August 30, 2024
South Burnett Regional Council will install security cameras in Kingaroy’s Memorial Park in a bid to deter vandalism which has cost ratepayers an estimated $275,000 in recent months.
At their August meeting, councillors voted to allocate funds to continue repairs to the playground equipment, soft-fall and shade structure which were set on fire in July.
A reallocation of $223,405 would be made from the 2024-25 building capital budget and $51,595 from restricted cash.
Councillors were told there was little chance of getting reparations from the alleged offenders.
They also voted to install extra lighting to improve community safety.
Council will also consider budgeting an extra $150,000 in 2025-26 to replace playground equipment that is at end of its life, some of which has already been removed.
UPDATE September 9: An 18-year-old man pleaded guilty in Kingaroy Magistrates Court on Friday in relation to fires in the playground on June 30 and July 19. He was sentenced to 240 hours of community services and ordered to pay $3000 restitution to the South Burnett Regional Council.
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Council has approved an application by Parkside Timber for a Material Change of Use to a lot in the Wondai Industrial Estate, subject to conditions.
Parkside hopes to start wooden and laminated product manufacturing at the site.
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The SBRC will approach the Department of Transport and Main Roads to change the designation of Murgon-Cherbourg Road to a State-controlled road.
At the moment. responsibilities for repairs to different sections of the high-traffic link road are the responsibility of the South Burnett and Cherbourg councils.
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Council has delegated CEO Mark Pitt to discuss with the Ringsfield Advisory Group its proposal to create an art gallery and hold exhibitions at the historic Ringsfield House building in Nanango.
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The SBRC plans to sub-lease a block of land at Moffatdale to the Barambah Dragons Inc club for 10 years.
The Dragon Boating club has been holding regular paddles on Bjelke-Petersen Dam since 2023.
Its next monthly “Come and Try Day” is on September 28.
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Councillors have voted to set aside up to $25,000 to assist the South Burnett Saints’ changeroom extension project at Lyle Vidler Oval.
The funding would be considered should the football club fall short in fundraising for its capital upgrades.
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The SBRC plans to hold a two-day kerbside pick-up of unwanted goods or waste at Hivesville on dates to be announced.
Bulky and general waste items would be collected on the first day, and green waste on the second.
Hivesville Community Progress Association will be approached to see if volunteers could help local residents bring items to the kerbside for the one-off collection.
