Media Responses (09 - 13 August 2021)

CONTENT: Cancelled events, WBBEC,  Mary street tree removal.

QUESTION: Can I get a comment from the Mayor regarding the cancellations of events in the region (Fishing Classic, Mary Valley Rattler anniversary, Triathlon, Muster), what it means for the region and his hopes going forward?  

ANSWER: It’s always disappointing to see any event cancelled.  These events can take hundreds of volunteer hours to organise, it’s not a decision any event makes lightly.  Although completely understandable in our current environment, events like these not only bring community together they also have a positive economic impact for our region. I’d also like to say congratulations to the organisers of the Mini Muster for looking at different event options under difficult circumstances. Although this event was also cancelled, it really showed their commitment to bringing economic revenue into our region. Mayor Glen Hartwig

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QUESTION: Can council please comment on the release of the Wide Bay Burnett Environment Council media release?

ANSWER: Council is committed to protecting the environment while supporting ongoing development throughout the region. It is seeking to find a sustainable balance. Council will be doing a review of its Planning Scheme to guide these decisions to support our region’s growth into the future. As part of this long-term project, the community will have the opportunity to have their say on things like the level of development we want in our regions as well as the types of controls that need to be in place to ensure development is sustainable. Council has also recently established a Biodiversity and Koala Habitat Development Strategy Reference Group, which will add a voice to the discussion. Council understands the concerns that have been raised by various residents and community groups and it looks forward to their feedback and input during the Planning Scheme review process. CEO Shane Gray

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QUESTION: Have any reports been passed by council regarding the leopard trees in the past?

ANSWER:

Yes, see reports and Gympie Times article

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QUESTION: Who were the councillors at these times? (refers to previous enquiry) 

ANSWER:

The first – “Gympie Regional Council 2008 – 2012” named:

• Cr L. J. Friske

• Cr I. T. Petersen

• Cr A. J, Perrett (Dep. Mayor)

• Cr G. L. Engeman

• Cr J. Watt

• Cr R. A. Gâté

• Cr R. J. Dyne (Mayor)

• Cr J. A. Walker

• Cr D. R. Neilson

And the second photograph – “Cooloola Shire Council 2004 – 2008” named:

• Cr. F. G. Nissen

• Cr L. J. Friske

• Cr R. Owen

• Cr N. R. Ellis

• Cr I. T. Petersen

• Cr S. S. Jocumsen

• Cr J. Watt

• Cr P. E. Cantrell

• Cr W. J. McIntyre

• Cr M. J. Venardos (Mayor)

• Cr C. R. Chapman (Deputy Mayor)

• Cr W. W. Sachs

• Cr D. R. Neilson