(Photo: SBRC)
July 15, 2015
Members of the Nanango Rural Fire Brigade recently completed a prescribed burn at the Booie Reserve in preparation for this year’s fire season.
Natural Resource Management portfolio chair Cr Kathy Duff told Wednesday’s Council meeting brigade members will now be turning their attention to the Staines Road Reserve at Benarkin.
A fire management guideline has been developed for the Reserve which separates the corridor into eight fire management zones, each with individual fire regimes, Cr Duff said.
The zones will be burnt progressively over time to create a patchwork of fuel loads.
This will minimise the impact of intense wildfires on property and the environment of the area.
A trail will be slashed through the Reserve prior to starting burn activities, and the Nanango Rural Fire Brigade will conduct burns of two of the areas in the next two months.
Residents will be notified before any burns begin.
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Contractors have begun Mother of Millions control efforts in South Nanango, Coolabunia, Benair, Ironpot, Wooroolin, Wondai, Tablelands, Hivesville and Okeden.
Cr Duff told Wednesday’s South Burnett Regional Council meeting the contractors would also treat grader grass on main roads.
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The South Burnett Regional Council has recently updated its website.
The new site has been designed to be faster and easier for residents to access.
The South Burnett Directions website is also expected to be upgraded in the next few weeks.
Work on the projects is being undertaken by Council staff.
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The SBRC has appointed Julie Foley as the South Burnett’s new Tourism Officer.
Ms Foley formerly worked as an Economic Development Officer for the Council.
The new Tourism Officer position was created in the Council’s 2015-16 Budget.
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The South Burnett’s Visitor Information Centres are now under the control of Council’s Economic Development Department.
The internal change was made effective on July 1.
The Department is already responsible for the oversight of the Lake Boondooma and Yallakool Tourist Parks.
The realignment now brings all Council’s tourism-related activities under one Department.
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South Burnett Directions has formed a Tourism Advisory Group to advise Council on tourism matters.
The group is a sub-committee of South Burnett Directions, and at present membership is by invitation only.
It has so far met twice – once to advise Council on general tourism issues, and the second to help frame the job description for Council’s new Tourism Officer.
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An upgrade of the Clark and Swendson – Kingaroy Barkers Creek intersection next to the Swickers plant in Kingaroy has begun.
The $1.5 million upgrade will facilitate the movement of B Double trucks into the plant.
The upgrade will include a slip lane at the intersection; construction of a concrete floodway; and widening Clake and Swendson Road near the new access.
The work is being jointly funded by the State Government and the South Burnett Regional Council.
Swickers recently announced plans to lift production at its plant by 50 per cent to 30,000 head per week.
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A new awning will be built at the front of Kingaroy’s swimming pool.
Property portfolio chair Cr Deb Palmer told Wednesday’s SBRC meeting the old awning had been damaged by water and repairing it wasn’t cost effective.
Council staff will construct a new awning, which will provide limited shelter from rain.
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The exterior of Kingaroy Town Hall will be painted by T & C Painters.
Work is expected to begin on July 20.
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Belgravia Leisure are managing the South Burnett Aquatic Centre in Nanango for an interim period until tenders for management are reviewed, selected and accepted by Council.
Belgravia Leisure are running several activities during this period including learn-to-swim classes, swimming lessons and coaching sessions.
The company has also introduced a feedback box to encourage customers to comment on customer service and cleanliness at the facility, activities or any other matters. All feedback forms will be passed on to Council.
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Council has accepted four land sale tenders for vacant properties it recently advertised.
Successful tenderers have been advised and contracts of sale are being prepared.
All other land recently tendered by Council but not sold will now be listed with L.J. Hooker for sale.
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The Wondai Rugby League Club recently received a $17,000 grant from the Gambling Community Fund, Sports portfolio chair Cr Barry Green told Wednesday’s Council meeting.
Cr Green said the club will use the funds to fix their canteen, which was in need of urgent attention.
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Notices for the sale of land for rate arrears have been issued to property owners who were listed in a recent report tabled at Council’s June 23 meeting, Finance portfolio chair Cr Keith Campbell said.
Owners now have six months to pay their outstanding rates before their properties are put up for auction.
