Mayor's Message - Council Connections 28 July 2018

Free dump vouchers

Residents visiting the Council refuse facilities will be asked to show evidence of property address.  Please do not be offended as it is imperative we take this action to preserve your right to the free dumping vouchers issued to you as property owner annually.

Unfortunately there are many unscrupulous people falsely stating the ownership address of others to gain the free dumping vouchers and this practice must be stopped.

State Waste Levy

Talking about rubbish, are you aware that the State Government is re-introducing a State waste levy.  Many of you may recall that a State waste levy was introduced by the Bligh State Government and subsequently repealed by the Newman Government.  It is now being brought back by the Palaszczuk Government seeking to recover $70 per tonne for Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) deposited to landfill.

The levy is intended to provide a clear signal to the market to reduce waste generation and increase resource recovery.  Actual details on how it is going to work are yet to be released and we will inform you of same immediately this information is to hand.

It is understood that MSW via kerb side collection will be free to households at this stage.

Tourism Industry Workshop

A reminder to all our businesses involved in tourism, or visitors to our region, that Townsville Enterprise Limited (TEL) will be conducting a tourism and events industry workshop at TYTO on Monday 6 August 2018 between 5.00pm and 7.00pm.

In case you do not know TEL is engaged by Council to assist with economic development activities, mainly tourism, as the recognised regional tourism operator for our North Queensland region.

The workshop is intended to target matters such as determining our tourism strengths and how we can enhance the visitor experience.  Visitors nowadays are looking for an experience and we are desperately in need of product and product deliverers to capitalise upon the potential of our district.

Two products that I desperately would like to see delivered include tours of our industry – cane – from paddock to mill to ship, or maybe the historical aspects of Phantom and Orpheus islands. 

That could just be right up your alley.  Come and find out how you may become involved.

Image: Paddle boarding off Yanks Jetty, Orpheus Island by Mark Fitzpatrick

Local Events

With the inaugural Ingham Autofest done and dusted we now look forward to the 2018 Australian Italian Festival next weekend.  This is another significant event that draws many people from outside our Shire to visit.  A big thank you to the committee and all associated for putting on this event for the benefit of our district so let’s show our gratitude by getting down and supporting the events on offer.

PFAS Testing

Latest water test results, received this week, indicate that the level of PFAS has reduced considerably since initially reported and are now well below the Queensland Health guidelines. As you will recall, Council staff were quick to identify and isolate the culprit source following initial tests returning elevated levels in one out of four bores in the Macknade Township.  The affected bore will remain out of service indefinitely and regular testing of the Lower Herbert water supply will continue.

I want to reassure the community that the water supply is safe to drink.

For further information on PFAS, visit Council’s website, PFAS Information page.

Cr Ramon Jayo

Mayor