Welcome to the Burdekin Shire Council

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.

Fiveways Road is expected to remain closed at Sheepstation Creek Bridge until late 2019 after sustaining damage in this year’s North and Far North Queensland Monsoon Trough event.

Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin said Council was working to get the road open as quickly as possible.

“During the monsoon, there was wide-spread damage to Council infrastructure throughout the shire. This included structural damage to Sheepstation Creek Bridge,” she said.

“Unfortunately the extent of damage will require an entirely new bridge structure to be built.

“We’ve already engaged an engineering consultant to complete the designs, and the first replacement culverts have been delivered to site.

“Once the design is approved, we will release a tender for the construction of the new bridge.”

Cr McLaughlin said Council would seek disaster assistance for the construction costs.

“Eligible works will be jointly funded by the Commonwealth and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).”

Cr McLaughlin said Council investigated the possibility of a side-track however it was deemed not possible due to safety concerns and site restrictions.

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 Gilbert boys have written themselves into the history books by winning three separate divisions at the Australian Hand Cane Cutting Championships over the weekend, continuing a strong history for the Tully-based family.

In only his third year of competing, 18-year-old Stuart took out the Queensland Sugar Limited Under 35 Years division. His time of 10:06.25 to cut 60 metres of cane was enough to hold off uncle Adam Gilbert (11:34.41) and Burdekin local Chris Vass (11:48.92).

Whilst all three men secured a spot in the Queensland Sugar Limited Australian Hand Cane Cutting Championships Final, it was ultimately Adam who had the last laugh, winning the 100-metre marathon in a time of 18:46:41 ahead of third-placed Stuart (21:31.21).

In the last competition of the day and with big crowds cheering them on, Scott, Adam, Stuart and Angus Gilbert rounded out the trifecta by winning the Swindley Memorial Cut, Top and Load competition in 11:34.88.

Youngster Angus (17) also competed in the Under 35 Years competition and was joined by patriarch Paul in the Cut, Top and Load.

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

The Transfer Station will then be closed again on Wednesday 26 June to carry out asphalt works.

For alternate waste management facilities opening hours and locations, click here. 

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.

Burdekin Shire Council is helping residents give life to unwanted tyres by providing free tyre recycling throughout the entire month of June.

As part of the initiative, Burdekin residents can dispose of unwanted tyres at the Kirknie Landfill and the Ayr, Home Hill and Giru Transfer Stations for free.

The collected tyres will then be processed into tyre-derived products that can be utilised in asphalt, for energy recovery, and playgrounds.

Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin said the month-long initiative is made possible through funding received from Tyre Stewardship Australia under the Regional and Remote Councils Collection and Recycling Program.

“Council has long been committed to reducing the environmental impact of tyres through the use of accredited tyre suppliers and recyclers. In February this year, Council formalised that commitment by obtaining accreditation under the Tyre Stewardship Scheme,” Cr McLaughlin said.

“As a result of that accreditation, Council has been successful in receiving $13,000 in funding to conduct a month-long tyre collection initiative, plus an additional $8,000 to contribute to the installation of the tyre-derived soft fall at the Nature Based Play Space.”

“Whilst Council already engages an accredited tyre recycler to dispose of all tyres that are received at our waste management facilities, this initiative will make tyre recycling more accessible for residents. On behalf of Council, I thank Tyre Stewardship Australia for providing this funding for the benefit of our community.”

Tyres can be disposed of free of charge from 1 June to 30 June at the following locations:

• Ayr Transfer Station, 7 days 9am – 5pm
• Home Hill Transfer Station, 7 days 10am – 5pm
• Giru Transfer Station, Friday and Sunday 3pm – 6pm
• Kirknie Landfill, Monday to Friday 8:00am – 4:30pm and Saturday 8am – 12pm

This initiative is available to all Burdekin Shire residents for disposal of domestic tyres. Standard fees will apply for commercial businesses.

For more information about Tyre Stewardship Australia and our commitment, visit www.tyrestewardship.org.au/.

Burdekin youth will flip, roll and tumble their way into the school holidays when Queensland’s largest youth arts company comes to town next month.

Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin has announced that Flipside Circus is returning to the Burdekin, hosting a series of workshops between Monday 1 and Wednesday 3 July.

“Flipside Circus workshops are the perfect way to curb holiday boredom. The workshops provide a unique opportunity for young people to show off, take risks, trust, dream and aspire, work hard, laugh, and have fun,” she said.

“This is the third year Flipside Circus have brought their fun-filled workshops to the Burdekin. These workshops are always popular and numbers are strictly limited so I encourage families to get in early when tickets go on sale next Friday.”

For the young ones, one-hour Kindy Camps will explore all the fun circus has to offer, while ages 4-8 years can join in on the ‘Flipperoos Camp’ – a two hour workshop with lots of play for beginners.

Meanwhile, older children aged 8-12 years and 12-16 years can learn seven circus tricks they will never forget including juggling, mini tramp, trapeze and tumbling, all followed by a mini-performance for their friends and family.

Workshops details

Kindy Camp (2 – 4 years)

Monday 1 July, 9:30am – 10:30am or 10:45am – 11:45am

Burdekin Library

$10 per child

Flipperoos Camp (4 – 8 years)

Monday 1 July, 2:30pm – 4:30pm

Burdekin Theatre

$30 per child

7 Tricks in ½ day (8 – 12 years)

Tuesday 2 July, 9:30am – 12pm, 1pm – 4:30pm or Wednesday 9:30am – 12 pm

Burdekin Theatre

$40 per child

7 Tricks in ½ day (12 – 16 years)

Wednesday 3 July, 1pm – 4:30pm

Burdekin Theatre

$40 per child

Tickets to all four Flipside Circus workshops go on sale Friday 7 June at 10am. Tickets are available from the Burdekin Theatre Box Office, www.burdekintheatre.com.au or by phoning the Council Customer Service Centre on (07) 4783 9800.

Burdekin Shire Council is currently seeking applications for a Water Services Labourer to assist with the maintenance and construction of water and sewerage services to enable Council to meet its statutory obligations as a service provider.

The Position

The key responsibilities include:

• General labouring duties within the Water and Wastewater reticulation and operational areas as directed on a daily basis.
• Maintenance to pump stations within the reticulation area.
• Assist with meter reading and maintenance.
• Participate in the On-call Roster and attend to out-of-hours emergencies as required.

The Person

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

• Physical ability necessary to undertake manual handling and labouring for extended period in direct sunlight.
• General Construction Induction White Card.
• Minimum of a C class driver’s licence.
• Demonstrated knowledge of plumbing, sanitary and reticulation fittings and their intended applications.

Applicants should familiarise themselves with the entire position description.

The gross fortnightly wage for this position is $2,078.90 including Construction Allowance.

Application packages are available from the Human Resources Office on (07) 4783 9800 or you can download the application package using the following link.

• Job Vacancy 19/29 - Water Services Labourer - (pdf 142.05 kB)

Applications for 19/29 – Water Services Labourer should include:

• A cover letter
• A current resume
• Statements addressing the selection criteria

Applications can be submitted using one of the following methods:

• Email –
• Mail – Confidential Application No. 19/29, PO Box 974, Ayr Qld 4807

Applications close on Tuesday, 25 June 2019 at 5.00pm. Word or PDF format is preferable.

For further information please contact the Manager Water and Wastewater – Shaun Johnston on (07) 4783 9800.

We are currently seeking applications to fill the role of Executive Secretary. This is a temporary position for a period of up to six months.

The Position

The key responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Perform executive secretarial duties for Mayor – Record all correspondence and prepare responses. Receive and handle enquiries (counter and telephone) for the Mayor with a high degree of judgement, initiative and confidentiality.
• Maintain efficient management of the Mayor’s diary and time, conference registration, air travel and accommodation bookings as and when required.
• Undertake research and collate information to provide the Mayor with background information on matters put before her.
• Provide executive secretarial support for Chief Executive Officer as and when required.
• As and when required, attend meetings with the Mayor and record proceedings, prepare minutes, and initiate follow up action as appropriate.

The Person

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

• Extensive administrative experience preferable in a personal assistant/secretarial role.
• Advanced information, communication and technology (ICT) skills including the use of Microsoft Office packages.
• Excellent written communications skills.
• Excellent customer service and facilitation skills.
• Advanced skills in managing time, exercising judgement in the planning of own work, setting priorities and organising work.
• Previous experience in document management and diary schedules.

Applicants should familiarise themselves with the entire position description.

The applicable salary is to a ceiling of Level 3 ($71,782pa) with the commencing salary dependent upon the skills and experience of the successful applicant.

Applications for 19/28 – Executive Secretary (Temporary) should include:

• A cover letter
• A current resume
• Statements addressing the selection criteria

Application packages are available from the Human Resources Office on (07) 4783 9800 or you can download the application package using the following link:

• Job Vacancy 19/28 - Executive Secretary - (pdf 153.33 kB)

Applications can be submitted using one of the following methods:

• Email –
• Mail – Confidential Application No. 19/28, PO Box 974, Ayr Qld 4807

Applications close on Tuesday, 18 June 2019 at 5.00pm. Word or PDF format is preferable.

For further information please contact the Human Resources Coordinator – Belinda Tinus on (07) 4783 9800.

TBSC/19/006 – Cleaning services of the Council administration building and Jones Street depot

Tenders are invited for the Cleaning Services of the Council Administration Building, 145 Young Street, Ayr and Jones Street Depot, Jones Street, Ayr, for

a two-year period from 1 July 2019 to 30 June 2021.

Tenders close on Monday, 10 June 2019 at 12 noon.

Specification documents are available from Mrs. Anne-Maree Dale on (07) 4783 8900, by emailingor registering with LG Tender Box.

Tenders sealed and endorsed ‘TBSC/19/006 – Cleaning Services of the Council Administration Building and Councils Jones Street Depot’ are required to be lodged with Council via post, directly placed in the locked tender box at Council Chambers or electronically through LG Tender Box no later than 12 noon on Monday, 10 June 2019.

Prospective respondents should note that only one mandatory walk through inspection will take place at each location. This will be held on Thursday, 30 May 2019. Council Administration Building will be held on site at 11:00am. Jones Street Depot will be held on site at 1.00pm.

Full Document – Overview to Appendix 8

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:

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 advises that bitumen repair works are to be undertaken on the section of the Bruce Highway north and south of the Giddy/Gillian (McDesme) Road intersection. Works are scheduled to commence and conclude on Tuesday 11th June, 2019, weather permitting.

The Bruce Highway will be under a single lane closure with Traffic Lights and Traffic Control will be operating at both the Giddy Road and Gillian (McDesme) Road intersections during the course of the works.

Every effort will be made to keep disruption to a minimum for road users during the maintenance 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 on 47 839 800.

Burdekin Shire Council advises that Plantation Park will be closed to traffic for pavement repairs to be undertaken on the internal roads of the park. Works are scheduled to commence on Monday 17 June 19 to Friday 21 June 2019, weather and construction conditions permitting.

The entrance to Plantation Park from the Bruce Highway intersection will be closed to all traffic. Parking will be available in front of the Gudjuda Deck Café with entrance via Kennedy Street.

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

The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) advises that Cromarty Creek Boat Ramp at Giru will be temporarily closed while maintenance works are carried out.

The Cromarty Creek Boat Ramp maintenance works is scheduled to be carried out during the following dates, with work crews taking advantage of the low tides during this period and allowing the works to be completed as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Monday 10 June to Friday 21 June 2019

Tuesday 2 July to Saturday 6 July 2019

Monday 26 August to Saturday 31 August 2019

Day and night work, weather, tides and construction permitting.

The work involves:

– removal and reforming of the left-hand rock shoulder

– grout replacement

– sealant repairs to cracked walls and plank joints

– other rock placement works

Sections of the Cromarty Creek camping grounds and car park will remain closed to all users. The contractor will need to restrict access to ensure the safety of their workers and members of the public (refer to diagram attached).

Every effort will be made to minimise noise during the repair works, however vehicles and equipment used for this work includes excavators, body trucks, hand held tools and temporary lights. You may also hear reversing warning signals.

Workplace Health and Safety management procedures stipulate that these warning signals cannot be turned off, even in residential areas.

Alternative boat ramp facilities:

• Ocean Creek

• Hell Hole landing

• Groper Creek

• Wallace Creek

• Plantation Creek

• Barratta Creek (Jerona)

• Railway Estate (Barnicle Street Boat Ramp)

• Barramundi (Morris) Creek

• Townsville Recreational Boating Park

Further information about the maintenance works at Cromarty Creek Boat Ramp can be obtained by contacting TMR’s

Customer and Stakeholder Management team on 1800 625 648 or via email at.

Cromarty Creek Boat Ramp

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 21st June, 2019, weather permitting.  As a result of these works, temporary traffic management controls will be in place and Council will be required to close the following sections of road:

• Eastbound Adelaide Street lane between Edwards Street and Norham Road
• Northbound Norham Road lane between Adelaide Street and Hobart Street

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.

Burdekin Shire Council wishes to advise that construction works to replace a section of the water main on Garrone Road, Giru will commence on Thursday 20th June, 2019 continuing until approximately Sunday 30th June, 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

13/06/2019

 
Breed and Colour

Bull Arab Cross – 973 – Brindle

 
Impounded / Surrendered

Surrendered

 
Location Found

 
Sex

Female/Entire

 
Date of Exit

18/06/2019

 
Suitable for Rehoming

Suitable for rehoming

Date of Entry

13/06/2019

 
Breed and Colour

Domestic Kitten – 972 – Black and white

 
Impounded / Surrendered

Left at Pound

 
Location Found

 
Sex

 
Date of Exit

18/06/2019

 
Suitable for Rehoming

Suitable for rehoming

Date of Entry

13/06/2019

 
Breed and Colour

Domestic Kitten – 970 – Black and white

 
Impounded / Surrendered

Left at Pound

 
Location Found

 
Sex

 
Date of Exit

18/06/2019

 
Suitable for Rehoming

Suitable for rehoming

Date of Entry

13/06/2019

 
Breed and Colour

domestic Cat – 969 – Tri Colour

 
Impounded / Surrendered

Left at Pound

 
Location Found

 
Sex

Female/Entire

 
Date of Exit

18/06/2019

 
Suitable for Rehoming

Suitable for rehoming

Date of Entry

12/06/2019

 
Breed and Colour

Kelpie Cross – 967 – Black and white

 
Impounded / Surrendered

Left at Pound

 
Location Found

 
Sex

Female/Entire

 
Date of Exit

17/06/2019

 
Suitable for Rehoming

Suitable for rehoming