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. 

The new outdoor fitness circuit in Coutts Park has been given the tick of approval, with families on school holidays amongst the first to test the exercise equipment today.

Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin said the newly installed outdoor gym would improve the community’s ability to stay active and healthy.

“This outdoor fitness circuit is perfect for residents who may feel intimidated to join a gym or who wish to use exercise equipment at their leisure,” Cr McLaughlin said.

“In addition to the usual benefits of staying fit, there’s also a wealth of research that shows there are added benefits to exercising outdoors.

“We’ve already had a large number of families come down and use this equipment this morning, and it’s really encouraging to see how much fun they’re having whilst staying active.”

Nine pieces of fitness equipment have been installed in the park, including a chest press, leg press, multi bench, roman rings, leg raises, body dips, sit ups, pull ups and parallel bars. The mix of static and dynamic equipment enables a full body workout and is suitable for all fitness levels.

“Coutts Park now offers a variety of recreational activities for the whole family through the playground, half-court basketball equipment and outdoor exercise equipment,” she said.

Cr McLaughlin thanked the State Government for funding the project through their Works for Queensland program.

Council wishes to advise that construction work is currently being undertaken at the Home Hill Transfer Station.

Works includes upgrades to the bin bay and asphalt resealing and widening, which has been funded by the State Government through the Works for Queensland program.

Customers 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.

Council thanks residents and customers for their patience during the construction period.

Australia’s best hand cane cutters are preparing to slice through the competition this June, with nominations for the 2019 Australian Hand Cane Cutting Championships opening today.

During the annual competition, competitors will race to harvest sugar cane armed only with a cane knife. Cane sticks must then be neatly stacked after being cut, and no more than 5cm of the cane should be left behind in the field – or else penalties apply.

Burdekin Shire Council Mayor and past competitor Lyn McLaughlin said the national championships was the ultimate test of skill and endurance.

“Hand cane cutting is dirty, back-breaking work. You have to swing a knife over and over again as you cut and lay the sticks as quickly as possible,” Cr McLaughlin said.

“Walking around the showgrounds, you can tell who’s competed that day because they’re typically covered head to toe with sticky black residue.”

There are seven different cane cutting divisions this year.

The male divisions are broken into the Under 35 Years, 35 to 55 Years and Over 55 Years divisions.

Age will go out the window when the top eight male competitors progress to the final where they compete for the title of Australia’s best hand cane cutter.

Women can compete in the Ladies Cup or the inaugural Ladies Novice – an event aimed at first timers. Teams of four can also compete in either the Swindley Memorial Cut, Top and Load or the inaugural Corporate Challenge.

Last year, more than 30 people from across Australia entered the unique competition.

Cr McLaughlin says the Australian Hand Cane Cutting Championships is one of three events that make up the Sweet Days, Hot Nights Festival.

“The Sweet Days, Hot Nights Festival is a uniquely Burdekin experience. There are very few places in Australia that even burn sugar cane anymore,” she said,

“To see a one-hectare cane field fire as part of the First Fire event, and then watch that same field be used during the Australian Hand Cane Cutting Championships is something that people can’t experience anywhere else in Australia.”

The Australian Hand Cane Cutting Championships is presented by Queensland Sugar Limited and kicks off at 11am on Saturday 1 June at the Home Hill Showgrounds.

A Cutters Muster will be held prior to event to provide young and new competitors the chance to learn skills from experienced hand cane cutters.

To nominate, visit http://bit.ly/AHCCCreg,  phone Burdekin Shire Council’s Tourism Department on (07) 4783 9800 or email . Competitors can also nominate on the day.

For more information, visit www.sweetdayshotnights.com.au

Residents and visitors to the Burdekin will soon have a state-of-the-art Nature Based Play Space at Plantation Park with works continuing to progress on the major project.

Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin said Council anticipated that the playground will be ready for the community and visitors to enjoy by the end of August 2019.

“Anyone who has visited Plantation Park recently would have seen that construction is progressing very well – the swings sets are in, the pathways and bridges are formed, and the frames of the cubby structures and shade shelters are complete,” Cr McLaughlin said.

“Most of the hard infrastructure has been constructed. There’s still a fair bit of work to do on the landscaping and detailed design elements, but it’s already easy to imagine the Nature Based Play Space as a central place for families to gather and connect in the future.”

Cr McLaughlin said the play area will be a space for people of all abilities to play side-by-side on the same equipment.

“It was really evident during our extensive consultation phase that residents wanted this to be an inclusive place for all community members – and this is something Council took very seriously,” Cr McLaughlin said.

“Everything from play equipment to pathways have been designed with accessibility in mind and the play area will cater for a range of sensory levels. This will be a place where all children can have fun, be challenged and develop their fine motor skills through outdoor play.”

When completed, the play area will incorporate features such as:

• accessible fortress themed lookout;
• all-abilities swings;
• sand and water features;
• rock and rope climbs; and
• volcano mounds.

The concept of a Nature Based Play Space came after Council called on residents during a 2016 survey to share their vision for future uses of Plantation Park.

Cr McLaughlin thanked the State Government for investing money in the project for the benefit of Burdekin residents and visitors from throughout the state.

Burdekin Library and Home Hill Branch Library will be closed for the Anzac Day public holiday. The libraries will close at 5.00pm on Wednesday 24 April and will reopen on Friday 26 April. We look forward to seeing you after the public holiday.

Do you have a project, workshop or activity that is arts based? RADF may be a funding source to help your idea become a reality.

Closing Date: Tuesday 14 May 2019

Application form and guidelines are available on Council’s website www.burdekin.qld.gov.au/regional-arts-development-fund/ and at the Council Chambers.

Community and sporting groups across the Burdekin have received a boost for their events, projects and initiatives thanks to Burdekin Shire Council’s Community Grants Program.

More than $14,000 worth of funding and in-kind support was approved by Council as part of Round Three of the 2018/19 program.

It brings Council’s total commitment over the past 12 months to more than $50,000 in funding and nearly $23,000 of in-kind support– a commitment which has directly benefited 20 groups.

Mayor Lyn McLaughlin said the funding enables groups to expand, which in turn benefits the broader community.

“One of the Burdekin’s biggest assets is the volunteer mindset present in our community and sporting groups. These groups deliver a wide range of events throughout the year – an effort which should be applauded,” Cr McLaughlin said.

“Council values the contribution community and sporting groups make within our Shire, and we are pleased to be in a position to support these organisations through our Community Grants Program.”

Under the program, community, sporting and not-for-profit groups can apply for up to $5,000 in funding to develop 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.

The Community Grants Program has three rounds of funding each financial year. Round One of the 2019/20 program will open on 3 June.

Burdekin Library and Home Hill Branch Library will be closed for the Easter weekend. The libraries will close at 5.00pm on Thursday 18 April and will reopen on Tuesday 23 April. We wish everyone an enjoyable weekend and look forward to seeing you after the break.

Burdekin Shire Council is undertaking an audit of residential and commercial bins to identify waste disposal trends.

Mayor Lyn McLaughlin said Council had engaged a company to undertake the two-week audit of general waste, recycling and green waste bins.

“The audit will involve collecting, sorting and weighing the contents of bins from a sample of rural and residential properties, as well as a number of commercial properties,” Cr McLaughlin said.

“The results will then be compared to our last full waste audit of general waste and recycling bins, which was conducted in 2013, to identify waste disposal trends, including the amount of contaminated waste entering each bin.”

Cr McLaughlin said the results would inform Council in designing waste education strategies to improve Burdekin recycling practices.

The audit will run until Monday 15 April. Whilst the audit is being carried out, Council’s waste contractor may service some residential and commercial properties earlier or later than usual.

Council encourages residents to place their bins out for collection before 6am on their designated day to ensure collection.

A smoke testing and manhole sealing program is planned to identify any residential or commercial plumbing defects that may be allowing unwanted stormwater to enter Council’s sewer system.

Council endorsed a recommendation to commence the program from 15 April 2019 after sections of the sewerage network experienced rapid spikes in water infiltration during recent heavy rainfall events.

Director of Infrastructure, Planning and Environmental Services Nick Wellwood said the program would allow Council to avoid costly repairs or clean ups down the track.

“Stormwater can be introduced to the sewer network through broken pipes, damaged house connections, unauthorised connections and through the illegal lifting of sewer manhole lids,” Mr. Wellwood said.

“This influx of water places significant load on the sewerage network and can cause sewage overflows.

“It also increases costs to Council to pump and process this water through our wastewater treatment plants, which in turn increases costs for electricity, chemicals and the maintenance of this infrastructure.”

Under the program, Council officers will pump smoke through the sewer lines and monitor its release from individual properties to identify damaged pipes as well as defective and unauthorised connections to the sewerage system.

The smoke, which is derived by heating high-grade food oil, is not harmful to humans or animals.

Mr. Wellwood said residents within the identified program areas will be contacted prior to the testing.

“Affected residents will receive a formal notification letter approximately two weeks before the testing is scheduled to begin.

“Inspectors will also be carrying out door knocks the day prior to the testing and will be leaving flyers at unattended residences.

“Where we identify any defects, we will notify the affected property owners of our findings and of any obligations on Council or the resident to carry out repairs.”

Residents are asked to ensure pets are restrained on the day of testing for the safety of Council staff and pets.

Burdekin Shire Council is seeking applications for a Compliance and Investigations Officer. This is a temporary position for a period of up to 7 months.

The Position

The key responsibilities include:

• Undertake compliance activities including inspections, patrols, investigations to identify breaches of Council’s Local Laws and the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act, including seizure and impounding of animals.
• Gather evidence for further enforcement action, including interviewing alleged offenders and preparing statements; taking and storing photographic evidence and collection and storage of physical evidence.
• Investigate customer requests and take enforcement action where necessary.
• Investigate, enforce and prepare evidence for prosecution on matters relating to the enforcement of the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008.

The Person

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

• Demonstrated high-level of written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent customer service skills with the ability to work in a high conflict area.
• Sound computer skills with the demonstrated ability to learn and adapt to new technology and software.
• Demonstrated experience, in legislation enforcement including issuing notices and obtaining and executing warrants.
• Demonstrated animal management skills including understanding and assessing dangerous behaviour and capture techniques.
• Possession of a current Queensland “C” class driver’s licence for manual vehicles.

Applicants should familiarise themselves with the entire position description.

The applicable salary is to a ceiling of Level 4 ($78,447pa) with the commencing salary dependent upon the skills and experience of the successful applicant.

Applications for 19/19 – Compliance and Investigations Officer (Temporary) should include:

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

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

• Job Vacancy 19/19 - Compliance and Investigations Officer (Temporary) - (pdf 217.47 kB)

Applications can be submitted using one of the following methods:

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

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

For further information contact Linda Govan – Coordinator Environment and Health on (07) 4783 9800.

Burdekin Shire Council is currently seeking applications to fill the role of Leading Hand – Maintenance within the Works section.

The Leading Hand – Maintenance is responsible for the maintenance of existing Council assets including, but not limited to, road surfaces and pavement repairs, drainage maintenance and repairs, boat ramps and any other maintenance requirements to assets throughout the Shire. The maintenance program includes participation in the annual bitumen reseal program works

The Position

The key responsibilities include:

• On a daily basis, travel throughout the Shire assessing, patching and repairing deteriorating or damaged road edges and surfaces.
• Undertake all work as detailed in the relevant work quality plans and work procedures ensuring compliance with all Acts, Regulations and Codes of Practice including Main Road Signage, Electrical Safety and the like.
• Assess and document risks and safety aspects associated with work and job sites.
• Organise private contracted plant and services.
• Under direction of the Works Supervisor, control works on the job site.
• Liaise with and coordinate contractors on the job site.
• Guide and assist work crew members in construction and maintenance activities including quality control.
• Responsible for work crew organisation and on-the-job training.

The Person

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

• Current Class “MR” (Medium Rigid) driver’s licence.
• General Construction Induction White Card.
• Demonstrated experience in road construction, drainage works, concreting, Main Roads, Bitumen Sealing, and Council maintenance operations.

Applicants should familiarise themselves with the entire position description.

The gross fortnightly wage for this position is $2,208.05 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 19/18 - Leading Hand - Maintenance - Works - (pdf 205.07 kB)

Applications for 19/18 – Leading Hand – Maintenance – Works should include:

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

Applications can be submitted using one of the following methods:

• Email –
• Mail – Confidential Application No. 19/18, PO Box 974, Ayr Qld 4807

Applications close on Wednesday, 24 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 Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Help Desk Support Officer.

Applicants with limited experience but a demonstrated interest in ICT are encouraged to apply.

The Position

The key responsibilities include:

• Provide first point of contact support to Council and Stakeholders for all ICT issues and manage all support requests end-to-end to ensure timely resolution and accurate recording of information and data.
• Procure, install, support and maintain all Council’s end-user ICT equipment and software.
• Provide technical advice and support to staff for Council’s ICT and business systems.
• Liaise with management, staff, consultants and vendors in a timely, respectful and efficient manner on a wide range of ICT related matters, including problem resolution; service changes; requests and project status; training and organisational issues.
• Work on and actively manage assigned projects to successfully achieve the project objectives. This will entail initiating, designing, planning, controlling, executing, monitoring, and closing the project.
• Prompt, ongoing maintenance of the information within the ICT Service Management system (ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus).

The Person

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

• Class C Driver’s Licence.
• Demonstrated sound verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated sound analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to think “outside the box”.

Applicants should familiarise themselves with the entire position description.

The applicable salary ranges from $36,325 to $78,446 with the commencing salary dependent upon the qualifications, 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 19/12 - Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Help Desk Support Officer - (pdf 218.15 kB)

Applications for 19/12 – ICT Help Desk Support Officer should include:

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

Applications can be submitted using one of the following methods:

• Email –
• Mail – Confidential Application No. 19/12, PO Box 974, Ayr Qld 4807

Applications close on Friday, 26 April 2019 at 5.00pm. Word or PDF format is preferable.

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

Burdekin Shire Council advises of maintenance cleaning works to be undertaken on both the Groper Creek and Cromarty Creek boat ramps on the following dates.

Groper Creek downstream boat ramp – 16 April 2019 between 12 noon and 5p.m. – This ramp will be closed during cleaning works, noting the upstream ramp will remain open.

Cromarty Creek boat ramp – 17 April 2019 between 12 noon and 5p.m. – delays to boat launching may be affected during the cleaning works.

Every effort will be made to keep disruptions to a minimum for boat users during these periods.

For further information please contact Council’s Customer Service Team on 47 839 800.

Burdekin Shire Council advises that Five Ways Road is closed to all traffic between Aerodrome Road and the Ivory, Kidd and Kelly Road intersections. The closure is due to structural damaged to the culverts at Sheepstation Creek, following the recent flooding.

Burdekin Shire Council thanks residents and road user during the required emergent works.

For further information please contact 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 9800

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.

Bi-annual water supply meter reading is scheduled to commence on Monday 29 April, 2019. Approximate times and areas for the commencement of meter readings are:

• 29 April to Mid May – Home Hill, Rossiters Hill, Brandon and Parkside

• Mid to Late May – East Ayr, Drysdale Estate, South Ayr
• Late May to Early June – Ayr CBD, Little Drysdale & Kennedy Street areas, Sutcliffe Estate area, Alva Beach, Mt. Kelly and Giru

To assist Councils meter readers, residents are requested to please clear meters of all obstructions, isolate and/or restrain dogs and unlock gates.

For further information, or if specific arrangements are required regarding access, please contact Council’s Customer Service Centre on (07) 4783 9800 between the hours of 8.00am and 5.00pm Monday to Friday.

Council appreciates your assistance in these matters.

Date of Entry

16/04/2019

 
Breed and Colour

Cattle Dog and Bull Arab Cross – White with Tan Patches (red roan)

 
Impounded / Surrendered

Surrendered

 
Location Found

found near Wunjunga (near Yellow Gin Creek)

 
Sex

Male/Entire

 
Date of Exit

22/04/2019

 
Suitable for Rehoming

Refer to Animal Control Officer about suitability for rehoming

Date of Entry

16/04/2019

 
Breed and Colour

Catahoula – Cream / tan

 
Impounded / Surrendered

Impounded

 
Location Found

 
Sex

Female

 
Date of Exit

22/04/2019

 
Suitable for Rehoming

Refer to Animal Control Officer about suitability for rehoming