July 16, 2009 - The Active Citizen Program at Kingaroy State High School is a wonderful initiative of the School and its Principal Mr David Ballin.

In our rapidly changing society, there are a considerable number of young people who lack direction and meaning in their life and who do not have strong and positive connection with others in the community. At the same time, many community service groups struggle to gain committed members.

Teacher Mrs Karen Cush, (pictured at right with me), is in charge of managing this program.

I have had the pleasure of representing Meals on Wheels over the last couple of years, encouraging students to assist with the delivery of meals. An approved designated driver is assigned with two students assisting. They assist on a regular basis. We value their assistance and so do many of our older clients. It's a pleasure for them to welcome a student knocking on their door delivering a freshly cooked hot meal.

Other groups who participate in the Active Citizens Program are Service Clubs, Scouts, RSL Sub-Branch, the St Vincent de Paul Society, South Burnett Visitor Information Centre, Kingaroy Crossroads, High School Chaplaincy Committee, High School Mart and Auction, Show Societies and the P&C Auxiliary.

Well done Kingaroy State High School!

July 16, 2009 - Mayor David Carter and Councillors have just completed a round of Community Information Sessions held at a number of locations throughout the South Burnett during May and June.

The purpose of these sessions was to provide an opportunity to not only to get to know the Councillors but to also raise and discuss local issues in an open forum with elected representatives.

We met at Murgon, the Bunya Mountains, Maidenwell, Kumbia, Nanango, Blackbutt, Proston, Durong, Burrandowan, Wooroolin, Kingaroy and Wondai.

These information sessions will continue. It is an opportunity to come along and discuss issues and express your point of view on matters of importance to you. Regrettably, we did not have large numbers turning up, but some useful comments were made.

We need to know your issues and have your view on how the business of Council is performing so that we can give consideration to those issues in our planning sessions.

Watch the newspaper or subscribe to Council's eNews for information about future Community Information dates.

To sign up for eNews simply go to www.southburnett.qld.gov.au and look for the eNews subscription area at the bottom left-hand corner of the home page. Enter your email address and your name in the boxes and click on the "Subscribe" button. This will generate a confirmation email which you need to respond to before your subscription will be activated.

July 16, 2009 - The South Burnett Regional Council had a very pleasant visit from Local Government Minister Desley Boyle, (pictured at right with Mayor David Carter and South Burnett councillors), in April following the State Election.

Mrs Boyle talked about the introduction of the new Local Government Act to be promulgated on 10th December 2009 to coincide with the State’s 150th Birthday. She gave details of various changes and commented on the relationship with the Local Government Association of Queensland’s view on various elements of proposed changes to the Act and how a general amicable resolve occurred on most of the changes.

It also gave us an opportunity to discuss with the Minister a range of topics. Regrettably her visit preceded the State Budget. Various elements of the Budget will impact badly on not just the South Burnett Regional Council, but all Councils in Queensland.

Additional costs for fuel, electricity and vehicle registration, combined with a reduction to the roads and drainage grants places an additional $800,000 impost on our Council.

Minister Boyle was interested in our views of whole-of-region or divisional representation as we prepare for the next Council Elections due in 2012.

As a Council, we have subsequently ratified that we will advise the Minister of our preference to continue with divisional representation.

Whether or not this will occur is a matter that she will take into consideration and advise us of in the process of time. As Councillors we represent the entire South Burnett Region, however, divisional representation gives constituents a local Councillor who (generally) lives in their area and with whom they can get to know to represent their issues.

I am a strong supporter of divisional representation.

July 14, 2009 - Kingaroy Meals on Wheels is looking forward to being able to make a start on the long-awaited renovations to the Meals on Wheels kitchen at the Senior Citizens Complex in Kingaroy.

Peter Davison (Davison Homes) and tradesmen Peter Wall (painter), Terry Burns (electrician) and Joe Simpson (plumber) have agreed to volunteer their time to renovate the kitchen. As well, other businesses have come to the party to assist with floor coverings (Merv Pates of Andersen Carpets) and cupboards and stainless steel benchtops (Kingaroy Joinery - Rod Steele and Darren Kefford).

Daniel Large of Blueprint Drafting has also made a contribution and Derek and Tania Charlwood from South Burnett Garage and Industrial Door Services have indicated their company is prepared to assist with a roller shutter door to separate the two rooms.

The tradesman told me that they cannot help Meals on Wheels with the delivery of meals, so this was a practical way of showing their support and saying thank you for the fabulous service Meals on Wheels provide to the community.

Meals on Wheels prepares and delivers more than 18,000 meals each year.

We’re living in a community with an aging population, so the demand continues to grow. As people age and are less able to take care of providing for themselves, Meals on Wheels is a vital link to ensure that people are able to remain in their homes for a longer period of time.

My committee and I are extremely grateful to all the participants who have offered to volunteer time and material for this worthy cause. Getting the project to this stage has gone through a range of false-starts. Now it seems that we’re likely to finish up with a kitchen from which even the top chefs would be happy to work.

ABOVE RIGHT: Keith Campbell, Darren Kefford, Peter Davison, Terry Burns and Joe Stimpson

July 14, 2009 - Yesterday, in my capacity as of President of Kingaroy Meals on Wheels, I welcomed Mr Eddie Sloan, (pictured at right with me, Rachel Bumstead and Heather Barron), to the service.

Eddie has been employed as a trainee cook to assist the current cook Heather Barron. Heather has been our cook for almost 14 years and is hoping to reduce her involvement and start to take things a little easier. The step taken by the Committee of Management represents succession planning to ensure the kitchen has experienced staff to continue to cook and serve meals to our growing client base.

Eddie will work alongside Heather and learn the art of preparing the large numbers of meals for our growing client base. He has a commitment to the area and a genuine approach to helping those who need assistance.

Meals on Wheels employs two other paid staff in the kitchen. There are also currently six volunteers who come to the kitchen to help out with various kitchen duties. This type of assistance is always most welcome.

Recent figures show that Kingaroy Meals on Wheels is serving approximately 18,000 meals every year. Freshly cooked hot home-style meals are cooked on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Many of our clients also order a cold meal for the alternate days.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.