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Council Connections: Week 4, December 2013

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Toowoomba Regional Council Connections

The weekly program keeping you up to date with Toowoomba Regional Council’s facilities, activities and services.

Council Connections with Darren Burton

Darren talks about Council’s New Year’s Eve fireworks, waste collection services over the holidays, paying bills online, recycling responsibly, artist exhibitions called for the Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery, a free FOODcents workshop, the TRC customer service centre being closed over Christmas, changes to Council’s phone numbers, joining any of TRC’s gyms and we remind listeners about the emergency after hours number.

Follow Toowoomba Regional Council on Twitter @ToowoombaRC

The Silly Season Is Not A License To Litter!

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Queenslanders are among the least focused when it comes to keeping Australia beautiful, and have plenty of room for improvement this silly season as our country faces its biggest litter onslaught of the year.

With the Keep Australia Beautiful National Litter Index paying close attention to our national tally through December, each state including Queensland has the opportunity to retrieve – or trash – its reputation in Australia’s waste stakes
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Peter McLeanKeep Australia Beautiful National Executive Officer Peter McLean said Christmas and New Year’s Eve were traditionally Australia’s biggest litter days with millions of tonnes of extra rubbish hitting the nation’s streets, parks and beaches. “We expect the amount of litter across the country will reach an all time peak this week with the main culprits being cigarette butts, empty food containers and water bottles,” Mr McLean said.

“We all have to take personal responsibility for our behaviour. This time of the year isn’t a ‘License to Litter’. “Let’s work together to make sure all that glitters is not litter this New Year’s eve. Littering is a deliberate wilful act- It’s another form of vandalism.”

The increase in litter is attributable to a surge of outdoor activities and the predictable increase in rubbish which comes with the holidays, especially New Year’s Eve.

Mr McLean said Queenslanders had a lot of ground to make up when it came to being the tidiest, according to the most recent Keep Australia Beautiful National Litter Index, but said there was still a chance to get closer to the top of the leader board.

 According to the most recent Keep Australia Beautiful National Litter Index based on items per 1,000 square metres, Victoria is the tidiest when it comes to litter. Queensland is currently the second worst, marginally in front of Tasmania in last place.

Keep Australia Beautiful Queensland CEO Rick Burnett also urged holidaymakers not to give their conscientious domestic recycling habits a vacation too, especially when out camping or at rental accommodation. “Familiarise yourself with the nearest domestic and public rubbish bins and recycle where possible. If camping, pick the rubbish up and take it with you,” Mr Burnett said. 

Keep Australia Beautiful has also released a ‘Yuletide Guide’ when it comes to cleaning up after Christmas and New Year.                               
THE YULETIDE GUIDE

  • Put bottles and cans empty and loose in the recycle bin, not bagged or boxed.
  • Recycle wrapping and cards.
  • Only recycle appropriate items. (No cellophane, tinsel, decorations, broken glasses or crockery)
  • Put cigarette butts in an appropriate container and throw in the rubbish.
  • You can’t recycle plastic shopping bags in your domestic bin. Reuse them as car rubbish bags when travelling.
  • Shopping trolleys belong at supermarkets.
  • 30% of household waste can be composted. Don’t throw leftover Christmas fruit vegie peelings in the rubbish. Compost it.
  • Don’t throw cooking oil down the sink. Wrap and put in with the rubbish.
  • Limit olfactory pollution. As a courtesy to your neighbours wrap the prawn scraps and freeze them until the next rubbish collection, this way won’t attract vermin either.
  • Polystyrene is recyclable in some places. Check with your local council.
  • Batteries are toxic for landfill, save them for council chemical waste collection or other safe deposit locations.

Police Target Highways In Pre-Christmas Blitz

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Every police motorcycle in the state as well as marked and unmarked police vehicles will be deployed on highways across Queensland today as more drivers set off on Christmas holidays.

Road Policing Command is co-ordinating the one-day blitz which will focus on some of the state’s busiest highways including the M-1, Bruce, Cunningham and Warrego highways.

Road Policing Operations Inspector Peter Flanders said the operation will send a strong message to road users over the busy holiday period. “As motorists set off to enjoy their Christmas break we want to ensure everyone gets our message that we will be out in force targeting the Fatal Five, particularly on our busy highways,” Inspector Flanders said.

Between December 23 last year and January 3 this year, more than 29,000 Queensland drivers were fined for speeding.

“The last thing we want to do is deliver the bad news that a son, daughter or family member has been involved in a traffic crash and won’t be home for Christmas. We are pleading with drivers to follow the speed limit, not to drink and drive, not to drive tired, wear a seatbelt and not be distracted by mobile phones while driving.”

More than 90 police motorcycles will support marked and unmarked police vehicles in the highly visible operation spanning from the Gold Coast to Cairns.

“We will be doing everything we can to stop drivers doing the wrong thing such as speeding and endangering their lives and the lives of other road users,” Inspector Flanders said.

Road Policing Command will continue rolling out traffic operations across the state throughout the Christmas Road Safety Campaign.

For all non-urgent police reporting or general police inquiries contact Policelink on 131 444 or Policelink.qld.gov.au 24hrs a day.

Submitted by:Queensland Police Service
Media & Affairs Group

Toowoomba Regional Council Offices Closing Early For Christmas Party December 20th

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Toowoomba Regional Council advises that its customer service counters will close from 12 noon to 5pm on Friday, December 20th to allow staff to attend a Council Christmas celebration. Customers can access an after-hours emergency service during this time. Customer service operations will return to normal from 8.30am on Monday, December 23.

Council facilities such as swimming pools will operate as per their normal hours tomorrow. However, the following facilities will be closing for the afternoon of December 20:

• Pittsworth Library †open 9am to 11.45am
• Millmerran Library †open 10am to 12noon
• Oakey Library †open 9am to 12noon
• Yarraman, Goombungee and Quinalow †closed as is normal on a Friday
• Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery will be closed from 12.30.

Council offices will then be closed from 5pm Tuesday, December 24 until 8.30am Thursday, January 2, 2014 for the Christmas/New Year break. Council apologises for any inconvenience caused to customers during this time.

Submitted by:
Jenny Foxton
Senior Communication Officer
Stakeholder Engagement & Communication
Toowoomba Service Centre
Toowoomba Regional Council

Toowoomba’s Clifford Street Opens As Four Lanes

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A long-standing inner-city road project was opened to traffic for the first time when Toowoomba Regional Council unveiled a new-look Clifford Street which has been upgraded to four lanes between Margaret and Russell Streets and forms a vital connection as part of the city’s Outer Circulating Road project.

Cr Carol Taylor and Mayor Paul Antonio
Cr Carol Taylor and Mayor Paul Antonio

Toowoomba Regional Council Mayor Paul Antonio has opened the new stretch of road and praised all involved in the project. “This project has been on the drawing board for many years and it is great to see it open and ready for business,” Cr Antonio said. “The project has had its challenges and has been delivered against a backdrop of minimising disruptions and inconvenience for CBD businesses and the residents who work or access these businesses.”

“This is a small, yet integral part of the larger Outer Circulating Road (OCR) project which is a network of roads forming a loop around Toowoomba’s City Centre to improve traffic flow and ease the congestion being felt in the city centre,” he said. “This is all part of positioning the city as a key regional centre.”

TRC Infrastructure spokeswoman Cr Carol Taylor said there was still some work to be done at the Clifford/Russell and Clifford/Margaret intersections which would be finalised by February. Cr Taylor also pointed out for residents to note that once Clifford Street was open to two-way traffic Baty Lane would operate as a one-way street from Mylne Street to Clifford Street.

“There have been many challenges associated with this project. The new road had to be designed as a split level carriageway with a continuous median strip from Margaret Street to Russell Street because of the steep cross fall,” Cr Taylor said. “There was a requirement to undertake significant essential service relocations such as Ergon, Telstra and stormwater drainage prior to undertaking road works. This came with the added responsibility of the careful removal of redundant asbestos,” she said. Clifford_St opening_2a

A sealed public car parking area has also been provided at the south east corner of Clifford and Russell Streets with access from Baty Lane to replace the spaces lost when the road was redeveloped.

Cr Taylor said “This important link will eventually improve traffic flow in and around the CBD and I must acknowledge all those affected during the construction phase for their patience and cooperation. This is the first step in the OCR project … and I thank all involved for helping Toowoomba grow and develop as a city.”

Submitted by:
Chris Leslight
Communications Officer
Stakeholder Engagement & Communication
Toowoomba Service Centre
Toowoomba Regional Council

Job Prospects A Christmas Boon For Retrenched Peabody Workers

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Ostwald Bros will be making Christmas a little brighter for the 200 Wilkie Creek coal workers made redundant by US coal giant Peabody Energy.The resources and infrastructure services group has stepped in to offer some hope to the workers faced with voluntary redundancies following the recent announcement by Peabody Energy to close its Wilkie Creek coal mine near Dalby.

Ostwald Bros CEO Brendan Ostwald said Peabody Energy had invited Ostwald Bros to meet with the workers in Dalby to discuss future employment opportunities. “This is a difficult time for the coal workers and their families and Ostwald Bros will work with Peabody Energy to do all we can to help those affected by the closure of the Wilkie Creek coal mine,” Mr Ostwald said.

“We are inviting the workers to an information session in Dalby on Thursday night where we will be detailing the job opportunities Ostwald Bros has on offer. “We are gearing up for major projects in 2014 and we need more people to join us. We hope to be able to find a place for the coal workers within our company.

Western Downs Regional Council Mayor Ray Brown said the information night was a great initiative and encouraged workers facing redundancies at Wilkie Creek coal mine to attend. “The Council is very keen to see these workers and their families stay in Dalby,” Cr Brown said. “Ostwald Bros is a great local company and I fully support their efforts to keep these workers in our region.”

Based in Dalby, Ostwald Bros is currently recruiting around 300 staff for awarded and pending contracts from coal seam gas clients in the Surat Basin. Ostwald Bros has a wide range of positions currently available from truck operators to leading hands, labourers, project managers and more.

The information session for Peabody workers will be held at the BMO conference centre, 178 Drayton Street, Dalby at 5pm on December 19th. Those unable to attend can visit the Ostwald Bros website and submit their interest for jobs listed on the careers page or call 1300 Ostwald (1300 678 925).

Workers facing job losses as a result of closures in the car manufacturing sector are also encouraged to enquire about available jobs with Ostwald Bros.

Submitted by:Karen Wong
Sequel Communications
Ph 07 3251 8144

 

2013 A Strong Year For The Toowoomba Region

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Toowoomba Region Mayor Paul Antonio has labelled 2013 as a ‘strong and productive’ period for the region. “The past 12 months has seen some very positive developments for this region across both economic and social contexts. I am proud of what my colleagues and I have achieved throughout the year,” Mayor Antonio said.

Listing highlights such as the Toowoomba Bypass Forum and subsequent commitment by the Federal Government to construct the vital link, construction beginning on the Outer Circulating Road in the CBD and announcement of $10 million in Royalties for Regions funding to upgrade the Warrego- O’Mara Road intersection, Mayor Antonio said Toowoomba was finally receiving the infrastructure it deserves.

“Vital infrastructure has been lacking in the region for some time but this year we’ve been able to secure funding commitments that will change the Toowoomba region for ever. Throw in the construction of a privately funded airport, and plans for an inland rail link passing through Toowoomba and it is clear the region is well on its way to a brighter future.”

Council also oversaw close to $200 million in Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) funding following the flood events of 2010/2011 and the 2013 Australia Day flood event. “Flood recovery across the region has been a mammoth task, with the biggest road recovery program this region has ever faced. I want to thank all Council staff for their hard work in this area,” he said.

Among many exciting developments, this year has also seen Toowoomba become a Refugee and Migrant Welcome Zone, plans take shape for the construction of a new library, and the region host a raft of exciting sport events.

“When we really take in what Toowoomba has to offer, it’s not surprising we were named one of Australia’s most family friendly cities in 2013. “This is a wonderful community and I thank all residents and community groups for the remarkable contribution they make to the liveability of the region.

“On behalf of my colleagues and staff of Toowoomba Regional Council, I wish all residents a safe and Merry Christmas and I look forward to serving you in 2014” said Mayor Antonio.

Submitted by:Andrea Frost
Strategic Communications Officer
Office of the Mayor
Toowoomba Regional Council

Blue Care Crow’s Nest Holds Open House To Celebrate 60 Years Of Blue Care

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Blue Care Crow’s Nest is joining Blue Care’s 60th anniversary celebrations with an open house on Friday, December 13 from 2pm and 4pm, at Blue Care Crows Nest Community Care.

Community members who have been involved with or worked for the centre, are invited to attend.

The open house event, which includes an anniversary cake cutting ceremony, is free, yet the Blue Care team welcomes gold coin donations.Service Manager Debbie White said the open house is a great opportunity to celebrate Blue Care’s 60th anniversary with the community..

“The event also recognises the ongoing commitment of Blue Care staff members in the Crows Nest community,” Ms White said.“This open house event comes at a special time for us as this year we celebrate Blue Care’s 60th anniversary of making a difference to people’s lives across Queensland and northern New South Wales.

Community members who would like  to attend the celebrations need to RSVP by Thursday, December 12.To RSVP, please phone Janelle Macdonald at Blue Care Crow’s Nest Community Care on 07 4698 1496.

Blue Care Crow’s Nest Community Care assists clients with services, including home care, centre based respite and in home respite, as well as social support and domestic assistance.

Submitted by:
Albert D’Aprile
PR & Social Media Coordinator
Blue Care

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