Goodness Festival to Inspire

Pollinators and partners have met to plan a range of inspiring science, sustainability and innovation activities during the 2016 Goodness Festival in Geraldton.

Held over National Science Week from August 14th to 21st, the Goodness Festival brings together a kaleidoscope of exhibits, activities and presentations aimed at thrilling participants with the wonders of science and innovation. Last year more than 3500 people participated in Goodness activities, and 2016 promises to be just as attractive.

This year’s Goodness Festival will operate under the themes of Ocean Science, Bright Green (environmental conservation), Smart Health (health-related technology), Light Science (astrology and astrophotography), Engineering Energy and Social Innovation.

It will include a mix of professional development workshops and talks, community events and festivities, school events and activities and a ‘hub’ of activity at the WA Museum.

“There are plans for some fascinating tours, professional development opportunities, inspiring public talks, pitches for funding and interactive family activities,” Mr Outhwaite said.

Pollinators is also welcoming organisations and individuals to help create the Goodness Festival by hosting their own activities under the Goodness Festival umbrella.

Pollinators Community Lead Andrew Outhwaite said this model enables partner organisations to host science, sustainability and innovation events that suit their needs, while leveraging Pollinators’ marketing, communications, partnership and back-end administration capabilities.

“It’s a win-win-win where an organisation might use the Goodness Festival as an opportunity to bring a speaker to Geraldton, Pollinators will help market it and sell tickets, and our community gets inspired and informed in ways that otherwise wouldn't happen” Mr Outhwaite said.

Goodness Science, Sustainability and Innovation Festival is an Inspiring Australia initiative, supported by the Australian Government as part of National Science Week, and by Regional Development Australia Mid West Gascoyne.

Anyone interested in being part of the Goodness Festival should check the website for updates: http://www.goodness.org.au or contact Mr Outhwaite directly via email andrew@pollinators.org.au or on 0466 694 702

Scholarships invaluable for growth of local students

Corin Desmond

Jarna Kendle

Central Regional TAFE students Corin Desmond and Jarna Kendle are among the first recipients of the Northern Agricultural Catchments Council (NACC), Conservation and Land Management (CALM) scholarships, delivered through the Batavia Coast Maritime Institute (BCMI) campus in Geraldton.

The scholarships were introduced last year, and Corin and Jarna encourage anyone considering a career in this industry to apply – regardless of their age or experience.

Corin, 20, began studying at the BCMI in 2014 and was a scholarship recipient in 2015. He startedstudying the Certificate IIin Conservation and Land Management (CALM), and is now completing his Diploma in CALM.

Corin went straight from Year 12 to study at the BCMI, choosing TAFE over university as he prefers the hands-on experience offered through vocational education and training. Since undertaking the course Corin said he has learnt theory aspects that are equally as important as the practical elements, like record keeping and management skills.

Growing up in an environmentally conscious family, studying CALM was a natural choice for Corin as he’s spent many hours volunteering with his father who works with the Department of Parks and Wildlife.

He was involved, from inception, in the black-flanked rock wallaby project where a number of the species once thought to be locally extinct were recently released into Kalbarri National Park.

“I was involved as a volunteer, collecting scat and setting up camera traps to monitor the effectiveness of pest control to check that the area was safe to release the animals,” he said.

Corin said receiving the scholarship has helped him enormously from an economic perspective.

“It has the flow on effect of freeing up more time for study and also allows me more time to volunteer, and take part in BCMI’s ongoing Abrolhos islands’ restoration project.”

The BCMI’s Biodiversity Conservation Projects Manager (Abrolhos islands), MarykeGray, said Corin has been a significant participant in the Abrolhos project.

“Corin is a great asset to the restoration project, demonstratingpractical skills including on-site groundworks, biodiversity monitoring and developing site management plans,” she said.

“He has shown great leadership to the Certificate II and III students on his regular trips to the Abrolhos.”

Both Corin and Jarna said the NACC scholarships are a fantastic opportunity and encourage everyone interested in the field to apply to study the CALM program at the BCMI. They both said lecturers have been incredibly supportive and helpful of anything they have undertaken, and age is no barrier to applying.

Jarna, 32, who is equally passionate about the environment, has returned to study after a break to raise her family.

Originally a biosecurity officer, Jarna said being a NACC scholarship recipient to assist with expenses while studying the Certificate IV and Diploma in CALM has not only helped financially but has given her confidence knowing she has qualifications on her resume.

“I’ve always been passionate about the environment and wanted to gain qualifications to confidently re-enter the workforce,” she said.

“Studying at the BCMI has been amazing with opportunities like being a part of the Abrolhos project and working with industry partners like NACC and the Department of Parks and Wildlife.”

Jarna said she has had some incredible job opportunities presented already, through the study and work experience elements of the course, including an offer from a national company with a base in Geraldton.

“I want to finish my studies first and then I really want to get back into biosecurity,” she said.

Both Corin and Jarna’s advice to anyone thinking about a career in CALM is to gain some experience by volunteering

“And get to know the local community members who are involved,” added Jarna.

For more information visit this link: http://www.durack.edu.au/students/future/scholarships/government-funded-scholarships on the Central Regional TAFE website or contact Maryke Gray on (08) 9956 2892.

Applications for the NACC scholarships close on Sunday, June 5 2016.

Consumer Watch - What everyone building a house should know

With Consumer Protection Geraldton receiving enquiries recently about builders experiencing financial difficulty, the Building Commission has provided the following information to assist anyone whose building work remains unfinished or whose builder becomes insolvent.

We understand the frustration homeowners face when they are confronted with incomplete work and a builder who is no longer able to trade.  It is important to know that all residential building work valued over $20,000 is required to be covered by home indemnity insurance (HII).  

HII protects owners against financial loss if a builder cannot complete residential building work because of death, disappearance or insolvency of the builder. 

Occasionally, there is a period of uncertainty for owners between when a builder begins to experience financial distress and when they actually become insolvent. The following points may be helpful if you find yourself in this situation.

• Before construction or renovation of your home starts it is vitally important that you read and understand the terms and conditions of the contract and what should be agreed as the progress payment points at the various stages of construction. 
• Progress payments should only be made in accordance with the contract terms and when the work has been carried out.
• A builder having trouble meeting its obligations may attempt to make arrangements with another builder to complete the building work. You have a choice as to whether or not you go ahead with this new builder or wait until it is confirmed that your builder is insolvent and lodge a claim with your HII provider.
• Understand what your rights and obligations are if you wish to terminate your contract.  You should get legal advice.
• Contact your home indemnity insurance provider. Details of who you need to contact will be on your certificate of insurance, which can be obtained from your builder or applicable local government.  
• Delays may result in other unplanned expense or stresses including additional rent or storage costs while your home is completed. If you are experiencing any financial difficulties as a result of the delays, you may need to contact your bank or lender.

Once the builder has become insolvent and you haven’t transitioned to a new builder, you are able to make a HII claim against your policy. The claim will be treated in a timely manner as the insurers and their agents are very aware that it can be a frustrating and anxious time for home owners and can represent a significant financial burden.  

If approved, the insurer will work with you to resolve the issues associated with the completion of the building contract.  This may involve seeking quotes to complete the work, appointing a new builder to complete construction of the works and assess the shortfall (if any) of work against the progress payments.  Claims made under HII are capped at $100,000 and the policy may have up to a $500 excess that the home owner has to bear.

Talk to the Building Commission

If you are worried about your builder’s ability to complete your home you should raise these concerns with the Building Commission by phoning 1300 489 099 or email bcinfo@commerce.wa.gov.au.

Clustering for Growth – Cluster Musters

• Global Cluster Expert in Geraldton to meet with businesses
• Aim is Growing the Pie for the region
• Focus on Horticulture; Wind and Wave and Marine Services

International clustering expert Ifor Ffowcs-Williams, CEO from Cluster Navigators Limited will be in Geraldton for a series of follow up meetings with local businesses to continue with cluster development in the Mid West on June 8, 9 and 10.

Mr Ffowcs-Williams previously visited Geraldton earlier this year to explore possible cluster development approaches for horticulture, adventure and experiential tourism (Wind and Wave) and marine services. Since then, more businesses have been communicated with and the response has been overwhelmingly positive with several ideas put forward where collaboration could hold the key to "growing the pie" for the Region. 

The project, led by local business identity Todd West (Glassco) and Trish Palmonari (Mid West Development Commission), is part of the Mid West Regional Blueprint and Growing Greater Geraldton, a partnership project by the City of Greater Geraldton, Mid West Development Commission and the Department of Regional Development, as part of the Government's regional centre development program. 

According to Todd West – Clustering is a “coalition of the willing”.

“Whilst the opportunities are apparent, the missing ingredient for such collaboration is often the "glue" - who has the time or resources on top of their day jobs to organise meetings, facilitate the agreements, do the research and manage the initiatives?” Mr West explains.

“That is where the public sector can play a useful role. The business leaders just focus on what they are best at and what will help their cluster grow. 

“This is a proven methodology for business-led growth, with public sector in support. Academia (research and education) completes the "triple helix". 

“Following the exploratory meetings in April, the Greater Geraldton Growth Plan Partnership met to assess the potential of the cluster development approach and expressed wholehearted support for offering this approach to the development of a Horticulture, Marine Services and Wind and Wave (adventure and experiential tourism) cluster. 

“This means that a highly capable facilitator will be available to work with the group to assess and agree the areas to focus on, starting with the "low hanging fruit". There will also be some seed funding to enable those early initiatives to get up and running quickly and produce results. 

“We are fortunate that Ifor Ffowcs-Williams will be in WA in mid-June. We are making the most of this opportunity by holding a series of "cluster musters" to ignite the cluster developments. The musters will review the information we have about the growth potential and identify the priority areas to pursue.

“We are looking forward to seeing as many businesses there as we can. We know that other regions in the world have achieved impressive results that in today's global economy just couldn't be achieved without a structured approach to collaboration - we are excited by what this approach could deliver for us here,” Mr West said.

For further information about the Cluster Musters contact Trish Palmonari on 0428 210 712.

We are “lucky” so many key #Geraldton influencers at #TCIOCEANIA16 Diverse perspectives; shared passion #innovation pic.twitter.com/5bK5TkruCH

— Andrew Outhwaite (@ArOuthwaite) June 2, 2016

Students and Science: Check out the The ConocoPhillips Science Experience

Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney is encouraging Geraldton students in Years 9 and 10 to consider taking part in the ConocoPhillips Science Experience. Mr Blayney is a sponsor of this program and two students from Geraldton Senior College will participate.

The program encourages students in Years 9 and 10 to consider science, engineering and technology as interesting, worthwhile subjects and careers choices.

The programs are essentially for 3-4 days of hands-on science fun and practical activities in laboratories, short interactive lectures from prominent scientist and most programs include a visit to a local research/industry site. Each program provides information on possible careers and future study opportunities and allows students to become members of the Young Scientists of Australia, if they wish.

The registration fee for the 3 day program is $120 (inc GST) per student and the 4 day program is $160 (inc GST) per student. This program is also supported by Rotary through the Science Schools Foundation (Inc), which is an independent non-profit association of educationalists, Rotarians and industrials. I am really pleased to be able to support this program.

Registration can be made by contacting (03) 9756 7534 or online at: admin@scienceexperience.com.au

Clay program creates positive outcomes for Mullewa students

Artist Debbie Crothers with Mullewa students

A collaborative program in Mullewa that has helped students learn about important life lessons has been praised by local schools.

The City of Greater Geraldton in Mullewa joined forces with clay artist Debbie Crothers to present the Polymer Care program.

Debbie engaged with students from Mullewa District High, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Primary School as well as the local community to facilitate 11 polymer clay workshops at the Mullewa Women’s Indigenous Centre.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the main objective behind the project was to not only teach students new abilities but also some important life skills in a fun and interactive environment.

“We’ve had absolutely great feedback from all those who were involved, including the students,” he said.

Each school student successfully made a polymer clay piece that had relevance to a life lesson.

Kindy and pre-primary students made polymer clay dogs to accompany a thoroughly informative session on the correct way to care for dogs by two passionate volunteers from Geraldton Dog Rescue and a City Ranger.

Older students made their mums a polymer clay heart for Mother’s Day and transferred their own images of what makes them happy onto a bead, then took part in a fun and interactive session on positive feelings and general well-being with two inspiring Helping Minds and WA Centre for Rural Health employees.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Principal Di Nyman said she was over the moon with the outcomes of the project and hopes that it will be continued next year.

“It was absolutely brilliant and the kids loved it,” she said.

“Where else would you get the opportunity to work with such a specialist product like polymer clay along with an artist who specialises in it.”

The City of Greater Geraldton extended their thanks to those involved including Geraldton Dog Rescue, Helping Minds – Geraldton, Department of Child Protection and Family Services, Mullewa Women’s Indigenous Group, WA Centre for Rural Health, Mullewa District High School, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Primary School, Debbie Crothers and the Mullewa community.

Geraldton City Band achieved an outstanding result of second place

Last weekend saw the Geraldton City Band travel to Perth to compete in the 2016 State Band Championships. This annual event is a competition for both brass and concert bands and also includes soloist sections. This year, the Geraldton City Band (GCB) entered in the C Grade Brass Band section against two Perth bands, Town of Victoria Park, and City of Perth, and achieved an outstanding result of second place. Town of Victoria Park took out first place with 168 points, with GCB only three points behind on 165. That score also earned GCB the Les Nisbett trophy for the highest aggregate points awarded to a country band over the whole competition. One of the band's members, Melanie Penny, also scored a fantastic mark of 92 for her solo performance in the Brass C grade solo section.

This year has seen a large increase in member numbers for GCB which saw them performing with thirty five members on stage. The band is fortunate to have several music teachers from local schools as members and in turn, they are encouraging their talented students to come and join in. The brass band allows them to experience yet another genre of music and exposes them to a mature community group setting. GCB also maintains a strong bond with the Morawa School Brass Band and have quite a few of their players sign up after moving to Geraldton.

The State competition is one event that the GCB endeavours to attend most years. It helps the band maintain a high standard which then flows through to all other engagements, and this recent achievement is certainly something for all of us in the City of Geraldton to be proud of.

The band rehearses on Wednesday evenings, so if you would like to come and join in or have a listen, please call Mary on 0417 910 045, for some further information.

State CCTV Strategy Infrastructure Fund

Greater Geraldton’s application for CCTV funding through the State CCTV Strategy Infrastructure Fund has been approved. 

The Liberal-National Government made an election commitment in 2013 to provide $5 million in funding to Local Government Authorities (LGAs) to install additional CCTV cameras in crime hotspots by way of a grant funding process.  

A specific grant application process was developed by the State CCTV Strategy Secretariat designed to ensure CCTV grants deliver infrastructure that addresses applicable offences, and based on technology consistent with the future requirements of the State CCTV Strategy.  

In November 2015, the Minister for Police approved the proposed two-stage application process for CCTV grants. This will see LGAs submit an initial Expression of Interest (EOI) and, for those applications approved by your office for progression, undertake further detailed work in a discrete Proposal of Works phase.  

CURRENT STATUS:

The EOI application period for the $5 million State CCTV Strategy Infrastructure Fund opened on Monday, 2 November 2015 and closed on Friday, 18 December 2015.  

A total of 60 applications were received from 52 different LGAs, with some submitting more than one application for funding, seeking an estimated $10.037 million in grant funding. A total of $1.26 million in co-funding was also offered by applicant LGAs across the total of all applications received.  

A State CCTV Strategy Infrastructure Fund Assessment Panel assessed the grant applications against the stated selection criteria. 

There are three categories of applications:

• applications that are recommended for immediate progression through to the Proposal of Works phase
• applications that may be progressed through to the Proposal of Works should additional funding become available
• applications that should not progress any further

PROPOSAL OF WORKS PHASE 

Unlike previous grant funding rounds administrated by WA Police, the State CCTV Strategy Infrastructure Fund is being administered in a two–part process, consisting of an initial Expression of Interest phase (followed by a more detailed Proposal of Works. 

Proposal of Works - Formal quotes on an agreed scope of works will be provided by LGA applicants - as opposed to the original EOI applications, could result in costs that are materially lower than the indicative funding figures initially quoted. Should this be the case, this ‘additional funding’ will become available from the initial grant pool and will be redirected to additional grant applications on the standby list – Attachment B. In this scenario, it should be noted these LGAs (Attachment B) will not be contacted until later in this financial year. Please note, that it is planned that all $5M grants will be allocated by the end of 2016. 

The State CCTV Strategy Secretariat will immediately work with the successful LGA applicants to develop a definitive cost and technology model for proposed projects.  

Confirmation of the cost of proposed projects will also be undertaken as part of the Proposal of Works. Given that some variation may have taken place as a result of recommendations by the State CCTV Strategy Secretariat, it is during the Proposal of Works phase that all applicants will secure formal quotes on the agreed scope of their project. It is expected this should also result in a lower cost to Government overall. 

Half of the project funding will be immediately paid to the LGA at the completion of this activity, with the balance to be paid at the completion of mandatory acquittal processes when installation has been fully completed by the LGA.

It’s time to plant your wildflowers!

It’s time to start planting your wildflowers!

Transform your yard with carpets of Everlastings this wildflower season.

The City of Greater Geraldton is urging local residents to take part in this year’s wildflower campaign by planting Everlastings in their gardens.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said it would be amazing to see gardens across Geraldton blooming with wildflowers.

“Last year the City ran a very successful campaign designed to attract tourists to the region to see our spectacular wildflowers,” he said.

“We promoted the region as a hub for wildflowers where people can come and discover some of the 12,000 species that are found in the Midwest and many local businesses reported an increase in business as a result of the campaign.”

“This year we are encouraging everyone to get on board and embrace our spectacular wildflowers. For those who would like to create their very our own wildflower spectacular the Geraldton Visitor Centre is selling packages of Everlasting seeds that can be planted in flower beds or pots.”

Now is the time to plant your wildflowers so they flower from late July to September during the wildflower season.

If you’re looking to plan your wildflower adventure in the Midwest you can find more information on the Visit Geraldton website at www.visitgeraldton.com.au

Big Sky 2016 reaches new heights

The 2016 Big Sky Readers & Writers Festival, held last weekend (20 to 22 May) hit new heights with events attracting approximately 1000 people.

The visiting writers and artists were unanimous in their praise of the Festival program and of Geraldton’s attractions.

Festival Director and Geraldton Library Manager Susan Smith said the special guests enjoyed an overnight stay on the Abrolhos before the events commenced.

“Nearly all of our guests were visiting the Islands for the first time and were amazed and inspired by their beauty and the environment. It was a great way to begin their Big Sky experience. 

“Many of our visiting artists spent Friday working with local school groups before the Festival opening on Friday night.

“Geraldton Universities Centre was our base for the Festival, providing a superb space for our workshops, break-out sessions and keynote address.

Susan said there were many highlights across the Festival but these were her top picks:

• Former concert pianist and more recently Geraldton pilot David Tong performing Chopin at the opening celebration at the Libraryon Friday night for 100 guests.
• Much-loved Aussie actor and writer Steve Bisley’s entertaining keynote address peppered with stories of his student days at NIDA with Mel ‘Gibbo’ Gibson and Judy Davis as well as anecdotes about his acting career.
• The moving session at the WA Museum Geraldton when author Rod Jones spoke with curator Kate Naughtin about his personal experience of forced adoptions within the current exhibition ‘Without Consent’.
• Steve Bisley, short story writer Susan Midalia and photographer Daniel Craig discussing their art forms with the theme ‘Capturing the fleeting moments of our lives’.
• The Great Debate with the controversial subject: Facebook I hate you - attracting lots of laughs as a local team pitched their arguments against visitors Kyle Hughes-Odgers, Loretta Hill and Grantlee Kieza.
• Seeing the amazing work of artist Kyle Hughes-Odgers who paints images on various media around the world – from entire buildings and huge walls to beautiful detailed illustrations.
• The Big Sky Feast at Salt Dish café where guests were served a sumptuous meal with accompanying wines while listening to anecdotes from Steve Bisley and Loretta Hill - a perfect way to escape the blustery weather.
• Sunday morning’s Q&A session when author Rosemary Sayer held her own with Steve Bisley, Rod Jones and poet Kevin Gillam.
• Poetry in the Pub at Bootenal Family Tavern, led by Kevin Gillam and Rosie Sitorus with many community members sharing their poems and enjoying live music.
• Eating a gorgeous lunch at Bentwood Olive Grove while listening to book readings and enjoying a surprise cello performance by Kevin Gillam.

Susan Smith said the 11th Big Sky Festival was only possible thanks to her dedicated staff, a team of wonderful volunteers, and funding and/or in-kind support from the City of Greater Geraldton, Department of Culture and the Arts and Regional Development and Royalties for Regions, writingWA, Lotterywest, Friends of the Geraldton Library, Geraldton Universities Centre, Ray White Geraldton, Eastman Poletti Sherwood Architects, Incite Security, Coop Bookshop Edith Cowan University Mt Lawley, Zeewyk Pearl Apartments, Ocean Centre Hotel, Water Corporation, Department of Fisheries and WA Museum Geraldton.

Dates for next year’s Big Sky Festival will be announced in coming months.

Spotlight on Mid West Aquaculture at inaugural - Aquaculture Western Australia State Forum

The inaugural Aquaculture Western Australia State Forum to be held in Perth on Thursday, 26 May 2016 has had an overwhelming response with the Mid West Aquaculture Industry being featured.

The Forum is a collaboration between eight Regional Development Commissions, each of which identified aquaculture as a transformational economic growth opportunity in their respective Regional Investment Blueprints released over the last 12 months.

This follows the State Government’s landmark Statement of Commitment released in August 2015 to develop aquaculture in Western Australia.

Hosted with support from the Aquaculture Council of Western Australia and the Department of Fisheries, Forum attendees will learn from the experiences of existing commercial operators and investigate opportunities for the industry’s development in Western Australia. The event will conclude with a workshop that will inform an industry development strategy and identify priority areas for investment.

The Mid West and Pilbara Development Commissions are working on behalf of the Forum partners to manage the inaugural industry event.

Chairman of the Mid West Development Commission Murray Criddlesaid a state-wide strategic approach to aquaculture development was a smart move in a competitive market.

“The Forum is a great example of the Regional Development Portfolio working in partnership with industryto maximise economic outcomes for regional WA,” Mr Criddle said.

“To be competitive in the global market and provide the best return on investment we need to work together to make strategic investment decisions.”

Chief Executive Officer of the Pilbara Development Commission Terry Hill said aquaculture offered an important economic diversification opportunity that would bring new skills, jobs and investment to the regions.

“With its pristine environment, disease-free status and research expertise, Western Australia is well-placed to develop a sector that can supply a major share of high-value seafood and other products to world markets,” Mr Hill said.”

The State Aquaculture Forum is presented by Western Australia’s Regional Development Commissions, in partnership with the Aquaculture Council of Western Australia and the Department of Fisheries.

New partnership for Land for Wildlife conservation program

The Department of Parks and Wildlife’s well-regarded Land for Wildlife conservation program is partnering with NRM WA to help participants manage their bushland for wildlife habitat.

Land for Wildlife is a voluntary scheme to encourage and assist private landholders to provide habitat for wildlife in bushland on their property.

There are currently 1941 registered landholders, with a total of 286,614 hectares of bushland being managed as wildlife habitat through the program.

Mr Jim Sharp, Director General Parks and Wildlife, said the collaboration with NRM WA regional organisations would benefit private land managers and the State’s biodiversity conservation.

“This agreement and partnership arrangements with the NRM organisations is an exciting development for private land conservation in Western Australia,” he said.

As a result of the agreement, the Northern Agricultural Catchments Council (NACC) will take on a leading role to deliver Land for Wildlife in the WA’s Northern Agricultural Region – encompassing 7.5 million hectares from Gingin to Kalbarri and east to Mullewa, Perenjori and Kalannie.

NACC CEO Richard McLellan said the organisation was excited by the new collaboration, and was looking forward to working with Parks and Wildlife.

“We are particularly looking forward to connecting with existing Land for Wildlife member land managers across the region, to maintain this important land stewardship program, and to introducing the scheme to new land managers,” he said.

“Our role in the partnership will be to provide field extension and expertise in land management support to landholders; community engagement; and information dissemination; as well as providing considerable local knowledge about land management practices and local biodiversity conservation.”

Mr Sharp said Parks and Wildlife, which has run Land for Wildlife since 1997, will continue to administer the program through coordination of property assessments, registering and supporting new participants and communications including the Western Wildlife newsletter.

Jim Sullivan, Chair NRM WA, said the services each NRM organisation will provide to Land for Wildlife members would be determined in coming months.

“It is anticipated that NRM bodies will work with landholders in each region, linking them into networks and local communications,” he said.

For more information or to become a participant, visit www.dpaw.wa.gov.au/landforwildlife

Mayor exercises discretionary powers for emergency works at St Georges

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn has exercised his discretionary powers under the Local Government Act to begin emergency works to mitigate erosion at St Georges Beach.

On Tuesday Mayor Van Styn approved immediate works which include the construction of a low level sandbag groyne and sand nourishment works.

Mayor Van Styn said it was with careful consultation with City staff that he decided to make the executive decision.

“I understand how rare it is to utilise this power but this is an extremely important issue that demanded immediate attention,” he said.

“Without me exercising my rights under the Local Government Act, this process could have potentially taken months which is time we just don’t have.

“We have very important community infrastructure at risk and that’s why I took immediate action.”

CEO Ken Diehm said the City asked the Mayor to consider the urgency of the matter and move this forward as erosion posed imminent threat to essential community infrastructure.

“We regularly review and monitor coastal erosion and it is vital we take the necessary steps to protect our essential community and public infrastructure,” Mr Diehm said.

“With damage that occurred over the weekend, we can see that the toilet block at Rundle Park and the road near St Georges Beach is under great threat.

“We have to act fast and look at our options, hence why the Mayor has used his discretionary powers to ensure an interim solution can be implemented before any further damage occurs.”

The City have engaged specialist consultants Royal HaskoningDHV to develop a foreshore protection scheme for St Georges Beach. A report from the company showed that erosion was the result of short period wind generated waves coinciding with high water levels.

The City are now working off Haskoning’s recommendation for a low-crested sandbag groyne and sand replenishment works.

“We believe the groyne will help to capture the sand that is getting washed away and it will give us more time to work on a long-term solution not just for St Georges but for the rest of our coast including Sunset Beach and Drummond Cove,” Mr Diehm said.

Whitehill Road in Drummond Cove has also been under scrutiny following damaging storms over the weekend.

Mayor Van Styn said the process being undertaken to combat erosion could not be rushed.

“We are not trying to jump the gun and we are going through all appropriate processes. A long term solution is something that cannot be rushed,” he said.

“Sand is moving from the south to the north and we are working with specialists on the Beresford Foreshore and are following the Department of Planning’s coastal hazard risk management and adaptation planning guidelines (CHRMAP) process.

“We know this is a sensitive issue and we have engaged with the community to ensure we get the best outcome for our residents.”

Works at St Georges Beach are estimated to cost $650,000 and there is money in the 2015/16 budget to undertake the project.

The groyne and sand works will begin in the coming weeks and may take up to two weeks for completion.

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

Mums and Downsizing Corporates Reap Coworking Benefits

Members of purpose coach Fleur Porter’s Incubators program at work in Pollinators’ coworking spaces. Pictured are Kym Duncan, Kate Tonkin, Fleur Porter, Carolyn Correll and Clara Harris.

Work-from-home mums and downsizing companies in Geraldton are reaping the benefits of coworking as a way of escaping the home office and adjusting to a downsizing economy.

Pollinators, which offers the state’s leading regional coworking premise, is experiencing an increase in interest from both sectors as they adjust to personal needs and economic fluctuations.

Pollinators Space Lead Angie West said coworking offered the idea blend of social interaction and professional work space that mums who usually worked from home were seeking.

“Working from home is great but there are times when we yearn for the opportunity to network, to work from a professional space, and to bring clients to corporate meeting rooms,” she said.

“It’s amazing the kind of magic that can happen when like-minded people come together and meet while making a coffee in the coworking kitchen – it’s what’s known as the watercooler effect.”

Mrs West said coworking was also proving an attractive alternative to companies downsizing in response to changing economic times.

“It means these companies can maintain a professional office space and essential services such as a boardroom and meeting spaces without the overheads of having their own premises,” she said.

“And of course there are the benefits in reducing overheads by using a shared office space.”

The graduates of Geraldton Purpose Coach Fleur Porter’s eight-week ‘Incubators’ program meet in the coworking spaces monthly to support, encourage and inspire each other.

"We're all solo business people who are working on our own so it's great to be able to come together for that feeling of community and to encourage and support each other," Ms Porter said.

"I formed the Incubators graduate group to have that sense of tribe or community so coworking provides a way for the people working locally to extend that and get together."

The coworking trend in Geraldton is part of an international movement towards coworking, with the number of coworking spaces increasing by 36 per cent worldwide, according to the Coworking Europe Conference in Milan.

The conference survey found there are around half a million people working in coworking spaces across the globe. 

ACDC joins CreativeHub

ACDC Chairman Brendan Penzer, committee members Lizzy Robinson and Peter Howard, Pollinators Chairman Paul Dyer, Pollinators Space Lead Angie West and Pollinators Board Member Natasha Colliver.

Pollinators’ new CreativeHub premises is transforming into the vibrant, multipurpose creative space that Pollinators have planned for, with the Arts and Cultural Development Council (ACDC) the latest venture to move into the West End CreativeHub premises at 189 Marine Tce.

The ACDC move marks a major transformation for the region’s peak arts organisation, which is not only moving premises but also revamping the range of services it offers to the Mid West arts community.

ACDC Chairman Brendan Penzer said the move marked exciting times for the organisation.

“The move to CreativeHub will mean we’re part of this really exciting creative space,” Mr Penzer said.

“We’ll have a dynamic and flexible new exhibition and workshop space, and we’ll be around fellow creatives, who also use CreativeHub.

“We’re going through a period of real renewal and this move is one part of our transformation.

“It’s exciting times here at ACDC and we can’t wait to really revitalise the arts community from this new venue.”

Pollinators Space Lead Angie West said the ACDC move to CreativeHub married perfectly with Pollinators’ vision of offering a collaborative space for makers and creators to co-locate in a maker space.

“ACDC joins The Comedy Emporium and Headspace Geraldton as arts and youth services working from the same venue,” Mrs West said.

“We’ve also got plans for the entire top floor of the CreativeHub building located next door to be transformed into a ‘MakerSpace’ for smaller-scale creative ventures that will be able to link in with ACDC for exhibition space and workshops in the future.

“With the gorgeous artwork on the front of the building, and these exciting creative ventures inside, there’s a real sense of vibrancy, innovation and excitement – which is exactly what Pollinators had hoped for. 

"Watch this space for more developments at the CreativeHub.” The CreativeHub is supported by Panaceum Group and St John of God Hospital. ACDC is funded by the City of Greater Geraldton and Country Arts WA.

It's Geraldton

Nationals WA Member of Parliament and candidate for the seat of Geraldton Paul Brown MP, is thrilled with the announcement that Geraldton has been chosen as the home of Central Regional TAFE.

“Following the recent TAFE Reform announcements, there was a great deal of fear and uncertainty in the Geraldton community around the future of the former Durack Institute of Technology,” Mr Brown said.

“I lobbied extensively in Parliament and out in the community for Geraldton to be the home of Central Regional TAFE and am thrilled with today’s announcement.”

“Geraldton’s former Durack Institute of Technology is an award winning institute that features prominently year after year at the Australian Training Awards at National and State levels. It is fitting and a sensible decision that Geraldton has been chosen as the site of Central

Regional TAFE. It is a testament to the highly experienced and valuable educators, both past and present who have worked hard for this acknowledgement.” Mr Brown said.

The decision to base Central TAFE in Geraldton follows the recent announcement of former Durack Institute of Technology Managing Director Bill Swetman as the interim Managing Director of the Central Region TAFE.

TAFE reform has seen the amalgamation of the eleven TAFE colleges and their 70 campuses,many located throughout regional WA, to a network of five TAFE colleges. These five TAFE colleges have two TAFE colleges located in the Perth metropolitan area, and three TAFE colleges in regional WA. Regional TAFE colleges have be amalgamated under Northern Regional TAFE, Central Regional TAFE and South Regional TAFE.

TAFE campuses located in Exmouth, Carnarvon, Wiluna, Kalgoorlie, Merredin, Northam,Moora and Geraldton have come under the management of Central Regional TAFE.

The Geraldton campus will be the primary location for the college’s Managing Director Bill Swetman and the main administration centre. Additional executive staff will be situated across the other regional campuses to maintain a strong staff presence at these locations.

Coastal voices uniting in Geraldton

Sorting through beach wrack on Geraldton's coast.

Geraldton beach lovers are being called on to express their interest in joining a Geraldton-wide coastcare group.

The Northern Agricultural Catchments Council (NACC) is seeking to facilitate the establishment of the new group as well as bring together the number of dedicated coastcare groups already working on different sections of the Geraldton coastline, such as Drummonds Cove, Sunset Beach, Bluff Point and Point Moore.

The aim of this project is to establish a new umbrella coast care group across Geraldton that includes representatives from the existing groups and focuses on coastal issues that affect the entire Geraldton coast.

Geraldton’s coast is not only an important recreational asset for the community but it is also a very important ecosystem that requires community protection.

NACC Coastal and Marine Program Coordinator Dr Mic Payne said: “Most Geraldton residents feel a strong connection to their coast; it helps define our community and is a place where we go to relax.This new group will give local residents the capacity to become directly involved in managing this precious asset.”

Projects that the new group might undertake to help protect this environment include revegetating degraded dunes, managing pedestrian and off-road vehicle impacts, various community monitoring projects, controlling invasive weed species such as African Boxthorn and liaising with authorities on coastal erosion issues.

Dr Mic Payne said the group would provide more support for those wanting to volunteer their time in protecting the Geraldton coastline.

“Many local Coastcare groups are feeling the pressure of increasing impacts on coastal ecosystem whilst experiencing decreased Coastcare group membership. I hope that a broad membership base for this new group will help spread the workload and allow for frequent turn-over of office bearers to avoid burn-out,” he said.

The project is supported by the NACC and the City of Greater Geraldton, through funding from the the Department of Planning’s Coastwest Grants Program and the Australian Governments National Landcare Programme.

The inaugural meeting of the new group is planned for June this year.

iTunes tax payment scam

In the latest version of the phone scammers pretending to be the ATO, you will be asked to pay a tax debt via iTunes cards.

WA ScamNet has a copy of a similar voice message used in a previous scam. 

On 6 May 2016 a 52-year-old Mandurah woman reported to Consumer Protection that she had bought about $7,000 worth of iTunes cards to pay phone scammers. 

On 9 May 2016 a Melbourne grandmother told 9NEWS a similar story after losing $5000 on iTunes gift cards.

From time to time the ATO may contact you by phone, but you should be wary of unsolicited phone calls claiming to be from the ATO and offering you a tax refund or aggressively demanding a payment.

Our advice hang up or ignore the message. Do not call these scammers back. 

If you are unsure, contact the ATO directly on 1800 008 540.

More information and advice about this scam is available on WA ScamNet.

Help create a green city

Join a community planting day this June.

A green city has been identified as our community’s top priority and you can help make this vision a reality by taking part in community tree planting days.

The City is urging the community to be a part of the green transformation by joining in tree planting events which will be held in June.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the planting days were a result of community consultations.

“In previous public consultations we asked the public what would make Greater Geraldton a better place to live and we found that having a green city was a top priority,” he said.

“We are now asking for people’s help in making this priority a reality by joining in our community tree planting days.”

The first planting day is on Saturday 11 June from 10am-12noon with a free sausage sizzle afterwards and is being hosted by the Chapman River Friends. The planting will be on the corner of Swan Drive and Chapman Road, Sunset. Parking is at Spalding Park, where the group will return afterward for a BBQ.

The second will be at Back Beach on Saturday 18 June from 2pm to 4pm, with a sausage sizzle afterwards. Planting will be in the South Pipe dunes just south of the Surf Club. Parking will be available at the Surf Club.

Everyone is welcome to take part in the Community Planting Day, no gardening experience is necessary. Wear suitable clothes and bring your own gloves, hat, water bottle and hand spade if you have one.

This project is supported by funding through City of Greater Geraldton, the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program and Green Army Program, and the West Australian Government’s State NRM Program.

For more information see the City of Greater Geraldton’s event calendar at www.cgg.wa.gov.au/events or phone the City on 9956 6600. 

Grant funds repairs to 24 rural roads

More than $3.7 million in external funding has been secured by the City of Greater Geraldton to undertake repairs and minor upgrades to 24 rural roads damaged during flooding events last year.

The majority of the repairs will be on unsealed roads spread over an extensive area.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the funding from the Western Australia Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements program was significant and helps support the local economy.

“Through this 100 per cent funded program the City has the opportunity to invest millions of dollars of external funds into our rural road network,” he said.

“The repairs and upgrades to 24 rural roads will create a significant economic boost to the region by supporting local contractors who have been appointed to undertake the work.

“Local contractor Central Earthmoving was recently awarded the tender and The City is currently finalising the scope of work for each road with the contractor. Works are expected to begin shortly.”