City named leaders in accessibility

Mayor Shane Van Styn is pictured with Holland Street student Riley Bourne, Principal Rachel Rutter, student Isma Irwandie and Special Needs Education Assistant Misty Maylam.

Local efforts in the access and inclusion space has been recognised with the City of Greater Geraldton recently taking out a Most Accessible Community in WA award.

Sponsored by Regional Capitals Alliance WA, the City was awarded joint first place alongside Margaret River in the Leadership – Accessible/Inclusive Council Services, Programs and Events category.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the award was testament to the City leading the way in facilitating access and inclusion for all.

“We identified a big need to step into a leadership role to bring together stakeholders in both the disability and employment sectors to enhance the opportunity for meaningful employment for all in our community,” he said.

“City staff have really championed a strong approach and we are seeing this through the delivery of our own events, as well as supporting and advising external event organisers to embrace increased accessibility.

“We are proud to see that the focus and efforts to produce sustainable outcomes for people living with disability has won us this award.”

The City was awarded $250 for the award which was donated to Holland Street School at their recent school assembly.

The City continues to demonstrate leadership in enthusiastically planning, delivering and facilitating unique accessible and inclusive programs and events in Geraldton.

The City’s inaugural Disability Employment Mobile Outreach (DEMO) project and inclusive events planning are two programs which demonstrate the leadership role the City has played to facilitate enhanced access and inclusion.

The aim of DEMO is to raise awareness of the benefits of inclusive and diverse workplaces and to secure sustainable employment outcomes by removing barriers and creating pathways into employment.

In developing the City’s Events Strategy and its endorsement by Council, the unique opportunity to make Geraldton a destination for accessible events and tourism was identified.

Despite the impact of COVID on the events space, City staff has embraced access and inclusion, putting it at the forefront of various local events.

This award continues the City’s efforts in access and inclusion after Geraldton was named “Most Accessible Community” in the 2019 awards.

Geraldton strikes historic homeport partnership with Navy ship

L-R; Lieutenant Laura Frayling, Able Seaman Jaimee Thomson, Mid West Ports Acting CEO Damian Tully, City CEO Ross McKim, Mayor Shane Van Styn, Commander Steve McCracken and Warrant Officer Sean Ellerton.

Greater Geraldton has been confirmed as the official Ceremonial Homeport of the Navy’s NUSHIP Stalwart with the establishment of a historic enduring partnership.

As one of the Royal Australian Navy’s newest ships, the relationship is soon to be formally recognised between the City of Greater Geraldton, Stalwart and the Yamatji Peoples.

The lasting partnership between Geraldton and the ship will be enduring and link in with the region’s significant naval history and present a number of opportunities for engagement with the community.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the partnership presents ongoing outcomes for the community along with strengthening the relationship between the City and the Navy.

“This partnership is a historical occasion for Greater Geraldton and we take pride in being named a Ceremonial Homeport for Stalwart,” he said.

“Given our rich naval history, it is a privilege to strengthen our ties with the Navy and create a life-long bond with Stalwart and its personnel.

“We look forward to working closely with the Navy to foster meaningful outcomes and deliver some exciting engagement opportunities with our community.”

The ceremonial commissioning of Stalwart will take place at HMAS Stirling Naval Base later this year, where the official announcement of Geraldton as the Ceremonial Homeport will be made.

Once commissioned, Stalwart will plan a journey to Geraldton.

As part of the partnership, Stalwart and her crew hope to routinely visit Geraldton so the crew can engage with the community through open days, supporting local events and programs.

More information:

• NUSHIP Stalwart (III) is the second and final Supply Class Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment (AOR) ship built for the Royal Australian Navy by Spanish shipbuilder, Navantia.

• The ships are intended to carry fuel, dry cargo, water, food, ammunition, equipment and spare parts to provide operational support for the deployed naval or combat forces operating far from the port on the high seas for longer periods.

• More information regarding the ship can be found at https://www.navy.gov.au/nuship-stalwart-iii
  

Seven Councillors sworn in following local election

City of Greater Geraldton Councillors.

Seven Councillors have been elected and sworn in at a Special Meeting of Council last night, following the weekend’s local government election.

Jennifer Critch, Jerry Clune, Natasha Colliver and Victor Tanti whose four year terms finished on election day were again elected, while Mike Reymond made his way back onto Council after his last term ended in 2019.

Council also welcomed two fresh faces in Steve Cooper and Michael Librizzi.

As part of the Special Meeting, Jerry Clune was chosen as Deputy Mayor by his fellow Councillors.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn congratulated all Councillors on being sworn in.

“It’s great to welcome back some returning Councillors, as well as some new comers,” he said.

“We have a great group of people representing and serving our community and I look forward to what we will continue to achieve.”

Former Mayor and Freeman of the City Phil Cooper, officially swore in the Councillors last night, which included his son – Steve Cooper.

Mayor Van Styn extended his thanks to outgoing Councillors Steve Douglas, David Caudwell and Sally Elphick for their time on Council, with the three choosing not to re-nominate.

“To Steve, Dave and Sally – you’ve all been extremely passionate people and played pivotal roles on Council throughout the years,” he said.

“On behalf of the community, I would like to thank them for their unwavering dedication and hard work.

“I also extend my gratitude to all the candidates who put their hand up to run for Council as well as all those community members who took the time to vote.”

A total of 7,470 or 27.11% of electors voted in the election.

Foreshore Waterpark reopens

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise the Foreshore Waterpark reopens today, 24 September 2021.

Summer hours of operation are 8am to 6pm daily.

If you have any queries please contact the City on (08) 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au.

Bluff Point road resurfacing works

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise that road resurfacing works to Morris Street from Kempton Street to Chapman Road are scheduled to begin Tuesday 28 September 2021 and will take approximately three days to complete. 

These works are part of the City’s 21/22 Road Renewal Program which will see more than 19kms of roads resurfaced or resealed. 

The anticipated hours of work will be from 7am to 6pm and traffic management will be in place during this time. 

Members of the community are requested to exercise caution and obey all warning signs and directions from authorised City personnel and contractors.

The City apologises for any inconvenience these works may cause.

If you have any queries please contact the City on (08) 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au.

Christmas on the Terrace returns!

One of Geraldton’s most loved and attended events, Christmas on the Terrace, will return this year and the community can expect all the crowd favourites back for another fun-filled evening! 

After not taking place last year due to COVID-19, the City of Greater Geraldton, alongside a plethora of stall holders, businesses, community groups and entertainers will bring Marine Terrace to life for a Christmas celebration.  

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said he knew the community would be welcoming the event back with open arms.

“Christmas on the Terrace has cemented itself as a must-attend pre-Christmas event every year, and we know the community were disappointed to not see it go ahead in 2020 – but rest assured, 2021 will be bringing back everything you love,” he said.

“While Christmas might seem far off, we are well into planning and I encourage all those who may like to be involved to express their interest.

“We look forward to seeing Marine Terrace light up and working with our community to deliver another fantastic and vibrant event.”

The City is now calling for stallholders, businesses, community groups entertainers and musicians to be involved.

Christmas on the Terrace will take place from 5pm – 8:30pm on Thursday 9 December 2021 and those interested in being involved are encouraged to express their interest via a stallholder application here.

For more information about the event please email events@cgg.wa.gov.au.

Outdoor pool gets new lease on life

Cooper & Oxley Group Director Adrian Hackett (from left) and City of Greater Geraldton’s Mayor Shane Van Styn and Manager of Sport and Leisure David Emery bid farewell to the outdoor pool before upgrades to the 50 year old structure begin.

A major refurbishment of the 50 year old Aquarena outdoor pool to extend its use for another 20 years is underway.

The $6.1 million project, which is joint funded with the State Government’s Community Sporting and Recreation Facilities Fund contributing $750,000 towards the works, will take approximately ten months to complete.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the upgrade will provide a much needed life line to the popular facility built in 1970.

“Three generations of residents have enjoyed swimming in our beloved outdoor pool,” he said.

“Repairing and upgrading the pool will extend its life for another 20 years and align it with the estimated end of life for the remainder of the Aquarena facilities.

“At that time, the future Council can then make the decision on the size and type of aquatic facility that the next generation of our community will want or need.”

Project works involve the replacement of the pool’s concrete walls that have deteriorated, the installation of disability access ramps and stairs, the complete retiling of the pool and greatly needed infrastructure upgrades including a new water treatment plant, drainage and hydraulic systems.

Mayor Van Styn said the City’s hands were tied regarding the timeline of works which leaves the outdoor pool closed during summer.

“Although we would have preferred not to close the pool over the summer months, the contractor’s scheduling, availability of materials, resources and the lengthy construction time frame of ten months needed to complete the works have left us with little choice in the matter,” he added.

“The good news is, Aquarena staff have been working closely with all the outdoor pool user groups to develop a schedule for the 25m indoor pool that ensures their programs will still go ahead despite the closure.

“During the works the indoor pools will certainly be busier than usual but the revised schedule still includes time slots allocated for lane swimming and equipment hire.”

To avoid any disappointment members of the community are encouraged to contact the pool before heading to the facility to ensure lanes are available and those planning a birthday party should book in early.

The outdoor pool upgrade will be untaken by Cooper & Oxley Group, a commercial construction company experienced in the specialised field of aquatic facility construction and refurbishment. They have engaged Commercial Aquatics Australia, one of the largest and most experienced specialist aquatic facility contractors in Australia, as their project partners.

For more information on the project visit the City’s website here

Safe Active Street construction set to begin

Cross section of a Safe Active Street where motorists, cyclists and pedestrians share a designated 30km/hr zone.

The transformation of Railway Street into a Safe Active Street, the first of its kind in regional WA, is set to begin in early October.

Together, the Department of Transport and the City of Greater Geraldton worked with local residents and schools to develop the design that will transform the 1.4km section of Railway Street from Smith Street to Green Street into a quiet, low traffic, low speed street that is a more welcoming space for people travelling on foot or on bikes.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the project, identified for improved cycling facilities in the Geraldton 2050 Cycling Strategy, is a key component of the City’s cycling network.

“Once completed, the Safe Active Street will directly link into the recently completed 500m shared path located under the trees on the west side of the North West Coastal Highway between Green Street and Spalding Park,” he said.

“This will provide safer access to the mountain bike facilities in Spalding Park and the mountain bike loop trail in the Chapman River Regional Park for people who live south of the river.

“This means people will be able walk, jog, skate, scoot or cycle on shared paths and a safe active street from Corallina Quays on the north side of Sunset Beach right through to the CBD.

“I can’t wait to try it out.”

The safe active street will feature a 30km/hr speed limit for drivers, red cycle lane pavement marked with bicycle symbols and traffic calming infrastructure to allow cars and people on bikes to share the street safely.

The project also includes designated on-street parking, additional tree plantings and landscaping on both sides of the street to make it a more attractive place to walk or ride a bike.

More information on the Railway Street Project here

More information on the Safe Active Streets Program here

Cyclone Seroja financial assistance remains available

Five months on from Cyclone Seroja, many people are still in recovery phase.

Those impacted by the Cyclone are reminded there are still financial assistance packages available.

Please visit www.emergency.wa.gov.au/recovery for full details including criteria, eligibility and application details.

Local businesses urged to be part of new buy local gift card program

Local businesses celebrate signing up for the City’s Buy Local Greater Geraldton Gift Card initiative.

Geraldton’s biggest ever buy local campaign is here and it comes in the form of an innovative ‘Greater Geraldton Gift Card’ program.

An initiative of the City of Greater Geraldton, the new program is set to boost the local economy, enrich the community – all while supporting our locally owned and operated businesses.

The City is now calling on local businesses to sign up and be part of the program, something Mayor Shane Van Styn said would be hugely beneficial for local stores.

“Every time you spend money at a locally owned and operated business, we all benefit,” he said.

“Spending locally not only has a positive impact on our local economy, but it helps to create local jobs and it enriches the community.

“So we are encouraging our local businesses to join this fantastic program as redemption stores and help us spread the word!”

The three-year program is made possible through generous funding from Rio Tinto and support from the Midwest Chamber of Commerce and Industry, IGA Group, Mitchell and Brown and GWN7.

Buy Local Greater Geraldton Gift Cards are an EFTPOS based community gift card system which promotes spending in Greater Geraldton, so that money stays in our community and contributes to economic growth.

The Gift Cards, which look like credit cards, will be available for purchase at local “Load Up Stores” which include Mitchell and Brown, all Cellarbrations and IGA stores under the local IGA Group.

The cards can then be spent on goods or services at participating stores in Greater Geraldton, and the City is currently signing up locally owned and operated businesses to become redemption stores.

“A huge thank you goes to Rio Tinto, the Midwest Chamber of Commerce and Industry, GWN7, Mitchell and Brown and the IGA Group,” Mayor Van Styn added.

“Without the support from these amazing businesses, we wouldn’t have been able to get this off the ground.”

An Information Sundowner was held last week which saw more than 20 businesses already hop aboard including Skeetas, Sportsfirst, Hogs Breath, Athletes Foot and Nature’s Choice.

The program is aimed at locally owned and operated businesses and locally owned franchises, and will launch at the end of September.

There is no cost for a qualifying business to sign up and be a part of this program and businesses can easily register online now.

For more information, FAQs and everything you need to know about how the cards work, head to www.cgg.wa.gov.au/buylocal

New footpath construction in Beachlands

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise construction of a new footpath on the south side of Jose Street between Crowther Street and Burges Street is scheduled to commence on Monday 13 September 2021 for a period of approximately two weeks.

The anticipated hours of work will be from 7.00am to 6.00pm and traffic management will be in place during this time.

Members of the community are requested to exercise caution and obey all warning signs and directions from authorised City personnel and contractors.

The City apologises for any inconvenience these works may cause.

If you have any queries please contact the City on (08) 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au.

Cyclone and staff shortages delay verge mowing

Verge tree damage caused by Cyclone Seroja.

Ongoing clean-up efforts following cyclone Seroja and near record winter rainfalls resulting in exponential vegetation growth have impacted the City of Greater Geraldton’s verge mowing program.

City CEO Ross McKim apologised for the delay in works and says they are now on the radar for completion.

“We have heard the community’s concerns about over grown verges and we apologise for not getting to them quicker,” he said.

“The clean-up of Cyclone Seroja aftermath and massive vegetation growth across Greater Geraldton has created more work than we have been able to keep up with.

“On top of this, we are also experiencing staff shortages and so are our local contractors who undertake much of this work for us.”

From Monday 13 September 2021, the City will be reallocating staff from other areas to assist the existing verge mowing teams.

Local contractors will begin mowing the North West Coastal Highway and four City crews will undertake suburban verge mowing.

“Although we usually manage to keep the verges of nearly 2200kms of roads throughout Greater Geraldton mowed, this year has been challenging,” Mr McKim added.

Employment opportunities with the City of Greater Geraldton are listed on the City website here

Local artists bring interactive art to Chapman Road

Local artists Shah Jackey, Luke Barlow and Rachel Weaver

Public art in Geraldton’s CBD is about to reach new heights with several local artists on board to activate and bring Chapman Road to life.

A partnership with RAC will help to deliver the Chapman Road Tactical Urbanisation Pilot Project. ‘Art on Chapman’ will see the stretch of road from Durlacher Street to Cathedral Avenue completely transformed - and art is high on the agenda.

Local artists Luke Barlow, Shah Jackey and Rachel Weaver along with artists from Yamaji Art and local students will all contribute to some very quirky, colourful and interactive artworks.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the impactful designs are primed to be a popular go-to on Geraldton’s art trail.

“We know how much our community and visitors really value and enjoy public art, especially street art – so it’s great to see such varied artists come on board for this exciting transformation,” he said.

“There will be beautiful images, lots of colour and something for everyone with selfie walls, Aboriginal artwork and a quirky interactive series for the kids.

“It’s amazing to see the revitalisation of our CBD continue and we’ve seen outstanding flow-on effects from the Foreshore, through to Rocks Laneway – and now onto Chapman Road.

“Watch this space – it’s going to be very exciting!”

Aligning with the theme of ‘Ocean to Outback’ the artists on board were given briefs for different elements of the project including planter boxes, wall designs and window panels.

Artworks have now been completed with installation and project works set to be completed by the end of September.

The 12-month pilot project is delivered by the City in partnership with RAC through its Reconnect WA initiative, which aims to create vibrant streets and public spaces for Western Australians to interact and connect.

RAC Group Executive Social and Community Impact Patrick Walker said RAC is proud to support projects which bring new energy and vibrancy to our communities. 

“A key priority of RAC’s Reconnect WA initiative is to inspire local residents and businesses to get involved in driving positive change in their local areas, so we’re thrilled the community has the opportunity to help shape this pilot project and any longer-term changes that may follow,” he said.

The project will make use of low-cost temporary materials such as tree planters, parklets, art, painted pedestrian areas and an improved crossing to make a safer, more pedestrian friendly streetscape that adds vibrancy to the area. 

The pilot plan has been developed by a working party made up of local business operators and property owners, community group members, youth, Main Roads WA and others.

For more information on the project, head to the City’s website.

Reinstallation of shade sails

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise shade sails and shade domes over playgrounds throughout the City will be reinstalled starting the week of Monday 13 September 2021 in preparation for the coming summer season.

Works will take about two weeks to complete.

Members of the community are requested to exercise caution and obey all warning signs and directions from authorised City personnel and contractors.

The City apologises for any inconvenience these works may cause.

If you have any queries please contact the City on (08) 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au.

Night road works with temporary road closure in Deepdale

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise that night road resurfacing works on Masters Road from Horwood Road (including intersection) to Geraldton-Mount Magnet Road are scheduled to commence Monday 13 September 2021 for approximately four nights.

The night works, which are weather dependent, will take place from 8.00pm to 7.00am.  Detours will be in place during these hours as the road will be closed.

Members of the community are requested to use alternative route, exercise caution and obey all warning signs and directions from authorised City personnel and contractors.

The City apologises for any inconvenience these works may cause.

If you have any queries please contact the City on (08) 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au.

New off lead dog exercise area opens

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn and his pooch Bella enjoying the new off lead dog area located in the Leonard T Green Memorial Park in Mahomets Flats.

Dog owners looking to exercise or socialise their furry friends in an open yet contained space are invited to test out the new off lead area recently opened in the Leonard T. Green Memorial Park.

Located in the centre of the Olive Street Reserve, the new +1000m2 grassed area features two fenced spaces, dog waste bag dispensers and bins. Drinking fountains with dog bowls will soon be installed as their delivery has been delayed by COVID-19.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said with nearly 10,000 dogs registered in Greater Geraldton the new off lead area will be a popular place to visit.

“Up until a few weeks ago we only had one fenced, off lead area, located at Woorree Park,” he said.

“This facility is well used by the community and also by the Geraldton and Districts Kennel Club who offer formal dog obedience and agility training on site.

“The addition of a second facility in Mahomets Flats will make it a much more convenient for dog owners living in the southern suburbs to exercise their pets in contained off the lead areas.”

To help meet the growing demand for places to exercise dogs off lead, four new off lead areas have been added in Greater Geraldton including Bayside Park in Drummond Cove, Bellimos Park in Wandina, the south west corner of the Leonard T. Green Memorial Park in Mahomets Flats and the Mullewa Recreation Grounds.

Although these areas are off lead, dog owners are still required to have their pet under control while in these public open spaces and are legally responsible for the behaviour of their dogs at all times.

“If your dog doesn’t listen to voice commands or runs up to others dogs or people, they are not permitted to be off lead in these designated areas,” Mayor Van Styn added.

In all other public open spaces where dogs are allowed, they must be on a lead. 

For more information on where dogs can be exercised off lead, head to the City’s website here

Update: Rural road conditions

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise due to heavy rainfall and the rising flow of the Greenough River, Ramsey Road is now closed until further notice.

The following roads have reopened to traffic:

·         Carnarvon-Mullewa Road

·         Beringarra-Pindar Road

Members of the community are requested to exercise caution and obey all warning signs and directions from authorised City personnel and contractors.

The City apologises for any inconvenience these closures may cause.

If you have any queries please contact the City on (08) 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au.

City supports bypass staged approach

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn has supported Minister Saffioti’s recent comments about the possibility of the proposed Dongara-Geraldton-Northampton being broken up into stages.

With more heavy haulage set for Geraldton after the announcement of Strandline Resources’ mineral sands project, Mayor Van Styn said it was about time the Northampton bypass was prioritised.

However the now acknowledged need to bypass Northampton demonstrates an urgent need to bypass the centre of Geraldton too.

The Oakajee to Narngulu Infrastructure Corridor (ONIC) should also prioritise to get heavy haulage, which is typically travelling into Geraldton, out of inner city residential areas.

It is noted this is a long way off being built, being reliant on Oakajee and will cost hundreds of millions of dollars.

There is a solution that has been planned by Main Roads for 20 years or more and has the full support of Council; The Geraldton North South Highway (inner bypass).

With most land already reserved, and able to be built for a fraction of the cost, this presents a real solution in the short term to remove the expected increase traffic through the centre of Geraldton.

“It is important we put an emphasis on construction on the Northampton bypass as well as the inner bypass – the southern section of any future bypass is irrelevant at this point,” Mayor Van Styn said.

“Strandline’s new project will see an increase in heavy haulage going through the centre of Geraldton, and the fact Northampton needs to be bypassed - means Geraldton should also have heavy traffic removed.

“The inner bypass would allow these trucks to be diverted out of urban Geraldton.”

Construction of the Northampton bypass has long been supported by the City, as has the construction of the ONIC.

“With all the talk about renewable hydrogen the ONIC must be made a priority as the total lack of infrastructure at the Oakajee Industrial Estate is forcing big businesses to look elsewhere,” Mayor Van Styn added.

“But the ONIC does not negate the need for the inner bypass.

“We need to look at the future of Geraldton and what needs to be implemented soon to not only ensure and improve safety when it comes to road haulage, but ensure smart and realistic routes for business to and from Geraldton and further north.”

Main Roads’ Dongara-Geraldton-Northampton bypass has been a topical project for some time, with concern from many rural property owners about the preferred route which was revealed in 2020.

Council were asked to comment on the proposed route in February this year with a consensus that there were several key issues with the draft alignment, resulting in continued unwavering support for the inner bypass.

Rural road closures following heavy rains

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise due to heavy rainfall the Carnarvon-Mullewa Road and the Beringarra-Pindar Road are closed until further notice.

Members of the community are requested to exercise caution and obey all warning signs and directions from authorised City personnel and contractors.

The City apologises for any inconvenience these closures may cause.

If you have any queries please contact the City on (08) 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au.

Temporary Chapman River Estuary Trail closure

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise the Chapman River Estuary Trail located on the south side of the Chapman River between Charles Street and Chapman Road is closed until further notice due to fallen trees and embankment erosion caused by Cyclone Seroja.

Members of the community are requested to avoid the area and use alternative routes.

The City apologises for any inconvenience this closure may cause.

If you have any queries please contact the City on (08) 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au.