This generation of Australians

/

I would like to make a comment about this generation of Australians, you and me included, responsibility to our children, and grandchildren in regards to climate change.

Regardless of what we personally believe, be it a climate change sceptic, A person who believes the science of climate change, or someone that believes something that sits in the middle of the two, It is our role as Adults young, and old, to make decisions that leave a positive lasting legacy for future generations to inherit.

All of Australia, This includes the GREATER CITY of GERALDTON belong to one world, our world, For these reasons I personally applaud the Federal Government support of the recent global commitment to reduce global warming.

I believe that the CITY should embrace the opportunity that this commitment can provide, and actively endeavour to work with the Federal Government, to encourage our City to become a Centre for research,Innovation and climate change technology, that will, and can drive new and developing employment opportunities for not only our current generation, but more importantly our future generations.

Ron Ashplant

New Local Planning Strategy and Scheme approved

/

One of the most significant planning exercises undertaken since the formation of the City of Greater Geraldton has been gazetted.

The City’s new Local Planning Strategy and Scheme has been approved by Minister for Planning, John Day and is now a public document.

The Local Planning Strategy guides long-term land use planning and provides the rationale for land use and development control. It has directly responded to the outcomes of the 2029 and Beyond Designing our City Forum that was held in 2011.

City of Greater Geraldton CEO, Ken Diehm said the Local Planning Scheme adopted a planning approach in line with the City and community’s vision for the future of Greater Geraldton.

“Our goal is to be a region with the capacity to sustain a prosperous, diverse and sustainable community population of 80,000-100,000,” he said.

“One of the main functions of Town Planning is to ensure that development and land use proposals are appropriate for the area and maintain and improve our quality of life.

“This new strategy and scheme will enable our community to grow and meet our goals and create a vibrant future for Greater Geraldton.”

Before the introduction of the new scheme, the City was operating under four local planning schemes, the town planning schemes of Geraldton, Greenough, Mullewa and part of Cape Burney.

The new process has seen these existing schemes comprehensively reviewed, updated and consolidated into a single new scheme.

City seeks information on mobile phone Black Spots in Geraldton

/

Do you live or work in an area of Greater Geraldton where there is limited or no mobile phone coverage? If so, the City wants know about it.

The City of Greater Geraldton is gathering information on the location of black spots to inform a submission it will be a making to Round 2 of the Federal Government’s Regional Mobile Coverage Project.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Shane Van Styn, said identifying where black spots are located is essential to understanding the problem.

“Even though we live in a city, the inadequacy of the mobile phone coverage which includes not being able to make use of smart phones apps such as reading emails is still an issue,” he said.

“I have heard time and time again about black spots in and around the City but before anything can be done about it, the Federal Government needs to know exactly where these black spots are located.”

“To help identify black spot areas the City has developed an online survey and I encourage all Geraldton residents to take five minutes of their time to complete it before it closes on 21 December 2015.”

The survey can be found at www.surveymonkey.com/r/Geroblackspot

Alternatively, residents can also make their own submission before 31 December 2015 by contacting the Department of Communications and the Arts directly at https://www.communications.gov.au/what-we-do/phone/mobile-services-and-coverage/mobile-black-spot-programme/black-spot-nomination-form

Driver apprehended following hit and run

/

A fast response from Geraldton Police has resulted in a driver being apprehended following a hit and run in Marine Terrace this morning.

According to Police, a young man was hit by a vehicle on Marine Terrace, and the vehicle took off at speed.

Police used CCTV footage and information from the public to ascertain the location of the vehicle, and were able to quickly cordon off the CBD.

They apprehended the driver shortly after. 

Police said the driver and the passenger of the vehicle are currently assisting Police.

Senior Sergeant Brad Bird praised his team on their response, and thanked the public for their assistance.

The man who was hit was taken to Geraldton Hospital with minor injuries.

Motorists in Geraldton warned following Police impersonation

/
  • Geraldton Police are advising motorists who are pulled over by a vehicle that they do not think is a Police car to not stop, and to drive straight to the Geraldton Police Station, following an incident in Geraldton last night. 

Acting Seargent Cooney confirmed that an incident occurred last night where flashing lights were displayed by a vehicle that was not a Police car, and a motorist was attempted to be pulled over.

Facebook in Geraldton today has been in a frenzy with posts and reposts of a particular incident. 

Acting Seargent Cooney said he said he could not confirm further details regarding the incident that have appeared on social media at this time, but said that Police wanted to advise motorists that if they were suspicious of a vehicle attempting to pull them over, they should not stop, and instead drive directly to the Geraldton Police Station. 

Location of Police Station

 


Christmas offers at SportFirst

/

It’s time to do that Christmas shopping once again!

SportFirst has got some great offers this year, including:

  • 40% off Gray Nicholls cricket pads
  • 2 for $40 on ADIDAS mens & womens tees / singlets 

Come and see our range of sporting clothing & equipment, we stock all the best brands in: 

  • Tennis equipment& clothing
  • Running apparel & shoes
  • Hockey sticks, bags & clothing (including helmets)
  • Fitness clothing
  • Footy equipment
  • AFL apparel
  • NBA apparel
  • So much more!

We also specialise in the correct fitting of sporting footwear.

We’re a locally owned and operated business, and we have been serving up sporting goods for 35 years! 

So come down and see us at 121 Marine Terrace, or give us a call on (08) 9964 1117 

http://www.sportfirstgeraldton.com.au/

 

Top Instagram pictures from the last month #everythinggeraldton

/

Brilliant shot from a plane. @draviationgeek #everythinggeraldton

A photo posted by Everything Geraldton (@everythinggeraldton) on

Great pic of the Marina. #everythinggeraldton @ariana_hall

A photo posted by Everything Geraldton (@everythinggeraldton) on

Taken onboard the @eco_abrolhos by @slimcontroller #everythinggeraldton

A photo posted by Everything Geraldton (@everythinggeraldton) on

Brilliant photo @kiss_chasey #everythinggeraldton

A photo posted by Everything Geraldton (@everythinggeraldton) on

Beautiful sunset.

A photo posted by Everything Geraldton (@everythinggeraldton) on

Incredible! Thanks David Ford for sharing. #everythinggeraldton

A photo posted by Everything Geraldton (@everythinggeraldton) on

#Geraldton family took this picture in Dongara. Thanks @bumpsbirthsbabesphotography

A photo posted by Everything Geraldton (@everythinggeraldton) on

Marine Terrace looking festive. #everythinggeraldton

A photo posted by Everything Geraldton (@everythinggeraldton) on

Marine Terrace looking festive. #everythinggeraldton

A photo posted by Everything Geraldton (@everythinggeraldton) on

Click to see a cool video of Dolphins off the coast

/

Dolphins swimming off the coast. Thanks to Leilani for sharing. 

Dolphins doing their thing this morning :) while my boys were pulling pots

Posted by Leilani Liprino on Thursday, 10 December 2015

It’s Time To Dust Off The Quads – Summer’s Coming

/

When Reliability is Paramount 

Monday to Friday 8am to 5.00pm
Saturday 8.30am to 12.30pm

Come in and see us today at 140 Flores Road, we are situated in the Sun City Solar complex opposite Beaurepaires for Tyres.
Give us a call on (08) 9934 6903 (mobile – 0427 658 468)

Summer is very nearly here, and that means we all are ready to get out and about and have a little fun in the sun. For those of us lucky enough to own a quad bike, off-road (dirt) bike or jet-ski, it also means it’s time for preventative maintenance for your recreational vehicle.

Not to worry, with a full range of AGM, Gel, RV, 4x4, Marine, and Pleasure Craft batteries – Sun City Batteries has got you covered.  

Has your vehicle been slow to start?
Battery flattened recently?
Taking your vehicle on a long drive? 

For hassle free motoring, bring your battery or your vehicle down to Sun City Batteries, 140 Flores Road for a free battery health check.

With 25 years of industry knowledge thru Farming, Mining, Industrial Construction, Civil Earth Moving, Marine and Commercial Fishing – there’s no need to look any further.

Let Sun City Batteries give you peace of mind. 

Whether just driving around town or going on a road trip, a healthy battery is essential, not only to get you there, but to keep things going until well after you get home.  Batteries need to be ready to go, first time every time.

“We are located in the end bay of the Shed behind the Old Sun City Solar house”

Sun City Batteries are an environmentally concuss company, disposing of batteries via offsite recycling, not landfill.  We are a 100% Locally Owned and Operated proudly serving our local and surrounding communities. 

Sun City Batteries 

“We cater for all your battery needs”
We carry but are not limited to the following products. 

  • Neuton Power - high cranking and Marine Batteries
  • Cobra Platinum Batteries
  • Stingray Marine Batteries
  • Amaron Hi-Life Pro (silver)Batteries
  • CSB AGM Mobility Scooter Batteries
  • Vision AGM/Storage and Solar Batteries
  • SSB Power Sport AGM Batteries
  • As well as Quality CTEK Smart Charges and accessories. 

We cater for…

  • Mining Vehicles
  • Automotive
  • Caravans
  • Farming Equipment
  • Jet Skis
  • Motorcycles
  • Scooters
  • Ride-on Mowers
  • Marine - Recreational or Commercial Fishing
  • Aviation
  • All Recreational Vehicles 

All of our products come with a 12-18-24 or 36 month warranty depending on application.  

Customer Support Vehicle

“Can’t come to us? We will come to you”

We offer free fitting (up to 30 minutes during office hours) and delivery within the Geraldton area – from Cape Burney to Drummonds and as far out as Moonyoonooka Store!
(Fees may apply outside this area).
There is a 7 day a week help line (minimal call out fee may apply after hours).

 

Ready Set Grow Child Care & Out of School Hours Care - Bluff Point

/

Ready Set Grow is dedicated to furthering your child’s developmental needs while providing a safe and nurturing environment.

Their team of educators are long term, hardworking and dedicated to their role of helping your child learn and grow. 

Their child care service care for children ages 6 weeks to 2 years, 2 – 3 years and 3 – 5 years keeping your child within their developmental age group.

The Food Coordinator provides a nutritionally balanced morning tea, cooked lunch and afternoon tea for your child. They also cater to your child’s specific dietary needs. 

Ready Set Grow Child Care Centre is also moving to a nature based learning program inline with the early years learning framework, including upgrading their playgrounds to become naturescapes.

Before/Afterschool and Vacation Care is an option for those parents with primary school aged children K – Yr6 that operates from Bluff Point Primary School across the street. The programs are fun, stimulating and based on the children’s interests.

Ready Set Grow OSHC service the Bluff Point, Waggrakine, St Lawrence’s and St Johns Primary Schools.

Free pick up and drop off services are available for before and after school care.

Services are childcare rebate and benefit approved which significantly reduces the cost of care.

The childcare center can be found on 441 Chapman Road or contacted on 9923 2977 and rsg_bp@westnet.com.au

The out of school care service can be found at Bluff Point Primary School – 18 Mitchell Street or contacted on 0478 398 533 and bluffpoint-oshc@readysetgrow.net.au

 

Local musician makes top 5 in Vance Joy competition

/

Local musician Ashton Kate has caught the eye of successful recording artist Vance Joy.

Miss Kate has been selected as one of five winners for the Fire and the Flood contest.

Each entrant submitted a video of them singing a Vance Joy cover and each winner will receive a meet and greet including tickets to a show. Vance posted to his social media to congratulate the five winners saying:

"The covers were amazing. I wanted to choose so many because it was so great seeing you guys singing with heart and soul. Was a pleasure to see and hear. Thank you. It was very difficult to choose only 5. Thank you to everyone who entered. Sorry I couldn’t choose you all. 
Ashton posted to her Facebook saying My cover of Vance Joy's Fire and the Flood is one of five winners in this competition.
I had already recorded and shared the cover long before the competition was ever announced - so when I saw Vance's tweet about the competition, I decided, why not enter? Nothing to lose!
Vance is an Aussie, so I was a bit silly and assumed this must be an Australian/worldwide competition... However after entering I finally managed to find the terms and conditions, and I am pretty sure you were supposed to be a U.S or Canadian resident to be eligible. After reading this I assumed I would be automatically disqualified after saying on the entry form that I live in Australia.

Photographer Kristi Teakle Photography

I had to enter my address and other details in order to enter, so I am not sure if this just got overlooked, or what is going to happen from here. The prize is tickets to a show and a meet and greet with Vance!
As incredible as that prize is, and as disappointed as I will be if it does turn out that I am ineligible, I am still so honoured to be a winner, and it has again encouraged me to continue my musical journey despite doubts and nerves.
I truly cannot believe that Vance has heard my voice, let alone liked the cover enough to share it as one of the winners... I am speechless and so excited about this.

Below is Ashton Kate's entry to the competition: 

The covers were amazing. I wanted to choose so many because it was so great seeing you guys singing with heart and soul....

Posted by Vance Joy on Friday, 11 December 2015

Graniteflex - Local Business specialising in Stone Benchtops

/

Graniteflex have been producing kitchen and bathroom bench tops in WA for over 25 years – 7 years in Geraldton. 

We provide fast, efficient and top quality service while taking pride in customer service. 

We always strive to ensure the customer is 100% happy and we believe the workmanship is the best on the market with competitive prices and value to match.

Having recently moved to a bigger premise in Narngulu we aim to better service our customers needs and accommodate the inclusion of supply and installation of cabinets.

We specialise in:
-    Granite
-    Engineered stone
-    Marble
-    Cabinets

We also fit bathroom and laundry vanities including BBQ tops and Alfresco dining areas.

Our competitive prices are hard to beat as we will slash any written quote by 10%.

Remember to choose Graniteflex you won’t be disappointed!

Call us on 9924 5157 or email us sales@graniteflex.com.au

Find us at 56 Foskew Way, Narngulu - Visit our Facebook page for more details and promotions.

 

City Facilities to close early on Wednesday

/

From Wednesday 16 December 2015 some City of Greater Geraldton facilities are closing at 3.30pm to enable staff and family to attend the annual Christmas function. The following facilities closing early include:

  • Civic Centre
  • The Mullewa District Office
  • Geraldton Regional Library
  • Geraldton Visitor Centre
  • Queens Park Theatre
  • Bright Stars Family Day Care Centre
  • Works Depot

The QEII Centre will close at 4.00pm.

We apologise for any inconvenience and trust the community will accept this in the spirit of the Festive Season. 

 

Community has say in playground equipment

/

The community’s passion for playgrounds has sparked the creation of a Reference Group to assist the City in the selection of playground equipment to be installed in six parks in the coming months as part of a phased approach to reviewing playground equipment.

City of Greater Geraldton CEO, Ken Diehm, said the City had received a lot of questions from the community regarding the removal of playground equipment including letters from school children.
“Year Five students at Geraldton Primary School wrote the City to ask when the playground equipment was going to be replaced,” he said.
“The interest and concern revealed in their letters encouraged the City to form a reference group so the community could be involved in the replacement of playground equipment in parks.”

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Shane Van Styn, says the Community Playground Reference Group has been given a number of tasks in relation to playgrounds.

“The first role the Reference Group is to choose playground equipment they believe would be best suited to each of the parks that falls within the 2015/16 Budget of $429,000.00 allocated for renewal,” he said.
 “Their second role is to share their knowledge and experience of playground equipment so the City can get a better understanding of what the community values, this will help set the foundations for decision making around playground equipment in the future.”

Membership in the Community Playground Reference Group comprises of primary school teachers, child educators, neighbourhood development group representatives and parents with their children.

On 22 September, Council resolved to implement a phased approach to the renewal of playground equipment in parks.

“Six parks identified as high priority in the Public Open Space Strategy will have their playground equipment replaced in the coming months,” said Mayor Van Styn.
“Council will also be examining the replacement of playground equipment at other parks during the Mid Year Budget Review in February 2016.”

The following parks will have their playground equipment replaced first:

  • Mahomets Beach
  • Glendinning Park
  • Muir Park
  • Spalding Park
  • Pages Beach
  • Rundle Park