Council Connections - Mayor's Message 12 August 2020

The Fifth Hinchinbrook Birdlife Art Awards was held on Friday 7 August 2020, in the newly refreshed TYTO Regional Gallery and attended by 130 guests.  This year proved to be the most successful yet with the largest number of entries submitted.

A panel of judges including Louise Plint, President of the Ingham Arts Action Association, Councillor Donna Marbelli and Ange Vernardos a previous Ingham High School Art teacher and artist, who travelled from Bribie Island, adjudicated the awards.

The annual event, which celebrates the portrayal of local birdlife by many talented artists in a variety of media, proved to be a fantastic evening with live music, good food and great company.

Many favourable comments were made, and excitement expressed for the next exhibition.

The winners in each category were:

• Open Award - The Hunting Perch by Heather Byrne;
• Local Artist- Bee-Eater by Hans Bentzen;
• Mixed Media - Sandpipes by Sally Moroney;
• Sculptural Form - Chips Anyone? by Sarah Swan;
• Photography - Metallic Starlings by Sharon Cislowski;
• Painting (2D) – Lorikeet by Haidi Beard;
• Drawing - After the Hunt by Bron Horvath; and
• Ceramics - Covey of Quails by Catherine Ogden.
• Congratulations to you all!

Bitumen Bandits Strike Again!

There have been reports to Council that scammers are approaching residents of our district posing as Council subcontractors and offering bitumen laying services for works, such as driveways.

The pitch is that the asphalt or bitumen is leftover from a ‘nearby job’, and available at a heavily reduced cost.

Previously scammers have asked for a deposit and simply never returned to do the work, or do such a substandard job with watered down bitumen, it ends up costing a lot more money to fix.

On other occasions, the initial quote is at a low cost, but then a much higher payment is demanded during the work for it to be completed. Residents are forced to comply because if the work is not finished, they are unable to use their driveway.

If payment is requested up front, a red flag should be raised indicating that the traders are not complying with the law.

I myself, have received a phone call offering to use bitumen left over from a job.

It is OK to say no, you do not have to buy, agree or sign anything.  Consumers can lodge a complaint against a trader at qld.gov.au/fairtrading or by calling 13 QGOV (13 74 68).

COVID-19 Update

Just a reminder that we need to remain vigilant about the threat that COVID-19 continues to pose. 

We must continue to adhere to and encourage social distancing practices at all times:

• Stay 1.5 metres away from other people;
• Wash your hands lots with soap and water, or hand sanitiser;
• Stay home if you are sick; and
• Get tested if you are experiencing any symptoms.

Testing is available at the Ingham Hospital outside the Emergency Department between the hours of 2.30pm and 3.30pm daily.  Please phone 4720 3025 to advise that you wish to be tested.  If you have symptoms, please remain in your car in the designated Fever Clinic parking bays and phone the hospital again to advise that you have arrived for testing.

Voting at Local Government Elections

Council has received information from the Electoral Commission of Queensland that first time non-voters at the recently held Local Government Elections will not be fined.

The basis of this decision is due to the circumstances surrounding the election taking place during the unfolding COVID-19 Pandemic.

However, warning letters are proposed to be sent to electors who have not voted in more than one election, including March 2020.   Show Cause Notices will be sent to electors who have repeatedly not voted across multiple elections.

Shed Meetings

The first Community Shed Meeting for the year was held on 4 August 2020 focused on the Lower Herbert Area.

This is an opportunity for residents to raise with Council any matters that may be of concern.

Councillors and staff also took the opportunity to inform residents on a number of topics including Works for Queensland projects, Coastal Hazard Adaption Strategy (CHAS) and Councillor Portfolio and Budget updates.  The next Community Shed Meetings will be on 1 September 2020 at Abergowrie and 7 October 2020 at Mt Fox.

Hinchinbrook PCYC

I recently attended an evening with the Hinchinbrook PCYC Emergency Services Cadets.

It was pleasing to see so many young people involved, all keen to learn and develop a diverse range of emergency service skills, whilst developing leadership and essential decision-making traits.

A big thank you to the mentors who gladly give up their time to work with our youth building the next generation of emergency service volunteers.

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COUNCIL CONNECTIONS -  12 August 2020