts many coastal townships and has one of the highest boats-per-capita rates in Australia,” Cr McLaughlin said.

“However, like all coasts, the Burdekin Shire is vulnerable to coastal hazards.

“The Our Coast – Our Lifestyle program and the associated strategy will focus on seeking to better understand and document our communities’ coastal values and the current and future coastal risks.

Cr McLaughlin said residents were encouraged to have their say on the strategy by speaking with Council’s project team at upcoming events.

“Our current focus is on listening to the community, understanding key issues, gaining local knowledge on key values and the history of the coastline, and considering innovative management approaches.

“Our project team will be out and about over the coming weeks, eager to speak with residents and hear their input. We will also have a wave simulation tank available, which will show how waves work and how structures such as mangroves and sand dunes can impact on coastal hazards.”

Community consultations

• Burdekin Theatre Foyer – Tuesday 25 June, 10am – 1pm
• Burdekin Show – Wednesday 26 June
• Home Hill IGA – Thursday 27 June, 10am – 12pm

Interested residents can complete the community values survey at https://burdekincoast.engagementhub.com.au/, as well as register to receive regular progress updates and notifications of public events.

The strategy is expected to take approximately 12 months to develop.

The Our Coast – Our Lifestyle program is jointly funded by the Queensland Government and Local Government Association of Queensland through the QCoast2100 Program.

Local blokes are in for a treat when Burdekin Shire Council hosts its inaugural Men’s Health and Wellness event, Sunday Sesh with Symo, on Sunday 23 June.

Former Australian cricketer and loveable larrikin Andrew ‘Roy’ Symonds has been revealed as the special guest for the Men’s Health Week (10 – 16 June) event, which aims to shine a spotlight on mental health and general well-being.

The event will also include a Q & A session with local inspiring men including CORES Queensland Coordinator Ross Romeo and former local Wade Eathorne, followed by State of Origin 2 on the big screen.

The event comes after the overwhelming success of past Women’s Week events including the Be the Best You motivational evening with Michelle Bridges.

Mayor Lyn McLaughlin said attending the event was one simple way men could look out for their own wellbeing in a relaxed social environment.

“Burdekin men are renowned for being tough, but unfortunately many men do not feel comfortable talking about how they’re feeling or what they’re going through,” Cr McLaughlin said.

“Statistically, one in eight men will experience depression and one in five will experience anxiety at some stage in their lives – with rural and regional men more likely to be affected than their urban counterparts.

“It’s important, particularly during Men’s Health Week, to reduce the stigma surrounding male mental health and well-being and to make sure we check in on our mates. Sunday Sesh with Symo is a great opportunity for men to listen to inspirational men and share stories with friends over food and footy.”

The event kicks off from 5pm at the Kalamia Hotel function room. Tickets are $25 per person and include finger food and a free drink on arrival.

Tickets are on sale now from the Burdekin Theatre Box Office, Council’s Customer Service Centre or online www.burdekintheatre.com.au.

Calling all furry, scaled and feathered friends – Burdekin Shire Council’s Pet Fair is here!

Bring your human to Kennedy Street dog park, Ayr on Sunday 16 June from 9am to 12pm for a fun day out for the whole family, including creatures big and small.

There will be plenty of fun competitions including the Best Trick, Most Unusual Pet, Best Dressed Pet, and Large and Small Animal Agility competitions.

Hands on wildlife demonstrations, pet photography and a kids’ jumping castle are also part of the fun.

There will be Dawgy Eats available for the pooches, whilst the Dal Santo’s Coffee Van will be available for humans.

And for those who feel their heart and home can fit one more family member, Burdekin Pet Rescue will have cats and dogs available for adoption.

Mayor Lyn McLaughlin said the much-loved free event, which was formerly called the Pet Day Out, was a fantastic opportunity for pet owners to bring their furry friends to mingle with like-minded animal lovers.

“The Pet Fair is a terrific way to promote responsible pet ownership and to celebrate our love for animals and pets within the community,” Cr McLaughlin said.

“As a reward for responsible pet ownership, we will again be offering $15 discounted microchipping for all currently registered cats and dogs.

“We will also be hosting a Registered for Life draw, where one lucky registered pet owner will receive free animal registration for the remainder of the pet’s life.

“Entry is free and all pets are welcome – no matter how big or small.”

Please note all dogs must be on a leash at all times.

Adam Gilbert has been crowned the best hand cane cutter in the country, taking out the Australian Hand Cane Cutting Championships final (AHCCC) over the weekend.

The 33-year old banana farmer from Mareeba dominated the Queensland Sugar Limited AHCCC Final, cutting 100 metres of cane in a blistering 18:46.41.

Adam finished clear of second place getter Enzo Codega, who clocked 21:21.63, and his younger brother Stuart Gilbert, who came third with a time of 21:31.21.

This is the third time Adam has taken out the top prize, with previous wins in 2015 and 2016.

This year Adam walks away with the winner’s prize money of $1,000.

Burdekin cane cutter Roxanne Vass has maintained her undefeated status at the Australian Hand Cane Cutting Championships (AHCCC), taking out a remarkable fourth-consecutive Ladies Cup.

Vass, 45, made quick work of the cane on Saturday, cutting her way through three seven-metre drills in a speedy 5:37.03.

She was followed by locals Sue King (6:59.69) and cousin Nikki Vass (7:03.00)

The Ladies Cup was first introduced to the AHCCC in 2016, meaning Vass is the only woman in the competition’s history to win the title.

Meanwhile in the inaugural Ladies Novice competition, Roma’s Anne Tuttle proved she too was handy with the cane knife, finishing in a respectable 6:56.16. Germany’s Kathi Strein (8:01.22) and the Burdekin’s Krystal Kerr (8:53.44) finished second and third respectively.

The Home Hill Transfer Station will be closed Thursday 6 June 2019 to undertake work in preparation for the asphalt reseal works and access road widening.

Quotations are invited for the above contract closing at 12 Noon on Friday, 19 July, 2019.

Quotation documents are available by contacting Council’s Economic Development Section on 4783 9800 during office hours (8:00am-5:00pm Monday-Friday) or download the Quotation package on Council’s website www.burdekin.qld.gov.au

Quotations shall be sealed in an envelope and endorsed as “QBSC/19/035 – Quotation to produce Burdekin Economic Development Strategy 2019/20-2025” and lodged in the tender box located at the Burdekin Shire Council, 145 Young Street, AYR or posted to PO Box 974, AYR QLD 4807.

Quotation documents are available from the Council’s Customer Service Centre at any time during normal office hours or can be downloaded HERE.
Enquiries should be directed to Council’s Economic Development Section on (07) 4783 9800.

Background Information

Burdekin Shire Council is currently in the process of upgrading the stormwater drainage infrastructure at Sixteenth Street, Home Hill. As part of the ongoing drainage improvements, the underground drainage system at the intersection of Sixteenth Street and Ninth Avenue is going to be upgraded to increase the capacity of the system.

Request for Quotation

Council invites suitably qualified civil construction contractors to provide a quotation for the works as detailed in the RFQ documentation.

Lodgement of Submissions

Quotation documents are available from the Council’s Customer Service Centre at any time during normal office hours or can be downloaded using the following link:

QBSC/19/024 – Request for Quotation Drainage Upgrade Sixteenth Street, Home Hill

Update: The submission must be lodged by the deadline which is 13^th May 2019 at 12 noon.

The submission is to be placed in a sealed envelope clearly endorsed with the request for quotation title as shown on the front cover of this document; and delivered by hand and placed in the tender box at the Burdekin Shire Council Chambers, 145 Young Street, Ayr.

Submissions must provide details of any standard terms and conditions for all options that the respondent may have.

Late request for quotations will not be considered.

Electronic request for quotations will not be considered.

For more information

Name: Rob Eckersley

Position: Technical Officer – Civil

Telephone: (07) 4783 9800

Email:

Lower Burdekin Water is replacing and upgrading culverts on Ripley Road from Wednesday 10 July until Friday 12 July, weather permitting. All residents affected have been advised of an alternative route during this period.

Burdekin Shire Council advises that road re-construction works will be undertaken on McDowell Road from Watt Road to Woods Road. The works are scheduled to commence on Wednesday 19 June 2019 and are expected to be completed by late August 2019, weather and construction conditions permitting.

McDowell Road will be closed to all traffic with a detour in place via Watt Road, Ford Road and Woods Road.

Every effort will be made to keep disruption to a minimum for road users during the construction period. Burdekin Shire Council thanks residents and road users for their patience during these works.

For further information please contact Council’s Customer Service Team 4783 9800.

The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) would like to advise of single lane closures and width restrictions on the Burdekin River Bridge, Home Hill on the following dates.

Monday 17 June to Friday 21 June 2019 (weather permitting)

9.30am to 2.30pm (please note start and finish times)

During this time, speed and width restrictions will be in place and the site will be under traffic control.  North and southbound road users should expect minor delays.

To minimise disruptions, heavy vehicles operators with loads three (3) metres wide or greater must contact Michael Brennan on 0409 643 768 to advise of an anticipated time of arrival to allow for road barriers and other infrastructure to be cleared.  Failure to give advance warning will result in further delays.

We apologise for any inconvenience and seek your cooperation during this program of works.

If you have any questions about any TMR projects, please contact our Customer and Stakeholder Management team via email at or by telephoning 1800 625 648.

Burdekin Shire Council advises that Fiveways Road will remain closed at Sheepstation Creek Bridge until late 2019. The bridge structure sustained damage in this year’s North and Far North Queensland Monsoon Trough event.

A detour is in place via Kelly road, Mountainview Road, Waterview Road, Cacciola Road and Hoey Road.

Burdekin Shire Council thanks residents and road users for their patience during these works. For further information please contact Council’s Customer Service Team on 4783 9800

Burdekin Shire Council wishes to advise that construction works to replace a section of the water main in Adelaide Street, Ayr will commence on Wednesday 19th June, 2019 continuing until approximately Friday 30th August, 2019, weather permitting.  As a result of these works, temporary traffic management controls will be in place.

Motorists are asked to obey all directional signs and any instructions from onsite personnel for their own safety and the safety of Council’s workforce.  Burdekin Shire Council thanks residents and road users in anticipation of their patience during the construction period. 

For further information please visit Council’s website www.burdekin.qld.gov.au or contact Council’s Customer Service Centre on (07) 4783 9800.

Date of Entry

16/07/2019

 
Breed and Colour

Bull Arab – Dane Cross – 1012 – White and Tan

 
Impounded / Surrendered

Left at Pound

 
Location Found

 
Sex

Male

 
Date of Exit

19/07/2019

 
Suitable for Rehoming

Suitable for rehoming

Date of Entry

15/07/2019

 
Breed and Colour

Mastiff – 1009 –

 
Impounded / Surrendered

Impounded

 
Location Found

Ida Court Ayr

 
Sex

Male/Entire

 
Date of Exit

18/07/2019

 
Suitable for Rehoming

Suitable for rehoming

Date of Entry

14/07/2019

 
Breed and Colour

Bull Arab – 1007 – Black and White

 
Impounded / Surrendered

Surrendered

 
Location Found

LAP

 
Sex

Male/Entire

 
Date of Exit

19/07/2019

 
Suitable for Rehoming

Suitable for rehoming