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Budget Sets Solid Platform For Council July 22, 2010 - Following hundreds of hours of deliberations, workshops and planning sessions, the South Burnett Regional Council has presented its budget for the upcoming year 2010/2011. With unanimous support from all Councillors, the "Back to Basics" budget sets the platform for the South Burnett to move from a Queensland Treasury financial sustainability rating of "Weak" to "Moderate" in the short term and also provides a small but important surplus of $650,000. Cr David Carter says this is one of the toughest budgets he's been involved in, but he's proud of what Councillors and staff have been able to achieve to present such a well-balanced, transparent budget. "I really can't thank our Council staff enough for the long hours they spent preparing this budget. While it was a huge challenge, I think we've left no stone unturned in ensuring the budget is fair. I hope our community understands that while some of the decisions we made were difficult, we believe they'll benefit everyone in the long term and put our region in a great position for the future," Cr Carter said. Key highlights include: Overall expenditure of $63.3 million Overall revenue of $57 million (balance funded by bank balance for carry-over projects from 09/10) Nearly 80 per cent of the budget dedicated to on-grounds works (service delivery and infrastructure, enhancing community infrastructure and the environment) Continuation of rebates and concessions for eligible pensioners and community groups More than $600,000 towards upgrades to Yallakool and the Coolabunia Saleyards Uniformity of rating systems across the region, including one differential rating category for all rural properties Standardisation of waste water charges across the region Introduction of a small levy on all rate assessments to assist the aerial medical evacuation units so vital to our region To ensure a stronger position for the South Burnett, there will be an increase in General Rate revenue of 5 per cent. Following the presentation of the budget, Councillors each spoke about this year’s budgeting process and the benefits it will bring to the region. Cr Keith Campbell led the positive response saying the Mayor’s budget address represents all the key issues ratepayers want to know. "This 2010/11 budget is a truly open, honest and fair document and one I feel very comfortable presenting to our community," Cr Campbell said. "I think we've got the right wheels in the right tram tracks and this is an outstanding result for the South Burnett Regional Council," he said. Cr David Carter added that while there has been a general rate revenue increase of 5 per cent, this has been largely due to costs imposed on Council by the State Government such as the ongoing costs of amalgamation, removal of State Government subsidies and new regulations such as the new Dog and Cat Legislation. "Our Council would actually have been able to cut rates if we didn’t have the huge impact of so many State Government costs we must now bear," Cr Carter said. "But these imposts on our budgets will be ongoing, and it will be quite some time before we're back to a level playing field. However, this year's budget will certainly help us achieve excellent results for our community and we're definitely on the way to achieving a financial rating of 'Strong' in the foreseeable future for the South Burnett Regional Council," he said. ABOVE RIGHT: Keith Campbell with the rest of the South Burnett council team

Wondai Pulls Out All Stops January 18, 2010 - South Burnett Arts Inc, which is a newly formed group trying to promote artistic endeavours in the South Burnett - music, dance, painting and sculpture - hosted an organ recital at Wondai Town Hall on January 16 by a leading Australian musician. Dr Ralph Morton, Director of Music at St Stephen’s Cathedral in Brisbane performed some classical - and not so classical pieces - to an appreciative audience of 60 local residents. The recital followed an full-day organ workshop which Dr Morton provided for organists from South Burnett churches of all denominations. The project was sponsored by Council's RADF program. RIGHT: Keith and Marion Campbell with Wondai local residents Leah and Alison Iszlaub. The organ recital was organised by Alison's daughter Jane, president of South Burnett Arts Inc

Time To Look Back Over Some Of The Highlights of 2009 January 1, 2010 - First of all, I'd like to wish all my readers and South Burnett residents a very Happy New Year! Marion and I hope that you had peaceful and enjoyable Christmas break. 2009 was another very busy year for councillors with the changes since the merger still being bedded down and the new South Burnett Regional Council marking its first birthday. Other shire highlights included the 50th anniversary Kingaroy Peanut Festival, the Benair School Reunion and the opening of the South Burnett Energy Centre in Nanango. Here are some more photos from last year that I have not yet had a chance to publish: With Member for Nanango Dorothy Pratt during the visit to Kingaroy by Roman Catholic Archibishop John Bathersby to mark the centenary of the opening of the local St Mary's Church Fellow South Burnett Regional Councillor Damien Tessman and me at Kingaroy Shoppingworld. If any ratepayer has any questions about Council matters, please don't hesitate to drop by on the first Thursday of every month (near Big W) Gliding is a major sport in Kingaroy with fans travelling long distances to ride the uplifts. I just HAD to have a go ... The Kingaroy Chamber of Commerce launched its 2010 Business Awards program at the Heritage Building Society office. The winners, which will be decided by independent judges, will be announced on March 27 at Kingaroy Town Hall ABOVE and RIGHT: I was honoured to be asked to address the assembled crowd at the Vietnam Veterans Day commemoration held at the Kingaroy RSL on August 18. This marked the 43rd anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan in which 17 Australians were killed in 1966. This battle has come to symbolise our nation's memory of the Vietnam War and is a very important part of our history. [Photos courtesy South Burnett Times]