Council Connections - 5 September 2024

August 2024 General Meeting Update and Recycle Mate Launch

Guardian Disaster Management User Group Conference Wrap Up

The 2024 Guardian Disaster Management User Group Conference, held in Ingham from Tuesday 20 August to Thursday 22 August, brought together disaster management professionals, Council representatives, and industry experts to explore the latest in emergency management technology.

Sponsored by Hinchinbrook Shire Council, the event highlighted the importance of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement in building resilient communities.

Day one set the stage with a warm welcome from Deputy Mayor Mary Brown, followed by the ceremonial handover of the Guardian Shield, symbolising the ongoing commitment to disaster resilience.

The day featured presentations on the latest Guardian Incident Management System (IMS) updates, including dynamic form automation and new mapping enhancements, as well as a review of recent disaster responses led by QIT Plus CEO Chris Madsen.

Day two focused on practical applications of disaster response technologies, including new features in Guardian IMS dashboards and the role of nbn’s network in disaster resilience.

Highlights included a presentation on Noosa Shire Council’s innovative Local Disaster Coordination Centre and a live demonstration of the Simtable, a unique 3D tool for disaster scenario planning.

The day ended with engaging group sessions and a debate on AI's role in emergency response.

Day three emphasised strengthening partnerships, beginning with a tour of Hinchinbrook’s Local Disaster Coordination Centre.

The conference concluded with a field trip to Wallaman Falls, where participants discussed disaster management in practice and shared insights on enhancing community resilience.

Over the three days, attendees exchanged knowledge, explored new technologies, and reinforced their commitment to improving disaster preparedness and response, ensuring that communities are better equipped for future challenges.

August 2024 General Meeting Update

At the General Meeting held on Tuesday 27 August 2024, Council:

• Discussed entering into an agreement with Department of Transport and Main Roads for a section of the Bruce Highway. The Bruce Highway Gairloch Safety Realignment Project involves rerouting a section of the highway to enhance safety and reduce flooding risks. The existing alignment, which currently supports approximately 25,000 vehicles daily, will be retained as a local service road, serving significantly fewer vehicles - less than 50 per day post handover. As part of the agreement, the existing alignment will become a Council maintained road. Council has deferred this item for further discussions at a future General Meeting;
• Approved funding as part of the Community Grant Program for the following Applications - $3,000 (excl. GST) to Herbert River Junior Rugby League for the Dean Schifilliti Carnival, $12,000 (excl. GST) to Ingham Maraka Festival Inc for the Ingham Maraka Festival, and $10,000 (excl. GST) to Link 2 Country for the 2025 Link 2 Country Expo Ingham; and
• Approved a Licence Agreement between NRMA Electric Highways Pty Ltd and Hinchinbrook Shire Council, endorsing the installation of an Electric Vehicle Charging Station in the Johnstone Street car park for a five year term, with an option for a further five year renewal.

Other updates from the General Meeting include a Financial Performance Report. Council reviewed its financial performance as of Wednesday 31 July 2024, confirming alignment with the adopted budget.

To read the full Agenda and Minutes, please visit Council’s website, Meeting and Minutes page.

What's On at the JL Kelly Theatre

• 10.30am Thursday 5 September 2024 - Morning Melodies: Bublé, Broadway and Beyond starring Thomas Armstrong - Robley;
• 7.00pm Saturday 14 September 2024 - Kevin Bloody Wilson 2024 Tour (18+);
• 10.30am Tuesday 17 September 2024 - Movie: Despicable Me 4 (PG);
• 6.30pm Friday 20 September 2024 - Movie: The Strangers: Chapter 1 (M);
• 2.30pm Saturday 21 September 2024 - Movie: It Ends With Us (M);
• 6.30pm Saturday 21 September 2024 - Movie: Borderlands (M);
• 10.30am Sunday 22 September 2024 - Movie: The Sloth Lane (PG); and
• 2.30pm Sunday 22 September 2024 - Movie: The Fabulous Four (M).

Theatre goers are encouraged to pre-purchase tickets www.hinchinbrooktickets.com.au.

Ingham State High School Transformations Exhibition Opening

Join us for the Exhibition Opening of Transformations, featuring artwork presented by Ingham State High School students.

Date: Friday 6 September 2024

Time: 6.00pm to 9.00pm

Where: TYTO Regional Art Gallery

Free event, cash bar and canapes provided.

Bookings are essential for catering purposes.

Book online for this event at www.hinchinbrooktickets.com.au.

Exhibition is on display from 6.00pm Friday 6 September 2024 to 4.00pm Sunday 29 September 2024.

Official Launch of Recycle Mate App

Hinchinbrook Shire Council is proud to announce the launch of the Recycle Mate app on its website, in collaboration with the Department of Environment, Science, and Innovation.

This cutting edge tool aims to simplify recycling for all residents and visitors, making it easier than ever to contribute to environmental sustainability.

Recycle Mate is an educational platform designed to help users identify the correct disposal methods for over 7,500 common household items.

Are you wondering if something belongs in the recycling bin, should be dropped off at a designated public facility, or should be donated? Recycle Mate has the answers!

Recycle Mate is accessible both as a nationwide app or directly through Council’s website.

Councillor Pat Lynch highlighted that this initiative is a significant step towards Council’s ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability and waste reduction.

“The average Australian household generates about 540kg of waste per year, and by recycling correctly, we can divert up to 50% of this waste from landfills, contributing significantly to a healthier environment”.

“I encourage all residents to explore this tool, whether through the app or the website, and to actively participate in keeping Hinchinbrook clean and green” said Cr Pat Lynch.

For further information or to start using Recycle Mate, visit Council’s website, What Bin Do I Put It In? page.

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COUNCIL CONNECTION - 5 September 2024