It's Our Business

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Sadly, not many people take an interest in Local Government. It’s a bit like the Melbourne Cup, where once a year the nation comes to a stop. In the case of Local Government, it is when the rates come out and everyone stops in shock at the increase. But, as rate payers, we really should take more of an interest. Because if one thinks about it, we invest a considerable amount of money each year through our rates and for that investment we want a decent return. I think the other mistake we can make is that we don’t see our City as a business, but it is. The City’s budget expenditure for 2015/16 is around $80,000,000 which is a decent amount of money. And for that reason we need the business to perform at its best.

So to be honest, I’m writing this letter to myself. I’ve jumped up and down about Council decisions and about rate rises in the past but what have I achieved? Not a lot. So this is the reason why I am standing for the Tarcoola Ward.

So here’s my spiel. I’m not going to make a lot of promises about things/issues that I have little control over. If elected, I will be one person with one vote. But, what I will promise, is that any of my votes and decisions will be well considered and for the betterment for the majority of the community not just a few. 

Finally, I with the help of a friend, created a Facebook page, ‘Fred for the Tarcoola Community’. If want to ask me any questions or start a discussion please ask to be added as a friend.

Happy Christmas

Fred Block
Written and Authorised by Fred Block
153 Gregory Street Geraldton WA 6530

Nukara Music Festival

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The first round of the next Nukara Music Festival Earlybird Tickets have just been released with most of the acts confirmed for the 11th Nukara Music Festival on Saturday 19thMarch 2016. 

Donna, Phil and James are excited to be bringing to the next Nukara Music Festival some class acts from around the country, Including the amazing Pierce Brothers (who made a huge impression in the West earlier this year supporting Dan Sultan), some wild flamenco from Kallidad that even the meek will be up dancing to, sweet folk/roots with Hussy Hicks, funk/soul from Katie J White and some Americana/blues from the US with Bret Mosley. 

Eleven years and attracting an audience from not only Western Australia but further afield to the far reaches of Australia and many varied countries with people making this unique boutique music festival in the lush bush in the Chapman Valley near Geraldton Western Australia an annual pilgrimage due to the relatively small audience, beautiful setting and great performers from around the globe. 

Tickets are available from Geraldton CD Centre (Ph 0899214821) or online from Ticketbooth https://events.ticketbooth.com.au/event/nukara-music-festival-2016 

More info can be found at their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/nukaramusicfestival/?fref=ts

Midwest fishing report by Tackleworld Country

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WHARF AND MARINA

The Fisherman’s wharf is still producing good numbers of fish with Cod, Bream and Jack still on the bite, there are heaps of Chopper Tailor and Snook as well with the occasional 40+ Pinkies. Angler’s fishing with Deep Divers are pulling out big cod from the rocks, there is also reports of a few big Jacks coming from there as well.

PATRICK WITH A NICE COD TAKEN ON THE X-RAP SPLASH BAIT

PATRICK WITH ANOTHER COD ON THE STRADA DREDGE

JAME WITH HIS FIRST COD ON A LURE THE ZEREK PRAWN DOING THE DAMAGE

ROSNE WITH A NICE LAND BASE BLUE LINE EMPORER

RIVERS

Chapman River is fishing well with Giant Herring and Bream.

Greenough River is fishing well with Bream to 30cm feeding on prawn’sdown river. Schools of Tailor are cruising the river and growing rapidly,Whiting can be found on the flats around the mouth

BEACHES

Beaches are still fishing well with Tailor and Herring running from South Gates,Tarcoola beaches and Drummonds and Buller river.

Whiting and Bone fish have been caught from Sepparations Point, Pages and town beach, Buller River and Corronations. Tawhine to 45cm have been caught from Greenough and Sepparation Point reefs

A few reports of Mulloway coming from Buller River and Coronations 

MITCH WITH A WHITING TAKEN IN FLY


Seasport Charters Kalbarri
Specialising in Jigging, Soft Plastics, Live Baiting & Game Fishing
Quality Shimano Rods & Reels
Tackle & Bait Provided
Long Description
0477901445
Email
seasportcharters@bigpond.com


FISH REPORT WRITTEN BY
CRAIG WISE
20 ANZAC TERRACE GERALDTON WA
08 99216822

City seeks information on mobile phone Black Spots in Geraldton

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Do you live or work in an area of Greater Geraldton where there is limited or no mobile phone coverage? If so, the City wants know about it.

The City of Greater Geraldton is gathering information on the location of black spots to inform a submission it will be a making to Round 2 of the Federal Government’s Regional Mobile Coverage Project.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Shane Van Styn, said identifying where black spots are located is essential to understanding the problem.

“Even though we live in a city, the inadequacy of the mobile phone coverage which includes not being able to make use of smart phones apps such as reading emails is still an issue,” he said.

“I have heard time and time again about black spots in and around the City but before anything can be done about it, the Federal Government needs to know exactly where these black spots are located.”

“To help identify black spot areas the City has developed an online survey and I encourage all Geraldton residents to take five minutes of their time to complete it before it closes on 21 December 2015.”

The survey can be found at www.surveymonkey.com/r/Geroblackspot

Alternatively, residents can also make their own submission before 31 December 2015 by contacting the Department of Communications and the Arts directly at https://www.communications.gov.au/what-we-do/phone/mobile-services-and-coverage/mobile-black-spot-programme/black-spot-nomination-form

Visitor Centre can now save lives!

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City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Shane Van Styn, and Geraldton Pensioner Social Club President, Annie Smith-Townsend, receiving the Automated External Defibrillator from St John Ambulance Regional Manager Mid West, Lynne Hunt.

St John Ambulance Western Australia recently handed over an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Shane Van Styn, which will be housed at the Geraldton Visitor Centre.

The defibrillator was kindly donated to the Visitor Centre by the Geraldton Pensioners Social Club as a need to have more of the machines located in Geraldton was identified.

It will also be listed on the St John Ambulance Community First Responder System (CFRS), which creates a direct link between St John, the triple zero (000) call centre, local communities and organisations.

This direct link enables individuals to provide immediate assistance to cardiac arrest victims in that time critical period before an ambulance arrives – when it matters most. 

St John Ambulance Regional Manager Mid West, Lynne Hunt, said the news of having another defibrillator in Geraldton was wonderful.

“For every minute that a victim is not defibrillated, their chance of survival decreases by 10 per cent,” Ms Hunt said.

”By adding this machine to the St John Ambulance Community First Responder System in Geraldton we are significantly increasing the chance of survival and recovery for people who may enter sudden cardiac arrest.

“In 2014 the Community First Responder System had 871 locations operating across Western Australia and today we have more than 1065 locations, including 615 devices in regional WA.

“Sudden cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of death across Australia. More people die from cardiac arrest annually than from road accidents and it can happen to anyone, of any age, at any time.

“These amazing machines can be used by anyone, regardless of previous training, because they are equipped with simple, easy-to-follow instructions.” 

The Community First Responder program enables bystanders to help save lives when someone suddenly suffers cardiac arrest.

When a person unexpectedly collapses, bystanders can phone 000 and request an ambulance.  The St John Ambulance State Operations Centre checks to see if the location is registered on the Community First Responder System.  The location is then called, the defibrillator retrieved and applied to the patient.

Midwest Fishing report by Tackleworld Geraldton

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WHARF AND MARINA

Marina wharf activity has increased lately with good size mangrove Jack and big Cod around the Wharf rock wall taking deep diving lures with bream and pinkies to 40cm as well Tailor and Snook are busting up bait around the wharf lights at night. The New marina is also fishing well with Diamond Trevally getting caught on lures big cod are also very active With herring and Snook also around

JACK BUY NAME JACK FISH AWSOME CATCH BUD

ROSNE WITH A IMPRESSIVE DIAMOND TREVALLY TAKEN ON A DUO SPEARHEAD

NICE COD TAKEN ON A STRADA 70MM DREDGE DEEP DIVER

BIG COD TAKEN ON LIGHT GEAR WITH THE SAMAKI VIBELICIOUS

RIVERS

Chapman river is still firing with lure angler doing well with Bream to 40cm still getting Released.Giang herring are still providing anglers with some entertaiment

JORDAN WITH A NICE DOUBLE FOR THE DAY WITH HIS 39CM PB BREAM AND A 36ER

IN SHORE

Kayak and Dingy angler have done well with whithing and Bone fish to 40cm coming from Sepporation Point and Drommonds cove, eplosives is holding big Tailor from the white wash, Sambos and amber Jacks have been hanging around the fish farms.

DAVE HOWIE WITH ONE OF TWO BONE FISH CAUGHT ON THE SAMAKI VIBELICIOUS

VIBELICIOUS THUMPER TAIL BONE FISH

AZ WITH A 50CM+ FLATHEAD

TACKLEWORLDS HELLO SUMMER SALE

STARTS 24TH OF NOVEMBER

PLUS WE HAVE HEAPS MORE SAVINGS ON YGK BRAID INSTINT LEADER AND RODS AND REELS

Seasport Charters Kalbarri
Specialising in Jigging, Soft Plastics, Live Baiting & Game Fishing
Quality Shimano Rods & Reels
Tackle & Bait Provided
Long Description
0477901445
Email
seasportcharters@bigpond.com

FISH REPORT WRITTEN BY

CRAIG WISE

20 ANZAC TERRACE GERALDTON WA

08 99216822

City gets grants for Disability services

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Regional Ambassador for of ‘Count Me In’ Chris Kerr looks forward to the new mobility beach access ramp being constructed at Town Beach.

The City of Greater Geraldton is pleased to announce it recently received grant funding from the Disability Services Commission of $50,000 to go towards the construction of a mobility beach access ramp and a further $100,000 for accessible amenities and adult change facilities at Town Beach.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Shane Van Styn, said the timing of the funding announcement coincides perfectly with the City’s celebrations for International Day of People with Disability.

“What a fantastic announcement to be able to make to our community who is celebrating International Day for People with Disability this week with the opening of the art exhibition ‘Creative Waves’ and the launch of a short film ‘Part of the Community’ at the Queens Park Theatre on Thursday, 3 December from 4.30 to 6.30pm,” he said.
The grant funding program, administered by the Western Australian Local Governments Association, will enable the City to undertake capital works related to access and inclusion which were identified as a top priority by the Community Panel in late 2013.
As a result, the City has decided to include access as a top priority for the Multi User Facility and Youth Precinct currently under construction on the Foreshore in the West End.
“The refurbishment of the toilet block behind the Visitor Centre will house a new beach wheel chair and the accessible change rooms will feature a hoist for transfers from one chair to another and an adjustable adult change table,” said Mayor Van Styn.
“The beach wheelchair ramp, which will be built on the western side of the Town Beach groyne across from the basketball half court, has been specifically designed and engineered to counteract erosion of the concrete path.  Adjoining the foreshore promenade, the path will feature stainless steel handrails for users down to the high water mark on the beach.
“The City continually consults with community representatives to improve access in the CBD which also includes strategically located ACROD (Australian Council for Rehabilitation of Disabled) parking in the West End as part of the Multi User Facility project.”

The Francis Street jetty is also being replaced so that people with mobility impairments can fully utilise it.

A beach wheelchair is currently stored at the Two Foreshore Café and is available for hire by contacting the City.

For more information about the beach wheelchair ramp or other City projects visit www.cgg.wa.gov.au or phone the City Council on (08) 9956 6600.

Main street to light up for Christmas!

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Christmas on the Terrace is back for another year with our main street hosting the family fun event. Picture: Richard Rossiter 

Marine Terrace will once again light up with a sea of colour, Christmas lights, retailers, stall holders, activities and festive cheer as Christmas on the Terrace hits our main street for another year.

On Thursday, 10 December from 5-8.30pm, head down to Marine Terrace to enjoy an event that the whole family will love.

You can expect unique markets and stalls, an array of fabulous food, local artworks, aero bungy, bouncy castles, cool inflatables, a variety of musicians including The Comedy Emporium’s piano bike, Perth based funk band Junkadelic, as well as other local singers.

Kids will also be able to write their very own letter to Santa!

The City has been working closely with local retailers to continue to provide an annual family friendly event full of fun and entertainment.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Shane Van Styn, said Christmas on the Terrace had been a popular event in the past and he encouraged the community to come along and support local retailers.

“This is such a great event for the whole community and local retailers put a lot of effort into making Marine Terrace come alive for the festive season,” he said.

“There is so much on offer and there will be something there for everyone so you’ll be able to do all of your Christmas shopping in one night.”

The winner of the City’s #whyilovegero photo competition will also be announced and photos entered into the competition will be projected onto a building on Marine Terrace across the road from the Men’s Shed.

For more information you can visit the City’s online events calendar http://ow.ly/V5TpI and you can also find updates on the City’s Facebook page.

Call for Green Army participants

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Member for Durack Melissa Price is encouraging young people to join the Green Army, joining what is fast becoming the largest-ever team of young Australians supporting environmental action across the country.

“Green Army projects are underway around the country and young people who want to gain valuable skills, training and experience in environmental and conservation fields are encouraged to register their interest,” Ms Price said.

“The Geraldton Carnaby’s Black Cockatoo Propagation/Revegetation Project – Stage 1 will be based at the City of Greater Geraldton Community Nursery, planting native seedlings that will provide habitat and foraging food for the endangered black cockatoo.

“The team will also educate the public that visit the nursery on the importance of planting native seedlings in their backyards and how it can contribute to increasing the Carnaby's populations.

“They will also help with planting activities around the City of Greater Geraldton to improve habitat values for the Carnaby's.

“Planting native flora for the black cockatoo during this project will provide much needed food sources and habitat for this endangered species.”

The Green Army provides young people across the country with a chance to take part in important environmental and conservation activities, while at the same time receiving training and qualifications.

Participation is open to a diverse range of young people, including Indigenous Australians, school leavers, gap year students, graduates and job seekers. Participants must be aged between 17 and 24 years and an Australian citizen or permanent resident.

The Green Army was a key Coalition election commitment, and with more than $700 million committed over four years, the Green Army is one of the Government's major environmental initiatives and encourages practical action to support local environment and heritage conservation projects across Australia, providing training to thousands of young Australians by 2018-2019.

Young Australians interested in joining the Green Army can apply through the appointed Service Providers for each state and territory. Contact details for Service Providers are available from environment.gov.au/green-army

Mark McGowan visits Geraldton to talk jobs

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WA Labor Leader Mark McGowan visited Geraldton last week to talk to the community about Labor’s vision to create jobs.

Mr McGowan said “We are here to put jobs on the agenda.

“We all know that the resources sector is changing, so it’s important to diversify the economy and create new job opportunities for West Australians.

“It should have happened a long time ago but unfortunately Colin Barnett failed to plan for life beyond the resources boom. This is why so many West Australians, including people in Geraldton, are now facing the prospect of unemployment and this is why we should be talking about ways to diversify the economy and create new jobs.

“We’ve already announced important plans to ensure that people and businesses in regional WA benefit from big State Government projects.

“A WA Labor Government will give people in Geraldton a fair go.”

Mr McGowan also said WA Labor’s Priority Start policy would create jobs in Geraldton, by ensuring all big State Government construction projects deliver apprenticeships and traineeships for locals.

 

Drug seizure in Wonthella

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Yesterday Geraldton Police siezed thousands of dollars worth of drugs from a home in Wonthella.

Multiple types of drugs were seized, methamphetamine (est. $30,000 worth), cannabis and cocaine including drug paraphernalia and around $2500 in cash.

A 32 year-old woman was arrested after allegedly being found in possession of the methamphetamine.

"The seizure of the drugs marks a significant crack down of the amount of drugs hitting Geraldton streets," Officer O'Keeffe said. 

Eighth Street power outages for floodlighting project

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The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise there will be power outages on Eighth Street to Towns Football Club, Geraldton Squash Club and Geraldton Hockey Club between the hours of 8.30am and 3pm on Monday 30 November.

The outage is necessary to finalise the installation of the new transformer for the Wonthella Oval Project.

The City and its contractors will endeavour to have the outage time kept to a minimum.

If you have any queries contact the City on 9956 6600.

Solar hybrid powering SKA stargazing

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Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney has welcomed the announcement that State Government had approved regional energy provider Horizon Power to execute a power supply agreement with the CSIRO for the supply of electricity to the observatory.

Site works will soon start on the construction of a diesel-solar hybrid power station that will support the world-leading telescopes at the Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory (MRO).

"This agreement helps deliver the Government's broader commitment for the Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (ASKAP) and Murchison Widefield Array (MWA) radio telescopes, which are precursors to the international Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project," Premier Colin Barnett said.

"The eyes of the world are on Western Australia as the observatory is already producing outstanding scientific results in advance of the SKA."

Dr Nahan said Horizon Power would start site works in January on a two megawatt solar-diesel hybrid station at the observatory, about 315 kilometres north-east of Geraldton, which will provide power for the world-class scientific radioastronomy research facility.

"The project draws on Horizon Power's experience to deliver remote renewable hybrid power solutions and develops a capability that can be leveraged to other projects," he said.

Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said the new power station was supported by a $10 million investment from Royalties for Regions and the partnership with the cutting-edge scientific project would boost the region's profile.

"Royalties for Regions is about strengthening and growing our regions and helping regional communities realise their economic potential through the delivery of projects such as this," Mr Redman said.

A further $5.5 million has been invested by the State Government from consolidated revenue.  

This mother affected by suicide is travelling around Australia raising awareness

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"Jaie's Journey" is searching for an location to hold their Geraldton event. If you can help please click here to contact Susan Gliddon McColl

Jaie Moran tragically took his own life on the 1st of April 2014.
Jaie's mother, Sandra Moran is visiting towns around Australia to help raise awareness of mental health issues and illnesses, provide some relevant information and to discuss the impact of mental illness and suicide on communities and survivors of suicide. 

Sandra is in the process of having Jaie's Journey registered as a 'Not for Profit' organisation so that not only will this ride bring validation and support to people who need it but, along with her family, will endeavour to continue helping people at risk including bereaved families in their times of need.  She knows it will not be an easy task and the challenges will be ongoing, but it is a ask that she will bear and with her, her many supporters.

With assistance from other coordinators they will do their best to keep everybody updated.  

More information, see Sandra's Blog HERE

Friends of Point Moore AGM

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The Friends of Point Moore Incorporated will be holding its AGM on Sunday 13 December at 2pm at the Community Hall in the Belair Lifestyle Village, next to Belair Caravan Park, Marine Terrace, Geraldton.

Parking is available on the road outside the village, disabled parking is provided within the grounds.

This will be followed by ‘Christmas in the Park’ at Coxswains Crescent, Point Moore.

For more information contact Chairman, David Harrington on 0418 942 664.

City urges home renovators and DIYers to be asbestos aware

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The City of Greater Geraldton wants to make people more aware of asbestos.

In a stark message to all home renovators, tradies, handymen and DIYers, the City of Greater Geraldton wants to make people more aware of asbestos as part of Get to Know about Asbestos this November.

Many Australians wrongly believe that only fibro homes contain asbestos. With asbestos products still commonly found in and around brick, weatherboard, clad and fibro homes built or renovated before 1987, it’s vital that homeowners, renovators, tradesmen and handymen are aware of asbestos.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Shane Van Styn, said home renovators and tradies need to be asbestos aware, and learn where asbestos might be found in homes and on properties and how to manage it safely because it’s not worth the risk to themselves or to their families.

“In Geraldton the predominant issue is asbestos sheet fencing, roofs and eaves. With the winds, fences often get damaged and sheets need removing, so it’s important that the entire sheet is taken out and no pieces are left in the ground,” he said.

“Earthmoving contractors also need to be on the lookout as sometimes blocks being cleared can have asbestos buried that could be disturbed and be spread around the property leading to a major contamination issue which is expensive to remediate.”

He encourages people to visitwww.asbestosawareness.com.au to find out more information.

Chair of the Asbestos Education Committee, Peter Dunphy, said asbestos could be anywhere.

“Under floor coverings such as carpets, linoleum and vinyl tiles, behind wall and floor tiles, in cement floors, internal and external walls, ceilings and ceiling space (insulation), eaves, garages, roofs, around hot water pipes, fences, extensions to homes, garages, outdoor toilets, backyard and farm sheds, chook sheds and even dog kennels,” he said.

“No one can tell if a product contains asbestos just by looking at it. Only scientific testing by an accredited National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) can confirm if asbestos is present. If people aren’t sure if a product contains asbestos they should treat it as if it is asbestos and take all the necessary precautions to protect themselves and families.

“However, to be sure if asbestos is in homes, owners can have properties inspected by a licenced removalist or a licensed asbestos assessor to confirm if asbestos products are present,” said Mr Dunphy.

“If in good condition and left undisturbed, asbestos generally doesn’t pose a health risk. Although, with the aging of homes the popularity of DIY, renovating, knock-down-rebuild and with the redevelopment of old fibro home sites, it’s important that anyone working in or around homes or buildings constructed or renovated before 1987 know the dangers of asbestos and how to manage it safely.

“When homes contain asbestos, DIY is not recommended and renovating properties without knowing where asbestos might be located has been likened to playing ‘Renovation Roulette’.

“Don’t play Renovation Roulette! Don’t cut it, don’t drill it, don’t drop it, don’t sand it, don’t saw it, don’t scrape it, don’t scrub it, don’t dismantle it, Don’t tip it, don’t water blast it, don’t demolish it, and whatever you do, don’t dump it!”

I will be nominating for the Tarcoola ward vacancy

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Hello,
My name is Ron Ashplant and I will be nominating for the Tarcoola ward vacancy. This is required because of the recent election of mayor Van Styn, The election will be in January 2016. Both my places of work are located within the Tarcoola Ward.

I work at the Accor Ibis Styles Hotel, and I'm also an Aproved Manager at the Tarcoola Tavern. I have given notification of my intention to nominate for the Tarcoola Ward early, so that any one that lives in the ward are most welcome, and i would encourage them to contact me through my face book page. 

By dropping in to talk to me at the Tarcoola Tavern, or contacting me on 0400215031.
I look forward to being able to assist , and work with and on behalf of the communities that make up the Tarcoola Ward.

 I have developed this Facebook page to provide a platform for ideas to be posted and shared with our City of Greater Geraldton Community. Ideas big and small, ideas that when worked through make our communities a better place to live and prosper. Ideas that look at development of new industries and opportunities that value and expand the current mix of industries that our city as a regional centre provides.

If I have to good fortune to be elected to the City Council again there are a number of things I wish to pursue, which I will share with you all in the near future.

Thank you and please don't hesitate to comment or message me with any ideas or questions you may have.

https://www.facebook.com/ashplantr

Kind Regards,
Ron Ashplant