Council Connections - 13 January 2021

Special Thanks to Emergency Services Personnel and Volunteers

Happy New Year everyone! I wish you all a very safe, successful and prosperous year ahead.
Hinchinbrook certainly started the year swimmingly with major flooding in the Lower Herbert straight up.

I applaud the resilience and preparedness of our community which was demonstrated by the small number of requests for assistance received by our Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) during this event. The fantastic community spirit always excels, as willingness to assist family, friends and elderly neighbours is carried out without question.

I would like to mention our local volunteer SES unit, our Local Area Wardens, Council staff, Police, Firies, Ambos, and Swift Water Rescue personnel for the assistance rendered to the LDMG. Thank you on behalf of our community, your efforts have gone a long way in keeping us informed, safe and assisted throughout the monsoon event. I would like to take
this opportunity to sincerely thank everyone who assisted during the flood event caused by Ex Tropical Cyclone Imogen.

Remember that one flood does not make a wet season so we need to remain vigilant and prepared as the next event seems to be on our doorstep. Now is the time to restock your
emergency supplies and kit.

Flying Fox Management

We have experienced increased bat activity in recent days. Council is continuing with activity to ensure that roosts are not reestablished including early morning disturbance activities
where possible.

Dispersal activity whilst rain is occurring is very problematic and not productive. Staff have been significantly curtailed in their ability to disperse over the recent inclement weather period.

Council will continue its work in that regard. Legal requirements must still be observed, and Council is dealing with such issues to ensure on ground activity to dissuade re-establishment can continue to take place.

SNAP SEND SOLVE

Council staff are currently inspecting all infrastructure and assets throughout the Shire to ensure maintenance and rectification issues are met. You can assist this process by reporting any issues you may observe through Snap Send Solve. This is a free app you can download.

The Snap Send Solve app enables residents to report issues including litter, hard waste, parking, street cleaning, trees, noise, potholes and make general requests or provide Council with general feedback using this app rather than the traditional means of contacting Council by phone or visiting the office.

How it works: (after downloading the app onto your smart phone):

Users take a photo of the issue e.g. pothole or other incidence;

Include a description of the problem (and your details if you would like to hear back from us); and

Hit send and Council will receive an email with details of your request.

The free app which can be downloaded on Android or iPhones can be used Australia wide, with GPS information sending your request to the relevant Council.  Hinchinbrook Shire
Council will monitor feedback between business hours and action requests appropriately.

COVID-19

With the recent COVID-19 infections that we saw unfold in greater Brisbane over the past week and the events following, I must again remind our community of the need to remain vigilant with our personal activities. The message has not changed and is as follows:

Maintain your distance – 1.5 meters from others (think two big steps);

Wash your hands very frequently with soap and water, and use alcohol-based sanitiser;

Stay home if you are sick; and

If you have any symptoms no matter how mild – go and get tested.

Please abide by current restrictions for anyone who was in the Brisbane area since 2 January 2021. If this applies to you, you are required to have a face mask with you when you leave your home and are required to wear it when you are indoors at places including shopping centres, supermarkets and places of worship until 1.00am Friday 22 January 2021.

To keep up to date with changes or if you have any questions regarding restrictions, please visit www.qld.gov.au/health 

Let’s not undo the good work that you have done so far – Keep it up!

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COUNCIL CONNECTIONS -  13 january 2021