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Click here to find out more500 Years of Service – Now that’s Dedication, 35 Years in Business
Thursday evening saw 18 Hinchinbrook Volunteer Rural Fire Fighters recognised for their service and dedication to our community.
On behalf of Hinchinbrook, a big thank you to you all. We sincerely appreciate your selflessness and generosity to the protection of our community. Congratulations to:
- Antonio Palmas (50 years) DESM 3rd and 4th Clasps;
- Eric Quabba (48 years) - DESM 2nd and 3rd Clasps;
- Roy Pace (41 years) - DFES Medal 1st, 2nd and 3rd Clasps and Assistant Commissioner’s Certificate of Appreciation;
- Brian Johnson (33 years) - DESM 2nd Clasp and Assistant Commissioner’s Certificate of Appreciation;
- Jeffrey Cantamessa (32 years), Matti Kangas (33 years), James Morely (32 years) and Lynette Roveglia (31 years) - DESM 2nd Clasp;
- Frank Nazzari (27 years) – QFES Medal 1st and 2nd Clasps; and
- Adrian Chinotti (23 years), John Fracchia (27 years), Edward Morris (27 years), Alan Robino (21 years), Paul Steine (27 years), Giuseppe Succio (27 years) and Remo Zatta (22 years) - QFES Medal and 1st Clasp.
Hinchinbrook Community Resilience Officer
In development of the Hinchinbrook Local Disaster Management Group COVID-19 Recovery Plan, it was identified through consultation with key economic and human/social stakeholders that a position within Council is required to assist with the delivery of the Recovery Plan to ensure both the success of the recovery initiatives identified and the future resilience of the community in the face of future disaster events.
Working directly with the Hinchinbrook Shire Council and the community, the Community Resilience Officer will plan, promote and activate opportunities that support and build resilience across the Hinchinbrook Shire in alignment with initiatives identified in the COVID-19 Recovery Plan.
Through the implementation of key priorities contained within the Recovery Plan, the Officer will support the community through ongoing change impacting small businesses, development, and the wider community. An application for funding has been submitted under the 2019-2020 Resilience and Risk Reduction funding program to establish the position.
COVID-19 Health Advice Update
Health advice is clear that rural communities are not immune to COVID-19 risk. As borders re-open and interstate travel ramps back up, it is important for people to understand it is not impossible for cases of COVID-19 to pop up in our rural communities.
The community needs to understand that should they have symptoms of COVID-19, even if mild, they should still get tested. Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny nose and fatigue.
People can get tested at their local GP or at their local hospital during business hours. Testing is 100 per cent free and confidential, and results can be turned around within 24 hours.
For further advice, contact your doctor, call 13HEALTH (13 43 25 84) or the Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080.
River Gauge Inspections
Staff have been in contact with the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) to organise the annual preventive maintenance inspections of river gauges, rain gauges and CCTV installations that comprise of our flood management and warning systems. At this stage, the inspections are programmed to be carried out late September, early October 2020.
General rate concession on new residential dwellings
Are you aware of Council’s initiative to support and encourage the construction of new homes in our district through rating concessions.
As part of Council’s Economic Development Strategy, general rates on each property upon which a new residence is constructed will be waived for a period of two (2) years following the date of issue of the Final Inspection Certificate. Contact Council for further details and conditions applicable.
Election Costs
Council has been charged $95,422 by the Electoral Commission of Queensland (ECQ) for its services in delivering the 2020 Local Government elections.
Whilst the ECQ has the responsibility to run elections, individual Councils are responsible for the costs associated with same.
For 2020, eleven polling booths were utilised including the TYTO early voting centre. With a view to reducing costs which are ultimately borne by the rate payer, future Councils will need to look at the number of booths operating.
Seven of the eleven booths in Hinchinbrook were attended by less than 200 voters. We did argue this cost issue with the ECQ based on previous numbers, but to not avail.
35 Years in Business
Congratulations to the Pavone family achieving 35 years in business operating the Oasis Coffee Shop. Such a significant effort is testament to the quality food and service provided to locals and tourists alike. With the younger generation now frequently appearing at the counter, we can be assured of another 35 years of quality customer service. Well done to you all.
Rates Incentive Scheme Winners
Carl and Maxine Adams, recent winners of the Rate sIncentive Scheme have advised that they have spread their cash prize of $2,000 locally between Repco Ingham, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Sportspower Ingham and The Clean Cut Bloke. Excellent news for local businesses.
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