Welcome to the Burdekin Shire Council

The Queensland Renewable Fuels Association (QRFA) and Burdekin Shire Council will be hosting the ‘Growing Renewable Fuels in Regional Queensland – Project Development and Opportunities in the North’ on Thursday 28th June in Ayr. The event is part of QRFA’s ‘paddock to parliament’ engagement across regional Queensland.

Burdekin Shire Council and QRFA are excited to announce that key industry leaders will take the stage highlighting the importance of enabling biofuel policy, the current and emerging renewable fuel technologies, updates on project developments, future opportunities in fibre, co-products and the importance of building a robust supply chain.

Larissa Rose, Managing Director of QRFA said the Burdekin and North Queensland region was in a strong position to take advantage of the emerging opportunities for biofuels in the energy and agriculture space.

She said this Thursday’s event was reflective of the association’s strong business relationships in regional Queensland, enhancing support for, and direct engagement with, renewable fuel projects throughout the State.

“Building relationships within the region to support connectivity between current and emerging stakeholders within the supply chain is a critical aspect of interlinking local and regional business with the expanding biofuels industry,” Ms Rose said.

The educational and networking event will bring together local business, companies and interested parties to meet with key industry stakeholders, political leaders, Queensland State Government and regional Council representatives – further building relationships within the region to support connectivity between current and emerging stakeholders within the supply chain.

Ms Rose believes there is significant role in the development of a long-lasting renewable fuels industry for Queensland with biofuels becoming a strategic part of the domestic fuel security for the State and Australia.

“A robust renewable fuels industry will facilitate innumerable positive outcomes for the region, creating value through not only employment, but the associated agricultural, economic and environmental benefits,” Ms Rose said.

Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin said the Burdekin, with its productive agricultural sector, available land and sustainable water supply, was well positioned to accommodate the renewable fuels industry.

“Whilst the Burdekin has traditionally been a sugar cane growing district, Council has in recent years been very focused on diversification to bring new and value-added industries to the area, increasing employment opportunities and further stimulating the economy of the Shire,” Cr McLaughlin said.

“Primary producers and businesses are also keen to explore and invest in new opportunities.

“Burdekin Shire Council welcomes renewable fuel ventures in our region. Our Council is all for growing the Burdekin and diversification will ensure growth in employment and a sustainable economy into the future.

“The environmental benefits renewable fuel projects bring will not only help the Burdekin but also the region.”

Burdekin Shire Council and QRFA both have a primary focus on working to showcase and educate, while bringing business to the region that can benefit the growth of biofuel production.

‘Growing Renewable Fuels in Regional Queensland – Project Development and Opportunities in the North’ will be held at Burdekin Theatre on Thursday 28th June from 5pm to 8pm. RSVP at Eventbrite HERE.

Council’s after hours phone message/forwarding service may be unreachable for up to two hours commencing from 5.30pm on Thursday 28 June due to planned works on the phone system.

Services will return to normal once these works are complete.

Council thanks you for your patience and apologises for any inconvenience caused while these planned works are in progress.

Visitors to It’s Your Reef Fest at Alva Beach will have the opportunity to delve into the myths associated with the S.S. Yongala with insights from wreck videographer and researcher Max Gleeson.

It’s Your Reef Fest, a celebration of 2018 International Year of the Reef, will be a plastic free event on at Alva Beach Park from 9am to 3pm this Saturday 23 June.

Mr Gleeson spent the past four years putting together a definitive documentary into the loss of the S.S. Yongala and will preview the film S.S. Yongala – Mystery of a Generation at 10am and 12.30pm during Saturday’s reef event.

“It is the story of one of the most tragic maritime disasters in Australia’s history,” Mr Gleeson said.

“The loss of the S.S. Yongala, which sunk in a cyclone on 23 March 1911, was a mystery that meant so much to the generation of people at the time. There were 122 passengers on board and no survivors. The wreck itself was not found until 1958.”

Mr Gleeson received special permission to film inside the shipwreck – located just 12 nautical miles off the coast of Alva Beach – and captures not only the fascinating journey from stern to stern throughout the wreck but also the staggering marine life around it.

“This particular shipwreck is unchallenged as far as marine life goes – it’s like a giant aquarium and just blows people away who have the opportunity witness it,” Mr Gleeson said.

Mr Gleeson said the Great Barrier Reef was one of Australia’s greatest assets and looking after it was essential.

It’s Your Reef Fest will be a free community event celebrating the Burdekin’s connection to the Great Barrier Reef and promoting responsible habits, with Hands on Wildlife shows, over 20 stalls and special guest speakers.

This Burdekin Shire Council event has been made possible thanks to an Australian Government Reef Guardian grant.

Both the documentary and Mr Gleeson’s book S.S. Yongala – Townsville’s Titanic, will be available to purchase on the day.

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

A free community event celebrating the Burdekin’s connection to the Great Barrier Reef will bring Hands on Wildlife shows, over 20 stalls and special guest speakers to Alva Beach Park this Saturday 23 June.

It’s Your Reef Fest, a celebration of 2018 International Year of the Reef, will be a plastic free event with fun activities and entertainment for the whole family.

Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin said the event was being held in recognition of the Burdekin’s close proximity and strong ties to the Great Barrier Reef.

“This is reflected in our community’s strong connections to water and fishing,” Cr McLaughlin said.

“We want to take this time to celebrate this natural wonder which is right on our doorstep, however we are also using this opportunity to promote responsible habits. This includes taking our waste with us and not leaving it behind on our beaches, near our waterways, or out at sea thrown from boats, where it can cause harm to wildlife and damage the environment.”

Residents will be able to get up close to wildlife including crocodiles, turtles, snakes and lizards on the day, with Hands on Wildlife shows between 11am-12pm and 1pm-2pm.

Cr McLaughlin said a diverse range of agencies interested in spreading the message of protecting the reef would be represented with stalls.

“This includes Reef HQ, Turtle Hospital, the Sea Turtle Foundation, JCU and Tangaroa Blue. Dewy the Dugong from NQ Dry Tropics and the Pacific Reef Prawn will even be making special appearances and mingling with the crowd,” Cr McLaughlin said.

“Wreck videographer and researcher Max Gleeson will also launch his documentary into the loss of the S.S. Yongala S.S. Yongala – Mystery of Generation, a range of food will be available to purchase and there will be a jumping castle and face painting for the kids.”

It’s Your Reef Fest is plastic free event. Council will supply a cold water refill station as no single use plastic will be sold on the day.

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

The Burdekin Library and Home Hill Branch Library will both be closed on Wednesday 27 June for the Burdekin Show Holiday. Both branches will reopen at their usual Thursday opening time on 28 June.

Enjoy the Show!

Burdekin residents are invited to a pet-friendly, family day out at Plantation Park in Ayr from 9am to 12 noon this Saturday 16 June.

The annual Pet Day Out is a Burdekin Shire Council initiative to promote responsible pet ownership in the community.

Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin said this year’s event promised to be a great family day out, with goodie bag giveaways, fun competitions, a jumping castle and free microchipping for the first 50 pets.

“Don’t miss out on this wonderful opportunity to come down to Plantation Park and get your dog or cat microchipped for free. All you have to do to qualify is to ensure your pet is registered with Council,” Cr McLaughlin said.

The RSPCA’s Education Mobile Unit will be set up in the park, giving families the opportunity to explore fun and interactive animal welfare education displays.

Pets will also be able to strut their stuff in the pet show, with competitions for Best Dressed Pet and Owner; Best Trick; and Most Obedient.

“Bring your pet down on the day and get involved with our fun competitions,” Cr McLaughlin said.

“A lifetime registration for your pet will also be given away. Owners can register for this prize on their arrival. The pet needs to be registered and microchipped to qualify and owner and pet need to be in attendance at the draw.”

Cr McLaughlin said having a pet could be a wonderful experience, but everyone who owned an animal should be aware of the responsibility it brought, as well as the community’s expectations about responsible pet management.

“Council plays an active role in promoting responsible pet ownership and offers numerous incentives for animal owners who do the right thing,” Cr McLaughlin said.

“Pet owners who microchip their animals can be easily identified and contacted if their pet becomes lost.

“Fortunately, many of the lost animals received by Council are microchipped, which means they can be quickly identified to return to their owners.

“Burdekin Pet Rescue plays a key role in the rehoming of many of the animals that do enter the pound and will have pets available to meet during our Pet Day Out event.

“It will be a great opportunity to speak with the Burdekin Pet Rescue foster carers and meet some of the beautiful animals who are looking for forever homes.”

For more information please visit: https://www.burdekin.qld.gov.au/event/pet-day-out-16-june

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 advises that Septic Receival services will be closed between Monday 14^th May 2018 to Wednesday 16^th May 2018 to allow essential maintenance works to be carried out at the Ayr Waste Water Treatment Plant.

Council regrets any inconvenience that may be caused as a result of these necessary maintenance works.

For further information or queries, please contact Council’s Customer Service Centre on (07) 4783 9800 between the hours of 8:00 am and 5:00 pm.

A record number of talented North Queenslanders will put their best singing, dancing, music and performance skills on display in front of a live audience at this year’s Burdekin Fast Track Talent Showcase.

The Burdekin’s largest talent competition will be held at Burdekin Theatre in Ayr on Saturday 28 April, with former The X Factor winner Cyrus appearing as the guest celebrity and judge.

Burdekin Shire Youth Mayor Sarah McDonnell said more than 40 acts had already signed up to perform in the heats and nominations were still rolling in.

“Not only will we have Cyrus, but we will have national talent scouts in town and more than $2,000 in cash and prizes up for grabs,” Ms McDonnell said.

“Many of the people who have performed before have returned plus we have lots of new acts this year, including singers, dancers, musicians and even a stand-up comedian. Altogether, there are over 100 competitors of all ages and talents performing in groups or as individuals.

“The acts are coming from across North Queensland to be involved.”

Miss McDonnell said the top 20 acts from the Heats in the morning would go through to the Final Showcase that night, which Cyrus would also perform in.

She said the Burdekin Fast Track Talent Showcase was the Youth Council’s major event for the year and their members had been working hard to promote it within the community.

“If you love talent competitions like The X Factor, The Voice and Australia’s Got Talent you are going to love Fast Track,” she said.

“The Final Showcase nearly sold out last year so if you want to attend, make sure to book your tickets now to avoid disappointment. I’d like to thank Burdekin Shire Council and all the Youth Council members for their hard work in making sure the Burdekin gets a turn in the spotlight.”

Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin said Fast Track was a national talent showcase that had launched the careers of many household names in the entertainment industry.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for Burdekin and North Queensland talent to shine,” Cr McLaughlin said.

“As part of the experience, all the acts can attend a workshop with Cyrus on the Friday afternoon prior to the event so it will be a valuable chance to develop their skills with the support of an experienced performer.”

To register to perform in the Burdekin Fast Track Talent Showcase, which is open to all ages, email your name and contact details to. For more information call 1300 FAST01 or visit facebook.com/fasttracktalent.

Heats will commence from 11am with the Final Showcase featuring Cyrus at 7pm.

Audience tickets are $10 Heats and $25 Final Showcase and are available at the Burdekin Theatre website www.burdekintheatre.com.au; by phone (07) 4783 9880; or in person at the Burdekin Theatre Box Office or Council’s Customer Service Centre.

Arch Dunn Memorial Park at Home Hill is set to be transformed with new playground equipment and a new picnic shelter and barbecue.

Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin said a spiral slide, cubby house, climbing nets and suspension bridge were some of the new features set to be installed at the park as part of the works.

“Arch Dunn Memorial Park is great community space in the heart of Home Hill which has always been very popular,” Cr McLaughlin said.

“The park is well used with good shade provided from the trees and many children’s parties and family barbecues have been held here over the years.

“Some of the existing pieces of playground equipment at the site are beginning to age and are now due for replacement.

“The new equipment will give Home Hill families even more reasons to get outdoors and get active, with a range of elements that are not only fun but which are also beneficial for the development of children’s gross motor skills and confidence.”

The existing barbecue area will also be replaced with a new, modern barbecue and shelter.

Cr McLaughlin said Council aimed to encourage increased use of community spaces and facilities in the district.

“Our parks and playgrounds are provided for the benefit of the whole community, as places to meet, socialise and engage in sport and recreational opportunities,” Cr McLaughlin said.

The park will be closed for the duration of the works, which are scheduled to take place in May.

More information on the closures dates will be provided in coming weeks.

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:

• Experience in form-setting/concrete works in the civil construction industry.
• Proven ability to recognise, understand and follow both verbal and written instructions.
• Proven ability to work in a team environment.
• Physical ability necessary to undertake manual handling and labouring for extended periods in direct sunlight if required.

Applicants should familiarise themselves with the entire position description.

The gross fortnightly wage for this position ranges from $1,963.88 to $2,034.73 with the commencing wage 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 18/32 - Labourer - Form Setter/Concreter - Works - (pdf 210.57 kB)

Applications for 18/32 – 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:

• By email to –
• By mail to – Confidential Application No. 18/32, PO Box 974, Ayr  Qld 4807

Applications close on Tuesday, 26 June 2018 at 5.00pm. Word or PDF format is preferable.

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

Do you want to make a difference and are you passionate about the Burdekin Community? The Burdekin Shire Council has a vacancy for a Disaster Management Officer.  This is a part-time position with the hours of work totalling 36.25 hours per fortnight.  The days and hours of work are flexible and will be determined in consultation with the successful applicant.

Flexibility to work extra hours when required and a passion for disaster management is essential in this position.

The successful applicant will need to think on their feet, be able to meet deadlines and have great oral communication skills as well as excellent written communication skills for the writing of reports, guidelines, operating procedures, strategies and assessing plans. Experience with developing and delivering training and education programs will also be highly regarded.

Applicants should familiarise themselves with the entire position description.

The applicable salary is to a ceiling of Level 4 ($37,063pa) 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 18/33 - Disaster Management Officer - (pdf 218.13 kB)

Applications for 18/33 – Disaster Management 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. 18/33, PO Box 974, Ayr Qld 4807

Applications close on Monday, 9 July 2018 at 5.00pm. Word or PDF format is preferable.

For further information please contact Eileen Robinson – Manager Client Services on (07) 4783 9800.

The following temporary road closures and changes to traffic conditions will be in place on Wednesday 27^th June 2018 from 8.30am to 10.30pm for the hosting of the Burdekin Show.

Road Closures and Changed Traffic Conditions

• Craig Street will be closed at its intersection with Bruce Highway
• Bruce Highway traffic will be reduced to 40km/hr
• MacKenzie Street will be reduced to 40km/hr

Parking

Parking for the Burdekin Show will be available at the following locations

• Taxis and Disabled parking only in Craig Street with access via Mackenzie Street
• General parking on both sides of Mackenzie Street from Lynch Street to Jones Street
• General parking on Showgrounds side only on the Bruce Highway from Lynch Street to Ayr Cemetery

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

The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) wishes to advise that asphalt works will commence at the following locations:

Eighth Avenue/the Bruce Highway, between Second Street and Bojack Road

Monday 25 June to Tuesday 26 June 2018

Work hours: 7.00pm to 5.00am

And

Seventh Avenue/Eighth Avenue, between Sixteenth Street and Twelfth Street

Tuesday 26 June to Wednesday 27 June 2018

Work hours: 7.00pm to 5.00am

These roads will remain open during the works but will be subject to changed traffic conditions, including lane closures and reduced speed limits to enable the works to be undertaken safely and efficiently. To minimise disruption to road users, works have been planned in stages with advanced warning signed in place to notify road users  of these changes.

Should you have any questions please contact the TMR 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 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

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 (weather permitting):

• Wednesday 13 June to Friday 15 June 2018 
• Monday 18 June 2018 to Friday 22 June 2018
• Thursday 28 June 2018 and Friday 29 June 2018

9.30am to 2.45pm (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 queries in relation to this work, please contact Mrs Dana Hildebrandt on 1800 625 648.

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

25/06/2018

 
Breed and Colour

Kelpie cross pup- 434 – chocolate

 
Impounded / Surrendered

Left at Pound

 
Location Found

left at pound

 
Sex

Female/Entire

 
Date of Exit

28/06/2018

 
Suitable for Rehoming

Suitable for rehoming

Date of Entry

25/06/2018

 
Breed and Colour

Domestic Cat- 432 – Tabby

 
Impounded / Surrendered

Left at Pound

 
Location Found

left at pound

 
Sex

Male/Entire

 
Date of Exit

28/06/2018

 
Suitable for Rehoming

Suitable for rehoming

Date of Entry

25/06/2018

 
Breed and Colour

Wolfhound cross pup- 431 – white/brindle

 
Impounded / Surrendered

Left at Pound

 
Location Found

Left at pound

 
Sex

Male/Entire

 
Date of Exit

28/06/2018

 
Suitable for Rehoming

Suitable for rehoming

Date of Entry

25/06/2018

 
Breed and Colour

Fox Terrier- 430 – Black/white

 
Impounded / Surrendered

Left at Pound

 
Location Found

Left at pound

 
Sex

Male/Entire

 
Date of Exit

28/06/2018

 
Suitable for Rehoming

Suitable for rehoming

Date of Entry

21/06/2018

 
Breed and Colour

Domestic Kittens – 428 – Tortoise Shell

 
Impounded / Surrendered

Left at Pound

 
Location Found

 
Sex

 
Date of Exit

26/06/2018

 
Suitable for Rehoming

Suitable for rehoming

Date of Entry

21/06/2018

 
Breed and Colour

Domestic Cat – 427 – Tortoise Shell

 
Impounded / Surrendered

Left at Pound

 
Location Found

 
Sex

Female/Entire

 
Date of Exit

26/06/2018

 
Suitable for Rehoming

Suitable for rehoming