Welcome to the Burdekin Shire Council

Burdekin businesses wanting to unlock their commercial potential can receive free one-on-one consultations with industry experts through the Australian Government’s Northern Australia Tourism Initiative.

Under the Entrepreneurs Programme, small to medium businesses are matched with a tourism business advisor who is able to give advice on how to overcome current challenges and expand into new markets.

Eligible businesses also have access to up to $20,000 in matched funding to obtain external advice on a key area identified through the consultation process.

AusIndustry North Queensland Regional Manager Kay Strong said external advice could relate to topics such as marketing, human resources, and business expansion.

“Support is also available to bring groups of tourism companies together to work on a mutual business strategy, through the tourism partnerships service,” Ms Strong said.

“We have seen North Queensland businesses realise growth potential and take on new opportunities by accessing these support services.”

Eligibility criteria include:

• Businesses must be a ‘tourism business’;
• Be a solvent company with an annual turnover or operating expenditure between $750,000 and $100 million; and
• Be trading for a minimum of 3 consecutive years.

Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin said that many businesses may still be eligible despite not considering themselves ‘tourism businesses’.

“To be a valid tourism business under the eligibility criteria, businesses simply need to derive a significant portion of their revenue from visitors and operate in a tourism-related industry,” she said.

“Tourism-related industries include accommodation, cafes, restaurants and takeaway food services, clubs, pubs, taverns and bars, passenger transport, tour operator services, cultural services, sports and recreation services, and retail trade.”

For further information about the Federal Government’s Entrepreneurs Programme including full eligibility criteria, phone Council’s Tourism Officer on (07) 4783 9800 or visit www.business.gov.au/ep

Burdekin residents who own a house built before 1984 may be able to receive Queensland Government funding to help improve the resilience of their homes against cyclones.

$20M is now available under the Household Resilience Program for owner-occupiers who live within a recognised cyclone risk area and who meet the income eligibility requirements.

Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin confirmed the Burdekin fell within the recognised cyclone risk area, which spans north from Bundaberg to the Queensland/Northern Territory border and 50km within the coastline.

“As we are all aware, the risk of cyclones in North Queensland is very real,” she said.

“Burdekin residents have suffered the devastating impacts of cyclones before. The Queensland Government’s Household Resilience Program is an opportunity for low-income earners to make significant improvements to their homes and minimise the potential for future damage. I encourage residents to check their eligibility and apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out.”

Under the co-contribution program, applicants can receive funding for 75% of the cost of improvements, up to a maximum grant of $11,250.

Applicants must contribute the remaining 25%; however loans are available through the Household Resilience Program.

Valid improvements include roof replacement; roof structure tie-down upgrades; replacement of garage doors and frames; window protection including cyclone shutters or screens; tie downs of external structures; and replacement of external hollow core doors with solid core external grade doors.

Applications are now open.

For more information including the full eligibility requirements and how to apply, visit www.qld.gov.au/strongerhomes

Nominations for the 2018 North Queensland Sportstar Awards are now open.

Categories include:

• Junior Sportsperson;
• Senior sportsperson;
• Masters;
• Athlete with a Disability; and
• Service to North Qld Sport.

Nominees are judged on their achievements and performances during the period of 1 October 2017 to 30 September 2018, except Service to Sport Award which is for a longer period of time.

The following criteria in order of importance are used in the selection process:  international representation, national representation, and state representation.

Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin said the Burdekin was filled with talented sportspeople and dedicated volunteers.

“This is a great opportunity to recognise not only those who excel in their chosen fields, but also those who work tirelessly behind the scenes for the benefit of the community and for North Queensland sport.”

Nominations must be lodged with Council’s Community Development Team by 5pm Friday 31 August 2018. Nominees must be a resident of the Burdekin Shire to be eligible.

Council will select one successful nominee per category to be considered at the annual North Queensland Sports Award Cocktail Dinner at Mission Beach on Saturday 27 October 2018.

Nomination Forms are available above, or from Council’s Customer Service Centre and Burdekin Library.

For more information, contact Council’s Community Development Team on (07) 4783 9800.

Children inspired by the classic Jackie French book Josephine Wants to Dance can live out their grandest ballerina dreams during a special Storytime Session at the Burdekin Library this Friday.

Following an interactive reading of the much-loved picture book, children will spin, twirl and curtsy their way through a short complimentary ballet class with local ballet teacher Kady Brandon.

Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin said the event would celebrate the arrival of Monkey Baa Theatre Company’s live-stage adaption at the Burdekin Theatre.

“We are excited to present both the captivating story of Josephine Wants to Dance live on the Burdekin Theatre stage and the accompanying special Storytime,” she said.

“Kady has taught early childhood dance programs at her school ‘I Dance’ for 8 years and is incredibly passionate about dance. We’re sure children will leave this free event with a leap in their step.”

Children and their families can attend the special Storytime session at the Burdekin Library on Friday 10 August at 10:30am. This is a free event and bookings are not necessary.

Josephine Wants to Dance will be live onstage at the Burdekin Theatre on Thursday 16 August at 10am. Tickets are $10-$13 and can be purchased from the Burdekin Theatre Box Office, by phone (07) 4783 9880 or by visiting www.burdekintheatre.com.au

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 children with a thirst for adventure will be able to go on a scavenger hunt, search for treasure under the sea and even receive a special pirate name during Burdekin Shire Council’s Book Week celebrations this year.

Mayor Lyn McLaughlin said the annual event, which runs from Monday 20 to Saturday 25 August, was a great opportunity to celebrate books, authors and reading.

“The Children’s Book Council of Australia’s (CBCA) theme for this year’s event is Find Your Treasure and there is plenty to find in our local libraries,” Cr McLaughlin said.

“During Book Week, the Burdekin Library will have a number of book displays aimed at different age groups, meaning that every member of the family can find their next treasured read.”

Other activities include an interactive Storytime Session, where children will hear one of the books shortlisted for the 2018 CBCA’s Book of the Year award and take part in craft activities.

“The importance of developing a love of reading early on is well documented and I encourage all Burdekin families to engage in regular reading activities,” Cr McLaughlin said.

Families can take part in the Burdekin Library scavenger hunt and interactive displays Monday to Friday 9am-5pm and Saturday 9am-1pm.

The Book Week Storytime Session will happen on Friday 24 August at 10:30am and bookings are not necessary.

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 ratepayers will receive their Burdekin Shire Council rate notices in the mail this week with a due date of 3 September 2018.

Council’s 2018/19 annual budget included a modest general rate rise across most categories of 2.2 percent.

Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin said the rise was consistent with Council’s 10 year financial forecast.

“Council is very conscious of the pressures of household budgets, so we worked hard to keep rate rises to a minimum,” she said.

Waste Charges remain unchanged under the 2018/19 budget, whilst Sewerage and Water Access charges have only increased by $5 and $4 respectively.

Cr McLaughlin said Council had increased the pensioner rebate by $8 for the third consecutive year, bringing the annual remission to $366 per pensioner.

“Pensioners may also be eligible for the State Government pensioner subsidy of $200 and a 20 percent discount on their State Government Emergency Management Levy,” she said.

“I encourage all pensioners to visit the Burdekin Shire Council Customer Service Centre with their pensioner card to check their eligibility.”

Rates payments can be made over the phone by calling (07) 4783 9800, online by visiting BPOINT, by BPay via your financial institution, by mail or in person at Australia Post or Burdekin Shire Council Customer Service Centre.

Any ratepayer who is having difficulty paying their rates by the due date is asked to contact Council as soon as possible to discuss a payment plan. This option incurs an 11 percent interest on any overdue balance, however regular part payments can minimise interest.

Ratepayers who do not receive their rate notices by 13 August must contact Council on (07) 4783 9800.

For further information please visit the Rates section of Council’s website or contact Council’s Customer Service Centre on (07) 4783 9800.

Tenders closing at 10.00am on Wednesday 15 August 2018 are invited for:

TBSC/18/005 – Greenwaste Processing for Burdekin Shire Council

Tender documents are available from the Burdekin Shire Council website

• TBSC_18_005 Green Waste Processing for Burdekin Shire Council - (pdf 624.52 kB)

or can be emailed on request by telephoning (07) 4783 9800.

Further enquiries may be directed to Mr Lachlan Kerr –  Coordinator Waste Services on telephone (07) 4783 9800.

Burdekin resident John Arrate was introduced to the art of hand cane cutting by his father while growing up on their small family farm at Clare.

He will line up in the Australian Hand Cane Cutting Championships, part of the Sweet Days, Hot Nights Festival at Home Hill Showgrounds this 30 May and 2 June, with nothing but respect for the original hand cane cutters in the field.

“They’re the ones I take my hat off to. I think it’s a bit of an honour to think you’re still competing with the guys who have done this for a living,” Mr Arrate said.

“It’s important people have the chance to see how it was done while those guys are around. Some of them are in their seventies. Being a bit of a competitor it just bugs me that I still can’t beat the old guys.”

Mr Arrate, who now owns and operates his own sugarcane farm at Home Hill, has been competing in the Australian Hand Cane Cutting Championships since the introduction of the Kevin Swindley Memorial prize for local cutters in 2012. “I knew the Swindley family so I thought it would be a good way of paying tribute,” Mr Arrate said.

When he first signed up it was “just to make up numbers” however one of the older cutters soon become a mentor to Mr Arrate, who has been honing his skills ever since.

He went on to win the Kevin Swindley Memorial in 2016. “Hopefully this year I’ll be holding a trophy again,” he said.

Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin said Sweet Days, Hot Nights would incorporate the First Fire of the Season and the Australian Hand Cane Cutting Championships and package them with a range of family-friendly, festival-styled events.

“The First Fire on Wednesday 30 May offers visitors and locals the chance to experience the awe-inspiring sight of cane fire up close,” Cr McLaughlin said.

“On Saturday 2 June at the Australian Hand Cane Cutting Championships, festival-goers will witness a test of skill and endurance, a competition that brings to life the back-breaking work of a by-gone era.”

For more information visit www.sweetdayshotnights.com.au or ‘Like’ and ‘Follow’ the sweetdayshotnights page on Facebook.

Council is seeking expressions of interest to fill the role of Cultural Venues Supervisor on a temporary full-time basis from the 27 August, 2018 to 23 October, 2018.

The Position

• The key responsibilities include:Under the direction of the Manager, assist in the coordination and management of the day to day operations of the venue, including venue hire, customer service and work with the venues technical and front of house staff and volunteers, to ensure the delivery and coordination of all key services to support events and activities at the venues.
• Provide administrative and managerial support to the Cultural Venues Manager as required.
• Supervise ticketing operations including accounting (Finance One) and reporting procedures, box office staff, the ticketing system and provide high quality customer service to clients and patrons.
• Supervise venue administration staff as required.
• Coordinate front of house and hospitality services including rostering staff and volunteers, maintaining casual staff records and rosters, overseeing contracts and coordinating stock control to ensure the effective delivery of events.

Key Selection Criteria:

• Demonstrated understanding of, and enthusiasm toward, the arts and entertainment industry.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and activities.
• Effective interpersonal and customer service skills and proven ability to work as part of a small team.
• Sound financial and administration skills, including word processing, budgeting, computer skills, and stock control.
• Ability to supervise operational staff, including the development, monitoring and application of rosters.
• An ability to work evenings and weekends as required.

The applicable salary is to a ceiling of Level 4 with the commencing salary dependent upon the skills and experience of the successful applicant.

Expressions of interest should include a cover letter, current resume and statements addressing the above Key Selection Criteria and can be emailed to or posted to Confidential Application No. 18/49, PO Box 974, Ayr Q4807 by 5.00pm on Wednesday, 15 August, 2018.

Download the application package using the following link.

• Expression of Interest - Cultural Venues Supervisor (Temporary) - (pdf 165.21 kB)

For further information please contact Chris Patrick – Cultural Venues Manager on (07) 47 839 810.

Burdekin Shire Council is seeking applications for a Rates Supervisor to lead and mentor Council’s Rates team and maintain Council’s property database, rating operations and collections in liaison with other Council sections, State and Federal government departments and collection agencies.

The Position

The key responsibilities include:

• Support the Manager of Financial and Administrative Services by providing timely advice and support for the Rating function by Council.
• Acquire and maintain thorough knowledge of legislation, regulations, policies and procedures including Council and State Government requirements for rating.
• Support policy and budget formulation for Council rates and charges including revenue modelling.
• Co-ordinate timely production and distribution of annual, supplementary, half-year water consumption and overdue reminder notices.
• Monitor and coordinate debt collection processes, hardship applications and payment plans for overdue rates.

The Person

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

• Demonstrated significant experience and specialist knowledge in local government rating and the operation of property and rating systems.
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of legislation, regulations, policies and procedures for local government rating.
• Experience in the management and coordination of debt recovery processes.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and mentor a small team.
• Intermediate skills in the use of Microsoft Office Systems.

Applicants should familiarise themselves with the entire position description.

The applicable salary is to a ceiling of Level 5 ($83,444pa) 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 18/48 - Rates Supervisor - (pdf 200.94 kB)

Applications for 18/48 – Rates Supervisor 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. 18/48, PO Box 974, Ayr Qld 4807

Applications close on Tuesday, 21 August 2018 at 5.00pm. Word or PDF format is preferable.

For further information please contact Kim Olsen – Manager Financial and Administrative Services (07) 4783 9800.

Tenders closing at 10.00am on Wednesday 15 August 2018 are invited for:

TBSC/18/005 – Greenwaste Processing for Burdekin Shire Council

Tender documents are available from the Burdekin Shire Council website

• TBSC_18_005 Green Waste Processing for Burdekin Shire Council - (pdf 624.52 kB)

or can be emailed on request by telephoning (07) 4783 9800.

Further enquiries may be directed to Mr Lachlan Kerr –  Coordinator Waste Services on telephone (07) 4783 9800.

Quotations closing at 12.00 Noon on Wednesday 29th August, 2018 are invited for the refurbishment of the Ayr 50m Pool Scum Gutter.

Quotation documents are available from Burdekin Shire Council and can be emailed on request by telephoning (07) 4783 9800.

Tenderers should note that all quotations must be marked in accordance with the instructions in the quotation and will be accepted prior to the closing date and time.

Further enquires may be directed to Mr Callan Paige, Projects Engineer on telephone (07) 4783 9800.

Quotations closing at 12.00 Noon on Friday 3rd August, 2018 are invited for the supply, delivery and installation of chain wire fencing at Jones Street Depot Ayr.

Quotation documents are available from Burdekin Shire Council and can be emailed on request by telephoning (07) 4783 9800.

Tenderers should note that all quotations must be marked in accordance with the instructions in the quotation and will be accepted prior to the closing date and time.

A Mandatory site inspection will be carried out at 10.30 a.m. on Thursday 19th July, 2018 on site.

Further enquires may be directed to Mr Gary Keane, Manager of Contracts on telephone (07) 4783 9800.

Council is seeking quotations from appropriately skilled persons or companies for the provision of Internal Audit Services and development of a Three-Year Internal Audit Plan.

Quotations must be in accordance with the attached specification and criteria.

Written quotations must be lodged by Closing Time, being Friday, 27 July 2018, 5pm

• QBSC/18/007- Internal Audit Services and Three-Year Internal Audit Plan - (pdf 88.3 kB)

Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th August 2018

The following temporary changes to traffic conditions will be in place between 2.00pm and 1.00am on Saturday 18^th August and  9.00 am to 4.00 pm on Sunday 19^th August, 2018 for the hosting of the Golden Octopus Foundation Burdekin R.U.M weekend.

• Craig Street will be closed at its intersection with Bruce Highway
• Bruce Highway traffic will be reduced to 40km/hr between Lynch Street and the Heavy Vehicle Bypass
• Mackenzie Street traffic will be reduced to 40km/hr between Lynch Street and the Heavy Vehicle Bypass

Parking for the Burdekin R.U.M weekend will be available at the following locations:

• Bus, Taxi and Disabled parking only in Craig Street with access via Mackenzie Street
• General parking is available on both sides of Mackenzie Street from Lynch Street to Jones Street
• General parking is available on the Showgrounds side only on the Bruce Highway from Lynch Street to Ayr Cemetery
• General Parking off Craig Street opposite the Ayr Max Motel, this parking area is managed by Scout’s with gold coin donation
• Trans North will be operating a park and ride service every half hour from the Burdekin Rugby League grounds in Wickham Street, Ayr between 3.00pm and 1.30am.   For further information on this service please contact The Golden Octopus Foundation on 0428 129 226.

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

The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) advises that construction crews will be undertaking pavement rehabilitation work on Ayr-Dalbeg Road (between the Bruce Highway and Old Clare Road). RoadTek has been engaged as the construction contractor, and this project which will improve safety and operational efficiency of Ayr-Dalbeg Road, as well as support future growth in the Burdekin.  

The works will commence Monday 30 July 2018 and are expected to be completed by the end of October 2018, weather and construction conditions permitting.

The works will take place Monday to Friday between 6.00am and 5.00pm.  

Ayr-Dalbeg Road will remain open during these works but will be subject to changed traffic conditions, including lane closures and reduced speed limits to enable works to be undertaken safely and efficiently. To minimise disruptions to road users, works have been planned in stages with advanced warning signs to notify road users of these changes.  

What to expect:

–          Temporary lane closures.

–          Speed restrictions.

–          Visual message boards will operate in the area to keep you informed.

–          Increased noise levels and vibration from machinery, equipment and site vehicles.

–          Dust associated with construction activities.  

Temporary Road Closure – Old Clare Road  

Access to Old Clare Road from Ayr-Dalbeg Road will be temporarily affected while works are completed at this intersection. Road users may need to be diverted to an alternative route via Liebrecht  Road. Directional signage will be in place to direct road users of these changes.  Dates to be advised as works progress.

Temporary Road Closure –  Liebrecht Road

Access to Liebrecht Road from Ayr-Dalbeg Road will be temporarily affected while works are completed at this intersection. Road users may need to be diverted to an alternative route via Old Clare Road. Directional signage will be in place to direct road users of these changes.  Dates to be advised as works progress.

Property Access

There will be times when access to businesses and residential properties directly adjacent to the works will be temporarily restricted while the works are in progress. This will be monitored by roaming traffic controllers to ensure minimal delays are experienced. If required access to properties may be diverted temporarily as part of the works.  

Wide load restrictions

All heavy vehicle operators with vehicles/loads in excess of 3.0m or above must call Stephen Hughes on 0407 159 920 at least 24 hours in advance to advise of an anticipated time of arrival to allow for road barriers and other infrastructure to be cleared.  Failure to provide sufficient advance notice will result in delays. 

Every effort will be made to keep disruption to a minimum for road users during these activities. The project team apologises for any inconvenience and appreciates the community’s patience during these important works.  

Should you have any questions please contact the TMR’s Northern District’s Customer and Stakeholder Management Team on 1800 625 648.  

For information on the latest traffic conditions call the Traffic and Travel Information line on 13 19 40 or visit  www.QLDTraffic.com.au

Burdekin Shire Council advises that road reconstruction and drainage works will be undertaken on Hodel Road from the Bruce Highway intersection for the extent of 1km. The works are expected to be completed in October 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 time 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 9930

Burdekin Shire Council advises that road reconstruction works will be undertaken on Day Road from Allen Road to Doohan Road intersections. The works are scheduled to commence on Monday 23 July, 2018 continuing approximately until Friday 21 September 2018, weather and construction conditions permitting.

These works will be constructed under a full road closure of Day Road with access to local traffic only.

Motorists are asked to obey all directional signs and any instructions from traffic controllers or on site 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 contact Council’s Customer Service Centre on (07) 4783 9800.

Burdekin Shire Council advises that footpath construction works will be undertaken in Seventh Avenue from Eighteenth Street to Nineteenth Street intersections. The works are expected to be completed in August 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.

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 time 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 9930

Burdekin Shire Council wishes to advise of drainage work to be undertaken on the Ayr-Dalbeg Road, in the Mona Park vicinity, commencing Thursday 7th June, 2018 with a programmed completion of Friday 22nd June, 2018, weather permitting.

The works will be conducted under traffic with a single lane closure in place using traffic lights. Traffic lights will be operating both day and evening throughout the duration of the project.

Motorists and cyclists are asked to obey all traffic signals, directional signs, and any instructions from traffic controllers or site 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 contact Council’s Customer Service Centre on (07) 4783 9800.

Date of Entry

11/08/2018

 
Breed and Colour

Bull Arab Cross – 525 – Brindle

 
Impounded / Surrendered

Left at Pound

 
Location Found

 
Sex

Male/Entire

 
Date of Exit

16/08/2018

 
Suitable for Rehoming

Suitable for rehoming

Date of Entry

10/08/2018

 
Breed and Colour

Domestic Long Haired Cat-524 – White

 
Impounded / Surrendered

Left at Pound

 
Location Found

Left at pound

 
Sex

Female/Entire

 
Date of Exit

15/08/2018

 
Suitable for Rehoming

Suitable for rehoming