Geraldton businessman charged with fraud after stealing clients' credit card details

Police say they have arrested and charged a Geraldton man with multiple counts of fraud. 

The person is a 34 year old Geraldton man. Police say the man is charged with numerous counts of Gains Benefit by Fraud.

Police say he is a local businessman who used client credit card details for his own private use.  

He is due to appear in court later this month. 

A 34 year old Geraldton man has been charged with numerous counts of Gains Benefit by Fraud and is due to appear before the Geraldton Magistrates Court on 8 September 2016.

A person familiar with the matter has spoken with Everything Geraldton regarding the person. They stated that they have had dealings with the accused, and told Everything Geraldton that they had been overcharged by the business in question that the accused is involved with, and was disputing several charges for goods and services that were not supplied.

Water Corp finds large leaks in Tarcoola, Mahoments

LEAK DETECTION SAVES WATER IN GERALDTON

Water Corporation inspected more than 5,900 kilometres of water mains across Western Australia over the past year as part of a Liberal National Government program to detect and repair non-visible leaks.

The overall savings were the equivalent of 1,244 Olympic swimming pools of water each year.

Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney said the program included Tarcoola Beach, Mahomets Flats and Mount Tarcoola where more than 200 million litres of water each year would be saved.

“Detection of non-visible leaks forms an important part of Water Corporation’s water loss management strategy,” Mr Blayney said.

 “Leaks can be difficult to detect on underground pipes, especially in sandy soils. This program uses acoustic technology to detect hidden leaks, which can then be prioritised for repair.

“Workers walk along the pipeline and listen with technology similar to a stethoscope to determine if a non-visible leak is present, then specialist equipment is brought in to pinpoint its location.

“The large leaks detected in Tarcoola Beach, Mahomets Flats and Mount Tarcoola illustrate how this technology can save significant amounts of water.”

Water Corporation manages nearly 34,500 kilometres of water mains across 2.6 million square kilometres of Western Australia.

“When you consider that amount of pipe would cover Australia east to west more than 8.5 times, you realise how large an undertaking it is to detect non-visible leaks,”Mr Blayney said.

Water Corporation will continue its non-visible leak detection program in 2016-17.

Fact File

• More than 5,900kms of water mains inspected for hidden leaks in 2015-16, which saved 2.8 billion litres of water each year. • This included around 4,400kms in the Perth metro area and 1,500kms in regional WA. • Leaks occur in every water supply scheme across the world and are influenced by a number of external factors, such as soil types, nearby construction and tree roots.• Members of the public who see a leak or pipe break can report it to Water Corporation 24/7 by phoning 13 13 75.

My husband nearly died - Letter to the Editor

My husband got extremely ill on the morning of 17th of August at 2am. He started vomiting initially, I thought he had gastro so didn't panic. By lunchtime I was concerned as he wasn't improving.

I got a doctor appointment but on the way to Dr at 3.50 he started to go down hill fast, so I changed direction and took him to Geraldton regional. He was rushed into resuscitation unit and RFDS to Perth where he spent 13 days in ICU, and was placed in an induced coma. His kidneys and body were starting to shut down.

A few days later we were advised he had salmonella poisoning. As no other family members were sick we believe he may have eaten some takeaway or fast food on Tuesday 16th August.

The only reason I am writing this post is the Health department in Midwest are not investigating as they believe it was an isolated case.

If you or any family members had similar symptoms I urge you to go to the doctor to be checked out, you may still have salmonella in your system. My husband is still on dialysis and is in hospital in Perth quite ill.

This was not a simple illness for him as he almost died from this. If anyone has this it can remain in their system for a substantial amount of time.

My husband was lucky I changed direction and headed to the hospital otherwise we would not be having a fathers day. Please, I just want others that may have been ill to see their doctor and get tested.

Anon

Letter to Editor: RE Civic Cenre site for Kmart

With regards to the possible use of the current civic centre site to develop a complex such as K Mart, which would then allow the council to develop its premises within the marina precinct, is in my view stratigicly short sighted, and creates more problems than it solves;

The parking and current road networkwithin the CBD precinct around the Civic Center, is currently under pressure during busy periods.

Add a complex the size such of a K Mart into the mix, only increases the pressure on the road and parking networks that are already under pressure, Currently net alone 5-10 years time.

Stratigicaly, In my view it woul be better for the location of a complex like K Mart to be located at the super works site, A green field site that allows plenty of space for future expansion, together with future parking needs and has the highway road network advantage that a location within the civic precinct does not, and that allows for the correct planning of traffic management requirements from day one the rate revenue from commercial, retail development within the Marina precinct should be maximised as much as possible,It is valuable land, and should not in my opinion be used to locate a local government administration building , which is basically the function of a civic centre, within the precinct, Local Goverment buildings don't pay rates, the rates revenue from development of the Marina/foreshore precinct should , In my opinion, be used towards the financial upkeep of  the amenity and maintenance of these precincts

Thank you .

Ron Ashplant.

City cracks down on illegal off-road activity

Due to destruction of endangered fauna and loss of native wildlife, the City of Greater Geraldton is urging locals to refrain from illegal off-road vehicle activity in the Chapman River Regional Park/Chapman River Corridor.

With a vast array of native species, City Rangers are seeing firsthand the detrimental effect 4WDs and motorbikes are having on the area.

Rangers are also receiving regular complaints from the community regarding constant noise and dust issues caused by vehicles.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said he urged the community to come together to help preserve the Park.

“We are seeing the effects on the area which include fragile soils eroding rapidly from vehicle tyre damage,” he said.

“The City of Greater Geraldton, along with many supporting organisations implement a substantial rehabilitation program each year.

“This year alone, over 10,000 seedlings have been planted in the Chapman River Regional Park and Corridor as well as over $100,000 worth of weed control and we don’t want to see all this time, money and effort wasted due to people partaking in illegal off-road activities.”

A wide variety of land uses exist along the area, with zones set aside for recreational pursuits and large areas of significant remnant vegetation with high a biodiversity value.

A study in 2002 found that 10 species of native mammals, 39 species of reptiles, six species of frogs and 42 species of birds exist within the Corridor.

Over 190 species of flora are present with several varieties on the WA threatened species priority list.

“There is a huge range of native wildlife in the area and we need people to help us look after our environment,” Mayor Van Styn said.

A large amount of restoration work has already taken place with tracks being closed down and rehabilitated, as well as formal emergency vehicle access tracks being resurfaced.

Significant funding has also gone into fencing the Park to prevent unauthorised vehicle access. The next stage of the fencing program will start this year to close any existing gaps.

It is an offence to access the Chapman River Regional Park and Corridor without Local Government authorisation. The offence for this illegal activity may result in a $250 infringement as well as impoundment of the vehicle.    

You can help protect this unique area of bushland by reporting any illegal vehicle activity sightings to the City’s Ranger Services on 9956 6600 or council@cgg.wa.gov.au

RV dumping point installation in Francis Street carpark

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise from Monday 1 August construction works to install an RV dumping Point in the Francis Street carpark will begin.

The works are expected to take approximately eight weeks to complete. During this time the car park, boat and trailer parking and boat ramp will still be accessible with traffic diversions around the works in place. Works are expected to have minimum impact on carpark uses.

The project will bring the City one step closer to receiving ‘RV-Friendly’ accreditation.

The City requests motorists and pedestrians to exercise caution and obey all warning signs and direction from authorised City personnel and contractors.

The City apologises for any inconvenience and will endeavour to keep disruptions to a minimum.

Please direct all enquiries to Jeremy Henderson, Project Supervisor on (08) 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au.

Maintenance works on flood damaged roads

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise it will be undertaking road maintenance works on the following flood damaged roads during the month of August.

As access to driveways may be limited during maintenance, the City encourages residents to park their vehicles outside the work area where possible.

Traffic management will be in place during this time. Motorists and pedestrians are advised to exercise caution and obey all warning signs and directions from authorised City personnel and contractors.

If you have any queries regarding this work please contact Moneer Fates, Project Manager on 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au

Value of building approvals near record high

Commercial and residential construction underway in the City.
 

Building approvals have reached a near record high in value with more than $128 million in building applications and planning applications worth over $110 million being approved in the last 12 months.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said although the number of town planning applications had decreased slightly their estimated value had risen considerably.

“These numbers show that the Geraldton economy is holding steady and back on the path to growth,” he said.

To ensure the demands of the development and construction industry are met the City continues to provide a quick turn around on applications. On average, a building permit takes six working days and a planning application 10 working days to approve.

“By assessing applications quickly the City is able to support the construction industry which is keeping the City’s economy moving in a positive direction,” Mayor Van Styn said.

Building projects that received approval in the last twelve months include $62 million for new residential dwellings and $30 million for commercial applications.

Hurry! Join the Camino Geraldton – Walk or Cycle 27-28 August 2016

By popular demand the Camino San Francisco 2016 can now be walked, as well as cycled.

Fr Robert Cross (Chair, Camino Organising Committee) said ‘due to the distance involved we had originally planned a cycling event. However, after numerous requests from the public, the organisers are now offering participants the opportunity to either cycle or walk from St James Church at Kojarena to Geraldton over a two-day period’.

The Camino San Francisco is planned for the weekend of 27-28 August 2016, the height of our wildflower season.

According to Fr Robert, this year is of special significance as it marks the centenary of the laying of the foundation stone for the St Francis Xavier Cathedral, Geraldton.

On the Saturday 27 August, the Camino participants will be transported by bus to St James’ Church Kojarena. Fr Robert said ‘Don’t worry we will transport your bicycles from Geraldton to Kojarena. If you don’t have a bicycle, we know where you can hire a mountain bike for the weekend, that is if you want to cycle!’

The Camino participants will depart St James Kojarena for Ellendale Pool where lunch will be served and a chance to have a short rest before heading for Walkaway.

Fr Robert said ‘This scenic route should be stunning with maturing crops, wildflowers and a quiet time for reflection’.

Participants will be provided dinner and overnight accommodation at Walkaway Polocrosse Hall.

The next morning participants will cycle or walk to the Greenough Hamlet Café for breakfast.

Participants will then commence their journey to Geraldton via the Walk Trail at Cape Burney where lunch will be served. After lunch participants will travel to The Hermitage (built by and the residence of Monsignor John Hawes), with the final destination being St Francis Xavier Cathedral.

Bishop Justin Bianchini will welcome the Camino group at the Cathedral where the penultimate Camino action will be the walking of the newly installed Cathedral Labyrinth.

You are invited to join the Camino San Francisco and learn more about the early history of the Greater Geraldton area.

This is a fully catered event and places are limited. Please register at http://www.geraldtondiocese.org.au/heritage/camino-walk

Geraldton Problem Solvers Awarded at GovHack

Hackers in action at GovHack over the weekend.  

Geraldton problems solvers proved themselves as among the best in the state last weekend as they turned their minds to creating innovative new ways of using government data, as part of the Australian and New Zealand-wide GovHack competition.

One of these teams placed second in its category across the entire state, while a Geraldton mentor, Paul Dowling, won the WA Spirit of GovHack Award.

The GovHack event kicked off at Pollinators’ CityHive on Friday when event organisers released a wide range of data that teams could use to interpret or present in whichever way they could imagine.

Data ranged from natural phenomenon such as rainfall and temperatures to business insolvency statics and population numbers.

With ideas flying around the room, the attendees eventually formed two teams who sought to tackle two vastly different topics.

One team compared data on the numbers of international migrants to regional centres, with the regions' economic growth.

The other developed a prototype for an app that would measure the distances between travel destinations and provide information on the services and rest stops along the way.

The submitted projects were considered by a team judges in Perth, along with entries from across the state, and the app prototype was awarded second place in the Main Roads GovHack Keep Western Australia Moving category.

GovHack facilitator Summer Pirrottina said it was incredible to witness the magic of collaboration in action. “It was amazing to see what a small group of people, who didn’t even know each other before, could create in terms of worthwhile projects,” Ms Pirrottina said.

“They created projects that interpreted dry data and made them into something useful. 

“The migration project disproved the notion that migrants steal jobs by showing that our economy in fact grew with an increase in migrant numbers.

“And the road safety app showed how information can be interpreted to provide practical and useful information to help keep drivers safe.”

View the project submissions here, https://youtu.be/9IGY94WQLZI and https://vimeo.com/176916509.

GovHack Geraldton is supported by Mid West Development Commission, through its Innovation Agenda and commitment to growing a Culture of Innovation, as well as the Mid West's science engagement group Scinapse, Northern Agricultural Catchments Council, Pollinators and GovHack. 

Night of opulence, emotion and celebration in Kalbarri

Kalbarri Zest Festival organisers are promising a night of opulence, emotion and celebration atthe festival’s Opening Night Pleasure Garden at Rainbow Jungle on Friday September 16.

Guests will wear Venetian-carnival-style masks and adorn themselves in ornate Baroque attire as they mingle, dine and sip sparkling wine while listening to the classical music of the Perth Symphony Orchestra String Quartet and the choral music of the Giovanni Consort.

Amid enchanting lighting and sumptuously decorated surrounds, attendees will enjoy canapes, and sparkling wine before indulging in a standing gourmet main meal and desert.

Zest Festival director Rebecca Millar said the Opening Night Pleasure Garden would provide Kalbarri residents and visitors with the excuse to frock up and indulge in life’s finer pleasures.

“This year’s Zest Festival is all about celebrating history and community -  it will be filled with many emotions as we reflect on the past five years and express gratitude to all who have made the Zest Festival a success, especially our major partner the ARC Centre for the History of Emotions,” Ms Millar said.

“It will be a magical evening of cultured activity and stunning music held in enchanting surrounds thanks to the generous support of the Embassy for the Kingdom of the Netherlands.”

Ms Millar said Zest Fest organisers were particularly excited to have secured performances from the Perth Symphony Orchestra and the Giovanni Consort, made possible by the State Government through Tourism WA’s Regional Events Scheme (throughRoyalties for Regions), Mid West Development Commission Community Chest Fund, the Department of Culture and the Arts Regional and Remote Touring Fund and Lotterywest. This much appreciated support shows how important cultural events are in regional WA.

“To have music of such class and distinction here in Kalbarri is a real coup,” Ms Millar said.

“The festival is all about bringing the arts and cultural experiences to us in the country and what better way of doing this than bringing such beautiful classical music to Kalbarri.”

Voyager Estate Winery has produced a sparkling chenin blanc especially for this year’s finale Zest Festival, a glass of which will be provided on arrival at the Opening Night.

A licensed bar area will also be available.Tickets costs $80 and are available at www.zestfest.com.au.

This year’s Zest Festival celebrations are the last in a five-year festival which commemorates the 300th anniversary of the sinking of the Dutch East Indies trading ship the Zuytdorp, on the cliffs north of Kalbarri. The festival is also part of a year-long celebration of the 400-year anniversary of Dirk Hartog’s landing in Shark Bay.

The weekend will also include a kaleidoscope of other cultural activity, including music, dance, art and games.

Keep abreast of plans by checking the website www.zestfest.com.au and on Facebook www.facebook.com/KalbarriZestFestival.

Kick Start your way to better health

University of Notre Dame Physiotherapy student Caitlin Cocks assisting Fay Prunster in the WACRH Kick Start Program.

Members of the community are invited to participate in an eight week supervised health and exercise program.

The WA Centre of Rural Health (WACRH) Kick Start program is for Geraldton residents who are currently not exercising due to ongoing chronic health issues and who would benefit from structured exercise program in a safe environment.

WACRH health science students on rural clinical placements run the program with clinical supervisors.

Kick Start participants complete a comprehensive assessment that includes a case history, health assessment and personal goal setting. Physiotherapy students work with Kick Start participants in the WACRH gym over a period of eight weeks.

The WACRH Director Sandra Thompson said the program provides participants with a ‘kickstart’ to better health and wellbeing in a supported environment.

‘Whilst services like this exist elsewhere, there is no cost charged for Kick Start. So people who may not normally access this type of service due to affordability can benefit from the professional assistance,’ Professor Thompson said.

Local resident Fay Prunster was recommended the program by her GP.

‘I started going to Kick Start to regain fitness and balance and both of these have improved immeasurably since I started,’ Ms Prunster said.

To register your interest in participating in the program, see your GP for a referral or contact Marjorie Collett at the WACRH on 9956 0210.

Census critical for funding

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn with Census WA Director David Waymouth.

By filling out your Census form on 9 August you are ensuring that the populations of Greater Geraldton and the Midwest region are represented properly and therefore are eligible for crucial community services.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn is sending a strong message to the local community and said population numbers were fundamental in getting funding for key projects.

“We all want the absolute best services for our community and every day I have feedback from locals about getting improved services for health, education and policing,” he said.

“An accurate snapshot of our population will determine government funding for big projects such as our proposed hospital expansion and services including higher Police numbers.”

The information provided in the Census estimates the population, which is used to distribute government funds and plan services for your community – housing, transport, education, industry, hospitals and the environment.

“This count needs to be as accurate as possible and that’s where our community need to do their part,” Mayor Van Styn said.

“The numbers that are collected are also used by investors and large national retailers which could mean some big wins for Greater Geraldton in the near future. 

“It is absolutely imperative that everyone gets on board and fills out their Census,” he added.

“Don’t risk our funding cuts, stand up and be counted.”

As part of Census 2016 the City is hosting a series of hubs throughout the region to help people who may need assistance in filling out their forms.

The Census hubs will be set up in four locations including the CBD, Spalding, Rangeway and Mullewa.

Head to www.cgg.wa.gov.au for full information.

City hosts Census hubs

This year the City of Greater Geraldton is making it easier for residents to complete their Census by holding hubs to help people fill out their forms. 

On 9 and 10 August there will be hubs in the CBD, Spalding, Rangeway and Mullewa. Each hub will allow members of the public access to a computer, as well as volunteers who will be available to offer assistance. 

In addition to providing assistance with Census, select hubs will also be providing free food and entertainment. 

“We are making it easier for locals to complete their census by setting up four hubs so if you need assistance to complete your form, simply bring your Census letter with you to a hub and our volunteers will help you out,” City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said. 

“Census are encouraging people to fill out their forms online and some people might not have access to a computer or the internet, and some people may just need help with filling out their form, so we are providing people with those resources.” 

People in the Greater Geraldton district will receive a letter in the mail with a special code for them to go online and fill out the form. Those who would like a hard copy can request one. 

Residents in Mullewa will receive a hard-copy form. 

Mayor Van Styn is urging all local residents to take part in the Census to ensure that the populations of Greater Geraldton and the Midwest region are represented properly and therefore are eligible for crucial community services. 

“Some members of the community have been put off participating in Census in previous years because of unfounded fears that their information will be passed around,” he said. 

“I have been assured that this is not the case – personal information that is collected during the Census is not shared with other Government agencies.”

Those wishing to take advantage of a Census hub will need to be able to produce their special Census letter, which started arriving at households from 1 August 2016. 

You can find more information about the Census their website at http://ow.ly/p0rp302Gk2c and for more information about the local hubs head to the City website at www.cgg.wa.gov.au 

Do you have what it takes to be a 2017 Fringe World Artist?

Do you have what it takes to join the internationally renowned artist’s and explosive act’s taking stage at Fringe World 2017?

Geraldton’s regional Fringe World hub ‘Funtavia’ is now seeking expressions of interest from Mid West artist’s with unique and creative acts to join the Funtavia assemblage.

This is a fantastic opportunity for local artist’s to preform alongside the outstanding national and international Fringe World acts, whilst receiving hints and tips about the worldwide stage!

Geraldton’s regional Fringe World hub ‘Funtavia’ will once again be brought to Geraldton by local event management company Event Nation and local arts production enterprise The Comedy Emporium.

“We are looking for expressions of interest from local artist or performers with original and unique acts that are keen on performing at the festival’ said The Comedy Emporium Ringleader Julian Canny.

“Three artist slots are available with additional opportunities to feature in other aspects of programming also” he said.

Along with programming allocation in Funtavia, local artist will also be provide with opportunities to present their work at various Fringe World locations in WA.

Funtavia is set to return on Thursday 9th to Saturday 11th February for 3-nights of specular entertainment tucked away in Geraldton’s Vibrant West End.

“The festival contributes greatly to the city’s lifestyle and vibrancy and providing unprecedented opportunities for local artists,” said Event Nation Director Jody Reilly.

For more information or to express your interest please contact Julian Canny on 0458306111 or email laugh@thecomedyemporium.com

Free Hearing Checks for over 18’s

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 18 years and over have the opportunity to have free hearing checks when the Australian Hearing bus visits Geraldton Regional Aboriginal Medical Service (GRAMS) on August 18 from 9am to 2pm.

Australian Hearing will provide hearing awareness advice, measure people’s hearing and provide steps on the different options available if a patient’s hearing is suffering.

GRAMS chief executive Deborah Woods said, because hearing loss often occurred gradually with age, many people were unaware their hearing was diminishing.

“We’d encourage anyone concerned about their hearing, or those whose family complain about their hearing, to take advantage of this opportunity for a free hearing check,” Ms Woods said.

“It’s a great chance to find out how your hearing measures up – and learn what steps you can take if you’re having hearing problems.”

As well as having a hearing check, visitors to the bus can find information on a range of common hearing issues and view a display of easy-to-use hearing devices for around the home. This includes headsets for watching the TV and alert systems for doorbells.

Australian Hearing Geraldton manager Julie Faulkner said hearing loss was a prevalent issue in the community, with around 60 per cent of Australians over 60 suffering from some form of hearing loss.

“Not everyone who is experiencing problems hearing needs a hearing aid,” Ms Faulkner said.

“Sometimes it’s just hearing the TV at normal volumes, hearing your doorbell, or hearing your friends on the phone that’s the problem.”

Bookings can be made at GRAMS clinic or by calling 9956 6555. 

Community called to register plantings for Million Trees project

Seedlings recently planted along the Chapman River.

With less than 13 years to go till 2029 the call is out for people to help green the City and register trees and shrubs they’ve planted towards the Million Trees project.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said more than 150,000 trees and shrubs have been planted by the community, business and industry since the project began in 2012.

“The community’s top priority of greening the City is well underway and the City is playing a pivotal role in helping the community reach its goal of planting a million trees by 2029,” he said.

“Every year City staff plant trees and shrubs in parks, on verges and on the coast.  We also organise a number of annual community and corporate tree planting days that help revegetate areas along the Chapman and Greenough rivers.

“All of these plantings have been counted towards the Million Trees project.

“We also grow local providence seedlings in our Community Nursery which are planted by community groups, business and industry throughout the City region.  This year alone more than 30,000 seedlings were produced and planted locally.

“Finally, and most importantly, we manage the Million Trees Register so we can keep count of all the trees or shrubs being planted across the City region,” said Mayor Van Styn.

“Although a million trees may seem like a big number I know if everyone continues to plant trees and registers them to make them count we can achieve this goal together.”

If you would like more information on the Million Trees project or to register trees or shrubs you’ve planted in the past four years visit the City Website www.cgg.wa.gov.au

Royalties funding allows Bundiyarra to develop tourism experience

Regional Development Minister, Terry Redman, leaves his mark with local children at a family fun day at Bundiyarra last month, ably aided by Nationals Member for the Agricultural Region, Paul Brown, right.

A unique Aboriginal tourism experience will soon be offered in Geraldton.

Bundiyarra Aboriginal Community Aboriginal Corporation (Bundiyarra) is about to reap the reward of community consultation, strategic planning and solid hard work that has resulted in more than $270,000 in funding through the Liberal National Government’s Regional Grants Scheme.

Regional Development Minister, Terry Redman, announced the funding on July 27. The Regional Grants Scheme is designed to improve and develop infrastructure and services in the regions, through the Royalties for Regions program for community, public and not-forprofit organisations.

Mr Redman said the funding of $272,000 has been awarded to Bundiyarra to help the corporation develop an urban Aboriginal tourism venture.

Bundiyarra CEO, Marchelle Retallack, said the Bundiyarra Board is thrilled with the funding and it allows the corporation to realise a long-held aspiration to expand and be more self-sufficient while offering a unique experience to tourists.

“The Board and staff have worked hard alongside community to make this happen and now we will be able to progress our plans to develop the grounds and offer a unique cultural centre for greater community and a tourism experience around the dreaming tracks on the Reserve,” she said.

“This funding is the icing on the cake; we have been successful in all funding applications submitted this year allowing Bundiyarra to develop a community garden, created by an enthusiastic team of participants through the Work for the Dole Scheme.

“We also received funding through the WA Waste Authority for recycling to avoid creating waste by including natural recycling methods which will make the community garden a stand out. In total we have received $672,000 for the development of a Cultural Centre,” said Ms Retallack.

The Bundiyarra Environmental Health Services Team also received funding through the WA Department of Health to continue for a further four years. This service is vital to the greater community in educating residents in hygiene and keeping their homes pest free.

The Bundiyarra Irra Wangga Language Centre has been equally successful with receiving funding for a further four years through the Australian Government – Department of Communications and the Arts.

“However, this Royalties for Regions funding will allow us to really power ahead with our development and start to build some of the infrastructure that has been designed by community and local architects Eastman Poletti Sherwood,” Ms Retallack said.

A big day is planned at Bundiyarra on August 11 to celebrate the Royalties for Regions funding.

$551,000 for WA coastal projects

Communities across Western Australia will share in $551,000 for strategic coastal planning and to undertake projects that improve the condition and amenity of the State’s coastline.

Planning Minister Donna Faragher recently announced the 23 successful projects to receive funding under the latest round of the State Government’s 2016-17 Coastwest and Coastal Management Plan Assistance program.

Member for Geraldton, Ian Blayney MLA, welcomed the recent announcement and said that local projects- including CapeBurney to Drummond Cove Adaptation Planning,would ensure the community has safer access to our highly-valued coastline and demonstrates the State Government’s commitment to good coastal planning and on-ground management.

Funding is provided to the City of Greater Geraldton to undertake a Coastal Hazard Risk Management and Adaptation Plan (CHRMAP) in accordance with the Western Australian Planning Commission’s CHRMAP Guidelines. It will include community forums and concentrate on identification and assessment of adaptation options and implementation planning for the whole coastline of the City of Greater Geraldton area, including Drummond Cove, Beresford Beach and Southgate Dunes.

Ian Blayney said the State Government’s commitment was shared by many people with most projects being led by local governments and involving coastal community volunteers and groups.

The latest funding allocations support the Western Australian Planning Commission’s State Coastal Planning Policy, which guides land use and development along Western Australia’s coast.

For more information about projects in your area visit www.planning.wa.gov.au. 

Changes to opening hours and pool modifications at Aquarena

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise changes to pool modifications and the opening hours and at the Aquarena during winter.

The leisure pool will be closed from Monday 18 July to Sunday 11 September. The multipurpose pool (lapping pool) and hydrotherapy are still in operation as normal.

Winter hours:

• Monday to Friday – 5.30am to 7pm
• Weekends – 9am to 2pm

For more information, contact the Aquarena on 9956 6906 or email aquarena@cgg.wa.gov.au