Mayor Beresford’s June 2023 Council Meeting Wrap-up

The final Council Meeting for the financial year was held this week in Cunnamulla at the Civic & Community Enterprise Centre (CCEC). The meeting agenda was comprehensive, requiring the Council's focused attention to ensure its successful completion.

The following applications received approval for in kind/financial support:

Country Education Foundation of Paroo – donation of $2,000 Yowah Opal Festival – donation of $4,000 and in-kind support through provision of porta-loos, bins, stage and cold room. Charlotte Plains Yabby Muster & Anniversary Celebrations – in-kind support through provision of porta-loos, generator, stage and cold room. Eulo Polocrosse Club – donation of $2,000 and in-kind support through provision of a water truck for the annual carnival and pump out of septic tank. Cunnamulla Primary Health Care Centre – donation of $2,000 towards Deadly Choices Netball workshop Cunnamulla Bowls Club – donation of 50% of legal fees for lease renewal.

Council agreed to consider the following requests once more information was made available:

The erection of a columbarium for the internment of ashes at the Cunnamulla Cemetery. Improvements to the Eulo airstrip by raising some low spots which is currently problematic for aircraft landing after rain. Lighting upgrade to the John Kerr Park Precinct for the Cunnamulla Bowls Club.

Roads

40kms of heavy and medium formation grading on the Bollon-Charleville Road has been completed so far in addition to re-sheeting. Council has also been requested by Transport and Main Roads (TMR) to remove the grid at chainage 20km. The TMR grid on the Balonne Highway near Charlotte Plains approximately 65km east of Cunnamulla will also be removed. Declared weed spraying on the sides of TMR roads is being carried out during June. Council has completed a further section of bitumen seal on the Jobs Gate Road under the Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme which is 50% funded by the State Government. Grading works are being undertaken on the Talbarae, Jobs Gate, Bluegrass, Tinnenburra and Elmina Roads

Cunnamulla Landfill

Work is underway at the Cunnamulla landfill site in preparation for a new Landfill Transfer Station. The old landfill site has been cleaned up and the new transfer station will include provision for an employee, site office and machinery to improve the maintenance of the waste facility.

Council is proposing to make Local Law No. 6 (Waste Management) 2022 and is conducting a public interest test in relation to possible anti-competitive provisions identified in the proposed local law. The purpose and general effect of Local Law No. 6 (Waste Management) 2022 is to protect the public health, safety and amenity related to waste management. Details of the local law can be found on Council’s website www.paroo.qld.gov.au. Written submissions by any person in support of, or objecting to, the proposed local law are invited for a 30 day period which commenced on Friday, 6th June 2023 and will end on Monday, 17th July 2023.

Workforce

Council is currently recruiting for the positions of Tourism & Events Officer, Community Support Officer and casual employees. Anyone interested in applying can find full details on the Council’s website www.paroo.qld.gov.au. Over the past two months Council has recruited for a variety of positions and has welcomed several new faces to the workforce. Training is an important part of employment with Paroo Shire Council and council is proud to have seen six trainees complete their Certificate III in Business whilst a further three employees are currently undertaking a Certificate III in Water Industry Operations.

Community Feedback Survey

Visitors to the Paroo Shire Council trade site at the recent Cunnamulla Show were invited to complete a feedback survey form. A big thank you to those who provided feedback and it was noted that 51% of respondents were Shire ratepayers. The survey results were tabled for consideration at this week’s meeting and suggestions for improvement taken on board. Council staff will also work to liaise with respondents who raised an issue and help work towards a solution.

Rate Arrears

The council is mindful of the current increase in the cost of living which may be impacting residents and their capacity to meet rate payments when they fall due. Ratepayers who have outstanding rates owing for the 2023 financial year or longer are reminded that they can discuss entering into a payment plan with Council. Such plans will require that any future rates and charges are paid when due, however, once a written agreement is in place and provided the schedule of payments is being met, Council will suspend or refrain from pursuing recovery action.

NBN Project

Residents are urged to exercise caution regarding phone calls supposedly made by NBN representatives regarding the planned fibre to premises rollout in Cunnamulla. The council’s understanding is that NBN is not engaging in phone communications with residents regarding the project or potential future connections.

2023/2024 Budget

The draft budget for 2023/2024 was considered at the meeting and details of the new financial year’s budget will be provided in a separate media release.

To obtain more information, please refer to the Paroo Shire Council’s website www.paroo.qld.gov.au where the agenda and minutes of all Council meetings are posted. To subscribe to the eNewsletter group click on News & Events then click on Newsletters and sign up.

Contacting Council – should residents wish to contact Council regarding any matter, whether it’s an enquiry, reporting an issue, making a suggestion or lodging a complaint, please use the email [email protected]