Greater Geraldton an obvious choice for Growth Plan

The Mid West Development Commission has welcomed the announcement by the Minister for Regional Development Terry Redman today that Greater Geraldton is one of the four regional centres chosen to share in $7.5 million to develop a plan to guide economic growth.

MWDC Chair Murray Criddle said Geraldton’s strategic position between Perth and the growing cities in the North West, and its a symbiotic relationship with region’s hinterland, including inland SuperTown Morawa, made it a front runner. 

“As we found in preparing our Mid West Regional Blueprint, there are a number of growth drivers for Geraldton, from its role in servicing and supporting the region’s economic activity, to its connection to external markets via its port, airport, rail and arterial road network, “ Mr Criddle said. 

“Geraldton is already connected to the NBN and further investment and developments in telecommunications and broadband facilities could yield significant growth off the back of information and communications technology, with transformation already underway into a creative and innovative regional centre. 

“The region’s unique biodiversity, renewable energy resources, aquaculture and geology could provide niche opportunities for investment in higher education and research and development. 

“Water resources around Geraldton can support growth in agricultural and horticultural industries. 

“Further investment in tourism will unlock unique tourism potential provided by Abrolhos, Kalbarri, biodiversity, geology, outback experiences, conservation areas,” Mr Criddle said. 

The Regional Centres Development Plan will assist in addressing three important elements in attracting and retaining people and investment; Health, Education and the revitalisation of the Geraldton Central Business District. 

“The creation of a growth plan will help to help leverage regional innovation through public-private collaboration and to ensure a strong and sustainable future for the Mid West,” Mr Criddle said. 

 “A focus on CBD Revitalisation is extremely important to reflect Geraldton’s position as a major regional centre, “Mr Criddle said. 

City of Greater Geraldton concession system welcome

Member for the Agricultural Region Hon Paul Brown MLC has welcomed the announcement by the City of Greater Geraldton (CGG) that it will implement a concession system to ratepayers affected by recent hikes in property valuations.

Adjustments to Gross Rental Values (GRV) recently imposed by the Valuer General has seen large variations across suburbs with some valuations increasing by as much as 28 per cent. To soften the impact of GRV increases and a 3.9 per cent general council rate increase, the CGG will implement a concessional system of payment that will help to ease the financial impact on those ratepayers most affected.

“The City of Greater Geraldton has shown a great deal of understanding of the financial impost on those ratepayers most affected by increases in GRV and have shown great foresight in working with the Department of Local Government in developing and implementing a concessional system of payment available to them through the Local Government Act.” Mr Brown said.

“This is a very good outcome for ratepayers most affected by these increases and I applaud the City for acting so proactively”.

For further information on the eligibility criteria for the concessions system, please contact the City of Greater Geraldton.

National Broadband Network coming to Durack

Homes and businesses in Durack are a step closer to getting the National Broadband Network, with build to commence on the network in the fourth quarter of 2016.

The NBN Co today released a quarterly national rollout plan to December 2016, which includes parts of the following suburbs in Durack where the fixed-line build will commence:

In addition construction will begin on the fixed-wireless network in parts of:

• Ballidu
• Dalwallinu
• Jurien Bay
• Merredin
• Nungarin
• Mukinbudin
• Milo
• Dongara

Member for Durack Melissa Price said it was an important milestone for the area, with greater certainty for homes as businesses as they prepare for superfast broadband services.

“The NBN will deliver Internet access that’s fast, reliable and affordable,” Ms Price said.

“Better broadband will transform the way homes and businesses communicate, do business and access online services.”

In terms of premises passed by the NBN Co’s networks, the NBN Co now reaches 1.15 million premises across all access technologies, up from 345,000 as at the election.

In terms of active customers, the NBN Co now has 395,000 premises connected to its fixed line network (up from 47,000 as at the election) and 46,500 premises connected to its fixed wireless network (up from 2,000 as at the election).

Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull said the progress of the NBN to date shows that the Government’s reforms of the NBN project have ensured the rollout will be completed sooner, cheaper for taxpayers and more affordably for consumers.

“I have said before that this is the most exciting time in human history to be alive because of all the opportunities created by the digital revolution,” Mr Turnbull said.

“The arrival of the NBN will mean that those opportunities will be extended to all Australians, regardless of where they live”.

NBN Co provides monthly updates on its website showing areas that have reached build preparation, build commencement and that are ready for service.

Residents can check their suburb at www.nbnco.com.au/rolloutplan

Geraldton’s First Ever Poetry Weekender

The Geraldton Poetry Club is bringing audiences the intriguing experience of performance, writing and poetry combined for a weekend of artistic thrills. For the very first time in Geraldton, the Port City Poetry Weekender on August 1 and 2 will feature a free writing and performance workshop, the well-loved Poetry in the Pub show and a delicious breakfast to top it all off.

Join renowned Western Australian poets Kevin Gillam, Allan Boyd and Maitland Schnaars as they lead audiences and workshoppers through the wilds of collaborative performance poetry, intertwining music, spoken word and carefully spun yarns for a bewitching evening of wordy goodness. This special 3-hour workshop run by these poet extraordinaires will be held at the Geraldton Regional Library as part of the two-day residency in Geraldton for the first ever Poetry Weekender.

Each poet is an expert in their own field and will focus on different aspects of poetry to extend and expand the audience’s poetic horizons. With sessions on starter ideas and voicing in poems, performance poetry and the delivery of a subversive text, as well as a brief entree into the history of Aboriginal poetry and collaborative performance, there is something for every and any poet in the port city.

“Performance poetry is the noisy cousin of 'traditional' poetry. It’s in your face and it's dynamic and it's a lot of things that poetry can't just be on the page. It's a well-written celebration of the spectacle of the spoken word,” explains Event Organiser, Rosie Sitorus.

The free poetry workshop is brought to you free of charge by the Geraldton Poetry Club with the immense support of the City of Greater Geraldton and the Geraldton Regional Library.

After this exciting workshop, the Geraldton Poetry Club will be showcasing the poet’s new talents at the Poetry in the Pub show featuring the poetic stylings of the poets-in-residence. Poetry in the Pub is your annual fill of words and wine at one of our region's most atmospheric venues, the Hampton Arms.

Audiences are warmly invited to bring along their own words and poems to share during the open mic sessions.

“There are so many people in Geraldton just itching to try new things and whilst poetry is nothing new, we think this is a great reinvention of something people know and love. At Poetry in the Pub, punters will have the chance to throw their hat in the ring alongside some of our state's best,” says Rosie.

The Poetry Weekender wraps up on Sunday 2 August with a Poets' Breakfast at Tropicano's at Point Moore.

"Poetry at the Point will be a great, relaxing end to the weekend of wild words," continues Rosie. "It'll be a chance to listen to the guest poets read more of their poetry and to discuss the culture surrounding our local poets in Geraldton."

You can sign up for the workshop through the link below:
www.geraldtonpoetry.com

To get a ticket to Poetry at the Pub, $55 gets you a spot on the bus (leaving from Geraldton Regional Library) , a spot at the table for dinner and a part in the magic of the evening that will be Poetry in the Pub.

Tickets strictly limited and available from the link below:
www.geraldtonpoetry.com

Tickets for the Poets' Breakfast are $20, include the Tropicano's buffet breakfast and are available from www.geraldtonpoetry.com

Traffic Stops Uncovers Prohibited Plants

At about 9:30pm on Saturday 4 July 2015 a Ford Futura sedan was travelling along Vincent Street, Spalding.

Officers attached to the Geraldton Local Policing Team conducted a traffic stop with the driver where it will be alleged that four cannabis plants were located within the vehicle.

The 22 year old male driver from Wonthella was subsequently charged with possess / cultivate prohibited plant. He will appear at the Geraldton Magistrates Court at a later date.

Traffic Charges

At about 3:45pm on Monday 6 July 2015 a Holden Rodeo truck was travelling along Forrest Street, near Chapman Road, Geraldton.

Geraldton police conducted a traffic stop following the vehicle failing to stop at a stop sign. It will be alleged that the driver tested positive for alcohol as a result of a breath test.

The 38 year old male driver from Wandina was conveyed to the Geraldton Police Station where he was subsequently charged with excess .08 and issued with a disqualification notice. He will appear at the Geraldton Magistrates Court at a later date.

And further;

At about 5:00pm on Monday 6 July 2015 a Honda Accord sedan was travelling along Eastern Road, near Waldeck Street, Geraldton.

Officers attached to Mid West-Gascoyne Traffic unit conducted a traffic stop with the driver. It will be alleged that the driver provided a positive breath test result for alcohol.

The 66 year old male from Geraldton will appear at the Geraldton Magistrates Court at a later date charged with excess .05.

Assault Charges

At about 2:30pm on Monday 6 July 2015 two female persons started arguing on Oleander Crescent, Rangeway.

It will be alleged that the verbal arguing elevated to physical fighting between the two. Upon being separated by others in the vicinity, one of the female parties obtained possession of a house brick, holding it in her hand.

It will further be alleged that the female person wielded the brick above her head before throwing it at the female victim striking her on the head.

The victim sustained a laceration to her head which required medical treatment.

The 33 year old female from Utakarra was subsequently arrested and charged with assault occasioning bodily harm. She will appear at the Geraldton Magistrates Court on 23 July 2015.

Graeme Connors touring 25 years after launch of pioneering album

See Australia's greatest storyteller, live on stage with his legendary band, in a special two hour performance, celebrating 25 years since the release of his pioneering hit album North.

Hear all the songs from North performed live, followed by a selection of No.1 chart hits from his 17 album catalogue.

Touring Victoria and South Australia in July before heading over to Western Australia in October 2015 as part of his National tour.

Don’t miss this multi-award winning, Gold & Platinum selling artist, and the songs that have cemented him a place in the Australian music story.

Tickets are now on sale from the Queens Park Theatre, call 9956 6662 or book online at www.queensparktheatre.com.au

Price pleased with Agricultural White Paper

Member for Durack Melissa Price has welcomed the issue of the Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper, labelling the release of the paper as a landmark day in Australian agricultural history.

Ms Price believes the paper Stronger Farmers, Stronger Economy, will help farmers achieve a better return at the farm gate.

$11.4 million will be given to boost the ACCC engagement with the agricultural sector, including a new Commissioner dedicated to agriculture.

Ms Price said a more farm-savvy and proactive ACCC will encourage fair-trading and strengthen competition in agricultural supply chains.

“As the name of the paper suggests, Stronger Farmers, Stronger Economy, our farmers and the agricultural industry is an integral part of not just Durack, but Australia’s economy,” Ms Price said.

“For the last 18 months I’ve listened to the challenges farmers are facing and discussed what needs to be done to address their issues.

“This paper is a $4 billion investment in our farmers.”

Farmers will be able to opt back into income tax averaging after 10 years from 1 July 2016.

Farmers will also be able to double their Farm Management Deposits (FMDs) to $800,000.

“Many farmers have already told me how pleased they are with this increase,” Ms Price said.

“Farmers are also able to deduct the cost of new fencing from 1 July 2016.

“They are also able to deduct the cost of new water infrastructure.” $50 million has been announced to boost Australia’s emergency pest and disease eradication capability, and an additional $50 million will be given to give farmers better tools and control methods against pest animals and weeds.

$200 million will be invested in improving biosecurity surveillance and analysis, including in Australia’s north.

Developing Ord Stage 3 is now back on the agenda, following the Abbott Government’s $30 million set aside to examine water infrastructure investment in Australia’s north.

More money has been set aside in the new National Water Infrastructure Fund for farmers’ future water security.

Despite criticism of a lack of climate change in the paper, Ms Price believed the issue of climate change is addressed through the Government’s Direct Action Plan and said the Agricultural White Paper is purely on Agriculture.

The full paper can be read agwhitepaper.agriculture.gov.au

Midwest Agriculture Prepares for Industry and Environmental Challenges

Producer Grant Bain marking out his demonstration site for Ever Green project. Photo Credit: Phil Barrett-Lennard, agVivo

Innovative farm demonstration sites are currently being established to prepare for future industry and environmental challenges facing WA’s Northern Agricultural Region (NAR).

Some of the challenges facing the local agricultural sector include wind erosion, unproductive soils, climate variability, salinity, and pests and weed incursions.

With funding from the Australian Government National Landcare Programme, the Northern Agricultural Catchments Council (NACC) is investing $637,648 into at least 30 local agricultural demonstration projects over 3 years.

“The project aims to promote sustainable production and long term management of the region’s natural resources while focussing on local issues and needs”, said NACC Sustainable Farming Program Coordinator Sally Fenner.

“Funding for round three of the project will open Monday 27th July. If you have a project idea we encourage you submit an application. Guidelines will be available on the NACC website”, said Ms Fenner.

Demonstration projects already funded in round one and two of the project are informing local landholders in:

Round 1

• Response and availability of potassium in wheat crops to applications of biochar (Energy Farmers Australia Pty Ltd)
• Perennial pasture innovations in the Midwest (J. Wedge)
• Demonstrating NyPa Forage to stabilise saline land (The Moore Catchment Council Inc.)
• Developing and testing innovative, practical and reliable methods for incorporating lime into acidic sandplain subsoils (West Midlands Group Inc.)
• Long term soil fertility lessons for West Midlands sands (West Midlands Group Inc.)
• Low cost improvement of perennial pastures (Ever Green Farming Inc.)
• Determining the nutrient requirements of perennial pastures when grown with an annual legume companion (Ever Green Farming Inc.)
• Improving productivity on non-wetting soils in the NAR through pasture cropping (Mingenew Irwin Group)

Round 2

• Identifying cost effective ways to incorporate lime in the Moora-Miling farming district (The Moore Catchment Council Inc.)
• Mango growers adapting to climate change in the Gingin/Dandaragan area (Southern Mango Growers Association)
• A demonstration of perennial shrub systems enabling adaptation to erosion and climate variability (Mingenew Irwin Group)
• Improving and quantifying soil quality in citrus production systems on sands in the West Gingin/Moora area (Western Australian Citrus Improvement Group Inc.)
• Is sub-soil soil acidity an issue in permanent pastures? (Ever Green Farming Inc.)
• Establishing various salt tolerant species on salt land areas inaccessible by machinery (North East Farming Futures Group)
• Investigating different approaches to manage soil acidification in the WA Wheatbelt (The Liebe Group Inc)

For more information about NACC’s Sustainable Farming Program, contact Sally Fenner at NACC, (P) 9938 0125 (E) Sally.Fenner@nacc.com.au

Efficiencies help keep rates down

The City of Greater Geraldton has been working hard to identify efficiencies in order to lower costs and keep rate rises down.

City Mayor, Ian Carpenter said that City staff had identified more than $5.5 million in efficiencies and savings in the past two years.

“Over the last two years City staff have identified a large number of internal efficiencies and savings which have cut costs by more than $2 million,” he said.

“This year 47 positions, or 13% of the workforce, including manager positions were cut from the payroll whilst overall operating costs have been reduced by $4 million and the number of Council vehicles has also been reduced.

“Reductions in utility costs have also been achieved via investment in geothermal systems for the Aquarena pool heating and Art Gallery air conditioning,” Mayor Carpenter added.

The City has also worked extensively with the community to gain a better understanding of the range and level of services they want and need and to identify efficiencies in the delivery of services.

“Extensive community engagement undertaken by the City via two Community Panels and the Community Summit has provided Council with a clear understanding of the services the community values,” he said.

“Three years ago the future rates increases were projected at 7.6% and the community said this was too high. Since then we have delivered reduced rates of 2.25% in 2013/14 and 4.3% last financial year. This year we have managed to reduce the rate rise even further and set it at 3.9% and are projecting future rate increases of 3.9% in the future.

Budget reductions and cuts at a glance

Cuts and savings in the 2015/16 incorporate the recommendations and priorities of the community made via two Community Panels, who critically reviewed our range and level of services and capital works priorities, and the priority list of non-mandatory services developed during the Community Summit. In total, the community has spent more than 6500 hours reviewing every aspect of city operations.

• Reducing City Vibrancy strategies funding allocation to $180,000 - providing a $50,000 saving;
• Halving the Sister Cities budget – providing a $20,000 saving;
• Discontinuing membership with national research associations – providing a $25,000 saving;
• Cancelling underutilised software subscriptions – providing a $70,000 saving;
• Focusing on food inspection services and reducing other health programs – providing a saving of $45,000;
• Reducing of recurrent community grants by $241,000, and allocating $150,000 to signature events – providing a saving of $71,000;
• Reducing non-recurrent Community Grants to $215,000 – providing a saving of $155,000;
• Discontinuing bulk kerb-side collection but retaining a service for pensioners only - providing a saving of $140,000;
• Reducing Australia Day expenditure to $80,000 – providing a saving of $50,000;
• Reducing Community Event Support to $81,000 – providing a saving of $25,000;
• Staging the Midwest Art Prize bi-annually – providing a saving of $85,000;
• Discontinuing the Artist in residence program – providing a saving of $15,000;
• Cutting back on Cultural Celebrations – providing a saving of $40,000;
• Discontinuing some Community Engagement Projects – providing a saving of $52,000;
• Reduction of Library opening hours and restriction of services – providing a saving of $58,000;
• Tightening of the Heritage Budget – providing a saving of $36,000; and
• Reducing Mullewa Community Group support and events – providing a saving of $26,500.

Budget funds coastal adaptation planning and works

Coastal projects and coastal adaptation plans feature prominently in the City’s 2015/16 budget.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Ian Carpenter, said the City’s ever changing coastline is an ongoing battle that the City will be tackling on a number of fronts in the next 12 months.

“The biggest coastal project the City will be undertaking this year is coastal protection works along the Beresford Foreshore. The coastal indication study of the foreshore area has already been completed and detailed designs of beach protection and stabilisation works are currently being produced. Once external funding for the project has been finalised construction is expected to begin before the end of the year,” he said.

“St Georges Beach is the next cab off the rank with a detailed design of beach protection to be finalised in August and it is likely that both beach protection and stabilisation works will be undertaken in the next 12 months.

“Both of these projects follow on the recently completed beach protection and stabilisation works at Grey’s Beach.”

Coastal inundation studies and community engagement in relation to coastal adaptation plans have also been budgeted for.

“The City is currently finalising the Coastal Inundation Study of Point Moore and has applied for grant funding to undertake a second study at Drummond Cove,” Mayor Carpenter said.

In response to growing community concerns about the future of our coastal City, the City will also be partnering with the Northern Agricultural Catchments Council (NACC) to engage residents in coastal planning.

“The City will partner with NACC to engage the community in discussions around coastal concerns. Engagement outcomes will then be used to develop policies for Council in regard to overall coastal adaptation planning.”

City places strong emphasis on disability access

The community voted disability access as the number one priority in the City’s 10 Year Capital Works Plan and Council has responded with big plans to improve disability access throughout the City.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Ian Carpenter, said disability access was of high significance for the City and something that featured strongly in the newly adopted budget.

“We are dedicated to making changes in our city that will promote access and inclusion,” he said.

“We listened to what the community wanted and we have allocated funds towards the design and implementation of access solutions.”

The City has consulted with sector representatives to improve existing areas in the CBD and foreshore and also in the planning phases of new developments including the Multi User Facility and event Space and Youth Precinct. The foreshore and CBD precinct will be given continued focus, with better path access to amenities on the foreshore.

“We have worked closely with the designers of the Multi User Facility and Event Space; and the Youth Precinct to ensure that disability access is paramount.

“The City will also be incorporating representatives from the sector on all major planned developments going forward,” Mayor Carpenter said.

“We want both of these facilities to promote inclusion of all people so everyone is able to enjoy a variety of different activities that may not been previously available to them.”

“Wheelchair access to the beach has been highlighted by the community as a real need. As a result this year the City will be refurbishing the existing ablution block behind the Visitor Centre to house a beach wheelchair and hoist and an adult change facility. The fully integrated design will have an uninterrupted access pathway that will enable wheelchair access onto the beach proper,” he added.

Mayor Carpenter also said the City wished to promote and implement best practice in the universal design of projects therefore, City staff involved in designing and delivering infrastructure projects will undertake suitable training.

City budget encourages recycling

Recycling has been a hot topic in the community for some time and the City of Greater Geraldton is introducing new ways for the community to recycle their waste.

After the 2015/16 budget was released last night, changes will be made in the City’s waste management operations to promote an increase in Recycling.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Ian Carpenter, is encouraging people to gain a better understanding of how they can recycle their waste.

“Many residents think that because they don’t have traditional, 240Lt yellow top recycling bins that they can’t recycle, this isn’t the case at all,” he said.

“Even if we did have the bulk verge side collection, most of the waste ends up in landfill or transported to Perth.

“Additionally, the costs and carbon emissions in transporting it to Perth don’t stack up environmentally or financially.”

The City encourages residents to utilise other local places for recycling including Cogman Recycling and other not-for-profit organisations.

The newspaper recycling unit at Jack’s Shed, located at the Aquarena car park, reinjects money from its proceeds of sale straight back into the Aquarena.

A tender will be released in the near future for the design of a joint Animal Management Facility and CRRC Resource Recovery Centre which will be an integrated recycling facility for the Greater Geraldton community.

As part of the new budget, new fees have been introduced at Meru Waste Disposal Facility.

Residents using the facility will be charged $10 per trailer which can weigh up to 300kg of mixed and general household waste.

Residents who choose to sort their waste into three separate streams will enjoy a $5 discount.

These three streams include clean green waste, scrap metal and general waste.

These charges won’t be introduced until October 1 so the City is encouraging residents to utilise the free service before the charges are introduced.

There will also be two free dumping weeks every year.

Funds for waste management have also extended to Mullewa with the City looking to re-design the Mullewa Landfill facility and turn it into a fully compliant Waste Transfer Station.

In the 15/16 Budget, $100,000 has been allocated for the construction of such a facility to transport general waste back to Meru, the Midwest region’s only Class III facility.

The City has also announced that the annual bulk verge side collection has been discontinued in Geraldton.

“We are mindful that not everyone has the ability to get their rubbish to the waste facility and we have put a strategy in place to address that,” Mayor Carpenter said.

Whilst stopping the verge side collection, the City will be providing an alternate service for pensioners which will entail one free bulk bin dropped to their property. This will be subject to an application to the City and the service will commence in October.

Rising external costs impact City budget

Despite being slammed with escalating utility costs and reductions in grant funding the City has managed to keep rate rises down to 3.9%.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Ian Carpenter, said it was a priority of Council to keep rates rises at a minimum whilst stimulating the local economy.

“The State government is increasing the supply of water and power by 4.5%, street lighting is going up by 7.6% and the longer term costs of government borrowing is going up by $950,000,” he said.

The Emergency Services Levy which the City collects on behalf of the State Government is also increasing by 10.6%.

“Although the Emergency Services Levy is a State Government charge on property owners, which is collected via Council rates, some people think the ESL is a local government charge but it isn’t. Once collected, the City forwards the money to the State Government,” Mayor Carpenter said.

Council has also been subjected to a $3.7 million reduction in Federal and State Government grants which has impacted on the City’s ability to keep rates down whilst still being able to provide the range and level of services the community wants and needs.

“It’s been a tough year and a lot of tough decisions needed to be made regarding the services the City will continue to provide with a greatly reduced budget,” Mayor Carpenter said.

“Community members spent almost 6500 hours during two Community Panels and the Community Summit helping prioritise the range and level of services the City provides.

“Having a clear understanding what the community values most has been critical to setting priorities and adopting a budget that meets the need to keep rate rises down whilst still providing services the community wants and needs.”

Mullewa reaps rewards of 2015/16 budget

Mullewa has been heavily featured in the newly adopted City of Greater Geraldton 2015/16 Budget which projects great positive outcomes for the town.

As a result of a record spend in Mullewa, infrastructure and employment opportunities are set to get a boost .

The Mullewa Youth Centre will be just one of the elements to have money injected into it from the Budget as well as the Town Park, road upgrades and the construction of a general waste transport facility.

A total of $150,000 will be spent on a full refurbishment of the Mullewa Youth Centre including new roofing, internal walls, new evaporative air conditioning and the replacement of floor coverings and windows.

Mullewa’s Town Park will also have an increased focus in helping to maintain and improve the local space which will become the premier precinct for the community.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Ian Carpenter, said both the Youth Centre and Town Park were important parts of the community and ones that the City were dedicated to improving.

“We know how much of a positive impact the Mullewa Youth Centre has on the Youth in the community and that’s why we are dedicated to conserving and developing these important assets in Mullewa,” he said.

“It is a very important space for the local youth, and the community has said that the centre is a top priority for Mullewa.”

The Mullewa Youth Centre, which is owned and managed by the City of Greater Geraldton with funding support from the Department of Child Protection, is utilised by local children and youths from the ages of eight to 18.

The Centre provides a safe, enjoyable retreat for youth, and runs a range of activities aimed at building confidence and resilience and encouraging physical activity. Youth are also provided with information and support in the event of adversity, or referrals to organisations aiming to assist young people.

Roads in Mullewa will also be renewed with $3.7 million from State Government funding to repair and upgrade major damage caused by flooding in the past year.

With infrastructure renewal a top priority, a key feature of these works will be the provision of Aboriginal employment opportunities.

“With the proposed works that will be done in Mullewa we aim to implement an employment program which essentially will create great positive outcomes for the local community,” Mayor Carpenter said.

“Unemployment numbers have increased in Mullewa and these projects will open up plenty of opportunities for the local community to gain work.

“Not only are we able to improve the town but we will employ locals to help do so which is the best outcome for Mullewa.”

In a great environmental outcome for Mullewa, $100,000 will be spent on the construction of a waste transfer station which will transport general waste back to Geraldton’s Meru Waste Disposal Facility, the Midwest region’s only Class III facility.

City to spend record amount to stimulate local economy

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Ian Carpenter, says there is no better time to inject a record amount of money into the local economy for capital works and renewals.

A record $68.5 million will be spent on various capital works in the next financial year as part of a significant capital works plan in the 2015/16 budget, $7 million more than last year’s budget.

Mayor Carpenter said with the downturn in the resources sector affecting employment, this was the right time for the City to spend money and boost the local economy.

“This Council cannot afford to sit on its hands during this period and our budget unashamedly looks to stimulate our local economy,” Mayor Carpenter said.

“With an increase in unemployment in the region, investing in capital works and asset renewal will reinvigorate the local economy and generate job opportunities.”

“We know local employment has taken a hit with the economic downturn but this record spend will provide some relief to the local construction industry,” Mayor Carpenter said.

“It is the responsibility of Local Government to help ease the cyclical patterns of the WA economy and the City’s investment in capital works and renewals will help to ease the fluctuations set by the resources industry in our region.”

The City has undertaken a comprehensive audit of local assets and City infrastructure which is currently valued at more than half a billion dollars.

“We are putting a big emphasis on asset renewal and we are addressing the backlog of decaying infrastructure in our community.

Of the $68.5 million, a total of $20.7 million will be spent on infrastructure renewal.

“The City is investing to ensure that local infrastructure is in great condition for our community to use and enjoy,” Mayor Carpenter said.

“The Council is committed to ensuring that it is the businesses and residents within our community that benefit from this record capital expenditure and is continuing to work with the Midwest Chamber of Commerce and Industry in reviewing our purchasing policies and practices to enhance the opportunities for local businesses.”

Budget highlights at a glance - Download PDF

Geraldton first in WA to develop rates concessions

In response to the community’s outcry against large spikes in rates resulting from property revaluations the City has worked closely with the Department of Local Government to develop a concessions system which will help smooth the impact for Geraldton rate payers.

Mayor Ian Carpenter said the City of Greater Geraldton is leading the way in assisting ratepayers by developing and implementing a system that reduces the impact of rate spikes by spreading the effects of the valuation rise over three years.

“The City has worked very closely with the Department of Local Government to investigate what can be done to assist rate payers facing large spikes from property valuation and is the first Council in WA to develop and implement a concessions system to smooth the impact of these spikes on rate payers,” he said.

“Concessions only apply to residential properties in Geraldton who have had a valuation increase and pay rates over the minimum payment.”

A concession equivalent to two thirds of the rates increase directly attributable to the valuation increase will be applied in year one and in year two a concession equivalent to one third of the rates increase will be applied. By year three the new valuation will apply and no concession will be available.

Through the application of concessions, 2,463 property owners who would have rate increases over 10% will have their net increase reduced as a result. Approximately 64% of property owners will have a net rate increase of 5% or less as a result of the application of concessions.

Mayor Carpenter says that although 32% of property owners will have a reduction or no net increase in their rates in 2015/16, concessions will provide needed relief for rate payers experiencing spikes in their property valuations.

“Approximately 32% or property owners will experience a reduction or no net increase in rates this coming year. However, it’s important to provide these concessions to those whose property valuations have increased.

“These concessions will significantly reduce the number of properties that were likely to have considerable increases in their net rates payable as a result of the new valuations determined by the State Valuer General.

“The Council does not want to be put into the same position we were three years ago when a large number of property valuation increase were around 30% which resulted in large increases in rates for those property owners,” said Mayor Carpenter.

“By developing and implementing the rates concessions over the next three years Council hopes to provide some rates relief for property owners.”

Geraldton Gross Rental Valuations Residential  Non Residential 2015 - Download PDF

The Comedy Emporium Set to Break New Ground at Breakers

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Get ready to break some new ground, The Comedy Emporium are breaking from tradition and partnering with a local pub for the very FIRST time to bring you the best local comedy in Geraldton. The Comedy Emporium Winter Pub Comedy Show will help comedians break the ice for audiences and give them a huge night of laughs, live music and good times down at Breakers Bar on Friday July 10. With a big following in Geraldton, The Comedy Emporium are doing great things all across regional WA, and once again will partner a massive lineup of national comedians with local talent to show regional audiences that these Gero comedians have become nothing short of unbreakable on stage.

“We’re really excited to see our Geraldton comedians doing such amazing thing across regional WA, after having our second birthday in Geraldton this year things are just getting bigger and better all of the time. The guys will be sure to break a leg come showtime at Breakers!” - said The Comedy Emporium Ringleader Julian Canny.

After already achieving great things in the two short years since it’s inception, The Comedy Emporium Geraldton have given light to so many regional comedians and taken their talent to regional centres across WA. Bringing it back home again to Geraldton, there is going to be some seriously Breaking Bad comedy for The Comedy Emporium Winter Pub Comedy Show.

“We are so excited about this show that we are really trying to break new ground. We even tried to fit in as many puns into our media release as possible but I don’t think we will break any records.” - said The Comedy Emporium Ringleader, Julian Canny.

The Comedy Emporium Geraldton is a comedy club that aims to develop the local comedy industry in Regional WA by empowering locals to learn and perform stand up comedy. There are a lot of people out there who find it hard to breakout of their nine to five cycle, give comedy a go, and find time for some laughs instead! Laughter is pretty important to The Comedy Emporium team who make their unbreakable promise to partner with local funny men and women (through their free workshop program) with some of the country’s best touring talent to showcase to Geraldton audiences the huge amount of awesome local talent out there.

In other breaking news, the long list of local breakthrough talent is giving Geraldton audiences the chance to see why this regional centre is fast­becoming the best place for local comedy. The Comedy Emporium’s long list of exciting workshops, fun programs and great partnerships with other international and local comedians, really shows how laughter can bring people together and unite a community.

“Our local Geraldton team are doing such awesome things within the comedy scene and really giving Geraldton a great reputation as the best regional town for local comedy. Laughter brings people together and we are all about uniting the community and showing audiences what Geraldton is made of!” - said The Comedy Emporium Producer Emma Howell

There will be a massive list of great international acts and performers alongside our Geraldton locals giving audiences a jam­packed night of back­breaking laughs. Audiences can come along for a big night out at the Breakers Pub, stay all night for a big night of comedy and then kick on afterwards and be part of the Break­fast Club to keep the party cranking past midnight.

Limited presale tickets are available from The Comedy Emporium website at www.thecomedyemporium.com for $22 Pre­sale each, or on the door for $25 on the door.

Live Music 7.30pm, Comedy 8.30pm. Head down to Breakers for dinner before the show.

For enquiries please ring 0458 306 111. No BYO alcohol. Bar available.

Playground boost for Holland Street school students

Students at Holland Street School are set to get new playground equipment and shade structures.

Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney said the school would receive$20,000 funding to get new and stimulating playground equipment to boost children’s physical activity or install shade structures to help protect students from the sun.

“The playground and shade structures program is giving local school children more opportunities to get moving, increase their fitness, develop gross motor skills and strengthen their bodies,” Mr Blayney said.

“Being active is one of the most important factors for children to develop and maintain good health.

“Fun and exciting playground equipment encourages children to play and use their imaginations.

“Shaded areas for children to play in are also very important in our Western Australian climate.”