Extreme fire conditions forecast for Tuesday

Residents in the Midwest Gascoyne, Great Southern and Goldfields Midlands are being urged to prepare their families and properties this weekend, with the Bureau of Meteorology predicting dangerous fire conditions on Tuesday.   

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) Acting Assistant Commissioner Country Murray Bawden said the predicted weather conditions will make it extremely hard for firefighters to bring bushfires under control. 
 

"Tuesday is predicted to bring a dangerous combination of 40 km/h strong winds, temperatures in the high 30s, and possible dry lightning,” A/Assistant Commissioner Bawden said.  

"These are extremely bad conditions for a fire, and DFES is getting ready by putting preformed incident management teams and strike forces on standby. 

"Tuesday also coincides with the anniversary of the 2015 Esperance fires, with it being a stark reminder of the heartbreaking destruction bushfires can cause.” 

A/Assistant Commissioner Bawden said DFES is getting ready for the bad fire weather, however everyone needs to play their part.  

"This weekend sit down with your family and have a chat about what you will do if a bushfire occurs, and make sure you have an emergency kit ready to go. 

"Also take the time to prepare your property by pruning back trees, cutting long grass, clearing your roof gutters and removing rubbish from around your house – taking an hour to prepare now will give you, your family and property the best chance of surviving a bushfire. 

"On Tuesday you will need to be extra vigilant of your surroundings, and if you see smoke and flames report it immediately to triple zero and put you bushfire survival plan into action.” 

For more information about preparing for and responding to bushfire visit emergency.wa.gov.au  

Funding approved for underground power in CBD

The removal of dangerous and unsightly timber power poles and overhead power lines on Chapman Road and Durlacher Street in the Geraldton CBD is one step closer with the City being approved for funding in Round Five of the Western Power State’s Underground Power Program Localised Enhancement Project.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the undergrounding of power in the CBD was one of the key issues he wanted Council to focus on under his leadership.

“The undergrounding of power in the CBD was a key component of my mayoral campaign and I am very pleased that we are one step closer towards achieving this goal,” he said.

The removal of power poles and provision of underground power will improve road safety whilst providing a more reliable power supply and enhanced streetscapes.

“The power poles on Durlacher Street are an ongoing safety concern as a number of vehicles have collided with the poles in the past,” said Mayor Van Styn.

“Underground power also reduces the risk of blackouts during inclement weather due to downed power lines.

“Once the timber power poles are removed the City can take the first step in the beautification of these thoroughfares which starts with the renewal of the footpath on Durlacher Street between Chapman Road and Sanford Street.

“The project involves replacing the old concrete block footpath with a continuously poured reinforced concrete footpath will improve pedestrian and cyclist safety in this location,” Mayor Van Styn added.

Undergrounding of power in the CBD has also been recommended in the City’s Integrated Transport Strategy, City Centre Vibrancy Plan and in the recently released draft Growth Plan. 

The project has now entered the Detailed Proposal Stage which will confirm the final project boundary and total project cost. The City has allocated $500,000 in the 2016/17 Budget to match the State Underground Power Program Grant contribution.

Removal of tree in Rundle Park

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise it will be removing a dead Tuart tree in Rundle Park on Tuesday 15 November 2016.

Although the City is always reluctant to remove trees as they add to the liveability of the urban space, in this case the tree located in close proximity to the footpath presents a serious risk to pedestrians and motorists.

During the removal of the tree, motorists and pedestrians 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 regarding the renewal works please contact the City on 08 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au. 

Make Xero your Hero of your Business!

Discover how and why you should move your business to the “cloud” with Xero.

Xero’s representative, Michael Kerr, will be in Geraldton to explain the benefits of cloud accounting and demonstrate advantages of using Xero software.

This informative event will be held at
Ocean Centre Geraldton
Thursday 17th November 2016
4pm – 6pm
(Light refreshments provided)

NO COST AND OBLIGATION FREE

RSVP is required by Monday 14th November to Mid Coast Partners
– seats are limited

This event is proudly brought to you by –
Mid Coast Partners
3 Wiebbe Hayes Lane
Phone: 08 9964 4942
Email: accountants@midcoastpartners.com.au

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Geraldton Apprentice is WA’s Top Building Apprentice

Jamie Desmond, a third-year carpentry apprentice with Aussie Sheds Group in Geraldton is the 2016 Master Builders WA Most Outstanding Apprentice, beating six other finalists to take home this prestigious award. 

Master Builders Training Director, Neil Du Rand said Jamie was a standout winner.  

“The three-member judging panel was very impressed with Jamie and how he conducted himself in the interview. He has a broad skill set, is very articulate and a good thinker, all the qualities we look for in an apprentice. He will be a great ambassador for Master Builders and other apprentices in the industry,” Mr Du Rand said.  

“The Master Builders Apprentice of the Year Awards are vital for our industry as they celebrate and acknowledge the innovation, skill level, dedication and leadership of the new generation of workers in the construction industry, those who will lead our industry in the future,” Mr Du Rand said.   

Melanie Battilana, Office Manager at Aussie Sheds Group said Jamie has excelled in leaps and bounds since he first started with the company in 2013.

“Jamie is well respected by all his co-workers and other trades onsite. He uses his initiative in getting the job done in a safe and timely manner, and is constantly coming up with new ideas to make the working environment run smoother,” Ms Battilana said. 

“Jamie is a huge asset to Aussie Sheds and all of our clients in the mid-west region,” Ms Battilana concluded. 

Other finalists for the Master Builders Apprentice of the Year were:

• Gary Clegg – Apprentice carpenter, Skill Hire’s Most Outstanding Apprentice;
• Jordan Westray – Apprentice plasterer, the Most Outstanding Solid Plastering Apprentice nominated by the WA Solid Plasterers Association (WASPA);
• Beau Simpson – Apprentice bricklayer, Now Living (Most Outstanding Bricklaying Apprentice);
• Jacob Moore – Apprentice wall and floor tiler, Silver Fern Tiling (Most Outstanding Floor and Wall Tiling Apprentice);
• Tameka Kenny – Apprentice painter and decorator, MPA Skills (Most Outstanding Female Apprentice); and
• Jeremy Allan – Apprentice carpenter, Broome Builders (Most Outstanding Regional Apprentice).

 Congratulations also to Tameka Kenny, a third-year painting and decorating apprentice with MPA Skills for winning the Most Outstanding Female Apprentice at this year’s awards. 

“This year we saw the highest calibre of female apprentices enter the awards, among the 79 female apprentices in our industry in WA, so Tameka did extremely well to win,” Mr Du Rand said. 

“The passion and dedication she displayed, along with the outstanding achievements she has attained to date made her a standout in an extremely competitive year for female apprentices.”     

“All finalists for the Female Apprentice of the Year Award should be proud of themselves and their ability to perform at the highest level in the traditionally male dominated industry,” Mr Du Rand said.  

“It is remarkable that for the third time in the last five years, an apprentice from Broome has won our Regional Apprentice of the Year Award,” MBA Geraldton Regional Manager, Di Gilleland said. 

“Well done to Jeremy Allen who is employed by Broome Builders in being adjudged the most outstanding apprentice across five regional areas of WA.”  

“Congratulations to all winners in this year’s Apprentice Awards. These awards are highly contested, and so to win is a great achievement that all finalists should be very proud of,” Mrs Gilleland concluded.  

Master Builders acknowledges the generous support of Cbus Super and the Department of Finance as our major alliance partners, along with all our other sponsors and supporters in helping to make this special event happen.  

The annual Master Builders Apprentice of the Year Awards were held on Friday, 4 November at Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre before a crowd of nearly 300 apprentices, builders, contractors, trainers, sponsors, and other supporters including family members. Finance Minister Hon. Sean L’Estrange MLA represented the Premier. 

Open-Plains Zoo planned for Western Australia

Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney has today welcomed the Premier’s announcement of a proposed open-plains zoo for Western Australia. 

“I visited Adelaide in 2013 and spent a day at the open plains zoo at Monarto, 70 kilometres east of Adelaide. 

“I was so impressed that on my return to Geraldton, I wrote to Premier Barnett advocating for such a zoo to be established in Western Australia. 

“Open plain zoos will have a huge role in the preservation of endangered species. The animal that first comes to mind is the rhinoceros. These imposing animals are fast being driven to extinction in Africa, by poachers selling their horn. 

“I’d hoped that Geraldton might be considered for such a facility but it is important that the zoo is located within an hour’s drive from Perth. I think Chittering is a good choice. 

“There is nothing quite as amazing as seeing these animals roaming freely in the open plains, living peacefully,” said Mr Blayney. 

The proposed zoo will be located on the Avon River at Lower Chittering next to the Avon Valley National Park. 

“it will be an amazing attraction for visitors to Western Australia and locals alike,” said Mr Blayney.

Meth strategy delivers 10 new Midwest rehab beds

The Liberal National Government has announced funding for 10 new residential rehabilitation treatment beds in the Midwest as part of its $14.9 million WA Meth Strategy announced in May. 

Mental Health Minister Andrea Mitchell said the contract for the 10 beds at Hope Community Services in Geraldton, was one of a number that would provide a total of 60 new treatments beds across the state, all of which will be available from January 2017. 

Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney said the beds represented a significant boost in treatment and support for users and their families in the Midwest who wanted to address methamphetamine use. 

“Recent statistics show that methamphetamine use and its associated harms is a significant problem in regional areas right around Australia,” Mr Blayney said. 

““These beds will add to the existing stock of treatment beds in the Midwest and ensure continuity of treatment options for people in Midwest communities who are experiencing meth-related harm.” 

Minister Mitchell said the WA Meth Strategy 2016, had already delivered a boost to staffing in community alcohol and other drug counselling centres across the state, a dedicated Meth Helpline, a specialist meth outpatient clinic and front line worker training.

“There is no one-size-fits-all treatment model for treating people with drug and alcohol problems,” Minister Mitchell said. 

“The best outcomes are achieved when the type of treatment matches the specific needs of the individual and State Government is ensuring that the entire spectrum of treatment and prevention options is supported and available across the State.” 

Stage Three Flores Road resurfacing begins

Stage Three of the Flores Road resurfacing project which will add the final layer of asphalt to the road is scheduled to begin at the end of October.

Resurfacing works between Fourth and Seventh Street in Wonthella include lifting storm drainage pits, replacing existing kerbing and laying an additional 50mm of asphalt.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the application of the second layer of asphalt is needed to provide an even driving surface for motorists.

“The first layer of asphalt that was applied a couple of years ago has had time to stabilise and cracks that have appeared in the surface that will be repaired before applying the final layer of asphalt,” he said.

“This will also smooth out any dips that have developed during the settling of the road.”

Resurfacing works are scheduled to begin on Monday 31 October 2016 and estimated to be completed by the end of November.   To minimise disruption during this time southbound traffic will be diverted over Bradford Street while Northbound traffic will still be able to use Flores Road.

The project is valued at $445,000 with the Mid West Regional Road Group contributing approximately 60 percent of the costs.

Seniors Week jam packed with activities

Seats are quickly being snapped up for the popular Mayor’s Mystery Bus Tour.

Seniors in our community will be celebrated during Seniors Week with a jam packed program of events!

Kicking off on Saturday 5 November, a bumper line up of activities has everything from music, sport, art, different workshops and have a go days.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the week-long festivities was a great way to acknowledge the hard work and contribution of local seniors.

“We have some amazing seniors in our community that make a very big and important contribution in all different facets of our community,” he said.

“Seniors week is a great way to recognise all that hard work and we’re extremely proud that we can offer such an amazing line up of activities and something that will appeal to all seniors.”

Mayor Van Styn will officially open Seniors Week on Sunday 6 November from 2pm onward with the Neil Diamond Tribute concert at the Queens Park Theatre.

There will be a prelude event on Saturday 5 November with the screening of Young @ Heart at 6pm by the Friends of Queens Park Theatre.

During the week there will be a huge line up of activities from the popular Mayor’s Mystery Bus tour, quiz afternoon, bingo session, workshops, have-a-go sessions and much more.

“These celebrations would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of the Seniors Week Committee, as well as the businesses who have made generous donations,” Mayor Van Styn said.

Along with prize contributions, select businesses are also offering discounts to those with valid pensioners or seniors cards.

Pick up a program booklet from the QEII Seniors & Community Centre or download a copy from the City’s website at www.cgg.wa.gov.au.

Bookings are essential! Tickets are available from the QEII Seniors & Community Centre from 8.30am until 2.00pm weekdays.

Police Locate Methylamphetamine on Driver in CBD

On Tuesday 25 October 2016, Geraldton Police stopped a vehicle for random breath test in Geraldton near the CBD.

Just after 3.30pm police required the drive to supply a sample of his breath. During the stop, police had cause to search the 22 year old male from Utakarra. During the search several bags of prohibited drugs (methylamphetamine) were located.

Police will allege the male had approximately 13.73 grams of the drug in his possession with the intent to sell or supply.

He was charged with 1 x Possession of Drugs with intent to sell/supply and will appear at Geraldton Magistrates Court. 

Stolen Property Located

In the afternoon of Friday 14 October 2016 local shopkeepers had reported items being stolen from their store that day.

Police located a 42 year old Spalding Woman who matched the description given by public and had cause to search her. During the search police located 24 items of property secreted on her person.

Police allege the woman stole from three separate shops. Most of the items where jewellery and clothing.

Whilst at Geraldton Police Station the woman requested medical assistance and was conveyed to Geraldton Regional Hospital by police where she was left with medical staff. A short time later police returned to the hospital for a report of a disturbance.

Police located the same female exiting the hospital with a large bag filled with various items. She was spoken to by police and it was ascertained she did not have permission to take the items from the hospital.

The 42 year old began loudly insulting police whilst inside the hospital. She was arrested and conveyed back to Geraldton Police Station where she was further charged with disorderly conduct.

She will appear at Geraldton Magistates Court at a later date after being charged with 4 x Stealing and 1 x disorderly conduct. 

Traffic Crash John Willcock Link

At approximately 3.20pm on Friday 14 October 2016, Geraldton Police responded to a report of a traffic crash which occurred on John Willcock Link near the intersection of Fitzgerald Street.

A road train was carting a load of iron ore to the Geraldton Port and driving along John Willcock Link. At the same time a four year old girl was riding her bicycle and attempted to cross from the northern side of John Willcock Link to the southern side.

Another vehicle was travelling in front of the road train and entered into the right turn lane when the driver observed the four year old crossing the road. The driver of the vehicle came to a stop just prior to the pedestrian crossing point to allow the four year old to cross in front of him. After the driver of the truck noticed the vehicle stopping in an unusual position he immediately reduced his speed however the girl crossed in front and collided with the front corner of the bull bar.

The four year old was taken by ambulance to Geraldton Regional Hospital where she is being treated for injuries sustained to her leg and is in a stable condition.

If you have any information about this incident make a report online at crimestopperswa.com.au or call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, where all calls are strictly confidential, and rewards are offered. 

Prize money up for grabs in basketball comp

Get your mates together and win yourself a handy $500 in prize money with the City of Greater Geraldton’s 3-on-3 basketball tournament.

Starting on 18 October through to 6 December, every Tuesday the tournament will be held at the half court on the Foreshore from 5 – 8pm.

Entry is $10 and is open to anyone 21 and under.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the competition would be a great opportunity for all kinds of athletes.

“This might be a good chance for those who wanted to try out basketball but wanted to do it in a more social setting, or maybe for those wanting to fine-tune skills with some different people,” he said.

“We’re encouraging anyone under 21 to get a couple of friends together and enter the comp.

“Plus there is $500 up for grabs for the winning team!”

For more information and to sign up for the competition head to the City’s website, call the City on 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au

Grants to revitalise WA heritage places

Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney has welcomed the news that OakabellaStation is among this year’s Heritage Grants recipients, securing $34, 122.00. 

“The station homestead and outbuildings provide us with a glimpse into the past. It is an important record of history in the Midwest,” said Mr Blayney. 

“I am very pleased that it has been selected to receive one of this year’s Heritage Grants. 

“The Jackson family are to be congratulated for their efforts in preserving these significant buildings,” said Mr Blayney. 

“The Belay Farm Group, Walkaway were also successful receiving $14,034.00 as was Tibradden Homestead Group, Kojarena who received $6,390.00.” 

“These properties all provide a window to the past, so it’s very important that their heritage status is recognised through appropriate funding,” said Mr Blayney. 

Western Australians place a high value on our heritage places. The State Government is committed to preserving heritage sites to ensure they continue to play an active role in the life our community.

Private property owners play a big role in preserving and revitalising many heritage buildings and places. Some of this State’s most important heritage places such as homes and commercial buildings in are private ownership.

To help support the maintenance of heritage values of these places for the whole community, the State Government’s Heritage Grants Program provides a total of almost $1.3 million a year, with dollar-for-dollar funding of up to $100,000 to private owners for urgent conservation works or documentation to help plan future works.

This year, 28 projects have been awarded heritage grants – 13 metropolitan and 15 regional projects.

As owners are required to match funds to the projects, this will result in almost $3 million in conservation works around the State.

The grants program offers dollar-for-dollar funding to private owners for urgent conservation works or documentation to help plan future works. It is one of the few grant programs in Australia to assist private owners with the costs associated with maintaining heritage places.

Since the program’s inception in 1997, 745 heritage projects had received grants totalling more than $18 million.

Funding available for Community Crime Prevention Initiatives

Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney is inviting all local government authorities and incorporated-not-for-profit organisations to apply for funding to implement community crime prevention initiatives.  The funding is provided through the Community Crime Prevention Fund and the State Graffiti Fund.

“I hope as many organisations as possible will take advantage of the opportunity to apply for funding through the Community Prevention Fund and the State Graffiti Fund.

“Submissions for funding are now open but will close on the 2nd of November, so please follow the links provided to make your application,” said Mr Blayney.

“I hope we can all work towards making Geraldton a safer community. One where people feel safe to go about their everyday business, and enjoy the natural beauty and many amenities that Geraldton has to offer,” Mr Blayney said.

Please take the opportunity to promote these grants in your Electorate. Further information can be sourced by following the links below.

Community Crime Prevention Fund 2016 -2017
Submissions are now open.
Submissions close 12:00PM 2 November 2016 (AWST).
Find out more about Community Crime Prevention Fund 2016 -2017...

State Graffiti Fund 2016 - 2017
Submissions are now open.
Submissions close 12:00PM 16 November 2016 (AWST).
Find out more about State Graffiti Fund 2016 - 2017...

Maxine Howlett "A Walk Down Memory Lane"

Maxine’s love of painting has been with her since the 70’s. When living in Darwin camping was a way of life and with a convoy of friends and their families they would pitch tents near creek beds and waterfalls and Max would pull out her easel and carefully place it in the middle of these water ways, settle herself into a camping chair, a scotch and coke at arm’s reach, her oils even closer and away she would go painting stunning mirror image art, all of it being luscious territory landscapes. The paintings were that well done, when you looked long enough you could feel the cold spring waters and hear the pandanus trees rustling. Truly majestic work from someone who never went to art classes or was coached, this work then and now is simply a ‘gift’.

During Maxine’s time in Darwin she had two wonderful daughters – Meagan and Leanne.  Leanne has a son Brett.

Maxine’s love of the brush and canvas continued, especially with oils for another thirty years. Moving to Perth in the early 80’s her work was not as fluent, but it was still a passion that when the mood caughther, out would come the ‘tools’. Maxine became inspired all over again when her and her husband moved to a property in the hills of Jarrahdale W.A.again showcasing stunning scenery which Maxine couldn’t wait to put on to canvas.

Never ever did Maxine feel that her work was good enough to exhibit let alone sell? Her friends however, believed differently and would want her work on their walls; Max reluctantly gave them her work not because of any other reason than she was convinced they were not ‘that good’ to be placed on display, which they definitely were.

In 2011 Maxine suffered a major stroke affecting all of the left side of her brain.  This resulted in her losing most of her function in the right side of her body.   Maxine spent months and months in Darwin hospital learning to walk, talk and eat  ( using her left hand ) with only the left side of her body fully functional. There was still one passion and love she wanted to try with her left hand now, and that was to see if she could paint.

Maxine can write a few words, but this can get tiresome for her as it does when she talks. Everything Maxine does today must be done in small doses, as the concentration required to do even small tasks exhausts her, except for painting. Maxine can paint for hours on end with a precise steady left hand; her art work is now what you see before you.

Maxine lives and breathes for her art and what she sees at the end of her work. Still to this day she does not see how inspirational she is, bringing out beautiful colours and creating bright, living and wonderful work. 

Maxine Howlett, a truly gifted individual that still to this day under estimates just how special and talented she really is.

We love her ….

Maxine has moved into Juniper Hillcrest Residential Aged Care (Geraldton) where she has focussed on her art – learning to work with her non dominant hand – now painting with her left hand -she spends most of each day in her studio corner at Hillcrest continuing to create her pieces of art.

Spend your Sundays by the sea

Your Sundays are about to get a whole lot better with the City launching Sundays by the Sea!

Each Sunday a different musician or band will hit the GMC stage playing a three-hour performance for the whole community to enjoy.

The City are currently looking for artists for the session slots and would love to hear from anyone that is interested in playing.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the new initiative was a great opportunity for all kinds of musicians.

“We are looking for people who may be just starting out and want some practice or coverage as well as the more established singers or bands,” he said.

“The GMC stage on the Foreshore is a great location and it will provide a big opportunity for all of our local talent.”

Kicking off on Sunday 16 October from 3pm – 6pm, musicians that are selected to play will receive a payment of $200 per three-hour gig. They are also welcome to busk at the event.

The community are invited to head on down to the Foreshore and enjoy their Sunday afternoons with the whole family whilst taking in some great local talent and enjoying a Geraldton sunset.

“Bring your picnic rug or camping chair, get some fish and chips and enjoy our wonderful Foreshore whilst listening to awesome live music,” Mayor Van Styn said.

“We know our community love our Foreshore and also love live entertainment – so we have decided to combine the two!”

For any musicians looking to get involved in Sundays by the Sea, head to
www.cgg.wa.gov.au and fill out the online form.

For more information you can also contact the City on 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au

National day to focus on Youth Mental Health in Durack

Today marks the inaugural National headspace Day – a national day of awareness aimed at ensuring that every young Australian knows how to get help for mental health issues if they need it, regardless of where they live. 

This headspace Day Federal Member for Durack Melissa Price has reminded all young members of Durack that mental health is important and help is always available. 

Ms Price said intervention at the early stages of a mental illness can reduce its duration and impact enormously. 

“Approximately one-in-four young people aged between 16-24 years may experience a mental illness at some point in their young lives,” Ms Price said. 

“headspace has been a vital part of the Australian Government’s preventative health services for the last ten years, providing teenagers and young adults with affordable, youth-friendly mental health services through the headspace network.” 

To mark National headspace Day, Australians are being encouraged to wear an ‘access all areas’ wristband and show their support on social media, using the hashtag #headspace. headspace centres across the country will also be hosting community events and open days. 

headspace, as well as providing mental health services, also offers a range of additional advice and support services to young people on physical health, work and study support, and alcohol and substance abuse. 

The Australian Government, during the recent election campaign, committed to investing $20 million for an additional ten headspace centres with the aim to increase services in rural and regional areas. 

This continued investment will bring the total number of headspace centres to 110 around the country by 2019. 

For more information on youth mental health services or National headspace Day, please visit the headspace Day website.

Graffiti Laws

At the stroke of midnight tonight the State Government will have delivered another blow to graffiti vandalism in Western Australian communities with its tough new graffiti laws coming into force.

Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney said the Liberal-National Government had delivered another key election commitment by creating a stand-alone graffiti offence which carried significant maximum penalties of a $24,000 fine and two years behind bars. 

“This sends a clear message to those people who have a complete disregard for someone else’s property, that they are committing a serious offence and will pay a high price,” Mr Blayney said. 

The Graffiti Vandalism Bill would also include:

• mandatory clean-up orders for convicted vandals
• confiscation of property, like smart phones and laptops, used to record and transmit graffiti vandalism
• strengthened Public Transport Authority (PTA) powers to ban serial offenders from buses, trains and stations
• strengthened local government powers to enter private property to remove graffiti
• an offence for possession of a graffiti tool or implement. 

“These new laws support local councils and many home and business owners who know the grind of cleaning up graffiti vandalism,” Mr Blayney said. “Now offenders will understand the effort it takes to clean and plenty of time to rethink their unacceptable behaviour,” Mr Blayney said. 

“The laws strengthened what the Liberal National Government was already doing to combat graffiti vandalism, which costs WA about $8 million a year to remove. 

“We endeavour to clean graffiti vandalism within 24 hours and now we will remove the ability for the vandal to broadcast it.  If it isn’t already, now graffiti vandalism will truly be the most pointless past-time in WA,” Mr Blayney said.

Opportunity for Geraldton residents to shape their future

Nationals WA Member of Parliament and candidate for the seat of Geraldton Paul Brown MP, is urging City of Greater Geraldton residents to have their say and help shape the future of their region by completing the Living in the Regions 2016 survey.

Made possible by Royalties for Regions, the survey is a safe and convenient way for regional residents to contribute thoughts about their region.

Mr Brown said the survey was a great opportunity for City of Greater Geraldton residents to share their perceptions and experiences of living in a regional community.

“Royalties for Regions is transforming regional WA through the provision of essential infrastructure and services,” Mr Brown said. “Finding out more about residents, what attracts them to live in the region and what they like best about living here, are simple but crucial elements that are instrumental in supporting the ongoing sustainability of our city.”

Mr Brown said it was anticipated government agencies, private organisations and community groups will use the survey findings to support decision-making and policy development across regional WA.

More than 10,000 people responded when the West Australian survey was last conducted in 2013, the largest and most comprehensive of its kind in the country.

“I urge all residents of the City of Greater Geraldton to have their say,” Mr Brown said.

The survey, conducted by the Department of Regional Development via Ernst & Young, is available online at www.drd.wa.gov.au/Regions2016.

Regional residents will also receive the survey in the mail, with 50,000 copies distributed at random across regional WA. The survey will remain open until 30 November 2016 and results are expected to be available mid-2017. Results from the 2013 survey are available on www.drd.wa.gov.au.