Welcome to the Burdekin Shire Council

Check out what’s on at Burdekin Library in January 2019.

Free activities for all ages.

Bookings are essential for all School Holiday Activities (excl. Makerspace) and can be made by contacting Burdekin Library on 4783 9970.

January program poster – featured image

Last month’s free dumping weekend has been called a success after more than 150 vehicles took advantage of the unlimited disposal of domestic waste.

Burdekin Shire Mayor Lyn McLaughlin said 169 vehicles entered the Kirknie Road Landfill gates on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 November. This was a major increase from the usual 10 vehicles per weekend.

“The numbers show that this was an incredibly popular event amongst our residents,” Cr McLaughlin said.

“We recovered approximately eight tonnes of metal for recycling across the weekend. We also accepted 170 tyres, 14 mattresses and 14 non-degassed fridges. We will now shred the mattresses to recover even more metal for recycling, whilst the tyres will be taken away by an approved tyre recycler.”

Cr McLaughlin commended the community’s behaviour when attending the free dumping weekend, saying that the majority of ute loads were secured or covered, and that residents sorted all waste before dropping recyclable materials in the designated areas.

Whilst the free dumping weekend did mean that standard fees were lifted across the two days, the majority of sorted waste can be accepted at Council Waste Facilities free of charge all year round.

“Household waste which is sorted and placed in the relevant recycling area typically does not attract a disposal fee. Fee exempt waste includes items such as scrap metal, degassed white goods, batteries, household appliances, green waste and furniture.”

Customers can also take up to 6 litres of motor oil and 20 litres of cooking oil to Council’s Transfer Stations for free.

For more information about waste disposal visit https://www.burdekin.qld.gov.au/services/waste-and-recycling

The South Ayr Water Treatment Plant bypass pipeline project is on track for completion this month following the successful cut in of a section of pipeline into existing infrastructure last Wednesday 5 December.

Director of Infrastructure, Planning and Environmental Services Nick Wellwood said Council employees and local specialist contractors were on site between 8pm and 8am to carry out the critical works.

“Despite some threatening thunderstorms and overnight rain, our team was able to successfully connect the 450mm diameter bypass junction at the water facility. This was a key stage in our project and means we continue to be on track for completion by the end of the year,” Mr Wellwood said.

Mayor Lyn McLaughlin said construction had been scheduled at night to take advantage of lower overnight water demand, minimising the potential for loss of continuous supply.

“To allow the cut in to occur, the Ayr Water Treatment Plant was taken offline for approximately five hours which resulted in reduced water supply capacity to the townships of Ayr, Alva and Brandon,” Cr McLaughlin said.

“As a result of the community’s efforts to conserve water, I’m happy to report that we did not experience any loss of water supply during the overnight disconnection. This is a great result and I would like to thank the community for their cooperation.”

Council officers will now focus on the final stages on the project, which include final pipework connections and operational testing of the bypass system.

Once completed, the pipeline will allow water from Conlan Street bore field to bypass the existing water facility in South Ayr and directly connect to the town water supply.

Popular opera and musical theatre artists Tenori, wildly entertaining Peter Allen tribute performer Danny Elliott and classically trained musicians from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music are among the talented line-up for the Burdekin Theatre’s 2019 Morning Melodies season.

Burdekin Shire Council Cultural Venues Manager Chris Patrick revealed the stellar line up last Wednesday 5 December during the final Morning Melodies event for the year.

“Our 2019 Morning Melodies season features so many talented musicians. We hope the community gets behind it, as they have done this year,” Mr Patrick said.

Meanwhile, Mayor Lyn McLaughlin announced that Council will continue to support the Morning Melodies program by hosting a free event for residents in December.

“Looking back at past Morning Melodies seasons, it is pleasing to see crowds continue to increase,” Cr McLaughlin said.

“Each year Council has invited residents to celebrate the festive season with a free Christmas-themed Morning Melodies performance, which is always popular. I am happy to announce that Council will continue to support the program in 2019 with Silver Bells- a Buble Christmas,” Cr McLaughlin said.

The 2019 Morning Melodies season includes:

• The Lounge Suite starring Dale Pengelly – 13 February
• We’ve Only Just Begun starring Angela Lumicisi – 27 March
• Tenterfield to Rio starring Danny Elliott – 5 June
• Practically Perfect starring Karla Hillam –14 August
• Timeless starring Tenori – 16 October
• Silver Bells- a Buble Christmas – 4 December

The six-part season will move to an 11am timeslot next year, to align with all other venues on the Morning Melodies tour. The complimentary morning tea, which is generously donated by the Friends of the Burdekin Theatre, will be provided from 10am.

Tickets to all six Morning Melodies performances go on sale 14 January 2019.

Tickets will be available from the Burdekin Theatre’s website www.burdekintheatre.com.au, the Box Office, Council on (07) 4783 9800 or the Theatre on (07) 4783 9880.

Wet weather did not deter those in the festive spirit from attending the Community Christmas Carols last night, with record numbers attending the event.

Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin said hundreds of residents flocked to the Burdekin Memorial Hall in Home Hill for an evening of local entertainment.

“It was wonderful to see so many community members come together and celebrate as one. People of all ages gathered, from the very young to the young at heart. It was lovely to see generations of families enjoying the carols,” she said.

Cr McLaughlin said Council had received lots of positive feedback regarding the choice of entertainment, especially headline act René Le Feuvre and emcee Reece D’Alessandro.

“René Le Feuvre was a crowd favourite, performing a mix of Christmas Carols and classic hits. Reece D’Alessandro did a brilliant job presenting the evening.

“Both René and Reece are two of the district’s favourite young sons. We appreciate they took time out of their schedules to return home during this busy time of the year.

“I’d also like to acknowledge the wonderful performances produced by countless locals. Last night, we had everything from musicians to gymnasts, local choirs and a dance school. These are the groups who really make any Community Christmas Carols come alive.”

The Burdekin Combined Chaplaincy Committee expressed their appreciation for the overwhelming generosity of the community, with the Chaplain’s Collection raising over $1,000.

Kids, get ready to join the Burdekin Library’s Summer Reading Club program.
The national Summer Reading Club will return to Burdekin Library; online at summer reading club and in more than a thousand public libraries across the country for another fun-filled season.

The 2018 theme, Curious Creatures, encourages you to discover new worlds as you explore and connect with a curiosity of creatures through a range of activities available in the library and online.

Over 43,000 children registered with the Summer Reading Club in 2017, reading over 360,000 books between them over summer, and organisers are hoping participants will crack half a million books in 2018.

Come into the Burdekin Library and register for the program to receive your activity pack, including a reading log. If you are not a library member bring in a parent and their ID to join the library for FREE!!

You can also register online to participate in a range of activities – blog with children’s authors, Dr. Cameron Stelzer and Emma Middleton, search for answers to Encylopedia Britannica’s sponsored quiz, craft a What Happens Next story ending to Dave Lowe’s story starter, share your book raves, artwork, and lots more.

Summer Reading Club members can also meet 21 new Australian authors and illustrators online, read their helpful creative hints and tips and preview exclusives of their up and coming work.

Summer Reading Club will run from 1 December 2018 to 31 January 2019.

Created for children and young people pre-school age to 17, the Summer Reading Club is a free program led by the State Library of Queensland that inspires imaginations and instils a love of libraries and reading. The Summer Reading Club is delivered in partnership with the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) the Australian Public Library Allianxe (APLA) and public libraries across Australia.

The Burdekin and Home Hill Branch Libraries will be hubs of activity this December following the announcement of the Christmas school holiday activities program.

Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin said with a number of free and affordable activities on offer, there’s something to keep everyone busy this festive season.

The program includes old favourites, such as Christmas-themed Storytime and a movie at Ideas@108, as well as plenty of new activities.

“What’s really exciting is that for the first time we’ve included two adult craft sessions in our holiday activities program, meaning there really is something for everyone at the libraries,” Cr McLaughlin.

The program begins with the free lantern making workshops this Friday 7 and Saturday 8 December.

Children are invited to join one of two drop-in sessions, where they can create their very own Christmas lantern. They are then invited to take part in the Children’s Lantern Parade during the Community Christmas Carols this Sunday in Home Hill.

“Our Christmas activities are always popular, so I encourage families to book early to avoid disappointment,” Cr McLaughlin said.

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

High performing Burdekin athletes and coaches about to begin university are being encouraged to apply for one of three sports scholarships being offered by North Queensland Sports Foundation and CQUniversity.

Under the CQUniCares North Queensland Sports Foundation Scholarship, elite athletes and coaches who are about to begin the first year of a Bachelor’s degree at CQUniversity are eligible for up to $10,000 in financial assistance.

Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin said, “This is a fantastic opportunity for our Burdekin athletes to develop their sporting careers and further their education whilst remaining in North Queensland.”

There are three scholarships on offer, including one dedicated to Indigenous Athletes.

As Burdekin Shire Council is a member of the North Queensland Sports Foundation, all Burdekin residents are eligible to apply.

Applications are now open and will close on Friday 11 January.

For more information and details on how to apply, visit https://www.cqu.edu.au/courses/scholarships

Ayr’s Anzac Park will turn into a digital fantasy land these school holidays when the augmented reality game Magical Park returns to the Burdekin Shire.

Mayor Lyn McLaughlin said that after downloading the free Magical Park app on their smart phone or tablet, users could chase reindeer, battle Yetis and help Santa save Christmas during 5 December – 7 January 2019.

“Users will step into a blended virtual world seen through the app once they enter the boundaries of the magical park,” she said.

“A great safety feature of this game is that Magical Park only works within a confined area in the park, meaning that the game content disappears as the device holder reaches a pre-set boundary.”

It comes after Council introduced the game in two local parks last year.

Cr McLaughlin said Council hoped the game would get children outdoors and active these school holidays.

“The games are designed for children aged six to 11 and create an exciting and engaging world for them to explore.

“Council would love to see more children and families frequenting our parks. This is a wonderful way to encourage them to do that, giving kids open space to exercise and get outdoors while they enjoy the use of modern technology.”

Magical Park is free to download from the App Store and Google Play.

Burdekin Shire Council has contributed $30,000 to the Burdekin Combined Chaplaincy Committee in support of the school chaplaincy program.

School chaplains work with students, families and staff in the school community to discuss social, emotional, mental, physical and spiritual concerns.

The Burdekin Combined Chaplaincy currently provides four chaplains to work with students, parents, teachers and school staff at Ayr State School, Ayr State High School, East Ayr State School, Home Hill State School, Burdekin School and Home Hill State High School.

Mayor Lyn McLaughlin said school chaplains played a vital role in the community.

“On behalf of Council and the community, I thank the Burdekin Combined Chaplaincy for their presence and valuable work they do with the youth of the Burdekin,” she said.

“After speaking with some young people who have received support through this program, I can appreciate the influence of these dedicated chaplains and the change they inspire in students.

“The Burdekin is very fortunate to have such caring people who go over and above their school-based roles to assist young people deal with personal challenges.”

Burdekin Combined Chaplaincy chair Rhonda Williams said the funds would go toward the chaplains’ wages and school programs.

“We are so grateful to Burdekin Shire Council for this generous donation, which allows us to continue our level of support in the Burdekin,” she said.

“One of the activities we run as a direct result of this donation is the school holiday activity camp for kids (Shack) program in Home Hill during the June school holidays. This camp ran for four days and we had up to 50 kids per day this year, so it really was a successful program.

“With the help of this donation, we are able to sustain the high level of support we offer local youth, including our chaplain-run programs in local schools.”

Burdekin Shire Council is currently seeking applications for a Labourer – Form Setter/Concreter within the Works section.

The Position

The key responsibilities include:

• Undertake concrete work including the construction and repair of concrete pits, slabs, kerbing and channelling and the installation and maintenance of drainage structures.
• Skills required include plan reading, site preparation and levelling, set-out and installation of formwork and concrete finishing to a high standard.

The Person

The successful applicant will possess the following attributes at a minimum:

• Demonstrated experience in form-setting and concreting.
• CPCCWHS1001 – General Construction Induction White Card or ability to obtain prior to commencement date.
• MR (Medium Rigid) Drivers Licence or ability to obtain within 6 months of commencement.
• Demonstrated physical ability necessary to undertake manual handling and labouring for extended periods in direct sunlight.

Applicants should familiarise themselves with the entire position description.

The gross fortnightly wage for this position ranges from $2,078.90 to $2,153.87 with the commencing wage dependent upon the skills and experience of the successful applicant.

Applications for 18/73 – Labourer – Form Setter/Concreter – Works should include:

• A cover letter
• A current resume
• Statements addressing the selection criteria found in the Position Description

Applications can be submitted using one of the following methods:

• Email –
• Mail – Confidential Application No. 18/73, PO Box 974, Ayr Qld 4807

Applications close on Monday, 17 December 2018 at 5.00pm. Word or PDF format is preferable.

For further information please contact the Works Overseer – Robert Potter on (07) 4783 9800.

Download the Application Package

• Job Vacancy 18/73 - Labourer - Form Setter/Concreter - Works - (pdf 143.58 kB)

Tenders are invited for the Construction of a Nature Based Play Space at Plantation Park.

Tender documents are available from Mr Gary Keane on (07) 4783 9924 or by emailing

Tenders sealed and endorsed “TBSC/18/010 – Construction of a Nature Based Play Space at Plantation Park.” are to be lodged in the tender box located at Burdekin Shire Council no later than 12.00 noon on Monday the 19^th of November 2018.

A non-mandatory tenderers meeting will be held on Thursday 1^st of November 2018 at 11.00 am in the Training Room, Jones St. Depot. Ayr.

Burdekin Shire Council will be undertaking asphalt works in Gainsborough Drive, Picasso Court, Constable Court and Rubens Court commencing on Thursday 13 December to Saturday 15 December 2018, weather permitting.

Motorists utilising Edwards Street will be controlled by traffic controllers to allow for construction traffic to enter and exit the worksite.

For further information please contact Council’s Customer Service Centre on (07) 4783 9800.

Burdekin Shire Council wishes to advise that due to the extreme heat conditions pavement bleeding has occurred on the section of the Ayr-Dalbeg Road from the rear of the United Service Station towards Dalbeg for approximately 350 metres.

Council has undertaken additional seal works today, 27 November 2018, on behalf of the Department of Transport and Main Roads, to assist in alleviating the issue.

Motorists should note traffic management aftercare signage has been erected at either end of the affected area. This signage will remain in place until such time as road surface conditions improve.

Burdekin Shire Council thanks road users for their patience during this time.

Burdekin Shire Council wishes to advise that drainage works will be undertaken on McDowell Road from Watt Road to Woods Road intersections. The works are scheduled to commence on Tuesday 27^th November 2018 and are expected to be completed by 20^th December 2018, weather and construction conditions permitting.

McDowell Road will be closed to all traffic during these works with a detour via Watt Road, Ford Road and Woods Road, to enable works to be undertaken safely and efficiently.

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 9930.

As part of the Burdekin River Bridge Rehabilitation project, the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) wishes to advise of single lane closures on the Burdekin River Bridge, Home Hill on the following dates.

• Tuesday 27 November to Friday 30 November 2018 (bridge maintenance works)
• Tuesday 4 December to Friday 7 December 2018 (barrier railing works)
• Tuesday 11 December to Friday 14 December 2018 (clearing of drains)

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 road reconstruction works will be undertaken on Rangemore Road. The works are expected to commence on 16^th November 2018 and be completed on 14^th December 2018, weather and construction conditions permitting.

All construction works will occur Monday to Saturday between 7.00am and 6.00pm.

Rangemore Road will be closed to all traffic for works to be undertaken safely and efficiently.

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 9930

Burdekin Shire Council advises that drainage works will be undertaken on Corica Road approximately 1km from Sexton Road intersection commencing Monday 12 November 2018. The works are expected to be completed by Friday 23 November 2018, weather and construction conditions permitting.

All construction works will occur Monday to Saturday between 7.00am and 6.00pm.

Corica Road will be closed to all traffic from Monday 19 November to Thursday 22 November 2018 to enable work to be undertaken safely and efficiently.

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 9930

Burdekin Shire Council advises that road reconstruction and drainage works will be undertaken on Hodel Road from the Bruce Highway intersections for 1km. The works are expected to be completed in December 2018, weather and construction conditions permitting.

All construction works will occur Monday to Saturday between 7.00am and 6.00pm.

Hodel Road will remain open during these works but will be subject to changed traffic conditions, including lane closures and reduced speed limits to enable work to be undertaken safely and efficiently.

What to expect:

• Temporary Lane Closures
• Speed Restrictions
• Dust associated with construction activities
• Increased noise levels and vibration from machinery, equipment and site vehicles

Property Access:

There will be at times when access to properties directly adjacent the works will be temporarily restricted while the works are in progress.  Residents will be notified should their access be temporarily restricted.

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.

Burdekin Shire Council advises that footpath construction works will be undertaken in Seventh Avenue from Sixteenth Street to Fourteenth Street. The works are scheduled to commence on Tuesday 2^nd October 2018 and are expected to be completed in December 2018, weather and construction conditions permitting.

All construction works will occur Monday to Saturday between 7.00am and 6.00pm.

Seventh Avenue will remain open during these works but will be subject to changed traffic conditions, including lane closures and reduced speed limits to enable work to be undertaken safely and efficiently. At times Fourteenth A Street and Fourteenth Street will be subject to road closures.

What to expect:

• Temporary Lane Closures
• Speed Restrictions
• Reduced trafficable widths
• Dust associated with construction activities
• Increased noise levels and vibration from machinery, equipment and site

Property Access:

There will be times when access to properties will be temporarily restricted while the works are in progress. Residents will be notified should their access be temporarily restricted.

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 9930

Date of Entry

10/12/2018

 
Breed and Colour

Domestic cat- 692 – tabby/white

 
Impounded / Surrendered

Impounded

 
Location Found

Parker Street

 
Sex

Female/Entire

 
Date of Exit

13/12/2018

 
Suitable for Rehoming

Suitable for rehoming

Date of Entry

10/12/2018

 
Breed and Colour

Wolfhound cross- 691 – brindle

 
Impounded / Surrendered

Left at Pound

 
Location Found

Left at pound

 
Sex

Female/Entire

 
Date of Exit

13/12/2018

 
Suitable for Rehoming

Suitable for rehoming

Date of Entry

07/12/2018

 
Breed and Colour

Bull Arab Cross – 690 – Brindle

 
Impounded / Surrendered

Left at Pound

 
Location Found

 
Sex

Female/Entire

 
Date of Exit

12/12/2018

 
Suitable for Rehoming

Suitable for rehoming

Date of Entry

07/12/2018

 
Breed and Colour

Bull Arab Cross – 689 – Tan – white chest

 
Impounded / Surrendered

Left at Pound

 
Location Found

 
Sex

Male/Entire

 
Date of Exit

12/12/2018

 
Suitable for Rehoming

Suitable for rehoming

Date of Entry

07/12/2018

 
Breed and Colour

Bull Arab Cross – 688 – Tan – white feet

 
Impounded / Surrendered

Left at Pound

 
Location Found

 
Sex

Male/Entire

 
Date of Exit

12/12/2018

 
Suitable for Rehoming

Suitable for rehoming

Date of Entry

07/12/2018

 
Breed and Colour

Bull Arab Cross – 687 – Tan – white feet

 
Impounded / Surrendered

Left at Pound

 
Location Found

 
Sex

Female/Entire

 
Date of Exit

12/12/2018

 
Suitable for Rehoming

Suitable for rehoming

Date of Entry

07/12/2018

 
Breed and Colour

Bull Arab Cross – 686 – Brown and white

 
Impounded / Surrendered

Left at Pound

 
Location Found

 
Sex

Female/Entire

 
Date of Exit

12/12/2018

 
Suitable for Rehoming

Suitable for rehoming

Date of Entry

06/12/2018

 
Breed and Colour

Fox Terrier Cross – 685 – White and Tan

 
Impounded / Surrendered

Left at Pound

 
Location Found

 
Sex

Male/Entire

 
Date of Exit

11/12/2018

 
Suitable for Rehoming

Suitable for rehoming

Date of Entry

06/12/2018

 
Breed and Colour

Fox Terrier Cross – 684 – Black and white

 
Impounded / Surrendered

Left at Pound

 
Location Found

 
Sex

Male/Entire

 
Date of Exit

11/12/2018

 
Suitable for Rehoming

Suitable for rehoming