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. 

Small local businesses will learn how to leverage Facebook as a marketing tool during an informative workshop on Tuesday 9 April.

The Basics of Facebook for Business workshop will discuss Facebook business pages, tools and how and when to effectively post content during the two-hour session.

The workshop, which is being held between 9:00–11:00am at Council Chambers, costs $18.41 and is open to all small businesses (0-19 employees) with an ABN.

To register, visit asbas.rdabrisbane.org.au/bsc2.

This event is being delivered by ASBAS Digital Solutions Qld in partnership with Burdekin Shire Council and RDA Townsville & North West.

Burdekin Library has a variety of exciting activities for children and their families to enjoy these school holidays.

Monday 8 April to Thursday 18 April

All activities are FREE

April 2019 library school holiday activities

Council officers will be carrying out flying fox dispersal activities in Home Hill near Kidby Gully from Tuesday 19 March to Thursday 21 March.

It comes after a colony of flying foxes recently started using the residential area as a roost.

Officers will also be carrying out simultaneous dispersal activities in Lloyd Mann Park.

The activities will start before dawn at around 5am with starter pistols and will be conducted for approximately one hour.

Residents are asked to secure any animals that may be startled by loud noises.

The Burdekin Building Safer Community Action Teams (BSCAT) has held its final meeting yesterday after nearly 13 years of crime prevention initiatives.

The committee was formed in 2006 in response to the Beattie Government’s Building Safer Community Action Teams program, which aimed to develop strong networks between police, local government and community stakeholders.

Under this program, the Burdekin BSCAT committee – which was made up of Councillors, Council staff, Queensland Police Service personnel and community representatives – received an initial grant for $20,000 to use on crime prevention initiatives.

Mayor Lyn McLaughlin praised the ability of the Burdekin BSCAT to make the one-off funding last such a significant amount of time.

“During its lifetime, the Burdekin BSCAT committee has carried out several successful campaigns and projects, including the Crime Prevention Conference, Youth Watch Patrol, Queen Street traders height charts and One Punch Can Kill presentations to local schools.

“The funding also assisted in securing burglar beware signage on buses, lock it or lose it street signs, and CCTV at both Tommy Tie Park and the Graham Street Bus Shelter.

“I would like to thank the BSCAT committee members, past and present, for their valuable contributions to promoting community safety over the years.”

Growers, farmers, veterinarians and chemical users have until 19 April to register their unwanted agricultural and veterinary chemicals for Agsafe’s Chemclear collection, which will be servicing Queensland in June 2019.

Chemclear is a not-for-profit waste collection service for agvet chemicals, and provides periodic collections of those products across Australia.

To take advantage of the program, waste holders must complete an inventory of unwanted chemicals and register the inventory with Chemclear.

The inventory must provide the name of the product, manufacturer, container size and the remaining quantity in the container. If the container has no label on it, ChemClear requires the size of the container, whether it is a powder, granule or liquid and the remaining quantity in the container.

Chemical containers displaying the drumMUSTER logo or agvet chemicals that are currently registered under the Industry Waste Reduction Stewardship initiative are eligible for free collection.

Containers without the logo or are unlabelled, expired, mixed or from non-participating manufacturers, are designated fee-for-service products incurring a per L/kg fee for disposal. A quote will be supplied for fee-for-service chemicals before collection.

A retrieval vehicle will be collecting registered chemicals from allocated sites in each Shire Council area where a registration has been received.

Waste holders can register their chemicals online at www.chemclear.org.au or phone 1800 008 182.

Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin has challenged residents to make 2019 the year when ‘Change Starts with You’ by joining Council’s Clean Up Australia Day event being held on Sunday 31 March at Alva Beach Park.

“Clean Up Australia Day is an easy way we can all get involved and remove rubbish accumulating in our environment before it harms our local wildlife,” Cr McLaughlin said.

“Last year, volunteers collected more than 190 kilograms of rubbish from Alva Beach in just a few short hours.

“We would love to see even more volunteers take part this year. I encourage residents to gather their family, friends and neighbours and roll up their sleeves for this important community initiative.”

Cr McLaughlin said data collected by Tangaroa Blue Foundation during the event will be used in evaluating the impact of the Ban the Bag and Containers for Cash schemes.

Volunteers are asked to meet at the Ayr Surf Life Saving Club in Sandowns St, Alva, at 8:30am.

Cr McLaughlin said people should wear closed in shoes, sun safe clothing and a hat. Gloves and other equipment will be supplied.

“A free barbecue and cold drinks will be supplied to all volunteers at the Alva Beach Park after the clean up to thank them for their efforts,” she said.

For more information and to register, see www.cleanupaustraliaday.org.au.

More than 75 North Queensland tourism staff and volunteers will converge on the Burdekin next week for the 2019 Regional Visitor Information Centre Volunteers Conference.

Mayor Lyn McLaughlin said the conference, which is being held on Monday 18 and Tuesday 19 March, will inform attendees about Burdekin Shire visitor attractions.

“This will allow VIC volunteers’ throughout the greater Townsville region to better advise tourists about the attractions and events within the Burdekin,” Cr McLaughlin said.

“Attendees will take part in a regional famil where they will see the artworks on our Burdekin Art Trail, take in the view from atop Mount Inkerman, and learn about the Plantation Park Nature Based Play Space and our signature event, the Sweet Days, Hot Nights Festival.”

Cr McLaughlin said the conference was a win for the local economy, with nearly 50 visitors expected to utilise local accommodation, as well as access retail and food and beverage providers during the two-day event.

Mayor Lyn McLaughlin has welcomed the Australian Government’s announcement that Council has been successful in receiving close to $20,000 to assist in production of the Economic Development Strategy.

“This key strategic document will provide Council with an informed direction for economic development in the Shire that we hope will see an increase in employment opportunities, new industry development, growth and retention of existing business, as well as increased visitor numbers and local spend,” Cr McLaughlin said.

“The Economic Development Strategy document will complement our Burdekin Tourism Strategy, which was adopted in August last year.”

Cr McLaughlin said the project is expected to cost $38,636 with Council to receive $19,318, or 50% per cent, in funding.

“I thank the Australian Government for investing in the Burdekin through their Building Better Regions Program.”

Federal Member for Dawson George Christensen met with Cr McLaughlin in Ayr on Wednesday to make the announcement.

Mayor Lyn McLaughlin has welcomed the Australian Government’s announcement that Council has been successful in receiving $48,000 to assist in the construction of accessible unisex toilet and changeroom amenities at the Ayr and Home Hill Swimming Pools.

“The current amenities at the Ayr and Home Hill pools were built more than 50 years ago. Whilst council has made recent improvements to the pools, such as the introduction of accessibility ramps and mobility chair lifts, the construction of accessible amenities is the next step in ensuring that everyone in our community has equal access to our swimming facilities,” Cr McLaughlin said.

“The unisex amenities will include accessible toilet and changeroom facilities, as well as private cubicles for showering.

“They will improve visits for people with disabilities, their families and carers, and will make the swimming pools a more inclusive place for our community.

“I thank the Australian Government for investing in the Burdekin through their Community Sport Infrastructure Program.”

Federal Member for Dawson George Christensen met with Cr McLaughlin in Ayr on Wednesday to make the announcement.

Australians aged 55 and over lost more to online scammers than any other age group. It serves as a reminder that the internet is a wonderful place to explore and connect, but it pays to be savvy.

This 1-hour FREE webinar presentation will cover:
– Some of the most common scams, including the latest tax and Medicare scams, dating and tech support scams
– Tips on how to spot them
– What to do and how to avoid them
– Where to go when you need help

The presentation is  offered by the Office of the eSafety Commissioner and is being hosted by the Burdekin Library at the Ideas@108 space via a web session. You don’t need to bring anything unless you want to take notes during the presentation. Although designed to help older Australians stay safer online, everyone is welcome. Bookings can be made at the Burdekin Library at 108 Graham Street or by phoning 4783 9970.

This is one in a series of webinar presentations on cyber safety to be held over the next couple of months.

The other sessions will be

• Spot a  scam – learn how to recognise and protect yourself from common scams and where to go for help when you need it – 9 April – 12.30pm
• Using data – learn how and when to use your mobile data or Wi-Fi to help you stay safer online and save money – 25 March – 9am; 26 March – 1pm; 9 April – 10.30am
• Safe on Facebook – learn how to protect your privacy on Facebook and enjoy connecting with others online safely – 28 March – 1.00pm; 8 April – 9.30am

Burdekin Shire Council is currently seeking applications to fill the role of Plant Operator in the Works section.

The Position

The key responsibilities include:

• Demonstrate an ability to make judgements on routine work conditions and processes, independent from senior staff and accepting responsibility for those judgements.
• Ensure the efficient use of materials, plant and labour at all times on Council works.
• Completion of plant defect reports as necessary.
• Perform other duties which contribute to the effectiveness of Council’s operations (e.g. labouring, operation of other plant for which the position holder is qualified).
• Drivers and Operators of machinery are responsible for the daily machinery maintenance prior to machinery start-up (six-point check).
• Conduct start up and shutdown procedures as per operator manuals.
• Carry out basic preventative maintenance and regularly clean allocated item of plant.
• Ensure all servicing and maintenance of plant is performed and is consistent with manufacturer’s recommendations.

The Person

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

• Current certificate of competency for a front-end loader.
• Current Class MR Drivers Licence.
• Demonstrated experience in the operation of a front-end loader during road construction activities, including site cleaning and stockpiling of materials.
• General Construction Induction White Card.
• Proven ability to work under minimum supervision and in a team-based environment.

Applicants should familiarise themselves with the entire position description.

The gross fortnightly wage for this position is $2,153.87 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 19/14 - Plant Operator - Works - (pdf 250.94 kB)

Applications for 19/14 – Plant Operator – Works should include:

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

Applications can be submitted using one of the following methods:

• Email –
• Mail – Confidential Application No. 19/14, PO Box 974, Ayr Qld 4807

Applications close on Wednesday 3 April 2019 at 5.00pm. Word or PDF format is preferable.

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

Burdekin Shire Council is seeking applications for an Administration and Records Coordinator to lead and coordinate Council’s Administration and Records Sections which includes Records Management, Council meeting support and various organisational administration duties.

The Position

The key responsibilities include:

• Supervision of the Administration and Records section.
• Ongoing development and maintenance of the Council’s electronic document management system (ECM) including relevant policies, procedures, operational standards and retention and disposal schedules.
• Coordinate and conduct routine disposal, retention, preservation and transfer of records in accordance with the Public Records Act, 2002 and relevant legislation.
• Promote sound records management practices and responsibilities throughout Council.
• Administer and maintain Council’s agenda and minute system and provide training to other officers in the use of the system.
• Oversee the classification of Council’s correspondence including the referral of correspondence to relevant meetings and the allocation of tasks to relevant officers to ensure all correspondence is dealt with efficiently.

The Person

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

• Demonstrated skills in leadership, team development and staff development.
• Demonstrated experience in office administration and record-keeping procedures.
• Thorough knowledge of agenda preparation and minute taking procedures and practices.
• Demonstrated ability to understand and learn software applications relevant to the work environment.
• Demonstrated understanding of corporate policy and processes and how they relate to sound Record Management.

Applicants should familiarise themselves with the entire position description.

The applicable salary is to a ceiling of Level 5 ($83,443pa) 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 19/15 - Administration and Records Coordinator - (pdf 200.99 kB)

Applications for 19/15 – Administration and Records Coordinator 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. 19/15, PO Box 974, Ayr Qld 4807

Applications close on Tuesday, 2 April 2019 at 5.00pm. Word or PDF format is preferable.

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

Burdekin Shire Council is seeking applications for a Labourer within the Works section.

The Position

The key responsibilities include:

• Assisting work team members with the construction and maintenance of Council infrastructure in accordance with specifications, plans and safety documentation.
• Ensure the efficient use of materials, plant and labour under their control.
• Participate in and conduct risk assessments prior to commencement of work on job sites.
• Confirm the location of services (Power, Water, Fibre Optic etc.) before commencing works.
• On a day to day basis, work efficiently and accurately, exercising initiative in the application of established work procedures.
• Undertake work as detailed in the relevant work quality plans and work procedures ensuring compliance with all Acts, Regulations and Codes of Practice including the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices, Work Method Statements and the like.

The Person

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

• MR Drivers Licence.
• General Construction Induction White Card.
• Demonstrated sound written and verbal communication skills and the ability to follow both written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to assess safety risks and complete and understand risk assessments associated with works.
• Physical ability necessary to undertake manual handling and labouring for extended period in direct sunlight if required.

Applicants should familiarise themselves with the entire position description.

The gross fortnightly wage for this position is $2078.90 including Construction Allowance.

Applications for 19/13 – Labourer – Works should include:

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

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 19/13 - Labourer - Works - (pdf 188.27 kB)

Applications can be submitted using one of the following methods:

• Email –
• Mail – Confidential Application No. 19/13, PO Box 974, Ayr Qld 4807

Applications close on Wednesday 3 April 2019 at 5.00pm. Word or PDF format is preferable.

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

Tenders closing at 2pm Wednesday 17 April 2019 are invited for the supply and delivery of materials to Council as listed below.

• TBSC/19/001 – Tender for Stone Products – 2019/2020 – Supply, or supply and delivery of road base products.
• TBSC/19/002 – Tender for Bulk Sodium Hypochlorite – 2019/2020 – Supply and delivery of bulk sodium hypochlorite.
• TBSC/19/003 – Tender for Ready Mixed Concrete – 2019/2021 – Supply and delivery of ready mixed concrete.
• TBSC/19/005 – Tender for Herbicides – 2019/2021 – Supply and delivery of herbicides.
• QBSC/19/005 – Quotation for Cement Products – 2019/2021 – Supply and delivery of cement products.

Specifications and conditions of tendering are available via the online LG Tender Box Portal. All tender submissions must be logged electronically via the following website: www.lgtenderbox.com.au

Tenderers must register in accordance with the instructions on that website. If a Tenderer has any questions in relation to that website they should contact the following:

Phone: 1800 779 027

Email:

Submission and acceptance of Tenders shall be in accordance with the relevant specifications. PLEASE NOTE: Tenders will not be accepted if not lodged electronically via www.lgtenderbox.com.au.

Quotations are invited for purchase of Abandoned Vehicles closing 27 March 2019 at 2.00 p.m.

Quotation documents are available from the Council’s Customer Service Centre or can be downloaded here (see list on right).

Quotations are to be sealed in an envelope, marked as QBSC/19/014 – Quotation for the Sale of Abandoned Vehicles and placed in the Tender box at the Council administration building, 145 Young Street, Ayr or emailed to

The vehicles will be available for inspection on 15 March 2019 between the hours of 11.00 a.m. and 12.00 p.m. at the Council’s Jones Street Depot.

Any persons making inspections of the vehicles must congregate outside the Foreman’s Office for staff to escort you to the impound area. Visitors to the Council Depot must comply with Council’s Workplace Health and Safety Standards, and in particular the wearing of closed in footwear on site.

All vehicles will be sold unregistered and in an “as is” condition.

Burdekin Shire Council would like to advise that pontoon maintenance works will be undertaken at Plantation Creek.

The Pontoon will be closed whilst the maintenance works is completed from Wednesday 20 March to Friday 28 March 2019, weather permitting.

The boat ramps will remain open to residents during the works with some minor interruptions.

Burdekin Shire Council thanks residents for their patience during the maintenance works. Should you require further information please contact Council’s Customer Service Team on 4783 9800.

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.

Monday 25 March to Friday 29 March 2019 (weather permitting)

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 questions about any TMR projects, please contact our Customer and Stakeholder Management team via email at or by telephoning 1800 625 648.

Burdekin Shire Council advises that grading works are in progress on the Ayr-Ravenswood Road. Re-sheeting works are scheduled to commence on Wednesday 20 March 2019 in the vicinity of Molybdenum Creek and will continue towards the town of Ravenswood. These works are expected to be completed by Wednesday 27 March 2019, weather permitting.

The Ayr-Ravenswood Road will remain open during these works, however, this section will be subject to speed restrictions and traffic control where minor delays may be experienced. Gravel trucks, in addition to existing plant, will be operating along this road during the course of the works.

Every effort will be made to keep disruption to a minimum for road users during these works. Burdekin Shire Council thanks residents and road users for their patience during these works.

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

Burdekin Shire Council advises that road reconstruction and drainage works will be undertaken on Hughes Road from Allen Road to Corica Road. The works are scheduled to commence on Monday 11^th March 2019 and expected to be completed in June 2019, weather and construction conditions permitting.

Hughes Road will be closed from Allen Road to Corica Road during these works with access to local traffic only. The intersection at Hughes Road and Allen Road will be managed under traffic control or traffic lights to enable work to be undertaken safely and efficiently.

For further information please contact Council’s Customer Service Team 4783 9930

Burdekin Shire Council advises that footpath re-construction works will be undertaken in Edwards Street from Wilmington to Graham Street. The works are scheduled to commence on Monday 11^th March 2019 and are expected to be completed by Friday 29^th March 2019, weather and construction conditions permitting.

Edwards Street will remain open during these works but will be subject to reduced speed limits and on-street parking restrictions. A pedestrian detour will be in place to enable work to be undertaken safely and efficiently.

Every effort will be made to keep disruption to a minimum for road users during the construction period. Burdekin Shire Council thanks residents and road users for their patience during these works.

For further information please contact Council’s Customer Service Team 4783 9930.

Burdekin Shire Council advises 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.

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.

Residents of Giru, Shirbourne and surrounding areas connected to the Giru Water Supply are requested to conserve water from midnight (12am) Wednesday 20 March to midnight (12am) Friday 22 March 2019 to allow planned maintenance at the Cungulla Water Treatment Plant in Giru to be carried out.

Council thanks residents for their co-operation.

Date of Entry

21/03/2019

 
Breed and Colour

Bull Arab cross puppy- 842 – Tan

 
Impounded / Surrendered

Left at Pound

 
Location Found

 
Sex

Male/Entire

 
Date of Exit

26/03/2019

 
Suitable for Rehoming

Suitable for rehoming

Date of Entry

20/03/2019

 
Breed and Colour

Domestic Cat – 841 – Cream and brown

 
Impounded / Surrendered

Impounded

 
Location Found

 
Sex

Male/Entire

 
Date of Exit

25/03/2019

 
Suitable for Rehoming

Suitable for rehoming

Date of Entry

20/03/2019

 
Breed and Colour

Staffy Cross – 840 – Tan

 
Impounded / Surrendered

Left at Pound

 
Location Found

 
Sex

Male/Entire

 
Date of Exit

25/03/2019

 
Suitable for Rehoming

Suitable for rehoming

Date of Entry

20/03/2019

 
Breed and Colour

Kelpie – 839 – Red

 
Impounded / Surrendered

Left at Pound

 
Location Found

 
Sex

Male/Entire

 
Date of Exit

25/03/2019

 
Suitable for Rehoming

Suitable for rehoming

Date of Entry

18/03/2019

 
Breed and Colour

Bull Arab Cross – 836 – White

 
Impounded / Surrendered

Left at Pound

 
Location Found

 
Sex

Female/Entire

 
Date of Exit

21/03/2019

 
Suitable for Rehoming

Suitable for rehoming