Jo Predergast for the ABC:
"CBH Group Geraldton Port Zone manager Duncan Gray explains how solar power will reduce the centre's $2 million power bill."
Click here to listen to audio.
Great to see a sustainable approach to reducing energy costs from CBH.
Join a community planting day this June.
A green city has been identified as our community’s top priority and you can help make this vision a reality by taking part in community tree planting days.
The City is urging the community to be a part of the green transformation by joining in tree planting events which will be held in June.
City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the planting days were a result of community consultations.
“In previous public consultations we asked the public what would make Greater Geraldton a better place to live and we found that having a green city was a top priority,” he said.
“We are now asking for people’s help in making this priority a reality by joining in our community tree planting days.”
The first planting day is on Saturday 11 June from 10am-12noon with a free sausage sizzle afterwards and is being hosted by the Chapman River Friends. The planting will be on the corner of Swan Drive and Chapman Road, Sunset. Parking is at Spalding Park, where the group will return afterward for a BBQ.
The second will be at Back Beach on Saturday 18 June from 2pm to 4pm, with a sausage sizzle afterwards. Planting will be in the South Pipe dunes just south of the Surf Club. Parking will be available at the Surf Club.
Everyone is welcome to take part in the Community Planting Day, no gardening experience is necessary. Wear suitable clothes and bring your own gloves, hat, water bottle and hand spade if you have one.
This project is supported by funding through City of Greater Geraldton, the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program and Green Army Program, and the West Australian Government’s State NRM Program.
For more information see the City of Greater Geraldton’s event calendar at www.cgg.wa.gov.au/events or phone the City on 9956 6600.
More than $3.7 million in external funding has been secured by the City of Greater Geraldton to undertake repairs and minor upgrades to 24 rural roads damaged during flooding events last year.
The majority of the repairs will be on unsealed roads spread over an extensive area.
City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the funding from the Western Australia Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements program was significant and helps support the local economy.
“Through this 100 per cent funded program the City has the opportunity to invest millions of dollars of external funds into our rural road network,” he said.
“The repairs and upgrades to 24 rural roads will create a significant economic boost to the region by supporting local contractors who have been appointed to undertake the work.
“Local contractor Central Earthmoving was recently awarded the tender and The City is currently finalising the scope of work for each road with the contractor. Works are expected to begin shortly.”
Geraldton Regional Community Education Centre invites you to a Special General Meeting (Merger of GRCEC with Ngala) for a vote by Financial Members only on Tuesday, 14th June 2016, 5.30pm in the Function Room of Geraldton Regional Community Education Centre.
RSVP to Grady Smith by Monday 6th June 2016 via grady@edcentre.wa.edu.au or (08) 9921 4477.
Stage Two of the Flores Road resurfacing project which will add the final layer of asphalt to the road will begin next week.
Works include lifting storm drainage pits, replacing existing kerbing and laying an additional 50mm of asphalt.
City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the application of the second layer of asphalt will provide an even driving surface for motorists.
“Now that the first layer of asphalt has had time to stabilise cracks that have appeared in the surface over the past two years can be repaired before applying the final layer of asphalt that will smooth out any dips that have developed during the settling of the road,” he said.
Resurfacing works are scheduled to begin on Monday 16 May 2016 and estimated to be completed by the end of June. To minimise disruption during this time southbound traffic will be diverted over Bradford Street while Northbound traffic will still be able to use Flores Road.
The $375,000 project is funded through the Mid West Regional Road Group.
Paul Brown MP and guests aboard the HMAS Perth
Nationals WA Member of Parliament and candidate for the seat of Geraldton Paul Brown MP, was privileged to host members of the Geraldton Returned Service League (RSL), along with Project PAX members and their partners at a VIP luncheon and tour aboard the Royal Australian Navy Frigate HMAS Perth on Friday.
Mr Brown and his guests were taken on a tour of the HMAS Stirling fleet base before boarding the HMAS Perth. The group where shown around the working warship before dining in the ‘Wardroom’ with the Captain and First Officers.
“Not everyone gets to experience a working warship and the day was a fantastic opportunity for everyone that attended.” Mr Brown said.
The VIP luncheon and tour was made possible through a fundraising auction held by the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) with RFDS representatives also taking part in the day.
Mr Brown praised the hospitality of the Captain, Officers and crew of the HMAS Perth, who also provided a wonderful history of the three warships who have been christened HMAS Perth.
The Project PAX members are working to help those from the military and emergency services suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The guests from Geraldton included Don Rolston who is the Warden of the HMAS Sydney II Memorial in Geraldton and Ian Heberle who is the President of the Geraldton RSL.
“It was such an insightful day in so many ways, and I thank my guests for enhancing the experience. Not only through the sharing of their wartime experiences, but also through their ongoing commitment to honouring and helping Australian servicemen and women, past and present.”
An artists rendition of what the Geraldton Ocean Baths might look like https://www.facebook.com/GeraldtonOceanBaths/
A 3D laser light installation and an ocean pool at the Foreshore are two potential attractions to be investigated by tourism specialists to assess their viability for Geraldton.
The City of Greater Geraldton, in partnership with the Mid West Development Commission, are seeking tenders for specialist tourism experts to explore the feasibility of either projects and assess the potential economic tourism benefits, including increased tourist visits, length of overnight stays and local spend.
City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said there was great potential to significantly enhance the region’s profile as a tourism destination, particularly with an iconic attraction such as a 3D laser light installation or an ocean pool.
“The success of the recent Triple J One Night Stand concert demonstrated the effect high value events and attractions can have on our local economy,” Mayor Van Styn explained.
“That event injected an estimated $1.5 million into the community, with local businesses and community groups praising the event for the amazing financial benefits.”
Mayor Van Styn said no decision has been made by Council on either of these projects.
“The prefeasibility study is part of proper due diligence so that the Council can consider the proposals on an informed basis,” the Mayor explained.
He said the two potential attractions were in line with the City’s strategic plan for tourism and would complement the extensive work already done along the Geraldton Foreshore.
“The Geraldton Foreshore has undergone significant redevelopment recently providing an iconic attraction for the local and visiting public,” Mayor Van Styn said.
“An ocean pool could enhance the area and be an additional tourist attraction.”
Mid West Development Commission Chair Murray Criddle said the prefeasibility work for both of these project concepts was essential to determine their economic viability, which will be important if external funding is to be sought.
“Any projects wanting to be considered for Royalties for Regions funding need to be supported by robust economic analysis and this is why these prefeasibility works are vital,” Mr Criddle said.
Mayor Van Styn said cost impacts on delivering and operating both projects will also need to be considered.
“Council are highly focused on delivering quality and cost effective services to the community,” he said.
“Any proposals that have the potential to increase these cost structures must be carefully considered and weighed up in terms of economic benefit they could deliver against increased cost to ratepayers.”
A boundary adjustment which would see Mullewa become part of Chapman Valley has been deemed “too premature” and will not go ahead in the near future.
City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn met with Chapman Valley Shire President John Collingwood and both Council CEOs yesterday to discuss the possible local government boundary change.
Neither council had formally considered the matter and there does not appear to be unwavering support from the community to look at boundary adjustments at this time.
“We have a great relationship with the City of Greater Geraldton and we both agree that any decisions must be made in the best interests of our respective communities,” President Collingwood said.
The City of Greater Geraldton has a current amalgamation agreement with the former Mullewa Shire Council until 2019 which would prevent any changes until that time.
“The City is in the last year of equalising rates between the former Mullewa Shire Council and the former Geraldton-Greenough City Council so it is premature to consider a boundary adjustment at this point in time,” Mayor Van Styn said.
Mullewa Councillors had expressed their opinion, believing a merger with Chapman Valley could create a rural community of interest which could better represent the demographic of their community.
“We were happy to open the dialogue with the City to see if it had merit and while those present at the meeting saw benefit in having local government boundaries more representative of their community of interest, we did not see any merit in moving forward with the proposal at this time,” President Collingwood said.
Yesterday was the first meeting between the local government authorities to discuss the matter, it had not been formally discussed at any official council meetings.
Mayor Van Styn said, “unless there was widespread community support for a boundary adjustment I will not be taking this matter to City of Greater Geraldton Council to consider”.
Law Week is a National event, which is celebrated every year by highlighting the role of the law and the legal profession in the community and our daily lives.
This year, Geraldton Resource Centre Inc.is hosting the “AMAZING RACE – LAW EDITION” event for the second time. The race will take place on Friday 13thMay.
We are inviting 10 teams of 4 to register and participate for amazing prizes throughout the Race. Registration is free and teams can be from a school, workplace, club or just a group of friends or family members.
During the Race teams will receive information about the law and legal and associated services while having to complete challenging activities in order to progress to the next stage of the Race. These challenges will take the teams to various local agencies who work within the legal system. As the teams successfully complete each challenge they will be given clues that will lead them to the next location.
The Race will officially start at 8:30 am at Maitland Park and, after visiting all agencies involved;it will finish at Edith Cowan Square where the Prize Ceremony and a sausage sizzle will take place.
For more information or to register your team you can contact Hester Coetsee at Geraldton Resource Centre on 9938 0600 or hester@grc.asn.au.
The general public is invited to support the teams along the way. Come and have fun with us, cheer your favourite team on, enjoy the event and obtain free legal resources and information about the law and the services that Geraldton Resource Centre and other local agencies provide.
So far, we have received generous support for the running of this event such as The Law Society (WA, Blue City Mediations, the Wintersun Hotel, The Diamond Tree Studio, Nexus Concept Studio, Mick Davies Butchers, Gearing Butchers, Baker’s Delight, The City of Greater Geraldton, Staples, Queens Supa IGA, Geraldton Fruit and Vegetable Supply and invite any other local businesses that would like to provide sponsorship or donations for the event to get in touch with us as soon as possible.
City of Greater Geraldton rangers are alerting drivers that Carpark stations have changed.
Carpark stations within the City of Greater Geraldton have changed to provide an improved user friendly experience and consistency with signage located throughout the State.
City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the City’s parking machines now provide credit card and coin payment options.
“The credit card payment option is an added convenience however as with all technology, there are times when credit card connection to banks is affected preventing the use of credit card facilities,” the Mayor said.
“It is, however advisable to have coins at hand, because it is also a legal requirement to utilise the coin option if the credit card facility is faulty.”
Placing the parking ticket on the dash of the vehicle so it is clearly visible is also a legal requirement allowing the Parking Ranger to easily detect the ticket.
“Paying for parking either within a parking station or ‘on road’ parking has historically been a contention for many people,” said Mayor Van Styn.
“Contrary to what some believe, Parking Rangers do not enforce parking compliance for revenue gain, they monitor parking to assist local businesses with economic gain by ensuring potential customers have fair and regular access to parking bays.
“For example, if vehicles were permitted to park in the Marine Terrace mall with no time limits applicable, the ability for customers to park adjacent and or close to shops would be impacted and in turn negatively affect Geraldton’s economic as a whole.”
If vehicles overstay the permitted time limit, not only does that prohibit other vehicles from accessing parking, it also decreases small business revenue.
The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise it will be undertaking tree maintenance works on Duboulay Street in the West End from Tuesday 10 May to Wednesday 11 May 2016.
Maintenance works include the pruning of 19 of the Western Australian Peppermint Trees and the removal of three trees which have died or are excessively decayed.
Although the City is always reluctant to remove trees as they add to the liveability of the City, in this case the trees pose a serious risk to pedestrians, motorists and homes. New trees will be planted to replace the trees being removed.
During the tree maintenance the Duboulay Street will open for local traffic only. Motorists and pedestrians are requested to exercise caution and obey all warning signs and directions from authorised City personnel and contractors.
The City apologises for any inconvenience these works may cause.
If you have any queries regarding the renewal works please contact Graham Smith Reserves Supervisor on 08 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au.
Nationals WA Member of Parliament Paul Brown MP, is calling on Federal Minister for Human Services, Alan Tudge to remove Geraldton from consideration as a trial site for the Cashless Welfare Card.
I was initially happy to consider the benefits of implementation of a trial and the investment in community services that it might have delivered,” Mr Brown said.
“However, I have been speaking and listening to many advocacy groups from across the Geraldton community. The overwhelming opinion has been that the welfare card is not welcome. There is a feeling that the federal government has not done enough to convince our community of its merits.”
Trial sites in Ceduna, South Australia and in the East Kimberley have already been established by the federal government. Significant investment into these communities has been delivered by the federal government with Ceduna ($1mill) and East Kimberley ($1.7mill) each seeing social, rehabilitation and mental health services being expanded.
“The Geraldton community obviously faces a range of recognised issues such as domestic violence, drug and alcohol addiction and a lack of resources in rehabilitation services,” Mr Brown said.
“As a state government representative of Geraldton I was hopeful that the Human Services Minister would seek to partner with the community and the state government to invest in the services needed to make the trial a success.”
“Unfortunately that has not been the case and I believe there is a lack of understanding at the federal level about the growing concerns of the community, and a lack of commitment to invest in the services that would be impacted if the trial went ahead,” Mr Brown said.
Nationals WA Federal Senate candidate Kado Muir supports Mr Brown’s stance.
“Initially, I too was very supportive of the Cashless Welfare card but after consideration of the potential impact, I feel it is far too early for Geraldton to be a trial site. The Cashless Welfare Card focuses on some of the most vulnerable members of our community and we really need to be sure that we have fully funded and resourced wrap around services to ensure they are supported if things go wrong.” Senate candidate Muir said.
Researchers carefully excavating a burial site at Beacon Island, 2015.Photo courtesy Dr Paul Bourke, ARC Linkage Grant: Shipwrecks of the Roaring Forties
The story of the infamous Batavia shipwreck continues to unfold with new perspectives and discoveries.
Members of the public are invited to join local historian Dr Howard Gray and WA Museum Maritime Archaeology Curator Corioli Souter for an afternoon of back-to-back lectures about the Batavia and recent findings at the Western Australian Museum – Geraldton next week.
WA Museum – Geraldton Regional Manager Catherine Belcher said the lectures are part of the 2016 WA Heritage Festival.
“The WA Heritage Festival theme of ‘Discovery and Rediscoveries’ is a great opportunity to explore new theories and research about the Batavia,” Ms Belcher said.
“Although it was wrecked 387 years ago, interest in this brutal chapter in Western Australia’s maritime history continues to grow. Dr Gray and Ms Souter’s research reveals even more of this incredible story than was previously known.”
The Batavia wrecked on Morning Reef near Beacon Island in the Houtman Abrolhos in June 1629.
Of about 341 people on board, most made it to nearby islands; 196 people died, most during a mutiny among the survivors, including women and children.
During the first lecture, Dr Gray will explore the fascinating journey of the rescue ship Sardam, sent to recover the treasures and survivors of the Batavia wreck.
Ms Souter will present an overview of the Australian Research Council funded project called Shipwrecks of the Roaring Forties: a maritime archaeological reassessment of some of Australia's earliest shipwrecks, with a focus on the 2015 archaeological excavations of the Batavia related sites at Beacon Island.
The lectures will be held on Saturday 14 May in the Museum’s Wedge building and will run from 2pm – 4pm. Entry is free but bookings are essential for each lecture via 9431 8393. Light refreshments will be provided.
Local MLC Darren West has again rejected threats for Geraldton to become the third trial site for the cashless card.
Mr West said both he and Carol Martin, Candidate for Durack, had voiced concern when it became apparent there was widespread community opposition.
“The trial for Geraldton is based on poor assumptions.
“Funds set aside for the cashless card would be better invested in services that actually help people,” Mr West said.
“Ms Price unequivocally stated in her Letter to the Editor, published in the Geraldton Guardian on February 3 “I want to make it very clear that the Turnbull Government will only proceed with the trial with the support of the community.”
On that basis Mr West said he believed that the trial should not go ahead in Geraldton.
“Where is that community support?” Mr West said.
No other community leaders have come out in favour of the trial.
“Neither the Member for Geraldton nor any of our upper house members have come out in support.
“The City is “neutral” despite a 2009 council motion opposing income management in the City. Further, the Mayor has not offered support in an official capacity and even the local Chamber of Commerce and Industry has no formal position.
“Given this, why is the Member for Durack and the Turnbull Government so keen to proceed?”
Mr West said the trial was unlikely to solve the social issues in the community and urged the Government to reinstate services to help those who need them.
“Since the Abbott/Turnbull Government came to power in 2013, services have been slashed in the Mid-West.
“We need to empower our local community. The threat of a cashless card trial does the opposite.”
Everything Geraldton.
NEAR MISS - 3:10pm 6th May 2016
AtT Junction of Brand Highway and Barrett Drive, Tarcoola Beach.
We were travelling south on Brand Highway, when an off white 4WD vehicle came off Barrett Drive turning north on Brand Highway, as another vehicle turned left, off Brand Highway, up Barrett drive.
But then as we were travelling south on Brand Highway, an orange coloured dual cab vehicle -on the STOP SIGN, turned out onto Brand Highway turning RIGHTto go north, as our white car was going south. I was the passenger..All I could see in front of our car -was the orange coloured vehicle...........Oh my!!!
BUT for my husband's quick thinking and driving, as he veered suddenly to his right, we would have hit the orange coloured dual cab vehicle.
Wow!! What a lucky escape for both vehicles. (Hope the driver reads this???)
ThisT-Junction, with Barrett drive has a STOP SIGN...has had a number of accidents at the sight..
Coming from the north, Brand Highway has two lanes. Very close just south of Barrett drive, on Brand Highway the road becomes ONE Lane. Drivers on Barrett Drive STOP SIGN, who want to turn RIGHT to go north on Brand Highway, DO NOT WATCH THE VEHICLES CLOSELY ENOUGH. SOME VEHICLES TURN LEFT UP BARRETT DRIVE, (with flickers on), WHILE OTHERS LIKE OUR VEHICLE , (without flickers on), GO STRAIGHT AHEAD – SOUTH ON BRAND HIGHWAY. We feel very lucky that no accident happened today.
Beryl & Robert of Wandina.
Local MLC Darren West today called on the Barnett Liberal/National Government to honour its commitment to the people of Greater Geraldton to build the acute mental health facility that was promised in 2013.
While Mr West welcomed the Government’s recent announcement to provide much needed funds for the North West, there was no mention of any funding for Geraldton.
“Geraldton and the Mid-West region has again missed out on services and facilities under this Government.
“Despite promises by senior Liberal and National Government Ministers, nothing has yet come to fruition and the Mid West remains without this vital service,” Mr West said.
“This Liberal/National Government promises the world before an election but fails to deliver when in office.”
Mr West said it’s way past time for action and called for real funds to be allocated to mental health in Thursday’s state budget.
Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney has welcomed a new Western Australian Regional Film Fund, which is expected to generate wide-ranging rewards for the regions and the State by drawing more productions to Western Australia.
Multiple film production opportunities would drive job creation through local procurement, skills development and tourism – showcasing regional WA’s extraordinary landscapes, stories and experiences.
Treasurer Mike Nahan said the State Government’s Royalties for Regions program would continue to build a stronger economy by supporting initiatives like the $16 million fund.
“This will encourage strategic investment in film-making in the regions, helping support and grow local economies and contributing to the vibrancy of country communities,” he said.
Culture and the Arts Minister John Day said the fund provided WA with a competitive advantage over other states in attracting productions to shoot in Western Australia.
"The screen industry will welcome the fund as it will attract key national and international players to make content here while maximising the use of local crews and talent," he said.
"ScreenWest will administer the fund, partnering with regional development commissions to market WA’s great locations locally and overseas to attract productions.”
He said the fund sought to extend recent successful partnerships with the screen industry.
“The current production of Breath in Denmark has generated more than 250 local jobs,” Mr Day said. “Jasper Jones recently finished shooting in Pemberton in the South West and Red Dog: True Blue worked alongside the Pilbara Development Commission.”
These images were sent in a couple of days ago.
This is what we were told is the story behind the images:
"One of the boats at the boat pen sunk, something to do with the pontoon it was on. So the pontoon and vessel are being lifted out by crane."
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