Wire across Rd in Wandina, residents warned

This was just sent in to EG

"I was driving on Herbert Street in wandina, the new area.  When I almost didn't see this wire going across the road,  could of been some serious damage to someone's car,  or even worse an accident. Especially if someone was on a motorcycle.  I'm assuming kids did this,  I don't know how dumb they can get. Absolutely no reason to be doing this sort of thing,  think about what could happen next time you do something so stupid!"

List of all parks and playgrounds that are open or closed

Many folks have been asking for a list of which parks have had their playgrounds closed and which are still open. The City has a web page with the info. 

Click here to visit.  

The following press release from the City provides an update on the situation

Play equipment safety audit completed

A report on the condition of play equipment located in parks across the City region conducted by industry specialists has been completed and submitted to the City for review.

The play equipment safety inspections took into consideration the condition and noncompliance of all 167 pieces of play equipment were part of an ongoing program of asset audits the City conducted over an 18 month period. 

City of Greater Geraldton CEO, Ken Diehm, said although the audit took longer than expected the comprehensive report it produced is an important document the City and Council needs to make decisions that put the safety of families and their children first.

“Although it took much longer than the City anticipated to inspect every piece of play equipment across the City the audit report, which is more than 700 pages long, has shown playground equipment is generally in poor condition with 31 pieces being of an unacceptable standard and that many of the soft fall areas need to be upgraded as well.

“Some of these things are safety issues that need to be addressed, that’s why 15 parks have been closed and equipment has been removed and until these issues are rectified playground areas cannot be opened for use by children and their families,” said Mr Diehm.

Although $349,000 has been allocated in this year’s budget to fund the renewal of playground equipment, according to the report it would cost an estimated $1.7M to replace all of the play equipment.

To assist in prioritising which parks will have their play equipment repaired or replaced the City is utilising the Public Open Space Strategy.

“Playground equipment in parks listed as high priority in the strategy will be replaced progressively in the next few months.  Until this work is completed, the fences will remain in place to ensure community safety.

“Where parks that have had their equipment removed or identified as non-compliant and are not listed as high priority in the strategy, these may not be replaced in the near future,” said Mr Diehm.

A report to Council is currently being prepared on this matter identifying those parks that will have their playground equipment replaced or removed.  The report will be available from the Council website as part of the Council meeting agenda.

“I can appreciate the community would like to see the repairs and replacement of play equipment completed as quickly as possible so they can enjoy these facilities with their children and I apologise for the delays however, it is my responsibility as the City CEO to ensure that all play equipment meets safety standards before they are opened again for community use.”

Below is a list of parks currently closed or have had some of their equipment removed and parks that are partially closed where only some of the equipment is available for use.

A list of parks which are open, current closed or partially closed to the public can be found at the link at the top of this article. 

As play equipment in parks are reopened to the public, these parks will be added to the website list.

The Public Open Space Strategy is available at the City Civic Centre, Mullewa District Office or on the City website by clicking here. 

Cold Chisel tickets can be purchased from 12pm today

Click here

GP Services for Mullewa being sought by the City

The City of Greater Geraldton is seeking expressions of interest for the provision of GP Services at the Mullewa Medical Centre.

Currently, the Wave n Wattle Group who are providing GP services to the Mullewa community will discontinue their service on 28 October 2015 due to operational reasons.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Ian Carpenter, said although it is not core business of Local Government to provide medical services to residents, the City recognises how critically important GP services are to the town of Mullewa given its distance from Geraldton.

“Historically, the City has subsidised the Mullewa Medical Centre by covering the costs associated with the building, tenancy and maintenance for the doctor’s surgery.  This support will continue as the City recognises how vitally important GP services are to the Mullewa community and therefore supports the continuation of the service,” Mayor Carpenter said.

“The City is confident a medical group will step up to provide GP services to the Mullewa community which not only supports growing wheat, beef and lamb industries, it is situated in the very heart of WA’s famous wildflower country.”

Expressions of interest may be submitted via email to Tenders@cgg.wa.gov.au or via post to Tenders, City of Greater Geraldton, PO Box 101 Geraldton WA 6531. The submission deadline is 5.00pm Monday, 21 September 2015. Prospective applicants can obtain specifications and criteria by request to tenders@cgg.wa.gov.au.

Change of name and new program

Helping Minds (formally Arafmi) has a new program out. The program is call Young Minds it's for anyone aged 0-18 years, at risk or showing signs of mental illness. This could mean the child/youth is struggling with being bullied at school, not feel happy or having trouble with friendships, family arguing, worried about things. Young Minds can help. 

Even if you’re unsure if the service is the right service for you, please call the team on 1800 811 747. It’s a free confidential service. Or call in to 180 Durlacher Street, Geraldton Directly opposite Rigters Super IGA

Feedback wanted on Mid-West coastal route

Feedback is being sought from community members and stakeholders about options for a future coastal route between Dongara and Northampton in the State's Mid-West.

Transport Minister Dean Nalder announced the start of a consultation period which will identify preferred routes to meet future needs for moving people and freight.

"There are three options between Dongara and Geraldton for consideration and three between Geraldton and Northampton, which include upgrading existing roads and new inland routes," Mr Nalder said.

Acting Regional Development Minister Mia Davies said all options used the planned Oakajee-Narngulu Infrastructure Corridor, which is being proposed by the departments of State Development and Planning as an outer bypass east of Geraldton, as the central part of the long-term route.

The Brand Highway, between Dongara and Geraldton, already carries about 3,700 vehicles per day, of which 16 per cent are heavy vehicles.  By 2031, volumes are expected to increase by 60 per cent to about 6,000 vehicles per day.

The North West Coastal Highway, between Geraldton and Northampton, carries about 1,100 vehicles per day, of which one quarter are heavy vehicles.  Volumes are expected to increase to about 3,000 vehicles per day by 2031.

Interested people can provide feedback by October 2 by:

• completing the form in the newsletter to be delivered to more than 21,000 homes and businesses in the Mid-West
• completing the online form at http://www.mainroads.wa.gov.au  >Building Roads > Planning Projects
• speaking to Main Roads staff at the following venues

Taste of Celebrity in Geraldton

Mid West Charity Begins at Home (MWCBH) is bringing a taste of celebrity to Geraldton by securing TV star Tom Williams to host its fundraising Gala Dinner in November.

Mid West Charity Begins at Home (MWCBH) is bringing a taste of celebrity to Geraldton by securing TV star Tom Williams to host its fundraising Gala Dinner in November.

MWCBH spokeswoman Anne-Maree Hopkinson said securing someone of Mr Williams’ calibre helped lend the event the ‘wow’ appeal organisers were after.

“The Gala Dinner has become something of a must-attend event on Geraldton’s social calendar,” Mrs Hopkinson said.

“Guests go all out in ball dresses, make up and jewels – and we invest huge amounts of efforts in decorating the venue in a sumptuous style – so having someone with Tom’s star status fits in really well.

“Tom not only has the high-level recognition we’re after, but also seems a nice, down-to-earth guy – a tradie-cum-celeb who can banter with the crowd in Geraldton.”

Mr Williams said the charity touched a chord with him, for its emphasis on volunteering and community.

“I think we share the same values, compassion, hope, love and understanding,” he said.

“As Australians we are always helping out those in need, it’s one of our best characteristics. We don’t want to be thanked or made a fuss over, we just want to help.”

Mr Williams said the cause was particularly close to his heart, as his own father died of cancer when he was 19.

“He had a world of love and support around him for the entire time he was suffering,” he said.

“I think about him every day and I’m sure he is keeping an eye out for me and my young family. I know he would be proud to see me travelling over to the other side of the country to lend a hand.”

The MWCBH Gala Dinner on November 7 attracts the regions movers and shakers to raise money to help ease the financial strain for Mid West people with a serious illness.

The charity has so far provided financial relief to 130 Mid West families battling their most difficult times. 

Mr Williams said he was also particularly looking forward to visiting Geraldton.

“I was in Gero last year - I’d paddled my surf ski up from Freo,” he said.

“Bloody long way but so beautiful. I love the west and always have fun there.”

Any Mid West person with a serious illness and financial difficulties can apply for funding through MWCBH. Find out more by visiting the website and filling in an application form (www.charitybeginsathome.org.au).

Businesses interested in finding out more about being a sponsor for the Gala Dinner should email info@charitybeginsathome.org.au.

Assistance sought from community

Geraldton police are seeking the public’s assistance in relation to a Burglary incident that occurred in Bluff Point on Wednesday 02 September 2015, the second in a week.

At approximately 1.45am a female forced entry into a hotel on Chapman Road and gained access to the function centre. The female was spooked by the alarm and was last seen running from the lobby area.

The female is described as fat to solid build.

Anyone with information in relation to this incident is asked to call Geraldton Police on 9923 4555. 

Experience a Remedial Massage at Indah

Reducing the size of Council /Asset management

I note Councillor Van Styn’s comments in relation to the proposed reduction in the number of Councillors.

As the current Mayor of the City I have no problem with reducing our numbers and the consequential cost savings. This was discussed at a recent Concept Forum at which Councillor Van Styn was not in attendance.

When the City amalgamated with the Shire of Mullewa in 2011 we signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) agreement that we would not reduce the number of Councillor representatives (2) for the Mullewa Ward for a period of eight years. Whilst an MOU is not a legal document, my position is, as a signatory to the agreement, I would not consider breaking this agreement.

Asset Management.

Unfortunately there is more to this issue than stated in Councillor Van Styn’s letter.

• Whilst Council did have a lager than usual increase in 2011 it should be remembered that in 2007 (also a re-valuation year) that Council chose to not implement the full increase in that year because of the drought conditions which existed at that time. This caused a downward compound over the next four years.
• With the introduction by the State of the Integrated Planning Framework back in 2011 it became necessary for all Councils to correctly address and fund asset renewal. Few have done so and might be a good example for the State to adopt the same regime! Whilst prior to this date it was not compulsory, our Council was aware it was coming and had begun to address the issue. This had my full support as it is routinely done in private enterprise, an area where I have much experience.
• I believe this showed good forward thinking by our Council not the reverse as suggested by Councillor Van Styn.
• I have also fought hard to ensure rates are as low as possible given our financial constraints and will continue to do so by making sure we examine our costs and staffing levels regularly.
• We need to be a financially sustainable city and one that does not leave debt for our children. My intention is to encourage our Council to achieve this.

Ian Carpenter.
Mayor,
City of Greater Geraldton

Coastal Erosion

I’m very pleased this issue has been raised by one of the candidates because, as someone who has lived in Geraldton for pretty much all of my life, it is something near and dear to my heart too.

Coastal erosion is a problem for local government’s right up and down the West Australian coast from Busselton to Kalbarri and has been an issue for many years. With the known increase in sea levels, this will continue as time advances so we need to be “on top” of the issue.

There are a number of areas within the City of Greater Geraldton where erosion has been taking place over an extended period of time, for example, in the Grey’s Bay area, which is on the south side of the Geraldton peninsular. Some of the longer term residents of the area would be aware Willcock Drive has actually been moved back from the ocean three times in the past 50 years. Previous Councils have chosen to adopt the strategy of moving the road back because of the enormous cost of using hard infrastructure to protect the beach. 

Archived photographs of the Back Beach area show the beach has actually grown in width as has the area between the Fisherman’s Wharf and Pages Beach.

Specialist coastal engineers tell us most of the beaches north of the Batavia Coast Marina are eroding because the Port Breakwater and the Marina are blocking the natural movement of sand which normally travels from south to north. Unfortunately Geraldton is an Industrial Port City so we need to deal with the issue. It is clear the Port and the Department of Transport (owner of the Marina) have a responsibility to assist with the cost of rectifying the Northern Beaches erosion because their structures are the primary cause of the erosion problems.

Some two and a half years ago I became frustrated that we were making no progress with the Department of Transport (DOT) and the Midwest Ports Authority (MPA) in getting them to address the issues of erosion on the northern beaches and wrote to the then Minister of Transport, Troy Buswell, to make him aware of my frustrations. As the result of my letter the Minister appointed a senior person from the DOT to lead a team consisting of the DOT, MPA and the City to find an acceptable solution to this vexing problem. This group has an engineer from each and has sought the advice of a specialist coastal engineering firm and is now at the point where a designed solution for the area from the Marina Bay through to St Georges Beach is all but complete. The next phase will see us negotiating with the DOT and the MPA to provide the necessary funding. Some funding has already been sourced from the Royalties for Regions program but much more will be required. I expect the DOT and the MPA will provide the bulk of the funding as it is their structures which have caused the erosion.

Many ratepayers ask why we continue to have to sand nourish in the Midalia/Beresford Beach area. As noted above, the Port and Marina block the natural northern movement of sand so this will always be required to ensure the northern beaches continue to be nourished. After this sand is put in place it naturally gravitates northwards. The City has an agreement with the MPA to provide a specific amount of sand each year at no cost to the City. This sand is sourced at Pages Beach where the sand is continually building up. I am told by the MPA, removal of this sand prevents silting of the shipping channel. 

Because there are other areas like Sunset Beach and Drummond Cove where erosion of the beaches is an issue, a future Council will need to make decisions as to whether it commits to spend a great deal of ratepayer’s money to provide further coastal protection or let nature take its course in areas where it is not necessary to protect any infrastructure. This issue is yet to be decided as we are awaiting an engineer’s inundation report which will cover Point Moore to Drummond Cove. It is important that we have the best engineering advice available before we decide on an action plan. I think we should avoid hard infrastructure to protect the coast wherever we can but there may be some areas where it simply may not be possible to avoid it. 

Geraldton is renowned for its beaches, diving, swimming, surfing and other water sports. We need to retain our “Gero feel” for future generations and I have and will continue, if re-elected, to work to make sure we get the best possible outcome for our community

Ian Carpenter.
Mayor,
City of Greater Geraldton

Applications for enrolment to study at Geraldton Senior College in 2016 are now open

Kelsey, a Geraldton Senior College graduate, was recently awarded an Australian Vocational Student Prize for 2014. She was nominated because of her excellent employability skills of self-management, planning, learning, communication and teamwork. In 2014, Kelsey spent her final year at Geraldton Senior College undertaking a Certificate III in Children’s Services while completing Year 12 studies.

This year, over 600 students at Geraldton Senior College are studying Certificate II and III courses. This program is provided in partnership with Registered Training Organisations such as Durack Institute of Technology and Progressive Training. A large number of students are also taking ATAR courses for transition to tertiary study.

Applications for enrolment to study at Geraldton Senior College in 2016 are now open. Explore career options and find your path to the future in a wide range of courses for students in Years 10 to 12. Download an application form from our website gsc.wa.edu.au or telephone us on 9965 8400.

Book review of local author's novel "The Hero of the Ashes"

A local author, Ali Constable, has recently published a book titled 'The Hero of the Ashes' and it is set in Geraldton and locations to the east. 

The book is very character driven and relationship focused, and ultimately a story of hope. Thus it immediately entwines the reader into the lives involved. It is about how you are forced to get on with life while you are grieving and how people around you are oblivious to your pain. 

It's about the courage and strength of mothers when faced with extreme situations. While Esther (the main character) is a girl of action, Marybelle (her helper and friend) is more openly lead by Faith which together forms the focus. 

I was moved due to my own personal pains and am convinced others too would feel this deep connection. 

This is the first to be published in a set of three. Those who have read the first are very eager for the next to be completed, as each chapter leaves you wanting to know more and the last of course does the same. 

A quote by the author:

'The complete 3 book arc covers grief, loss, action, adventure, love, faith, marriage and grace and puts forward the question; what part would YOU play if our Government issued a Call to Arms....'

Can you identify this woman?

Geraldton Police are asking for assistance in identifying the female in yellow jacket pictured,  for a fraud offence. Contact Geraldton police with info on 99234555 

Urgent advice for owners of recalled Samsung washing machines

WA owners of recalled models of Samsung top loader washing machines are being advised by Consumer Protection to urgently seek a refund from their retailer or supplier.

Consumers are no longer advised to seek a repair from Samsung and should instead organise to obtain a refund and the removal of the affected washing machine from their home as soon as possible.

The models subjected to the recall were manufactured between 2010 and 2013 and include model numbers: SW75V9WIP; SW65V9WIP; SW70SPWIP; SW80SPWIP; WA85GWGIP and WA85FWWIP. A total of 14,483 of these models were sold in WA.

The affected units have an internal fault where condensation can penetrate an electrical connector causing deterioration which may in turn cause a fire.

Acting Commissioner for Consumer Protection Gary Newcombe said that, in the case of major faults with products, consumers do not have to accept a repair so they can choose to receive a refund.

“Considering these top loader washing machines pose a fire risk we consider this a major failure and, in these circumstances, the Australian Consumer Law gives owners the right to a refund,” Mr Newcombe said.

“We are deeply concerned that reports now indicate that there have been cases where house fires have been allegedly caused by washing machines that had already been repaired by Samsung under the recall, so we are strongly recommending that the use of these machines is discontinued and they are removed from the home.

“This advice applies even if consumers have initially accepted a repair of their machine under the product safety recall.

“When obtaining a refund, consumers should arrange to have the recalled washing machines collected by the supplier who will dispose of them. The machines should not be re-sold or placed on the verge for bulk rubbish collection, as we want to remove any possibility that they are purchased or picked up by people who may not realise the danger.

“Consumers are entitled to recover damages from the manufacturer for consequential loss or damage suffered as a result of a faulty product.

“I urge consumers to treat this issue with a high priority and check the model numbers on their top loader washing machine and take immediate action if the model in their home is on the recall list. If confirmed, we recommend discontinuing its use, unplugging it from the socket and then contacting the supplier for a refund.”

Consumers who have any problems securing a refund from their retailer should contact Consumer Protection by email consumer@commerce.wa.gov.au or call 1300 30 40 54.

Councillors Must Share in Cutback Pain

As a result of a long history of poor forward thinking, the City today is forced to close an asset renewal gap of at least $6 million a year. In more recent times the answer was simply to raise rates in order to fund asset renewal and repairs.

This I find unacceptable and have fought hard to lower rate rises. I strongly opposed the 27% rise of 2012. This year after significant lobbying by myself and some of the current Councillors, aided by the community and driven by the CEO we have seen significant cost savings of more than $3.6 million implemented. Unfortunately this has led to a reduction of more than 40 staff at the City.

As Councillors who lead the City we must also share in this pain and reduce our numbers.

Currently we have 14 Councillors plus a Mayor. I will seek to reduce this to 9 Councillors plus the Mayor. I will also call for a review to see if 7 Councillors plus the Mayor is also viable.

By reducing the City wards from 6 to 4 we can reduce Councillors by 4. If we cut to 3 wards we could reduce Councillors by a further 2. The Mullewa ward must remain but the number of Councillors should be reduced from 2 to 1. This would save as a minimum $150,000 to $210,000 per year depending on which option was chosen.

As we expect City staff to work harder and drive efficiencies and as we expect community groups to share in cutbacks, Councillors must do the same. The process will need to commence from the next election in 2017, providing sufficient time for community consultation to determine boundaries and the desired level of representation.

I ask voters to elect me as their Mayor to move on from prior poor decision making and set a fresh direction for our City by restoring the community’s confidence in it. 

Shane Van Styn
Candidate for Mayor for the City of Greater Geraldton
shane@suncitysecurity.com.au
0417 910 005

Public comment sought on DRAFT Mid West Business Development Strategy

Mid West Development Commission Chair Honourable Murray Criddle today announced the release of the Mid West Business Development Strategy draft for Public Comment. 

The document is designed to provide capacity building initiatives for Mid West businesses and input is being sought from businesses and industry on the recommended priorities/actions identified in the strategy.

The four week Public Comment Period will commence on September 1 and conclude September 28 2015. 

The strategy commissioned by the Mid West Business Development Strategy Project Steering Group* is a direct result of the the Mid West Regional Blueprint (Blueprint) process.

“The Blueprint identified that in order for the region to grow, a focus is required on building the capacity of our business sector,” Mr Criddle said.

“More than 5,000 small businesses are at the heart of the Mid West economy employing approximately 45% of all private sector workers. Small businesses are the vehicle through which many people enter the workforce, with many having the potential to develop into the larger businesses of the future,” he said.

The draft strategy identifies eight key business development priority initiatives that include:

• the creation of a new entity/function as a peak body to facilitate and attract investment and regional marketing across the Mid West;
• the development of a skills development program that supports critical business issues;
• formation of a maritime cluster and the development of strategic business plans to implementand guide this process;
• development and introduction of a program to support high growth potential businesses (skills and human capital);
• a program to support rural and remote enterprises to increase their competitiveness and profitability, in particular develop modules to support Tourism and Hospitality businesses in the region;
• investigation of the use of an innovation voucher program to support the development of critical clusters;
• the development of a program to support head works and private sector investment; and,
• a program around connecting Mid West businesses to the State’s North & East.

“The strategy once finalised, will help guide future planning and investment with regards to building the capacity and growth of business sector in the Mid West,” Mr Criddle said.

“The Project Steering Group is keen to hear your views on the draft strategy and its identified priorities, so I urge you to take the time to review it and provide comment.

“Feedback will be collated in a summary document that will be released when the strategy is finalised scheduled for November 2015,” Mr Criddle said.

Arrests following pursuit

During the night of 26 August 2015, a Holden Commodore utility and a Mazda hatchback were stolen during a burglary in Caversham, Perth. 

On 27 August 2015, the Holden Commodore was sighted by police, travelling along Indian Ocean Road, Jurien Bay. It will be alleged that following attempts to intercept the vehicle, the vehicle failed to stop and continued towards Geraldton. 

After an effective deployment of the “stinger” it is alleged the youths abandoned the vehicle in a paddock near Dongara. Geraldton Police Dog Handler and Police Dog Bucky, with the assistance of Jurien Bay Police, Dongara Police and Mid-West Gascoyne Traffic Enforcement Group, apprehended four youths running from the stolen vehicle.

A 14 year old male from Nollamara was charged with Steal Motor Vehicle x 2 and receiving, another two 14 year old males from Mirrabooka and Koondoola were charged with Steal Motor Vehicle x 2 and a 15 year old male from Lockridge charged with Steal Motor Vehicle x 2 and No Authority to Drive. All four males were conveyed to Geraldton Police Station and will attend Geraldton Children’s Court at a later date. 

PD BUCKY at the scene

Police seek assistance

At about 1:00am on of Friday 28 August 2015, a window was smashed to gain entry into a fast food outlet in Spalding.

Five people dressed in black hoodies, wearing caps and gloves were seen in the area heading south east.

Police would like to speak to anyone who was in the area around the time of the incident who may have seen the incident or anyone acting suspiciously. Anyone with information is asked to call Geraldton Police Station on 9923 4555.

Hot air balloon floats over Geraldton

The RAAF balloon has hit the skies for a farewell flight. 

At approximately 6.30am this morning, Squadron Leader Damien Gilchrist took off from Queen's Park, Geraldton, for a display flight over the city. 

At approximately 7.30am, the balloon landed in an empty lot in Kane St, Wandina, and approximately 50 local residents came outside to talk to the pilot and take photos. 

Around a dozen children had the opportunity to join the pilot in the basket (but not all at once!). 

The children were then safely returned to their parents and the balloon continued its flight. It landed safely in a paddock southeast of Geraldton at around 9am.