This intersection is deadly

To be clear, if drivers never made mistakes there'd be no accidents here.  

But they don't. Humans make mistakes. Our brains make our bodies do dumb things. Whatever. There's no point trying to make 10,000 drivers magically get better at driving. This intersection needs fixing.

I'm talking about the North West Coastal Highway and Hosken St intersection in Bluff Point.   

As I cruised North along NWCH last night, a truck next to me in the left lane turned left into Hosken. A black commodore turning right out of Hosken St decided to pull onto the NWCH despite not having superpowers that allowed them to see through trucks. 

I nearly T boned them.  

The worst thing is this isn't the first time this has happened to me there.  

I probably avoided the accident because I was wary that some idiot would pull out.

And running Everything Geraldton for the last 4 years I've reported way too many car accidents at this intersection for my liking. 

To Ian Blayney and Dean Nalder - Please get this intersection improved ASAP. 

In the mean time, if you can't see if the road is clear, for the love of God don't pull out.  

DUI- Four times over the limit

From the Geraldton Police: 

This is not how to park your car. One male charged with DUI.

4 times over the limit and a repair bill. 

Refurbished Mullewa Youth Centre reopens

Shane Love MLA for Moore and Mayor Shane Van Styn officially open the Mullewa Youth Centre.

The popular Mullewa Youth Centre has officially reopened its doors after being closed for four months to allow for an extensive refurbishment of the building and make improvements to the surrounding precinct. 

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the long list of much needed works wouldn’t have been possible to complete without support from Lotterywest. 

“The City’s project budget focused on the building itself and included upgrades to internal and external walls, roof and gutters and the existing toilets along with the installation of new flooring, air conditioning, kitchen cabinets, doors, windows, security screens and disabled access and an ambulant toilet,” he said.

 “Thanks to a Lotterywest grant we were also able to make much needed improvements to the grounds and facilities surrounding the Youth Centre including the installation of mini AFL goals, fencing and reticulation along with resurfacing of the basketball court, replacement of skate park shade shelters and seating, skate park upgrades and landscaping.”

According to Mayor Van Styn, the refurbishment of the highly frequented Centre was the community’s top priority. 

“Last year there were more than 7500 individual visits by young people from Mullewa as well as the surrounding areas of Yalgoo and Pia Wadjari,” he said. 

“The Centre is open 35 hours a week after school and on Saturdays but during the four school holiday periods the Centre is open 48 hours per week to provide important diversionary activities for youth. 

“Which is why the refurbishment of the Centre was identified as the number one priority for Mullewa in the 10 Year Capital Works Plan Community Panel in 2013.” 

The Centre, which is largely funded by the Department for Child Protection and Family Services, offers a variety of recreational and sporting activities and a range of programs around music, healthy cooking, basketball including the Dismantle Bike and School Holiday programs.

The $326,709 project was jointly funded with Lotterywest contributing $176,709 and the City $150,000.

Rough medicine on the high seas

A burial at sea. The Illustrated London News, November 1880
Courtesy State Library of Victoria

Rough Medicine: Life and Death in the Age of Sail will open at the Western Australian Museum – Geraldton on Saturday, 10 September 2016.

WA Museum CEO Alec Coles said the exhibition explores the fascinating history of how illness impacted upon and even shaped early sea voyages from the 17th Century until the advent of the steamship in the late 19th Century.

“Sickness could render a voyage anything from uncomfortable to horrific, or even fatal. Disease spread rapidly in cramped quarters, drinking water was often polluted, food perished and new climates brought new ailments from heatstroke to malaria with few escaping a visit to the ship’s surgeon,” Mr Coles said.

An eye-watering array of surgical instruments features in this absorbing and sometimes confronting exhibition. Ship surgeons carried an array of instruments including saws to amputate limbs, a procedure that only one in three people survived; a cork-screw like trephine to remove sections of skull; tooth keys to break off teeth at their roots; and it was recommended that every ship carried a jar of at least 50 leeches to bleed patients and rebalance the ‘humours’. 

Mr Coles said until ether was trialled in 1846, operations were conducted without anaesthetic and the surgeon’s most prized skill was speed. 

Rough Medicine: Life and Death in the Age of Sail explores immigrant voyages that are part of the histories of thousands of Australians.

The exhibition brings together an extraordinary collection that includes passengers’ letters and diaries, surgeons’ journals and artefacts including bone syringes used to inject mercury, surgical kits, and even jars of parasites and leeches.

South Australian Maritime Museum Senior Curator Lindl Lawton will present a free public lecture, From ‘laudable pus’ to the bloody flux…surviving the age of sail, at the WA Museum – Geraldton from 7pm – 8pm on Friday, 9 September. Those attending will have the opportunity to see a special preview of the exhibition from 6.30pm.

WA Museum – Geraldton Regional Manager Catherine Belcher said places are limited and bookings via 9431 8393 or geraldton.museum@museum.wa.gov.au are essential. 

“This unique opportunity to understand more about life at sea through the focus on ship-borne illness and medical treatments will be an excellent way to begin the exhibition’s time in Geraldton and is sure to book out,” Ms Belcher said.

Rough Medicine is developed, designed and toured by the South Australian Maritime Museum. This free travelling exhibition is supported by Visions Australia and will be on display at the WA Museum – Geraldton until 20 November 2016.

http://museum.wa.gov.au/museums/geraldton/rough-medicine

Funding for community gardens

Nationals WA Member of Parliament and candidate for the seat of Geraldton, Paul Brown MP has welcomed the latest round of funding through the State Government’s Community Gardens Grants Program (CGGP). Funding for community gardens had been extended to 2019-20, which provides $100,000 per year for the establishment and maintenance of community gardens.

"Community gardens are often a central hub of local communities," Mr Brown said.

"They are not just for the green-fingered. They provide people of all generations an area to come together, share a cuppa and their love of the great Western Australian outdoors.

“As well as enabling people to learn about gardening, community gardens can build a greater understanding and a sense of community between neighbours, parents, young people and people from diverse backgrounds.”

Since the introduction of the grants program by the State Government in 2013, 37 projects totalling $464,853 have been funded across Western Australia.

“I am pleased the State Government has made a further commitment to fund the CGGP because community gardens foster community spirit and a sense of stewardship, particularly in regional WA,” Mr Brown said.

“I encourage our local Geraldton community gardens enthusiasts to apply.”

Brand Highway drivers targeted at litter hotspots to keep WA beautiful

Motorists who litter along the Brand Highway are the target of a new campaign to reduce rubbish on roadsides and change long-term litter behaviour to keep the environment clean.

Nationals WA Member of Parliament and candidate for the seat of Geraldton, Paul Brown MP said the State Government had launched the Regional Roadside Litter Prevention Project along three litter hot spots – the Brand Highway, the Great Eastern Highway and the Forrest Highway.

Roadhouses on the Brand Highway that have committed to be a part of the trial are:  

• Gingers Roadhouse Upper Swan
• Caltex Cataby
• Liberty Cataby
• BP Dongara
• Puma Tarcoola Geraldton
• Gull 440 Geraldton

The project is supported by the Keep Australia Beautiful Council (WA) and Main Roads WA, and will run until the end of December.

The project is centred on the “WA Naturally Thanks You” message and will encourage people to do the right thing with their rubbish by promoting a sense of personal responsibility.

As part of the project, informative signage will appear on the roadside and at rest stop bins along the Brand Highway. Complimentary litter bags will also be available at these six roadhouses. The Keep Australia Beautiful Council will also survey drivers at the roadhouses on their reactions to littering.

Based on the results of this trial, the State Government will consider extending the project to other areas of high littering in Western Australia.

Key messages

• The State Government is committed to reducing the volume and types of litter in Western Australia.
• Western Australia needs to reduce its rate of littering to prevent harm to the environment and wildlife. Litter looks unsightly, attracts vermin and damages our waterways.
• The $185,000 Regional Roadside Litter Prevention Project will help reduce litter where it is most prominent along three of our main highways.
• The trial sites are along the Brand Highway, the Great Eastern Highway from Perth to Merredin, and the Forrest Highway.  
• The four month trial is centred on the message “WA Naturally Thanks You” to encourage people to do the right thing with their rubbish by promoting a sense of personal responsibility. 
• The trial includes roadhouses distributing litter bags to drivers. Printed on each bag is a link to a website and an educational quiz about littering issues and correct disposal of rubbish.  
• The Keep Australia Beautiful Council will survey drivers at the participating roadhouses to get their response to the project.  
• Based on the results of this trial, the State Government will consider extending the project to other areas of high littering in Western Australia.  
• The State Government will introduce a container deposit scheme in 2018 to further reduce littering of drink containers in our community.

Everyone is capable of making a difference and I’m confident thanking people in advance for doing the right thing will help change the habit of roadside littering.

Along with a container deposit scheme for Western Australia in 2018, we can make a big difference

Results from the 2015–16 National Litter Index confirmed that roadsides continue to attract high volumes of litter and are the source of most of the litter found in Western Australia.

Greys Beach potentially contaminated from dumping

Following a question at the recent council meeting regarding Geraldton's Beaches, the CGG provided this response, mentioning a potential contamination at a small section of Greys Beach: 

 "The City has received advice from the Department of Environment & Regulation (DER) that a small section at the Greys beach area has some potentially contaminated materials (due to legacy dumping of old building materials). The City is following the DER process and has commissioned a preliminary site investigation for the area, the City is currently in the middle of that process with its consultants. The process needs to meet DER requirements and the extent of any potential clean-up will be determined after those investigations have been completed in conjunction with DER."

Calling all beachcombers – have you seen this sponge?

Not an Agelasaxifera, but this specimen from the Houtman Abrolhos Islands looks similar to the rare sponge the Museum is looking for.

Beachcombers, divers, swimmers and anglers are being asked to help the Western Australian Museum find examples of a very rare marine sponge, Agelasaxifera, known only to the Champion Bay area in Geraldton.  

The Museum is hoping recent storms in the area might have washed the sponges onto the beach. 

WA Museum Head of Aquatic Zoology Dr Jane Fromont said the species was first described in 1911 from the holotype collected at Champion Bay in 1905 – the only known location of Agelasaxifera worldwide. 

A holotype is the first example of a named species ever identified, described and published. The Agelasaxifera holotype was taken to Germany early last century for scientific study and lodged with a museum in Hamburg, but was destroyed during World War II. 

“The WA Museum is looking for a new specimen of this sponge to replace the holotype, which would be known as a neotype,” Dr Fromont said.  

“I would encourage everyone in the Geraldton area who explores the beach to look out for a cup-like sponge with a bumpy surface, and possibly a light brown colour. 

“The best time to make such a discovery is after a storm or whenever Geraldton has big seas. This is when kelp and sponges are torn off the bottom of the ocean and are washed onto the shore.” 

People are asked to first photograph a sponge in situ using their camera or smart-phone so the image records the GPS location of the find. They can then take their discovery to the WA Museum – Geraldton to be tested.  

“Museum staff will perform a bleach test on a small piece of the sponge to determine if it has the characteristic spicules of the Agelas species and, if this is the case, they will preserve the collected specimen in ethanol and arrange for its transport to Perth,” Dr Fromont said. 

“Sponges up to 12 months old may still have molecular value so if you think you found something like the Agelasaxifera in recent times, and you still have it, you can also bring this to the Museum to be assessed.” 

The discovery of a neotype would help the WA Museum identify other sponge specimens in the State Collection, by providing a known example of Agelasaxifera for comparison.

City to review and increase winter mowing schedule

Increased rains this winter has seen accelerated growth of shrubbery on our verges and in our parks, and the City’s normal winter mowing schedule has failed to keep up.

City of Greater Geraldton CEO Ken Diehm has this week said he is aware of the issue and is putting measures in place to address the problem.

“This is simply not acceptable and as CEO I take full responsibility for this failure,” he said.

“We’ve had a lot more rain this season and the simple problem has been that our normal winter mowing schedule just hasn’t kept up with the growth.

“To address this issue, I have instructed my staff to immediately engage additional local contractors to undertake the mowing of our verges and parks as a high priority.”

Residents will see a significant improvement over the next few weeks with contractors now employed for the increased mowing service and Mr Diehm said he will be putting measures in place to ensure the same issues don’t occur next winter.

“This has been a big learning curve for us and we know that things will need to change moving forward,” he said.

“We will be reviewing our winter mowing schedule each year to take into account any changes in weather patterns that accelerate growth on our verges to ensure this problem does not occur again.”

If you have an area of concern please don’t hesitate the City on 9956 6600 or at council@cgg.wa.gov.au

Former Mayor honoured with Freeman title

Mr Ian Carpenter has been named an Honorary Freeman of the City of Greater Geraldton.

Mr Ian Carpenter said he was absolutely blown away and honoured after being named an Honorary Freeman of the City of Greater Geraldton.

The title was bestowed upon the former Mayor on Wednesday evening at a ceremony where he was joined by friends, family, former colleagues and community members.

“I am very honoured to have this title. It’s not something you go looking for but to be judged by your peers on something like this and to be nominated by them is very gratifying,” Mr Carpenter said.

“When I first found out I was really blown away by the sentiment and extremely surprised, it was right out of the blue as some time has gone by since I finished my term as Mayor.”

Mr Carpenter was first elected onto the Council of the City of Geraldton in October 2003. In 2006 he was appointed the position of Acting Mayor and in April 2007 he voluntarily resigned, as did all City Council, in preparation for the Geraldton/Greenough amalgamation.

In October 2007 Mr Carpenter was re-elected as a the inaugural City of Geraldton-Greenough Mayor. In 2009 he was again re-elected as Mayor then publically elected as the inaugural Mayor of the City of Greater Geraldton on 15 October 2011 and remained as Mayor until 2015.

When asked what some of his greatest achievements were as Mayor, Mr Carpenter said, “It wasn’t just me, there were so many people involved in the big projects throughout my time on Council and the Mayor is a figurehead that ensures Council functions together to help our community get the best possible outcomes.”

Mr Carpenter said the transformation of the Foreshore throughout his time as Mayor was just one of the standout achievements.

“I was lucky enough to be on Council for the whole process of the Foreshore from the beginning of the public consultation, working out what amenities the community wanted on our Foreshore, right through to the new Geraldton Multipurpose Centre,” he said.

“It really is fantastic to see it completed and see what it has transformed into today.”

Mr Carpenter also highlighted the collective formation of the WA Regional Capitals Alliance initiative.

Current City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn congratulated Mr Carpenter and said he had been an inspiration.

“Ian has been an absolute pioneer for the City of Greater Geraldton and he has led our Council for many of the great things we see in our community today,” he said.

“He is very deserving of this honorary title and I know so many others share this opinion.

“I would like to congratulate Mr Carpenter on this feat and thank him for his service and dedication to our community.”

Mr Carpenter was given the title having demonstrated outstanding and meritorious service to the community of the City of Greater Geraldton for many decades. This service includes significant community service to the Apex Club, Variety Club of Australia, Geraldton Sportsman’s Club and Geraldton Squash Rackets Association.

In addition to the above community service, Mr Carpenter’s public service to the community of the City of Greater Geraldton includes serving on a wide range of public institutions, Boards and Committees, such as Midwest Development Commission, Batavia Regional Organisation of Councils, Western Australia Regional Capital Alliance and Regional Capitals Australia.

Mr Carpenter joins other Freeman including Mr Phil Cooper, Mr Anthony Messina, Mr Douglas Brenkley, Mr James Grant, Mr Peter Freeman and past freeman Mr Richard Maslen and Dr Patrick Docherty.

Monsignor Hawes Heritage Centre opened

Nationals WA MP and candidate for the seat of Geraldton, Paul Brown has welcomed the official opening of the Monsignor Hawes Heritage Centre in Geraldton. The opening of the centre coincides with the 100 year anniversary of the laying of the foundation stone for the St Francis Xavier Cathedral, which is considered one of Monsignor Hawes finest works.

The Monsignor Hawes Heritage Centre is a wonderful complement to the St Francis Xavier Cathedral which is an iconic building identifiable to Geraldton,” Mr Brown said.

Representing the Minister for Regional Development Hon Terry Redman MLA at the event, Mr Brown acknowledged the work done by the Roman Catholic Diocese, and the considerable fundraising efforts of the Geraldton community.

“The Monsignor Hawes Heritage Centre is a wonderful example of how a community can support something that they are very passionate about. In this case, the wonderful legacy that Monsignor Hawes has left throughout the Mid West through built infrastructure,” Mr Brown said.

The Monsignor Hawes Heritage Centre will house an extensive collection of Monsignor Hawes artefacts currently held by the Geraldton Diocese. This includes original architectural plans, models, sketches, artisanal objects, assorted memorabilia and furniture. Previously, these artefacts have been held without an appropriate display and preservation forum.

“Preservation of these artefacts is important to ensure that the Mid West legacy of Monsignor Hawes lives on, and is shared via the tourism opportunity that the Heritage Centre now offers visitors to the Mid West,” Mr Brown said.

Funding of the $3.6 million project was made possible from:

•   Royalties for Regions, with $1.541 million provided through the Mid West

  Development Commission’s Mid West Investment Plan;

•   Lotterywest ($651,038);

•   The Roman Catholic Diocese; and

•   Community fundraising efforts.

  The Monsignor Hawes Heritage Centre will be the interpretive gateway to the Monsignor Hawes story, and showcase the 23 Monsignor Hawes buildings throughout the Mid West, encouraging locals and visitors alike to visit all 23 sites along the Monsignor Hawes heritage trail.

Thanks to S&K Electrical for the images. St Francis Xavier Cathedral. 

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