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Click here to find out morePFAS Testing
You may recall that PFAS was detected in drinking water supplies emanating from one bore at the Macknade Water Treatment Plant. Use of the bore was suspended immediately and remains closed off. There have been no detections of PFAS in any Shire water since closure of the subject bore.
The Department of Environment and Science has informed Council that despite extensive investigations a definitive source of the PFAS has not been determined.
Testing for PFAS will be ongoing as part of the standard testing regime.
Illegal Dumping
The Queensland State Government has granted Council the sum of $18,498 to assist with costs in the investigation and enforcement of illegal dumping activities. The funding is additional to the sum of $600,000 granted to the North Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils for purposes of employing specialist compliance officers to monitor and take action against illegal dumping activities throughout the region.
Illegal dumping is occurring throughout the region and perpetrators will be prosecuted.
Rates Incentive Scheme Winner
The winner of the latest rate payment incentive scheme was Carl and Maxine Adams.
The Scheme which comprises of a cash prize of $2,000 that must be spent at a local business was introduced as part of the 2019-2020 budget process to encourage and reward ratepayers paying their rates on time.
To be eligible for the incentive ratepayers are required to make full payment of all current and arrears of rates by close of business on the due date.
Negotiations with Forrest Beach Residents
Council has resolved to commence negotiations with landowners adjacent to the Forrest Beach residential precincts at Forrest Drive, Forrest Lane, Bill Johnson Drive and Beatts Road to secure an easement for drainage purposes.
Extensive works have been undertaken by Council in the area for purposes of improving flood immunity, but additional land to facilitate a more effective lawful outfall or discharge location is required.
Quad Bikes Destroying Groynes
Council may be forced to place surveillance equipment on the Lucinda groyne fields to capture evidence to assist Police in prosecution of quad bike riders causing continuing damage to the groynes by riding over them.
It is very disappointing to see that after so much recent publicity about four wheelers on beaches, and much work by Council on regulating traffic areas to allow for some legality, the unlawful practices are continuing.
The groynes are there to assist with beach erosion and were only refurbished recently at a cost of $292,690 (Excl. GST). This is a significant cost to the community, as the money to do the work is ratepayer money paid for by the community.
It is also disappointing to see that people are disobeying regulations on where you can and cannot ride. Riding on the beach or foreshore immediately north and south of the groynes is unlawful. The restrictions were put in place for a number of reasons, including the protection of the beach area in that vicinity from adverse coastal processes of erosion. That particular section of beach is a concern for both the natural beach and private property behind the beach, so people tearing up the beach and dunes with vehicles is not helping the cause very much.
Council has set aside areas of least concern that can be used for riding purposes and we ask people to respect such regulations.
The restrictions were not introduced for no reason at all. Council is not inclined to be a kill joy, but the situation was getting very haphazard and damage was being sustained, not to mention that the activity was totally unlawful.
At least now riding in the designated areas on the conditions approved is lawful and damage is mitigated.
Council has requested the Queensland Police Service to prosecute any trespassers and will vigorously pursue prosecution in an attempt to protect its infrastructure.
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