Joanna Predergast for the ABC:
A cucumber crop in the Perth horticultural area, which extends from Gingin in the north to Karnup in the south, has tested positive to Cucumber Green Mottle Mosaic Virus (CGMMV), making Perth the third location in the state to test positive for the disease.The disease was first found in Western Australia in a cucumber crop near Geraldton in July and has since been found in Carnarvon.
Geraldton’s CBD is about to get a whole lot brighter with local artists being called on to help enhance bollards.
The City of Greater Geraldton has put a call out for local artists to create maritime or marine themed designs that will be used to decorate the bollards throughout the City centre.
In order to help make our community more vibrant, the top 10 selected designs will each receive $500.
With the original idea formed by the Mid West Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Future Leaders program, City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said he encouraged all local artists to get creative and make their mark on the community.
“This is a great idea from the future leaders of our City and what a wonderful opportunity for any artist to be seen and have their artwork displayed in a prime location,” he said.
“As part of the City’s Growth Plan which is in the final stages of drafting, we have put a big emphasis on the revitalisation of our City and also activating our CBD and making it a vibrant place to live, work and invest.
“And we know public art has received great feedback from our community in the past, so we look forward to seeing what our local talented artists come up with.”
Designs must be submitted as a high resolution PDF or JPEG with the dimensions of 750mm x 750mm.
Entries close 9am on Monday 3 October.
For more information and full specs head to www.cgg.wa.gov.au and search ‘bollards art project’.
First National Commercial Geraldton manager Dave Tyson has announced he is supporting the 2016 MACA Ride To Conquer Cancer fundraising initiative, which benefits the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research.
The bike ride is held on the 15th and 16th of October and covers a total of 200 kilometres from Perth to Mandurah and back. Each year thousands of men and women participate in the ride with over $15,000,000 being raised for cancer research during the past 4 years.
‘My wife and I have each lost family and close friends to cancer and we are both committed to raising research funds so we will one day see a cure for cancer’ says Mr Tyson.
‘To participate in the 200 kilometre ride in October, I need to raise $2,500. So far I’ve raised $1,600 so I still have some way to go to reach my goal however the Geraldton public has been extremely generous so far.’ says Mr Tyson.
‘I’m asking everybody in my local community to get behind me with any donation they can afford. It doesn’t matter how small or large; every donation will help researchers get closer to a cure for cancer.’
To help support Dave Tyson in the MACA Ride To Conquer Cancer, donations can be made via the MACA Ride To Conquer Cancer website at http://goo.gl/7X6XO6 .
Congratulations to Geraldton Senior College and Chapman Valley Primary School who, along with over 70 public schools, have been announced to gain independent public school status for 2017.
“Being an Independent Public School is about empowering schools to be their own decision makers. We have the staff experience and knowledge to achieve positive outcomes with our students. To be recognised by the Department of Education for us to be able to continue to make the changes needed for the future is extremely positive,” said Greg Kelly, Principal of Geraldton Senior College.
“This status allows greater flexibility in how we operate as a school. We will continue to deliver high quality education for the students of the Geraldton community. We invite our community members to join with us in growing and developing as a public school. This supports our future direction as a public secondary school who offers education for those in Years 7-12 commencing in 2019.”
Application for this initiative and making the decision to go down this track began 6 months ago when staff and the community were consulted in the possibility of applying for this change of status. The application process was thorough and explored all areas of the schools including future plans. School Council chairpersons were involved in the process and lobbied heavily for their schools to be selected.
“Working closely with our parents and community was a valuable part of this process, and together we all worked extremely hard on our application. Becoming an IPS enables our school to continue to grow and improve. We couldn’t be happier with the announcement that we are able to join the ranks of other highly successful IPS schools within our system,” said Mel Hancock, Principal of Chapman Valley Primary School.
“I am excited for a fresh vibe that will come about the school and reinvigorate an enthusiasm for teaching and classroom engagement,” says Caroline Rowcroft, Chair of the College Council at Geraldton Senior College. “The school has so many strengths already and the future continues to look bright.”
Recently installed Geotextile bags to reduce erosion of St Georges Beach.
With the recent completion of coastal protection works at St Georges Beach, Rundle Park is now undergoing the next phase of works that will improve community safety at the popular park.
City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the works include installing a fence and constructing rain water overflow swales to recharge ground water in the area.
“St Georges Beach has always been a popular spot and since the replacement of playground equipment in Rundle Park the area is busier than ever before,” he said.
“Therefore, to improve community safety the City recently installed raised footpaths at the car park entrances which have been effectively slowing down vehicles entering and leaving the area.
“The planned one-way realignment of the carpark will further calm traffic whilst decreasing congestion and a fence to be installed along the west side of the playground will greatly reduce the likelihood of children running onto the road.”
Other works include rerouting storm water into sub-soil drains within the park.
“The raised footpaths are already helping funnel rainwater runoff into the grassed areas of the park where it will be collected in swales rather than letting it flow over the carpark and into the ocean,” said Mayor Van Styn.
“This will not only reduce beach erosion caused during high peak flows, the stored water will recharge ground water as well.”
Works which are scheduled to begin on Tuesday 20 September will take approximately four weeks to complete.
WA Labor Candidate for Geraldton, Lara Dalton has backed calls for the removal dangerous and unsightly power poles in the Geraldton CBD.
“Over the years our streets have been widened, yet the poles haven’t been moved. They are now far too close to passing traffic and create a traffic hazard.
“Removing these poles and putting the lines underground would beautify our CBD and more importantly, make our town safer,” Ms Dalton said.
Ms Dalton called on the Liberal National Government to work with Western Power and provide adequate funds to get the job done.
“Despite this issue being raised in Parliament in 2013 by Labor MLC Darren West, the poles are still there.
“This is not a massive infrastructure project and could funded from the existing budget.”
Ms Dalton said that Geraldton had not been treated favourably by the Barnett Liberal National Government since 2008.
“We are still waiting on the promised Stage 2 of the Geraldton Regional Hospital, a mental health facility and a 138-room Aboriginal Hostel.
From the ABC:
A takeover by The West Australian newspaper's owner Seven West Media (SWM) of the Sunday Times newspaper and its website Perth Now has been given the green light by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).
The City of Greater Geraldton is reminding property owners and occupiers that the 5 October deadline to clear firebreaks is rapidly approaching.
City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn is strongly urging property owners and occupiers in the Geraldton region to adhere to the firebreak deadline.
“The temperature may be cool now, but bushfire season is just around the corner and we need to be prepared,” he said.
“Firebreaks are a crucial element that protect not only your own property from bushfires, but they can also stop fires from spreading to adjacent properties.”
Firebreaks serve a valuable role in protecting properties from bushfires during the summer months, even more so now that higher than average rainfall will see an increase in flammable scrub.
Mayor Van Styn also reminded property owners who may not have cleared their firebreaks yet that they are required by Local Government law to do so.
“Once the 5 October deadline has passed, City Rangers will begin conducting fire prevention work inspections and they will have the power to issue infringements for non-compliance,” he said.
“Don’t risk the $250 fine, or worse, losing your life or your home to a devastating fire. Clear your firebreaks and keep them maintained throughout the year.”
Property owners are expected to maintain their firebreaks from 5 October 2016 until 1 May 2017.
Small vacant lots under 0.4ha must be slashed and have Wattle bush removed. Occupied blocks require a three metre clearance of all flammable material around structures and buildings and Wattle bush must be managed.
Larger blocks will also require a mineral earth firebreak installed along the entire external boundary of the land.
To find out more information, pick up a 2016-17 Firebreak Notice from the Civic Centre, or download a copy from the City’s website at www.cgg.wa.gov.au.
Sarah Taillier for the ABC quoting Alan Tudge:
"We're probably leaning more against having a third trial site at this stage, for this first year duration, of this operation of the cashless welfare card," he said.
ANZ are warning customers of a scam text that is doing the rounds.
Here's an example of what it looks like.
There are two main types of scams like this that circulate by text.
The first tries to get you to submit personal data for nefarious purposes. Be aware of this.
The second is even more maliscious. This is where hackers can essentially take over your phone just by you clicking a link. It may not be obvious they have done this at first, but they can essentially control the camera, microphone, and see everything you do without your knowledge.
If you are running an old version of Android or iOS (iPhone) your phone can sometimes be hacked with a simple text message. With one particular Android vulnerability, you don't even need to open the message.
Unfortunatly for most Android users, security updates are few and far between. Unless your carrier issues a security update for your phone (which they rarely do) you're pretty vulnerable all of the time. You can root your device and install the latest version of Android yourself, if you don't mind spending a bit of time mucking around.
Apple recently found and fixed a security vulnerability in their iPhone, so if you have the latest software then you're ok.
As a general rule though, don't click on links from unknown sources. And don't forward links you are unsure about.
And keep your iPhone running the latest version of iOS.
At about 11:00am, Saturday 10th September 2016, Mid West-Gascoyne Traffic officers were conducting patrols of Rifle Range Road, Rangeway and attempted to stop a Ford Falcon sedan.
It is alleged that the driver, a 24 year old male from Morawa attempted to evade Police, abandoning the vehicle and fleeing on foot a short time later.
Police apprehended the male who was charged with Reckless Driving (to escape pursuit by Police) and No Authority to Drive – Suspended.
The vehicle was seized for 28 days and the male will face Geraldton Magistrates Court at a later date.
At about 2:00am, Monday 12th September 2016, a white Ford utility was stolen from a Beachlands premises. Police located the stolen vehicle within the hour in the Beachlands area.
A 36 year old female was allegedly found in possession of the vehicle and subsequently charged with Steal Motor Vehicle, Exceed 0.08 and No Authority to Drive – Suspended.
Police wish to praise the numerous members of the public who reported suspicious activity in the Beachlands area prior to the woman being apprehended. Their timely reports greatly assisted Police efforts which led to her arrest.
The female was refused bail and will attend Geraldton Magistrates Court at a later date.
I had a recent trip to Gero and whilst working as a relief Traffic Warden, I found the need to commend Gero drives for their consideration and courtesy on the roads. I am pleasantly surprised at the habit I noted of some driving SUVs and larger vehicles who actually stop slightly back from a road junction to let the smaller vehicles SEE AROUND THEM! AWESOME! Everyone who drives a car knows how frustrating it is trying to see around these larger vehicles...much safer too! Oh, and the parking bays at most shops are larger too! Thumbs up Gero :D
- Di Neil
An online petition at change.org has been set up protesting a proposed quarry at Oakabella, which is between Geraldton and Northampton.
Tonya Constantine, who set up the petition, stated that:
Oakabella is a part of the Moresby Range and the Local Planning Strategy states "Developments not in keeping with the landscape qualities such as quarries and rural industry should be located outside the Moresby Range if possible"
The quarry proposal is clearly contrary to the Councils (sic) (Shire of Northampton) own Local Planning Strategy.
Quarrying the rock at Oakabella has long been of interest. 108 years ago, the newspaper "The Geraldton Express" ran an article (link) about the Mayor and Town Clerk journeying to Oakabella to find a suitable place to establish a quarry.
Geraldton will be a backdrop for many more big events just like the Toyota Australian SUP Titles held in Geraldton. Photo: Surfing WA
City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn says the City is dedicated to bringing high profile events to Geraldton through dedicated support and sponsorship.
In the aftermath of the Toyota Australian SUP Titles held in Geraldton, Mayor Van Styn said this was just the beginning of larger scale events coming to the region.
Hundreds of competitors from all across Australia made their way to Geraldton to compete across a number of SUP categories with the competition made possible by a $20,000 grant from the City.
Mayor Van Styn reiterated the fact that this sponsorship was part of the City’s broader strategy to attract large scale events to the Midwest.
“We were absolutely stoked to host the SUP titles for the second year in a row and Geraldton is the perfect location,” he said.
“This is just another example of a big event that we have sponsored and we will be supporting many more major events in the future so we can see more high profile events here in the Midwest whether it is sport, music or other forms of entertainment.
“We want to be a destination of choice for events and we are dedicated to sponsoring events that we know our community will enjoy.”
In the last year alone the City has seen the likes of Cold Chisel, triple j’s One Night Stand event and the Perth Wildcats will head to Geraldton next week for two pre-season games.
“We are really starting to put Geraldton on the map as a destination for high profile events,” Mayor Van Styn said.
“The big events we have secured in the past have been so successful and we can see the positive flow on effects it is having on our tourism and economy.
“Next we will look at the possibility of an AFL pre-season match here in Geraldton.
“Sport is such a big part of our community and that is why we want to support events such as the Toyota Australian SUP Titles and we will look to support other future events,” Mayor Van Styn added.
Surfing WA Events Manager Justin Makes said he couldn’t be happier with how the 2016 Australian SUP Titles wrapped up.
"Geraldton has proven to be the perfect location for both SUP racing and surfing,” he said.
“We had amazing weather and waves over the four-day event window and Australia's best SUP competitors have revelled off the Batavia Coastline.
“This was arguably the best Australian SUP Titles ever and we're thrilled with the outcome."
The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise it will be renewing the footpath on the Northwest Coastal Highway between Marsden and Wittenoom Streets with concreting works scheduled to commence on Monday 12 September 2016 for a period of approximately six days.
The anticipated hours of work will be between from 6am to 6pm and include removing the slab path and replacing it with a user friendly concrete path.
These works are part of $1,041,084 allocated in the 2016/17 Budget for the renewal of footpaths which will see approximately 1.68km of the footpath network replaced.
Members of the community 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 please contact Moneer Fates, Project Manager on 08 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au.
This block is over 2000m2
Yeah, we heard in Perth that a large block is 400 m2, that's madness. Anything under 700m2 is tiny. No one blinks at 2000 m2 blocks, which are about half the price of a Perth block. We need somewhere for the shed, the dog, the trampoline, and the veggie patch. So if you notice that all the blocks here are massive, they're actually not. You're just used to living in a cubicle.
With a few exceptions, you can get anywhere in 8 minutes. That means we all arrive at events within 30 seconds of each other. So if you get somewhere 5 minutes early, don't be surprised if you're the only one there.
Get a reverse osmosis water filter or buy bottled water. Or better still, a rain water tank. But don't drink the tap water.
Got a new BMW? Fancy hair cut? Expensive suit? No one cares. Geraldton people are all pretty down to earth. It's hard to tell millionaires and tradies apart tbh. We care more that you're a decent bloke or woman; we don't choose our friends based on their net worth.
It shocks a lot of Perthies when they spend some time here, then realise their perception of Geraldton was completely wrong. You can point it out to us if you really need to. But we already know how great Gero is to call home. That's why we're here!
Only 4 hours north of Perth, but the extra few degrees makes a big difference in winter, and summers are definitely a time of consistent beach/pool action. And we're not quite as far north as the insane troppo weather. Take up a water sport and you won't regret it. Preferably one that benefits from windy conditions, like Kite Boarding.
A bunch of scientists convinced a bunch of bureaucrats to spend billions of dollars to build a massive radio telescope array inland from Geraldton (SKA) so we can find aliens. Somehow that translated into much of Geraldton getting fibre to the premises NBN before most of Perth. On top of that we have a local ISP called Node 1 who built their own wireless network that gets NBN-like speeds. We had this even before the NBN rolled out.
So yeah, Perth may be a bit of a technological backwater. But you can expect to get decent internet speeds throughout most of Geraldton.
If you need any actual advice on moving to or living in Geraldton, click here to check out our "Im new to Geraldton" section.
Member for Agriculture the Hon. Paul Brown MLC, City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn and Federal Member for Durack Melissa Price MP cut the ribbon - officially opening the Abraham Street bridge.
The official opening of the Abraham Street bridge and roundabout at the intersection of Abraham Street and Utakarra Road marks the completion of the Karloo Wandina project which began with the construction of Verita Road in July 2013.
The staged development of the Karloo Wandina Project over the last three years has been one of the City’s largest Capital Works projects to date totalling more than $25 million.
City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said many local contractors had directly benefitted from the project.
“The 65m long bridge over the Southern Transport Corridor that connects Verita Road with Abraham Street has created an important link between the northern and southern suburbs,” he said.
“The project has injected more than $15 million into the local economy by employing more than 20 local contractors who provided products or services during the construction of the project.”
The project has also resulted in improved community safety and convenience.
“Before the bridge opened there were more than 1600 traffic movements a day on Verita Road and we expect this number will increase as motorists take advantage of the new linkage the bridge provides,” Mayor Van Styn said.
“To ensure the expected increase in traffic keeps flowing whilst maintaining community safety the T-intersection at Abraham Street and Utakarra Road was changed to a roundabout.
“This project has been three years in the making and is already changing the way people move throughout our City.”
Construction of the $9.8 million Abraham Street bridge and roundabout was jointly funded with Royalties for Regions contributing $5,970,000, the Australian Government Building Better Regional Cities Program $1,030,000 and the City $2,820,000.
With mountain bike riding along the Chapman River more popular than ever before the City has developed a master plan for trail riding that includes the protection of the environment.
The Chapman River Regional Park Mountain Bike Trails Plan identifies opportunities within the Park to provide high quality mountain biking experiences for residents and visitors whilst protecting the unique biodiversity of the area through effective trail management and informational signage.
City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said almost one fifth of Western Australians own mountain bikes and are looking for places to ride them.
“Almost 120,000 mountain bikes are purchased every year in WA which means about 19 per cent of WA residents own mountain bikes,” he said.
“These cyclists are actively seeking places to ride their bikes in ever increasing numbers with some trails in the south west Kalamunda Circuit in being ridden more than 50,000 times in 12 months.”
With demand for mountain biking experiences exceeding supply, the development of trails in the Chapman River Regional Park would result in economic benefits for the local community.
“Once the Mountain Bike Trail Plan has been adopted by Council and the trails in the plan are formalised, Geraldton would be able to attract visitors interested in undertaking this type of informal recreation activity,” said Mayor Van Styn.
“The City would also play an important role in assisting WA in becoming a world class mountain bike destination, effectively diversifying the state’s tourism industry whilst securing meaningful economic and social outcomes for our local community.”
The Chapman River Regional Park Mountain Bike Trails Plan is open for public comment till Wednesday 28 September 2016. Members of the community are invited to make written submissions regarding the draft plan by visiting the City’s consultations page on the website at www.cgg.wa.gov.au.
The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise of the temporary closure of Abraham Street between Peter Way and Verita Road on Thursday 8 September 2016 from 9.30am to 11am.
Members of the community are requested to follow all detour signs and directions from authorised City personnel and contractors.
The City apologises for any inconvenience the temporary closure may cause.
If you have any queries please contact Jacinta Altham on 08 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au.
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