As you look through my website, I hope you will learn something about my life in Kingaroy and my vision for the new Council

If you have any questions, suggestions or ideas you would like to raise, please don't hesitate to contact me

Happy First Birthday South Burnett Regional Council! March 15, 2009 – Twelve months ago I set out on this journey both hopeful and fearful for the future. Hopeful I could make a difference in the new structures being imposed, and a little fearful if the South Burnett Region lost traction in the unfolding of an uncertain future. Now, 12 months on, I find myself reflecting on what I term as a “work in progress”! On the “work” note, I certainly now have a better understanding of why 37 part-time councillors across the former region covered more territory in a week than the current six councillors and Mayor can ever hope to! I apologise if it takes a little time to return your calls or catch up. I encourage you to use technology to keep in touch with me so we can keep talking through any issue you might have. However, this dialogue is not just about how I see it. I want to share some of the positive and negative stories I hear from the many hard working and dedicated residents of this great region. What’s been going on? $2 million short!!! That’s the approximate shortfall SBRC had to find to fund the Government’s amalgamation idea. A financial proposal for assistance of the amount we are out of pocket by will be submitted to the Government by the end of March. We were fortunate that the South Burnett was kept together as a distinct region. This has assisted the transition of merging cultures and uniting communities. It has certainly helped in negotiating many of the issues that have arisen. I’m sure you’ve read about many of them in the local media! Much work has been done in synchronising the computer systems, uniting different rating systems and local laws. Plans are well underway to tackle the big picture of where the South Burnett Regional Council is heading. "Technical speak" for this is the development of a Corporate and Operational Plan. Who would have thought it so hard to find staff! In some parts of the organisation we are functioning like a football team (400 currently) without a full team. Those on the field are doing their best but would do brilliantly with a full team. I appreciate this issue causes much angst in the different areas you may deal with. Be assured, our CEO knows Councillors' views on working towards having all positions filled as quickly as possible. Council has travelled throughout the region conducting informal meetings during the past year. Initially these were well attended however the second time there has been much less attendance. Please don’t become complacent, as two-way communication and public consultation is critical to ongoing healthy development of the South Burnett. Ratepayers are encouraged to take the opportunity to be involved in community consultation irrespective of what perceptions there may be. The involvement of community means better decision-making for the future. Some regard that the bureaucratic red-tape associated with local government has not improved with amalgamation. Some people are glowing in their regard for what has been achieved whilst others are less than impressed. Town Plans and Planning inconsistencies between the former four councils have undoubtedly been a source of great angst. The best thing we can do here is keep talking. I encourage developers, and those who are only thinking about future development, to actively participate in all Council communication forums. This is the only way we can understand how you the ratepayer see your region developing, or in some cases, not developing! Capital works ... roads, bridges, footpaths, driveways, water ... the list grows each week! To finance all the things that Council and ratepayers would like feels at times like a 24/7 juggling session. Council is working hard to identify and access as many funding sources as possible to keep rates to a minimum. There are some instances where Council cannot please everybody. I accept that and won’t make false promises to you that there is a magic wand available. The capital works program for the next 10 years is being developed and much thought is now being given to what can, or cannot, be afforded. These Things I Do Know A proper assessment of the likely success of this amalgamation will not be possible for a number of years. We have maintained services and, in fact, improved services in some instances. Ratepayers will judge Council on its ability to deliver services in the most efficient and economical manner for the good of all. Be assured that the policy for rating will be placed under the microscope very carefully in the lead-up to the new rating program for 2009/2010. Council as a team is working hard on previous unresolved issues that have been uncovered through the process of change. Decision-making needs to be done in the spirit of what is best for the greater majority rather than taking short-term emotional decisions that benefit very few. To keep our young people here, attract new residents and businesses as well as sustain existing businesses is a joint effort. The South Burnett has so much to offer, being only 2-3 hours from the Brisbane and the Coasts. We must keep our economy strong and growing for the future. The Mayor and Councillors have united well as a team and are working constructively for the benefit of the South Burnett. Spirited debate is often the order of our meetings! In summary, my overall score is that I acknowledge some advances have been made and that there is still much work yet to be done before I will be satisfied that my responsibilities as a Councillor have been acquitted.

Australia Day 2010 ... Let's Start Planning Now March 8, 2009 - I was disappointed there was not a community celebration for Australia Day in Kingaroy this year. Certainly, the Awards Ceremony for the entire South Burnett was held in Kingaroy on the previous Thursday night, however we failed to celebrate the actual day. After visiting Nanango’s breakfast and Boondooma’s barbecue and evening concert, I was convinced that unless Kingaroy rolled up its sleeves, we were denying our community a family fun-filled day to celebrate some Aussie traditions and acknowledge the discovery of Australia. I gained the support of Cr Damien Tessmann and Cr Cheryl Dalton and moves are underway to plan for a community family event for Australia Day 2010. We have agreed to put together a small committee which will organise the event. I would welcome any ideas that readers might have. Mayor David Carter and Councillors have agreed that each South Burnett community will keep its local Australia Day celebrations in 2010. The only regional activity will be the actual awards announcement which will not be held in Kingaroy as it will move to different towns around the region.

Chapel Opens At Murgon Dairy Museum March 7, 2009 - I was asked to be the MC for the opening of the relocated Hivesville Chapel at the Queensland Dairy and Heritage Museum in Murgon. Mr Jeff Seeney, Member for Callide and Shadow Minister for Mines and Energy, performed the official opening and ribbon cutting (pictured, right, with Col Sippel and Val Manson). As time progresses, we are hungry for history and knowledge about our early pioneering days. Fortunately, when the Hivesville church closed, the building was donated to Murgon Shire Council by the Anglican Church. Council placed the building on the Dairy Museum site in 2005. When the Dairy Museum Committee became incorporated, it was able to secure $30,000 funding from the Community Gambling Fund to help restore the old church building. Although this amount was short some $8000, the committee moved forward to bring to fruition their passion to include this former worship centre as part of their heritage collection. They secured the balance from their accumulated funds. The Chapel will become an inter-denominational venue for weddings, christenings and naming rites. The Hivesville Church has closed but its history has now moved with it and that’s an excellent outcome! The assistance of volunteers was a critical part in bringing this project to fruition. Congratulations to President Col Sippel, Secretary Val Manson, their committee and all the volunteers. They have done an excellent job and this will add to the attractiveness of the Dairy Museum for our local residents as well as tourists. For me, this was also a memorable day. The main building at the museum is the former Bank of New South Wales where I worked in 1963-1964. It brought back some memories!

Clean Cars ... and Clean Dogs February 17, 2009 - I was privileged to be asked to perform the opening ceremony of Kingaroy’s new Car and Dog Wash in Rogers Drive. Richard Mason and his wife Janelle, (right), worked through some issues with Council and successfully resolved them to present to the public of Kingaroy and wider community a car wash that is different to others in Kingaroy. Their car wash does not used brushes. Detergents and high pressured water are used and then this water is recycled to be used again. There’s also a separate washing bay for dogs which should be of great interest to dog owners! There are some great features about this particular complex. Every effort has been made to both harvest and recycle water. Fresh water is collected from the site as well as the enormous roofing area of neighbouring business Harvey Norman. Water run-off from the pavement is also caught and placed into on-site storage tanks. In fact, all of the water used at the car wash will be from water harvesting and recycled water. The demand on the town water supply is nil. This is one of the most green and environmentally friendly businesses that I have had the pleasure to be associated with. The other aspect of this new business is that it is unique here in Kingaroy (and probably elsewhere in Australia) where business neighbours are working together to conserve the precious resource of water. The car wash has a limited roof area but needs lots of water. Harvey Norman on the other hand, has a large roof area and uses limited water. Congratulations Richard and Janelle! You have done yourself proud and have presented to Kingaroy a new business as well as an outstandingly environmentally friendly example for other businesses.

Reader Calls For Support For Kingaroy Pool February 14, 2009 - I received this lovely letter, (below), from "Grandpa Smith" who wrote to me about improving the Kingaroy Swimming Pool. I want to let him know that I have discussed his suggestions with Mayor David Carter, CEO Tony Hayward and Director of Lifestyle and Culture Eleanor Sharpe. The Swimming Club has also raised these points with Council and hopefully future budgets will start to address some of Grandpa Smith's concerns. I wonder if he's related to Grannie Smith? I am a retired pensioner living in Kingaroy and would really appreciate any help you could give towards the improvements of the Kingaroy Swimming Pool. I have just finished reading your web page which included the great photos of your beautiful wife and sons. My wonderful grandchildren train at the pool but the toilets are old and disgusting with sinks hanging off the wall, flaking paint which I'm sure is a health and safety matter, the showers are ancient and there are not enough toilets for everyone to use because they are always getting blocked. But the real reason I'm writing this letter is to see if in any way we could be allocated some funds for a new indoor pool so that my grandchildren could train in winter. They all have asthma and the doctors have said swimming definitely helps their asthma and all round school performance. As you know there isn't much to do in Kingaroy for the young ones and swimming is a wonderful healthy lifestyle. And I think the Kingaroy Pool could be a wonderful asset with some TLC. I know you are a family man and the Kingaroy Community would also benefit with an indoor pool and water aerobics could continue and the lap swimmers could continue their fitness program. I realise you must get letters all the time wanting funds for this and that but if you could find it in your heart to help children who suffer from asthma I would really appreciate it. Also, the pool has a strong swim club and for them to realistically compete against Brisbane they should really be training 12 months of the year, not 5-6 months like they are doing now because the pool is only open over Summer so come on and support our wonderful youth of Kingaroy.

The Rock Opens in Nanango February 13, 2009 - An agency of The Rock Building Society Limited was opened in Nanango on February 3. In the absence of the Mayor, I was asked to perform the opening ceremony at the Nanango Newsagency. Congratulations were offered on behalf of The South Burnett Regional Council. The Rock has begun an expansion program in a number of coastal and regional communities. There are 12 other agencies throughout South-East Queensland and 10 banking branches. The Rock has built its banking expansion program on its well-known brand in Central Queensland. As its name implies, its head office is in Rockhampton. I indicated in my opening speech that to make an impact on Nanango and the South Burnett community, they would need to understand the various customer groups that exist and the range of banking needs required. This will be achieved by not just providing a place for savings deposits, but home loans, business loans, term deposits and tailored insurance policies. I congratulated the Nanango Newsagency on being selected to be the "front door" for the Rock. Their appointment as an agency demonstrates the fact they are regarded by The Rock as a business deserving of the partnership relationship.

Amazing Outpouring Of Support For Disaster Victims February 13, 2009 - The South Burnett has rallied to help the victims of the tragic Victorian bushfires and North Queensland floods. The South Burnett Regional Council approved a donation of $1000 while individual councillors also made personal donations and staff authorised payroll deductions. Around the community some very impressive efforts occurred including $1200 from Taabinga State School, $1337 from Nanango State School and $700 from St John's Lutheran School. Appeal boxes have been placed in many local businesses including the South Burnett Times and the Commercial Hotel in Nanango. CROW-FM organised community breakfast fundraisers in Murgon and Kingaroy, (above and left), which together raised an amazing $19,700. It is impossible to list here all the local fundraising efforts and individual donations but I'm sure the people of Victoria and NQ appreciate this very practical assistance.

If You Do The Crime, You'll Pay By Doing Community Service February 10, 2009 - Cr Damien Tessmann and I have been selected as the Council representatives alongside South Burnett Regional Council CEO Tony Hayward and Manager for Natural Resources Leanne Petersen to be on a committee that will partner with the Department of Corrective Services. The idea is that offenders who have amassed fines that would normally attract a jail sentence will be able to "pay off" their fines by doing community service. For this to be successful, the Department of Corrective Services needs organisations in the South Burnett who are supportive of the Department’s efforts to partner with them to provide duties where offenders can be put to work. The type of work the SBRC may be able to offer would include clean-ups after major community events, parks and gardens work, sorting through recyclables, management of declared pests etc. All offenders will be low-risk candidates. There is a benefit to the SBRC by being involved in this project as offenders will make a contribution at no cost to Council or the work force. Their attitude to performance and work efforts will be monitored by their case supervisors.

KCCI Kicks Off 2009 With Meet'n'Greet February 9, 2009 - Mayor David Carter and I, (pictured right), attended the Kingaroy Chamber of Commerce and Industry's first Meet'n'Greet for 2009 which was held at Ergon Energy's recently refurbished offices in Edward Street on February. Guest speakers were John Box, from Ergon Energy, Michael Monk, who recently purchased Kingaroy and Nanango community radio station KFM (96.3FM Kingaroy and 87.6FM Nanango) and Dafyd Martindale who provided information about the upcoming Wine and Food in the Park Festival which will be held at Memorial Park, Kingaroy, on Saturday March 14.

Congratulations to Bob and Jean Little! February 8, 2009 - At the Kingaroy Garden Club's AGM, (see story below), were keen gardeners Bob and Jean Little. Bob and Jean have just celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary! Their family threw a party to help them celebrate such a grand occasion. Congratulations Bob and Jean! [Courtesy South Burnett Times]

Kingaroy Garden Club AGM February 8, 2009 - I was again privileged to be invited back to the Kingaroy Garden Club to chair their Annual Meeting on Sunday afternoon, February 8, 2009. This Club consists of a dedicated group of gardeners who come along at 2pm on the second Sunday of each month to deal with the business of the Club. Of course, it’s not all meeting procedure. They share gardening information and enjoy fellowship and social outings. The average attendance for meetings is 25 people. I’ve learned quite a bit about various plants in our own garden from these "professionals". ★ ★ ★ Marion has been keen to photograph an Agave plant in our garden which has come into flower. Apparently, they only flower once every 15 years. After flowering, the parent plant dies and is replaced with "pups". Our plant is still in the flowering stage. Once the flowers come into seed, they will produce hundreds of tiny replicas of the parent plant. They look like brussels sprouts! I obtained our plant from a neighbour’s garden about 15 years ago. They grow very slowly and need scarcely any attention. They seem to be a member of the cactus plant. If anyone would like a plant once the new seedlings have formed and developed, I’d be happy to give them away.

Commemorative Plaque Unveiled At Benair School Site February 7, 2009 - Exactly five years after the first reunion of the former Benair State School we came together on Saturday February 7, 2009, to permanently mark the place where the School stood during its life of 66 years (1911–1977). I chaired an informal committee, (pictured at right, Ray Philips, Graham Reed, Gwen Fleischfresser, Keith Campbell, Graham "Snow" Barbeler, Cheryl Patteson, Darryl Fleischfresser, Rhonda Kefford), which comprising a number of former students, all of whom still live in the district or neighbouring districts. We were overwhelmed with the attendance ... more than 130 ... as well as the response of money donated for the costs to put down the large rock on which was placed the commemorative plaque. A very pleasing result! The former students did it without any handouts or help from any level of government. When the spirit of goodwill exists and the opportunity to rekindle the fondness of old school friendships presents itself, it is amazing to see the response. Many people talk to me about marking the sites of significance in our Regional Council. In fact, in the former Kingaroy Shire alone, there were 35 primary schools. How much history has been amassed in these pioneering districts and how much of it will be lost unless we do something to capture the memories in written form. As time passes, people are hungry for the history of our country and our little region of Benair made its mark through our pioneering families who worked hard to open up and develop the land. The school was the centre of the community and almost all social events revolved around the activities of the school. Well done to the committee! I would be very happy to invite people who have stories about the Benair district to contact me. It is possible our committee may consider another reunion in year 2011 to celebrate and remember 100 years. The idea will be to launch a booklet containing the history of the area. RIGHT: Col Noller and Keith Campbell at the Benair State School reunion [Photos courtesy the South Burnett Observer and the South Burnett Times]

Three-Storey Development Proposed For Markwell Street January 6, 2009 - As the town of Kingaroy grows and building development seems to mushroom, a concept to introduce "high-rise" apartment dwellings in Markwell Street has emerged. The question is whether this style of high-density living in the proximity of the CBD and associated services is what Kingaroy is ready for. As a Councillor, I need to take a strategic look at what Kingaroy should develop into not just for year 2009, but looking forward to the next 10, 20 or 30 years. Whatever the decision taken by Council when the Development Application is processed, it really sets the footprint for the years ahead. To miss out on this development proposal now could mean that as a Council we prefer the town of Kingaroy to sprawl out, creating demands on roads and other services. Our region is known as one that has a large population of ageing residents. This being the case, there is a demand for housing in close proximity to shops, doctors and other services. This type of higher density living could also appeal to other people including single parents or singles simply wanting to live close to entertainment and work. Of course there will be objections from those home owners who are living in close proximity to this proposed development. Their concerns should not be dismissed. However, at the end of the day, we need to take a look at how we want Kingaroy to develop. I’d be interested to hear your views on this development proposal.