Important fire break information

Fire Break Notices for the City of Greater Geraldton 2014-2015

It’s that time of year again where the City of Greater Geraldton would like to remind land owners to start looking at preparing their property for the up and coming bush Fire season.

The following Fire Prevention measures are a Minimum Standard Requirement.

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GERALDTON

Small lots (under 0.4ha) - regardless of whether the land is vacant or has a building.

5 October 2014 to 1 May 2015:

• Blocks must have flammable material, mowed or slashed to a maximum height of 7.5cm – ploughing and rotary hoeing are not permitted. • All wattle bush must be removed from block unless application is made to retain wattle prior to September 15 and approved. (See exemptions). • All structures and buildings must have a minimum of 3 metres clearance of all flammable material.

Residential and Special Rural/Rural Residential/Rural Smallholding lots between 0.4 and 5ha

5 October 2014 to 1 May 2015:

• Firebreaks must be mineral earth (bare earth) a minimum of 3 metres wide and have a minimum overhead clearance of 4 metres or have flammable material graded, mowed or slashed to a maximum height of 7.5cm over the entire property (excluding managed vegetation such as ornamental trees, distinct islands of vegetation remote from boundaries and assets). • All structures and buildings must have a minimum of 3 metres clearance of all flammable material.

*Structures include power poles.

Broadacre farming or lots over 5ha

5 October 2014 to 1 May 2015:

• Mineral earth firebreaks installed within 20 metres inside and along the whole external boundary of land held in contiguous ownership up to a maximum of 200ha. • Firebreaks must be a minimum of 3 metres in width and have a minimum overhead clearance of 4 metres. • All structures and buildings must have a minimum of 3 metres clearance of all flammable material. *Structures include power poles. Fuel and/or Gas Depots • Owners or occupiers of land on which any storage container is used to contain liquid fuel or gas, including land on which any ramp or supports are constructed shall have a 5 metre flammable material-free area surrounding the container.

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MULLEWA DISTRICT

RURAL LAND

Owners and Occupiers of lands, other than within a townsite, shall clear of all flammable material firebreaks of at least three (3) metres width as close as practicably possible inside and along the whole of the external boundary of their property or properties.

TOWNSITE LAND

Owners and Occupiers within a townsite shall: (a) Clear of all flammable material the whole of the area where; (i) The area of the land is 2023 square metres or less or, (ii) The land is used for storage of flammable liquids, or (iii) There is a hotel situated thereon. (b) If the area of land exceeds 2023 square metres (half an acre): (i) Clear of all flammable material firebreaks at least two (2) metres wide immediately inside all external boundaries of the land; or (ii) Have the grass mown to a height of not more than 50mm over the whole of the land, except where the land is used for the storage of flammable liquids.

HOMESTEADS, BUILDING, HAYSTACKS, STACKS OF FODDER, BULK FUEL, DRUMS AND LIQUID PETROLEUM

Owners and Occupiers of land shall: During the period from 1st day of October, 2014 to the 31st day of March 2015, inclusive, have firebreaks at least three (3) metres wide in such positions as are necessary to completely surround the perimeter of any homestead, building, fuel installation (including drums), haystack (where such a haystack is situated within 200 metres of any homestead, building, fuel installation) or group of such structures or installations.

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For the full Fire Break Notices please visit the City of Greater Geraldton website.

Send off parade for the Buccs

The City has announced a massive send-off parade for the Suncity Plumping Geraldton Buccaneers by the Mayor to take place this Thursday at 5pm in the CBD.

The parade will involve all of the Buccaneers players, prior to making their way to Perth to play in the SBL Grand Finals.

Organisers want as many Buccaneers supporters as possible to line the streets on Marine Terrace.

City CEO, Ken Diehm, said the City will decorate the street in blue and yellow and work with businesses to make their shop fronts look amazing.

“We want a massive send off for our boys as they represent Geraldton in the Grand Finals. We want it to be a huge send-off,” he said.

“The Buccs will slowly drive down Marine Terrace from Freemasons to the Basketball Court on the Foreshore.”

Buccaneers General Manager, Andrew Horstman, said having this amount of community spirit has helped us win the last two games.

“It has been phenomenal, we never thought this much support would have such a positive effect,” he said.

“The whole campaign has been game changing and we encourage everyone to come to Marine Terrace this Thursday at 5pm to cheer the team on”

The streets will be covered in blue and yellow, Buccs Cheerleaders chanting and an official send-off from the Mayor will be part of the occasion.

Spirit FM will be doing a live broadcast from the basketball courts with pumping music.

The Mayor will present the Best Individual Buccaneer with a cheque for $500 and Best Dressed Business with $750.

For more information contact the City of Greater Geraldton (08) 9956 6600.

Humpback whale in danger spotted entangled in rope off Horrocks

The Department of Parks and Wildlife is urging boaters and beach visitors near Horrocks north of Geraldton to be on the lookout for an entangled humpback whale.

The whale was first sighted north of Kalbarri on Sunday and again late yesterday by a beach fisherman off Lucky Bay. It has since been re-sighted by Parks and Wildlife staff 10km off Horrocks.

Geraldton district manager Rory Chapple said it has a rope entangled around its tail flukes and is towing two large orange buoys.

“It is currently travelling slowly in a southerly direction due to the gear it is carrying and appears to be malnourished,” he said.

“We encourage boaties to report any sightings to the department and refrain from approaching the whale or attempting to free it. A disentanglement team from Parks and Wildlife is in transit to the area and will undertake disentanglement of the ropes if feasible.”

People who see an entangled or beached whale should keep a safe distance from the animals and contact the department’s Wildcare Helpline on 9474 9055.

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Source: http://www.dpaw.wa.gov.au/news/media-statements/item/884-entangled-whale-tracked-off-geraldton-coast

Water supply interruption

As part of the City of Greater Geraldton’s major Karloo-Wandina (Verita Road) Infrastructure project, the Water Corporation and the City will undertake works in Rangeway, Mt Tarcoola and Wandina to improve the water supply network.

It is necessary to relocate some existing water mains at critical road crossings along Verita Road at Columbus Boulevard and Ackland Road. Some shutdowns to water supply tanks in the area are required for relocating these water mains.

This will result in reduced water pressure to homes and businesses in the area however the water may be turned off completely if stored water runs out before completion of the work.

The planned works will start on Wednesday August 27 from 5am to 5pm and at 5am on Thursday September 11 to 11am on Friday September 12.

Residents are requested to keep water usage to a minimum during these times. The City apologises for any inconvenience this may cause.

For any questions relating to the work please contact Moneer Fates, Site and Delivery Manager on 9956 6600 or mobile 0433 453 441.

Water Minister visits Geraldton to discuss odour complaints

Water Minister Mia Davies visited Geraldton on Monday to discuss odour complaints coming from the Utakarra Waste Water Pumping Station. Residents have been complaining for months about the odour and after the Minister's visit yesterday, Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney said the Water Corporation are hopeful that the odour issues can be addressed by October and other issues fully resolved by mid-February, 2015.

Minister Davies was accompanied to the site by senior staff of the Water Corporation and spent Monday afternoon inspecting the site and being briefed on the continuing work being undertaken to resolve the odour issues that have been a concern for local residents.

The Minister met with the City of Greater Geraldton CEO, Ken Diehm and Mayor Ian Carpenter to discuss the new biological odour scrubbers that will be fitted in October and the installation of the new pumps in February.

A meeting was also held with local residents who expressed their concerns and the impact that the continuing problems at the Waste Water Pumping Station was having on their day to day lives.

“A reference group has been formed. This group will receive regular briefings on progress, which I will be happy to facilitate," Mr Blayney said.

Foreshore toilets closed for maintenance

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise that maintenance works will be carried out at the Foreshore “Coral Trout” public toilets and Rest Centre.

Works on the Rest Centre and the public toilets are expected to start on Wednesday August 27 and continue for approximately 14 days.

Public members are advised to use the Stow Gardens public toilets at the south end of the Foreshore and the Rubik’s Cube toilets at the north end.

The City regrets any inconvenience and will endeavour to keep disruptions to a minimum. For more information contact the City of Greater Geraldton on (08) 9956 6600.

Geraldton aims to plant one million trees

The Goodness Festival’s reach is far and wide and the Million Trees project has jumped on board to celebrate all that is good about greening our planet, well, Greater Geraldton at least.

To plant a million trees was the number one community aspiration from World Cafes held by the City of Greater Geraldton in 2010, and the momentum continues apace with more than 130,100 trees planted and accounted for to date.

A mammoth effort has been put in by Midwest Ports who have recently planted 1600 along Marine Terrace near the wharf.

City Coordinator Community Engagement, Janell Kopplhuber, said the City has been helping the community keep count of trees being planted in the city region through an online registration form.

“The City has created a registration form on our website so that anyone who has planted a tree can register it towards the million,” she said.

“We know lots of people plant trees and shrubs all the time, we just haven’t been told about them yet.”

The Million Trees project will have a presence at the Goodness Festival Expo on Saturday August 23, at the Queen Elizabeth II Seniors and Community Centre in Geraldton, where people can register to get involved as every tree planted counts towards the target and can be registered on the ‘make your tree count’ page on the City’s website.

The community has embraced this project and many successful corporate and community planting days have resulted in some interesting statistics and support, including more than 350 people and 900 volunteer hours committed to the goal.

Ms Kopplhuber said volunteers have been across the board from industry, corporate organisations, community and school students.

“It has been a fantastic effort and some of the students were at many of the community tree planting days,” she said.

“The City does revegetation work each year and this year alone volunteers have helped us to plant a total of 4,508 seedling stems along the Chapman River Wildlife Corridor.”

The average amount of seedlings planted per hour was five – fertilised, tree-guarded and watered, all contributing to the tally.

“Volunteers spent an amazing 9000 hours planting seedlings this year and if we were to calculate the value of these hours it amounts to almost $180,000 worth of volunteer time,” said Ms Kopplhuber.

Ms Kopplhuber encourages everyone who plants a seedling, bush or tree to add it to the Million Trees counter and register their interest in attending future volunteer tree plantings by visiting the City’s website or Million Trees Facebook.

More information on the Goodness Sustainability and Innovation Festival which runs from August 15-31 can be found at www.goodness.org.au

Get geared up for the Sunshine Festival parade!

Calling everyone with a sense of fun and community! The Geraldton Greenough Sunshine Festival organisers are urging everyone from individual walkers, clowns, skaters and bike riders to car clubs, sporting groups, businesses, community organisations and those with a motorised mobility scooter to sign up for this year’s Festival Float Parade sponsored by MMG.

MMG representative said “They are once again very pleased to support a long standing tradition in Geraldton to celebrate culture and diversity in the community.”

This year sees the TS Morrow Navy cadets celebrate 50th years and therefore take lead of the 2014 MMG Float Parade.

The Parade will start later in the day this year and follow the same route as past years. The parade is scheduled to commence at 2.30pm Saturday October 4 from the west end of Marine Tce (near the Midwest Ports Office), traveling along Lester Ave, Cathedral Avenue, turning right into Carson Terrace and right into Maitland Park. The 2014 Parade promises to once again be a highlight of this treasured community event.

Sunshine Festival Committee chairperson Julian Canny expects this year’s parade to be better than ever, with a new focus on individual participants as well as traditional float parade entries.

“The streets will come alive with music, dance, colour, laughter and all sorts of hilarious antics as people strut their stuff through the heart of Geraldton,” Julian said.

“We had many great float entries last year and this year we expect even more, as well as more entries from individuals and groups on foot to really add to the carnival atmosphere.

“We’re expecting veteran and vintage vehicles and a mediaeval group of swordsmen and jousters. We’ve also recruited a group of people in electric wheelchairs and gophers who will jazz up their vehicles with riotous decorations, and we’re also encouraging bike riders of all ages to decorate their bikes and take part, as well as people of different cultures in traditional dress, dancers, skateboarders – the possibilities are as big as your imagination.”

Prizes this year are: Best commercial float $500, the best community group float $500 and the best recycled theme float $500, while the individual prizes for best decorated kids bike is a new bike from Revolutions Geraldton and the best decorated gopher prize is $200.00.

Julian said the parade was an excellent way for businesses and community groups to showcase their organisation, and have a blast while they are at it.

“It’s a really fun-filled way of advertising your business or community or sporting group,” Julian said.

“And the more outrageous your entry, the more attention you’ll command.”

Entry fees are $75 for commercial and $50 for NFP/community group and entry for children’s decorated bikes and individually decorated gophers are free.

Completed float parade entry form should be lodged no later than Monday September 15. Entry forms can be downloaded from the website www.sunshinefestival.com.au or by contacting festival coordinators - Event Nation on 08 9964 6088.

40 fun and fascinating activities at Goodness Exhibition this Saturday

More than forty exhibitors and activities will be on show at the FREE Goodness Exhibition on Saturday 23rd August between 10 and 3pm at Queen Elizabeth II Centre on Durlacher St.

The Exhibition aims to make it easy and inspiring for anyone to learn about and use the latest environmental technologies and most beneficial social services. From telescopes to solar panels, bouncy castles to bikes, and green walls to health products…there’s something fascinating and fun for everyone.

In addition to stalls and exhibits, the exhibit will include:

• Door prizes worth thousands of dollars,
• Floor talks and activities on gardening, craft, engineering and technology,
• Kids entertainment,
• Food and drinks for sale.

Mark Canny, exhibition organiser said, “The exhibition is the single most popular event of the Goodness Festival. It’s so popular because it’s free, fun, and the best opportunity to ask questions, see new ideas and technologies first-hand, and to learn from the experts.”

This year exhibitors include:

• Solar, wind and water efficient technology for homes and business
• Eco-friendly cleaning, stationery and kitchen products to buy,
• Electric vehicles and bicycles to view and test,
• Gardening, conservation and cooking displays,
• Recycled furniture and products for home and business,
• Volunteering, mentoring and educational opportunities.

“This is a quite rare opportunity, to learn about and potentially win everything that the socially-responsible consumer and citizen could want, at one event.”

Geraldton’s annual Goodness Festival runs from 15th to 31st of August http://www.goodness.org.au and showcases and celebrates individuals, organisations and projects that are ‘for good’ in our community. Through awards, events, tours and exhibitions there are more than 30 opportunities for people to learn and contribute to environmental sustainability, creative community projects, technological innovations and discussions about ethical and social responsibility.

Other Goodness events across the weekend include a Spring Fair at Leaning Tree Community School, Astronomy Night, Community Garden Bus Tour, Heavenly Hectares Property Planning Course and Frack Free Frolic for Sustainability. All event details are online at http://www.goodness.org.au The major partners behind Goodness include: • National Science Week and Inspiring Australia, • Regional Development Australia Mid West Gascoyne, • City of Greater Geraldton, • Northern Agricultural Catchments Council, • Pollinators Inc.

City launch Disability Campaign

You may have noticed some of the faces around town.

And now they will beam at you from posters strategically positioned in Greater Geraldton to celebrate the City’s Disability Campaign.

The City of Greater Geraldton has teamed up with local service providers to develop a series of posters which reinforce a positive, inclusive attitude across the community. The posters were developed using positive images of local people with disability in locations around the City.

The project was made possible with support of the Mid West Community Living Association, Transition Programs, Disability Services Commission and Durack Institute of Technology.

City Mayor, Ian Carpenter, officially launched the campaign on Wednesday August 2o.

“The campaign both celebrates the human condition as diverse and recognises we are all part of a community which welcomes, supports, values and celebrates diversity and our individual differences,” Mr Carpenter said.

New Telstra mobile site turned on in Geraldton

A new Telstra mobile site has just been turned on in Geraldton and Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney, says the new site will  improve ‘in building’ coverage and increased capacity to important areas of the city.

The new mobile site coverage will provide improved in building coverage and capacity to areas such as Point Moore, Belair Caravan Park near Pages Beach, Durack Institute, the Geraldton wharf and fishing boat harbour plus importantly our two Geraldton hospitals.

Mr Blayney said Telstra Country Wide Area General Manager Tony Carmichael had advised him of the news today straight after the site was turned on.

Central Greenough declared gasfield free

Central Greenough has become the first community in WA to declare itself Gasfield Free in a clear statement to mining companies that fracking and other forms of unconventional gas extraction are not welcome in the area.

Spokesperson for Frack Free Geraldton Jo Franklin, said the declaration followed months of community consultation and doorknocking.

“We knocked on every door in Central Greenough to ask the residents if they would like to declare their road gasfield free. The result was an overwhelming yes with more than 96 per cent of people saying they supported the concept of becoming a Gasfield Free Community,” Ms Franklin said.

“Gasfield Free Communities began in northern NSW two years ago and have since spread virally around the nation with more than 3 million hectares of agricultural land already declared Gasfield Free in NSW alone.

“A Gasfield Free Community declaration means that gas companies do not have a social licence to operate in the area. Communities  around Australia are declaring themselves No Go Zones for gas drilling and exploration.

“Fracking is not safe and is not welcome. Communities like central Greenough are coming together to say “we will protect our land, our water and our future” by locking the gate to frackers and other gas miners.

“What we are witnessing is a mass social movement of ordinary people who are willing to stand up for their rights and the protection of their livelihoods and that of their grandchildren against the invasive march of the gas companies.

“Central Greenough is just the first of many communities in WA who are likely to declare their communities and their precious water resources off limits to fracking.”

Enjoy a guided wildlife walk

Chapman River Friends present guided walks in the Chapman River regional Park.

Walks are adjusted to suit participants and last approx 1.5 hours.

CHILDREN WELCOME!

Meeting places are:

• SPALDING PARK - is the playground area off Chapman Road between the roundabout and the bridge, where the entry sign says "CHAPMAN RIVER REGIONAL PARK".
• FAIRFAX ROAD CARPARK - is in the suburb of Moresby: heading north on North Coast Highway turn R at the roundabout into Chapman Valley Road, then R at Sutcliffe Rd South, R at Longva and R at Fairfax Road.

SAVE THE DATES AND NEW TIME! Tuesday 19th @ 3.30pm Spalding Park Sunday 24th @ 3pm Fairfax Road Carpark Tuesday 26th @ 3.30pm Spalding Park Sunday 31st @ 3pm Spalding Park Wear - bush gear: closed shoes, hats, sunscreen and BYO water bottle.

More information contact Jenna on 0417960737 or visit www.facebook.com/pages/Chapman-River-Friends/1403433019914085

Geraldton Regional Community Education Centre to offer mentoring programs

Geraldton Regional Community Education Centre are pleased to offer “Introduction to Mentoring in the Workplace” training programs, to suit the specific needs of industry in supporting their staff to mentor colleagues, co-workers and trainees in a professional and meaningful way.

The program delivers knowledge, skill and attitude shifts, aligned to the highest quality and national framework standards. In addition it provides a flexible delivery that offers both accredited and non-accredited skills based training options.

Introduction to Mentoring in the Workplace training is meaningful, relevant, and designed to address a range of realistic scenarios faced by organisations wishing to increase individual, team, and organisational performance.

The training sessions can be delivered in a 2 full day program or equivalent, scheduled to allow for flexibility.

The workshops include extensive opportunity for interaction in the group, allowing participants to learn in an informal yet professional way. This will ensure the environment will foster group activity interaction and development of mentoring skills such as providing feedback, communication and interpersonal skills as well as managing the mentoring relationship.

 

Learning Outcomes

Gain an understanding of the issues and frameworks surrounding mentoring Understand and demonstrate practices of effective mentors

Certification

Following successful completion of the accredited version of “Introduction to Mentoring  in the Workplace” training, participants will receive the National Unit of Competency CHCORG627B .

Provide mentoring support to colleagues. 

Participants in the successful completion of the Non Accredited delivery will receive a Certificate of Participation.

To discuss course delivery dates, costs and customisation, call the Mentor Training Co-ordinator on 0428212329 / 08 9921 4477 OR email your interest to chris@transitionprograms.com.au

Minister for Water to visit Geraldton after smell complaints

Minister for Water, Mia Davies MLA, will visit Geraldton and witness first-hand complaints arising from the Waste Water Pumping Station in Utakarra.

The suburb has been experiencing what some have described as a "foul stench" lingering in the area due to the waste water pumping station. Some residents in Wonthella have also complained of the smell.

Minister Davies has indicated her intention to visit Geraldton and the Utakarra Pumping Station on Monday, August 25 to evaluate the issues affecting residents – most significantly the noxious odours emitted from the Pumping station - and the Water Corporation’s response to the matter.

Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney has welcomed the decision by the Minister and said he was pleased that the Minister is responding to his representation of his constituents concerns in relation to the issue.

Clontarf Academy do their bit for the environment

Year 9 students from the Mid West Clontarf Foundation Academy at John Willcock College have done their bit for the environment by picking up rubbish at Medallions Beach.

This was done as part of the Keep Australia Beautiful 'Adopt a Beach' program.

Well done boys!

Public submission invited on draft Public Open Space Strategy

The City has developed a draft Public Open Space Strategy (POS) for the Greater Geraldton urban area, Walkaway and Mullewa and the draft is now open for public comment.

The draft strategy is available for inspection during office hours at the Civic Centre, 63 Cathedral Avenue, Geraldton, Mullewa District Office, corner Padbury and Thomas Streets, Mullewa or an electronic version can be downloaded from the City’s website at www.cgg.wa.gov.au/services/town- planning/public-consultations.

The draft strategy will provide an overarching framework and strategic direction for the future planning and improvement of public open space over the next 20 years and beyond.

The public is invited to send submissions on the Strategy to council@cgg.wa.gov.au. The public submission period closes on September 26 2014.

Amazing footage of Geraldton

Check out this amazing footage of Geraldton taken by Snapaction.

New road coaches for regional passengers

Geraldton and Mid West travellers who use Transwa coach services will be seated in comfort in an entirely new fleet by 2016-17. Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney said this morning that passengers travelling throughout regional Western Australia will ride in style after the State Government committed $16.3million, including $15.1million from the State Government’s Royalties for Regions program, to buy 23 road coaches.

“Transwa’s entire decade-old coach fleet will be replaced over the next three years and will be expanded to have 23 coaches on the State’s roads,” Mr Blayney said.

“Eight new coaches will be bought in 2014-15, eight in 2015-16 and the final seven in 2016-17.”

Mr Blayney said every one of the new five-star Transwa coaches were air-conditioned and outfitted with cold drinking water, toilet with baby change table, and DVD entertainment systems.

He said the existing coaches had already had their operating life extended by several years through an intensive preventive maintenance program.

“These vehicles have more than earned their keep, travelling an average of 1.4million kilometres each since they were purchased,” he said.

“In 2012-13, Transwa’s 144 services per week carried about 210,000 passengers throughout WA covering more than three million kilometres with the average passenger travelling about 310km per trip.”

The Royalties for Regions investment would improve services in regional communities and especially help senior passengers and tourists who were frequent bus users.

The Transwa coaches provide regular transport services to people in the 250 regional communities they travel between and are a vital link for tourists exploring WA.

The new fleet will be compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act 1992, ensuring optimum accessibility for less mobile passengers.

Mayor declares “Dress as a Buccaneer Day”

Dress like a Bucc - A4 poster

After the Buccs epic one point win last weekend the City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Ian Carpenter, today declared next Friday (August 22) as “Dress as a Buccaneer Day” and wants to see the whole City get behind the Buccs with their big game in the semi-finals against Lakeside Lightning this weekend in Perth.

Mayor Carpenter said he wants to see shops decorate their windows, people dressings up as Buccaneers and the team’s colours of blue and yellow light up the town.

“We would like to see Geraldton come alive in a sea of yellow and blue to give the team the community support they need to keep winning,” he said.

“The whole of Geraldton has a great opportunity to help our basketball team go through to the next round.”

Buccaneers General Manager, Andrew Horstman, said the support from the community helped the Buccaneers get over the line last weekend.

“The support was just incredible, there was a sea of yellow and blue and a great energy to help our players secure the Quarter Finals,” he said.

City Chief Executive Officer, Ken Diehm, said big prizes are up for grabs thanks to generous support of the Buccaneers sponsors.

“We have a prize of $500 for best dressed BUCC and $750 for best dressed business,” he said.

“Send in your photos to the Buccaneers Facebook page where the Mayor and a panel of judges will select the winners and will be announced Friday August 29.

“Let’s see the whole of Geraldton get behind the Buccs on the road to victory,” said Mr Diehm.

For more information or to send a photo of your costume or shop front email to enquiries@geraldtonbuccaneers.com.au. Photos can also be submitted to the Geraldton Buccaneers Basketball Club Facebook page.