Welcome to the Burdekin Shire Council

Reference to Bureau of Meteorology Moderate Flood Warning for the Burdekin River issued 3:05 Thursday 7 February

The level of the Burdekin River at Inkerman Bridge is rising slowly. The Bureau is predicting that the river could reach 11m at Inkerman Bridge by late this afternoon and with possible future rises the level could reach between 11.2 and 11.3 metres by Friday afternoon. It is anticipated that the river will stay at this level at Inkerman for an extended duration. Further updates will be provided as we see the peak flood level achieved.

The following levels are provided as a guidance only and has been based on previous flooding events. The exact levels may vary depending on individual characteristics of the flood.

The river is currently at 10.80m and rising.

• At this level (10.80m):
  • The Rita Island Bridge has approximately 2.7m over the deck.
  • Water is on the reserve at Groper Creek.
  • Both Rita Island and Groper Creek are isolated by road access.
• 8.53m – Water will commence to come against Todd’s Break.
• 8.84m – Water will commence to come against Warren’s Gully and be likely to begin flowing into Plantation Creek. Please note – the Bruce Highway at Plantation Creek will not be cut at this level.
• 9.75m – Water is likely to commence coming over the bank at:
  • Tapiolas Break and McDowell’s.
  • Water also likely to enter farms in the Jarvisfield area.
• 10.67m – Water breaks at Todd’s Break. This causes traffic concerns on:
  • Rita Island Road at Jarvisfield School
  • Kilrie Road at Lando’s.
• 11.28m – Water is likely to commence coming over the bank at Lago’s and Strano’s farms and move towards Home Hill

The current level of the water in Plantation Creek at the Bruce Highway is approximately 300mm above the crossing and is closed. It is anticipated that this closure will continue at least through Friday. Please see Council’s website, Emergency Dashboard and social media feeds for updates.

Please monitor river levels and updated warnings via:

• Burdekin Shire Council’s Emergency Dashboard http://disaster.burdekin.qld.gov.au/
• Bureau of Meteorology website http://www.bom.gov.au/

Council will issue further advice on the Burdekin River height on Friday 8 February 2019 after 9am.

Please click here for a downloadable PDF of the Burdekin River – Identifed Locations and Townships. 

Residents can now recycle fluorescent tubes and compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) at Council’s Ayr and Home Hill Transfer Stations.

Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin said the new system would prevent the mercury contained in the lights from entering the environment.

“Whilst fluro tubes and CFL’s are an energy-efficient way of lighting our world, they both contain mercury which is a toxic metal that needs to be recycled properly and kept out of our environment,” Cr McLaughlin said.

“Through this fluro recycling system, Council will recover not only the mercury but also the glass, aluminum and other metals from the tubes, which will be recycled into new products.”

A new Burdekin Shire Council recycling system is helping combat the amount of batteries being dumped in local landfills.

Residents can now recycle household dry cell, button cell and rechargeable batteries in designated battery containers at the Ayr and Home Hill Transfer Stations, as well as at Council Chambers.

Lead acid batteries, such as car and boat batteries, continue to be accepted at the Kirknie Landfill and Ayr, Home Hill and Giru Transfer Stations.

Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin said with Australians draining the life of more than 400 million batteries each year, it was important that local governments do their part to reduce the amount entering landfill.

“Currently, less than 5% of batteries are recycled each year. When these batteries are dumped in landfill, they can leak a range of toxic substances into the environment, such as lead, mercury and cadmium,” Cr McLaughlin said.

“This recycling system will help breathe new life into these dead batteries by safely recovering mercury, lead, silver, nickel, cadmium, steel, lithium and plastic.”

Recyclable batteries include:

• Household dry cell batteries: Alkaline, zinc carbon and zinc batteries can be recycled. These batteries typically come in sizes AAA, AA, C and D size, or rectangular 9 and 12 volt batteries which are commonly used in torches, radios, and remote controls.
• Button cell batteries are used in a wide variety of everyday items like hearing aids, watches and calculators.
• Lead acid batteries are most commonly used in cars, however they are also used extensively for power storage and battery backup systems such as computer uninterruptable power supplies. Sealed lead acid batteries are used in many applications such as emergency lighting, security alarms, portable tools and consumer electronics.
• Rechargeable batteries can be re-charged and reused hundreds of times. These types of batteries are used in mobile phones, cordless power tools, laptop computers, cordless phones, portable shavers and many more applications.

Community and sporting groups can apply for up to $5,000 in funding under Burdekin Shire Council’s Community Grants Program, which opened on Monday 4 February.

Funding is available for the purpose of developing new or existing programs or activities, minor or local festivals or events, projects that promote local sustainability initiatives and projects or events that support civic pride and enhanced social and economic activity.

Application forms are available from Council’s website, Council’s Customer Service Centre or the Burdekin and Home Hill Branch Libraries.

All applications must be received by Friday 8 March to be eligible for consideration. Applications received outside of the round dates will not be accepted.

For more information phone Council’s Community Development team on (07) 4783 9800.

Nominations for the 2019 Burdekin Shire Youth Council are now open, giving young residents aged 12-25 the chance to share their exciting ideas for the Burdekin.

Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin said the Youth Council offers an excellent opportunity for young people to develop skills, get involved and advocate for youth interests.

“Throughout the year, the Youth Council communicates and liaises with the community; represents youth by reporting to Burdekin Shire Council; and organises a wide range of projects starting with the annual Fast Track Talent Showcase in April,” Cr McLaughlin said.

“Meetings are held on a monthly basis between 3:30pm and 4:30pm.”

Membership of the Youth Council is open to young people who live, work or study in the Burdekin.

Cr McLaughlin said the members gained skills they would have for the rest of their lives.

“Members learn how to host meetings, plan community events and develop their public speaking skills,” she said.

“They’re getting all this experience and they’re having fun while they’re doing it.”

The first Youth Council meeting for the year will commence at 3:30pm on Monday 25 February in the John Drysdale Chamber at Council Chambers, 145 Young Street, Ayr.

Nomination forms are available by emailing or phoning Council’s Customer Service Centre on (07) 4783 9800.

For further information contact the Community Development team on (07) 4783 9800.

Get ready, get SET!

Burdekin Library’s SET (Seniors Embracing Technology) program will be returning for 2019 on the first Tuesday of the month, beginning on 5 March.

Burdekin Shire residents, primary producers, small businesses and not-for-profit organisations affected by the recent monsoon trough event may be eligible for a number of State and Federal funding assistance measures.

Details of the assistance measures can be found at the web addresses below. For further information please phone the relevant State or Federal authority.

Community Recovery

Assistance for flood affected residents in activated locations

Emergency Hardship Assistance

Essential Household Contents

Structural Assistance Grant

Essential Services Safety and Reconnection Grant

Department of Human Services (Centrelink)

Assistance for residents adversely affected by a major disaster

Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment

Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority)

Assistance for Primary Producers:

Special Disaster Assistance Recovery Grants

Disaster Assistance Loans

Disaster Assistance Loans (Essential Working Capital)

Assistance for Small Businesses:

Disaster Assistance Loans

Disaster Assistance Loans (Essential Working Capital)

Assistance for Non-profit organisations

Disaster Assistance Loans

Disaster Assistance Loans (Essential Working Capital)

Following disruption to normal waste collection services due to the recent weather event, Council has confirmed that Rita Island and Groper Creek residents can place any excess general waste in their yellow lid bins.

Rita Island and Groper Creek residents who have placed general waste in their yellow lid bin should put out both their red and yellow lid bins for collection on Thursday 14 February. Due to circumstances, one truck will collect both bins.

Rita Island residents who have not placed any excess general waste in their yellow lid bin should refrain from putting out their yellow lid bin until their normal recycling waste collection service on Monday 18 February. Groper Creek residents should refrain from putting out their yellow lid bin until their normal service on Monday 25 February.

Residents of Burdekin Shire with an interest in the arts are invited to nominate for membership as a community representative of the RADF Advisory Group.  One additional community representative is required.

The Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Burdekin Shire Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.  The focus of the funding program is on the development of quality art and arts practice for, and with, regional communities.

Like other RADF programs across the state, the Burdekin program is guided by decisions made by an advisory group representing a diversity of demographic and artistic backgrounds.

Advisory group members may serve for a maximum term of four years, with an option to step down after two years.  The Committee meets on an irregular basis to assess applications received under the program and make recommendations to Council.

The nomination form and more information on membership of the group are available from the Council Chambers or on Council’s website
//www.burdekin.qld.gov.au/regional-arts-development-fund/.

You can download the Nomination Form using the following link:

• RADF Advisory Group Nomination Form - (pdf 290.51 kB)

Nominations close 5pm Friday 8 March 2019.

Following disruption to normal waste collection services due to the recent weather event, Council has confirmed that Home Hill rural areas on the eastern side of Highway will now be serviced on Wednesday 13 February whilst the Dalbeg area will be serviced on Friday 15 February.

Waste collection in all areas remains subject to any road closures and accessibility.

Council is continuing to monitor floodwaters and is working with its waste contractor to develop a plan to catch up on waste services in areas including Rita Island and Groper Creek.

The Burdekin Local Disaster Management Group has moved to alert this afternoon after nearly two weeks of standing up.

Floodwaters have largely receded in the Giru, Woodstock and Hodel areas, as well as on the Bruce Highway between Plantation Creek and the Burdekin River.

Rita Island and Groper Creek continue to be isolated due to floodwaters however it is anticipated that access will be restored Tuesday.

Since first standing up on Tuesday 29 January, the LDMG has received 118 tasks and 259 enquiries.

Six emergency food and medicine resupply missions were completed by helicopter, with further resupply missions completed via truck, ute and boat by agencies including Queensland Police, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services, SES, Volunteer Marine Rescue Burdekin and Burdekin Shire Council.

Emergency resupplies were delivered to approximately 65 properties.

In addition to this, the LDMG hosted a Recovery Information Centre in Giru on Friday 8 February, which was attended by approximately 60 people.

Burdekin Shire Council is seeking applications for an Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Administrator.

The Position

The key responsibilities include:

• Collaborate with other ICT staff to install, proactively administer and support Council’s on-premise and cloud hosted ICT hardware, systems and services.
• Assist and support the ICT Coordinator and Manager Client Services in strategic, operational and disaster planning of ICT services.
• Prompt, ongoing maintenance of the information within the ICT Service Management system (ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus).
• Support and encourage ICT Governance.
• Provide specialist technical advice and support to staff for Council’s ICT and business systems.

The Person

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

• Tertiary qualification relevant to the position and/or extensive demonstrated experience administering and supporting ICT hardware, systems and services.
• Demonstrated experience managing and working on projects that successfully achieved the project objectives within budget constraints; including initiating, designing, planning, controlling, executing, monitoring and closing the project.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage your time, to prioritise competing workloads and to work well under pressure, so as to meet deadlines and achieve the operational objectives of the work area.
• Experience in writing technical documents such as requests for quotation and system specifications.
• Class C Driver’s Licence.

Applicants should familiarise themselves with the entire position description.

The applicable salary is to a ceiling of Level 6 ($91,770pa) with the commencing salary dependent upon the skills and experience of the successful applicant.

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 19/09 - Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Administrator - (pdf 231.43 kB)

Applications for 19/09 – ICT Administrator 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. 19/09, PO Box 974, Ayr Qld 4807

Applications close on Tuesday, 5 March 2019 at 5.00pm. Word or PDF format is preferable.

For further information please contact the ICT Coordinator – Dirk Dabelstein on (07) 4783 9800.

Burdekin Shire Council is seeking applications for an Administration Officer to undertake a range of clerical activities within the Administration and Records section. This is a permanent, full-time position with the hours of work totalling 72.5 hours per fortnight.

The Position

The key responsibilities include:

• Minute taking and preparation of minutes for Council, Committee and other meetings.
• Agenda compilation and distribution.
• Daily capture and registration of correspondence within council’s record management system.
• Assist with disposal of records which have met the requirements of approved retention and disposal schedules.
• Assist Records staff with the search and retrieval of corporate documents.

The Person

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

• Demonstrated experience in routine administrative or clerical work within the confines of established procedures, with occasional complex situations.
• Demonstrated experience and skills in formal meeting minute taking.
• Demonstrated ability to apply time management skills to the workplace with reference to planning and organising own workload.
• Demonstrated commitment to providing quality client service.
• Demonstrated ability to quickly learn and implement new skills with computer systems and applications.
• Demonstrated ability to handle private, confidential and sensitive information.

Applicants should familiarise themselves with the entire position description.

The applicable salary is to a ceiling of Level 2 ($65,121pa) with the commencing salary dependent upon the skills and experience of the successful applicant.

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

• Job Vacancy 19/10 - Administration Officer - (pdf 185.79 kB)

Applications for 19/10 – Administration Officer 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. 19/10, PO Box 974, Ayr Qld 4807

Applications close on Monday 04 March 2019 at 5.00pm. Word or PDF format is preferable.

For further information please contact the Manager Financial and Administrative Services –

Kim Olsen on (07) 4783 9800.

TBSC/19/004 – Tender for Construction of a new Toilet Block, Retaining Wall, Covered Area and Concrete Slabs – Burdekin Shire Council is calling for expression of interest from Builders on the above Structures.

The work will include a new 50m² Toilet Block and onsite septic tanks, a 140m² Roof Structure with coloured concrete floor complete with handrail and balustrade, New 23m long x 1200mm high retaining wall and 89m² x 150mm thick concrete hardstand.

All works will be carried out on the current Visitor Information Centre site located in Plantation Park, Ayr.

All interested parties should express their interest by email no later than 4pm on Tuesday 19 February 2019 to Burdekin Shire Council’s Facilities Management Coordinator, Keith Lewty at

Tender documents for the above project will be forwarded by email to all interested parties on Wednesday 20 February 2019. Tenders will close at 12 noon Wednesday 6 March 2019 with work to commence on Monday 18 March 2019 with all works fully completed by Friday 17 May 2019.

Burdekin Shire Council advises the construction of the Ayr Visitor Information Centre Redevelopment Project, will be commencing in Plantation Park on Monday 25 February 2019, the works are expected to be completed in June 2019, weather and construction conditions permitting.

Internal roads within Plantation Park will be closed to traffic to enable works to be undertaken safely and efficiently. Reduced footpath widths will be in place on sections of the footpath within the park and pedestrians are advised to take caution.

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.

Road closures in place due to damage:

• Hillier Road
• Sibson Road at Koolkuna Road
• Stockham Road

Road Open with flood damage – Drive with Caution

• Ayr Ravenswood Road
• Mt Alma Road

Burdekin Shire Council advises that construction works have commenced in Plantation Park on the Nature Based Play Space. The works are scheduled to be completed by 30 May 2019, weather and construction conditions permitting.

Plantation Park will remain open for use to residents and visitors of the Burdekin. Whilst construction is being undertaken there will be increased traffic movement within the internal roadways of the park.

The construction site has been fenced to enable work to be undertaken safely and efficiently.

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

Date of Entry

22/02/2019

 
Breed and Colour

Border Collie – 784 – White and Black

 
Impounded / Surrendered

Impounded

 
Location Found

Bartlett Road Horseshoe Lagoon

 
Sex

Female/Entire

 
Date of Exit

27/02/2019

 
Suitable for Rehoming

Suitable for rehoming

Date of Entry

22/02/2019

 
Breed and Colour

Border Collie – 783 – Black and White

 
Impounded / Surrendered

Impounded

 
Location Found

Bartlett Road Horseshoe Lagoon

 
Sex

Male/Entire

 
Date of Exit

27/02/2019

 
Suitable for Rehoming

Suitable for rehoming

Date of Entry

22/02/2019

 
Breed and Colour

Bull Arab Cross – 782 – Brindle

 
Impounded / Surrendered

Left at Pound

 
Location Found

 
Sex

Male/Entire

 
Date of Exit

27/02/2019

 
Suitable for Rehoming

Suitable for rehoming

Date of Entry

22/02/2019

 
Breed and Colour

Bull Arab cross- 781 – Black/white on chest

 
Impounded / Surrendered

Impounded

 
Location Found

 
Sex

Male/Entire

 
Date of Exit

27/02/2019

 
Suitable for Rehoming

Suitable for rehoming

Date of Entry

21/02/2019

 
Breed and Colour

Domestic Cat- 780 – black/white

 
Impounded / Surrendered

Impounded

 
Location Found

 
Sex

Male/Entire

 
Date of Exit

26/02/2019

 
Suitable for Rehoming

Suitable for rehoming

Date of Entry

20/02/2019

 
Breed and Colour

Terrier Cross – 779 – Tan and white

 
Impounded / Surrendered

Left at Pound

 
Location Found

 
Sex

Female/Entire

 
Date of Exit

25/02/2019

 
Suitable for Rehoming

Suitable for rehoming

Date of Entry

20/02/2019

 
Breed and Colour

Terrier Cross -778 – Tan and white

 
Impounded / Surrendered

Left at Pound

 
Location Found

 
Sex

Male/Entire

 
Date of Exit

25/02/2019

 
Suitable for Rehoming

Suitable for rehoming

Date of Entry

20/02/2019

 
Breed and Colour

German Shepherd Cross – 777 – Black and Tan

 
Impounded / Surrendered

Impounded

 
Location Found

Parker Street Ayr

 
Sex

Male/Entire

 
Date of Exit

25/02/2019

 
Suitable for Rehoming

Suitable for rehoming