April 16, 2015
A tender has been accepted for Stage 1 and Stage 2 of the Murgon Swimming Pool re-development, the April meeting of the Murgon Business and Development Association was told on Thursday night.
However, the South Burnett Regional Council has decided to handle Stage 3 – the landscaping – in a different way, Cr Kathy Duff said.
She said the tenders received for the landscaping had been too expensive.
The aim was to have all the work completed in time for Murgon to host the Wide Bay swimming carnival next season.
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The Hope Dairies project was still on track in the South Burnett, the meeting heard.
It was believed the consortium was also looking to buy land in the Byee area as well as around Kingaroy / Kumbia.
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A number of local businesses have closed recently, including Trendsetter and Boutique 90, but new owners coming to other businesses is a vote of confidence for the town.
There are new owners at Ree’s Cafe , IGA, the Murgon Motor Inn and the Burnett Tyre Service.
The IGA owners would be contacted to see if they had any intentions to expand the store.
The new laundromat had also opened, which should help people staying at the free caravan park. Signs for the free camping area have been ordered but have not arrived.
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The visit of the LARC ex-military amphibian vehicle to BP Dam over the long weekend was soured when someone stole a plaque off the vehicle.
The sign was riveted on, but was still removed.
Cr Kathy Duff said Council had moved responsibility for the dams from Economic Development to her portfolio, NRM Parks and Gardens.
Last year 10,155 people stayed at BP Dam, with visitors staying an average 3.43 nights.
New cabins at the dam are nearing completion.
Council is looking at taking over the mowing – and maybe some cleaning – at the dams.
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Property valuations around Murgon – especially in rural and rural residential areas – have gone up in some cases by $20,000 which has puzzled both the owners and the MBDA.
Property owners who believe their valuations are wrong were advised to challenge the decision.
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Cr Duff said a committee had been formed to assist with the visit to Murgon of the Cycling Queensland event on June 20.
Sponsors were being sought for various events and the committee hoped to make a “day” of it with entertainment, market stalls etc.
She said she was also working to convince Cycling Qld to encourage the teams to arrive on the Friday night, which would bring more economic benefit to Murgon.
A package of discounts at local businesses was being put together.
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Cr Duff said the SBRC was Council was budgeting to replace three bridges, including Campbells Bridge, with different options being considered.
The Rail Trail was also definitely going ahead and letters had been sent to adjoining landholders along the rural stretches.
There will definitely be no horses from Murgon to Kingaroy; and no dogs would be allowed outside the town boundary of Murgon.
Council may have to pass a local law to stop motorbike riders from using it.
Cr Duff said Council had a two-year lease on the land and when they came up with a plan, this would be extended to 30 years.
“We will never get it freehold,” she said.
“There will be extensive community consultation.”
Discussions were also continuing with the State Government over maintenance funding.
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Bill Roberts has offered the use of his shop to the Dual Arts project to display some of the artworks and photographs from this shire-wide arts project.
Murgon artist Lee Porter and photographer Sherianne Talon have joined together in an innovative creative exercise to capture the essence of the South Burnett.
Lee will be invited to be the guest speaker at the MBDA’s next meeting.
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The Reconciliation Fun Run from Murgon to Cherbourg will be held on Sunday, May 17, and a number of celebrities have been invited to take part.
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Preparations for Anzac Day commemorations are well in hand.
The Dawn Service will be held at 4:28am; the parade will start 15 minutes earlier at 9:45am.
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The Cloyna tip is going to be turned into a transfer station.
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The Watoto children’s choir from Uganda will be singing at the Murgon Town Hall next Wednesday night (April 22) from 7:00pm.
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The next meeting of the MBDA will be held on May 14. It will be a breakfast meeting at a venue to be advised.
