Council Connections - 8 February 2024

Australia Day Awards Presentation, Official Opening of the Driver Reviver Site and The Buzz on Mosquito Management

Australia Day Awards Presentation

Join us as we come together to celebrate residents who were nominated for the Hinchinbrook Shire Australia Day Awards. 

Date:    Friday 9 February 2024

Time:   6.00pm to 7.00pm  

Where: Hinchinbrook Shire Hall, 25 Lannercost Street Ingham 

Cost:    Free event 

Official Opening of the Driver Reviver Site

The official opening of the Driver Reviver site at the Hinchinbrook Visitor Information Centre took place on Wednesday 24 January 2024 after previously being postponed due to Tropical Cyclone Jasper. 

With over 180 sites nationwide, Driver Reviver plays a crucial role in addressing fatigue related road trauma. 

The Ingham site, run by a team of dedicated volunteers, will provide weary travellers with a much-needed break during their journey. 

As part of the initiative, visitors can stop and enjoy a complimentary cup of Bushell’s tea or coffee, along with a selection of Arnott’s biscuits. 

Driver Reviver site opening hours are Monday to Friday 9.00am – 5.00pm, Saturday and Sunday 9.00am – 4.00pm. 

Council wishes to thank Coles Ingham for sponsoring the Driver Reviver program.

The Buzz on Mosquito Management

Recent heavy rains have led to a surge in mosquito populations across the district.

Council is continuing to execute its systematic mosquito control program on Council land and select Unallocated State Land to help mitigate the annoyance of mosquitoes and prevent the transmission of mosquito borne diseases. 

Council uses best practice chemical control methods that have been developed and approved specifically for mosquito control activities. 

These control methods specifically target mosquito larvae in ponded water bodies and retard the larvae from maturing into adult mosquitoes.

Through Council’s control program, fresh and saltwater sources are treated, including underground drainage infrastructure in built up areas. 

Unfortunately, continuing heavy rains after application reduces the effectiveness of this control method, hence the perception of increased aggravation.

Council does not conduct ‘knock down’ aerial fogging of adult mosquitoes within the Shire, as this method of control is relatively ineffective. 

Although Council is already doing what it can to reduce mosquito populations in urban areas, residents are reminded that under the Public Health Regulation, householders have a responsibility to prevent mosquitoes from breeding on their property.

Simply cleaning up items that hold water or emptying out containers and disposing of palm fronds in and around your house significantly reduces the opportunity for mosquitoes to breed.

Further, it prevents the risk of spreading mosquito borne diseases such as Dengue Fever and various viruses that can affect people’s health.

There are many options for people wanting to protect themselves against mosquitoes, including wearing long, light-coloured clothing, insect repellent, as well as knockdown and residual insecticides that are readily available from suppliers.

Low cost mosquito larvicide pellets (NOMOZ®) are available to purchase for $10 from Council’s Main Office located at 25 Lannercost Street Ingham.

Similar to the commercial products Council employs, NOMOZ® Pellets prevent mosquito larvae from developing into adult mosquitoes for up to six months and can be used in small natural and artificial water bodies around your property.

For further information, please contact Council’s Biosecurity Team. 

February 2024 Mega Movie Weekend

Join us at the JL Kelly Theatre for the February 2024 Mega Movie Weekend:

• Night Swim (M) - 6.30pm Friday 16 February 2024;
• Migration (G) - 10.30am Saturday 17 February 2024;
• The Beekeeper (MA15+) - 2.30pm Saturday 17 February 2024; 
• Mean Girls (PG) - 6.30pm Saturday 17 February 2024; and
• The Boys in the Boat (PG) - 10.30am Sunday 18 February 2024.

Pre-purchase your tickets  from www.hinchinbrooktickets.com.au or simply buy at the door.

Need to print the Council Connections page? Click on the link below for the printable version. 

COUNCIL CONNECTION - 8 FEBRUARY 2024