Regarding Geraldton's Sand Dunes at Southgates: Ian Blayney's letter to the Minister

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Ian Blayney MLA, Member for Geraldton, has written to Jon Day, the state Government's Minister for Planning, expressing his protest against changes that could see development take place at Geraldton's Southgates. 

In the letter he focusses on the environmental impact disrupting the sand recharge would have to Geraldton's beaches. 

Read Original Article on #SaveSouthgates

Below is a recent ABC article on the existing erosion problems Geraldton's beaches are facing. 

A developer is trying to get permission to subdivide our precious sand dunes

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Download petition for Save Southgates

Mayor slams Minister’s plans for Southgates

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn has described the State Government’s plan to change an amendment which will result in the rezoning of Southgates Dunes for development and future urban subdivision as “nothing short of environmental terrorism”.

The proposed changes to Planning Scheme Amendment No. 4 went to council Tuesday night at the Agenda Forum after the Minister for Environment, Hon Albert Jacob, and the Minister for Planning, Hon John Day, reached agreement on the conditions to which the Amendment should be subject if it is to be implemented.

Mayor Van Styn has hit back at the proposed changes to the Amendment saying that any development on the land would destroy sand supply to other local beaches and are completely outrageous.

“We are flat out carting sand to Beresford to save our beaches (from Pages beach) and here we have a proposal that will make that problem a lot worse,” he said.

“The idea of destroying the sand supply to our northern beaches is mind blowing and it’s hard to believe that anybody could think that is in any way a good idea.”

The Amendment involves subdividing an area of around 780ha of land on Southgates Dunes.

The Local Planning Scheme Amendment in its current form poses significant risks for the City both financially and environmentally.

“The Southgates Dunes are iconic and represent Geraldton a much as our lighthouse,” Mayor Van Styn said.

“We also need to be reminded the proposed developer is the same developer that was responsible for the mess at Cape Burney,” he added.

If the motion to object the proposal is passed by Council next week, the City will immediately advise the Minister for Planning that the Council strongly objects to the implementation of Local Planning Scheme Amendment No. 4 in its current form.

“Here is yet another example, of Perth based planning bureaucracies making appalling planning decisions that are completely out of step with local sentiment and is another clear example of why local government should be the masters of their own planning,” Mayor Van Styn said.

“I call on all of our community to do all they can to protest against this outrageous proposal.”

Has there already been excessive mining at Southgates?

Many residents over the past several months have expressed their outrage to Everything Geraldton over how much sand has already been taken from Southgates. It's clear from the beach, and the road, that much of the natural and iconic dunes have been flattened. 

What's not known by most locals is that conveniently the level to which the dunes have been flattened is the exact same height that the EPA have said needs to be in place when/if any sub-division occurs. 

Some locals are questioning if EPA guidelines have been breached, or if too much sand has been taken already from the dunes, due to the obvious scaring that is clearly visible to all passers-by. 

The mining that is taking place at Southgates is for the lime sand to be used by farmers. It is used to increase the pH levels of soil. The mining, if done at low enough levels, is sustainable, as the dunes do grow each year. 

 

Everything Geraldton welcomes your feedback regarding "Save Southgates". Provide your feedback with the link below. Or email geraldton@justeverything.com.au

If you would like to contact our local representatives, here are their contact details. 

Ian Blayney

Shop 2, 5 Chapman Road
Geraldton WA 6530
Ph: 9964 1640
Fax: 9964 2892
Email: ian.blayney@mp.wa.gov.au

Paul Brown

Unit 3, 5 Chapman Road
GERALDTON WA 6530
Ph: (08) 9921 4818
Fax: (08) 9921 4972
Email: paul.brown@mp.wa.gov.au

Darren West

84 Marine Terrace
GERALDTON WA 6530
PO Box 578 GERALDTON 6531
Ph: (08) 9964 1001
Fax: (08) 9964 1002
Email: darren.west.mp@mp.wa.gov.au

Mayor Van Styn has set up a Facebook page called Save Southgates. Links below. Like the page and share with your friends if you're interested in getting behind it. 

Let's save Southgates! #savesouthgates

Posted by Save Southgates on Friday, March 18, 2016

Fire near Brand Hwy, south of Eneaba

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Several community members have contacted us regarding a fire that is approaching the Brand Hwy south of Eneabba. 

The highway has been closed. Take the coast road or the Midlands rd. 

Read DFES Warning

DFES are reporting that the cause of the fire is lightning. This photo was sent in earlier today by Becky. 

Becky just shared this brilliant lightning shot:
"On the way to Perth right now , 40k out of Badgingarra"

We take a look at the new breakfast menu at Skeetas. #delicious

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We recently checked out the new breakfast menu at Skeetas Restaurant. It's well worth a look. (closed captions available)

The "Fig n French Toast Minis" with mascarpone were incredible. 

Skeetas is located in the exquisite new marina district of Geraldton. You can reach them on 99641619. 

They've told us that if you head in there for breakfast, mention you saw this video on Everything Geraldton and your coffee will be on the house. 

Visit Skeetas' website
 

5 things Geraldton job seekers should do

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Look, the economy around Australia isn't cranking like it was. China isn't paying us $200 a tonne for our dirt any more. So there's less money flowing downstream through everyone's wallets and there are less jobs on the table.  

But there's plenty of folks who could do a few simple things to help themselves when it comes to finding a job. 

1. Fix up your God damn Facebook profile. 

Honestly, every employer will do a search on Facey to stalk you before hiring you. If they're confronted with profile pics showing how cool you think being drunk is, questions about where to get the best weed in town, and bitching that shows you have no decorum, I can guarantee your resume will go straight in the bin. 

Hot tip: Check out the "View As" option to see what others see. 

2. Take a job. Any job. 

When I interview people, I always value someone who is doing SOMETHING over someone who's been sitting on the dole for 2 years waiting for the perfect job to come along.

In 2008 I couldn't find a job in my chosen profession in Geraldton. I couldn't leave town. So I took whatever job I could get, which happened to be at a servo. I scrubbed toilets and cleaned diesel residue for the next 9 months. I didn't LOVE it, but eventually I found other work. 

I am saddened when I meet people who won't take a job they think is beneath them, but are fine going on the dole.

3. Do some study. Get a qualification. 

The economy is becoming more and more automated. Unskilled labour is going to increasingly be done by autonomous machines, and will continue to move overseas. Invest some time in learning a skill that employers will find useful. We have a small but growing university right here in town, and a very bustling tafe, Durack Institute of Technology. Get in touch with them and see what they have on offer. If a Sudanese refugee who doesn't speak English as well as you can put the hard yards in and become a chemist (link), you can hit the books too.  

4. Network with the right people. 

I meet a lot of employers who know they could use some extra staff, but hate the process of hiring someone so much that they just keep putting it off. But when they meet someone they know and like, who they know is looking for work, they're more than happy to offer them a job. So start meeting the right people. That might mean joining a public speaking group, or getting involved with a local charity, joining Pollinators, getting along to a Rotary meeting, or going to the Council meetings, or whatever. Use your imagination. But the go-getters and business owners of this city aren't going to knock on your door and ask to hang out with you watching Netflix. Get out and meet them. 

5. Apply for everything. 

Subscribe to the Everything Geraldton Jobs email (link). Keep an eye on Seek. Hand out your resume. Post in the Employment Wanted section on EG (link). Apply for any job you can legally do. And don't wait until a job is advertised; As per tip 4, plenty of business owners never even get that far. 

Bonus tip: Be positive. 

Nothing hurts like rejection. It attacks your psyche, it makes you question your self worth, it makes it hard to get out of bed and try again. But do whatever you have to do to get your head right, otherwise your own thoughts will kill your chances of finding work. Find whatever works for you...  pray, meditate, talk to encouraging friends, listen to a motivational speaker. These things may not get you a job directly, but they may make the difference between an employer thinking they like your energy, vs them thinking they want nothing to do with you. 

Triple J Unearthed NIDA Competition

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triple j Unearthed and rage have teamed up with the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) for a unique initiative which pairs Australia’s most talented emerging artists with the creative brains of NIDA students.

A team of NIDA students will bring their skills, expertise and professional equipment into collaborations with six innovative Unearthed artists to make a music video, which will be aired on rage.

Now we’re on the hunt for rising stars to receive this opportunity. Are you in a band, a solo act, producer or MC? We want to hear from you!

TO ENTER:

  1. Create a triple j Unearthed profile
  2. Contact us with a link to your triple j Unearthed profile by Sunday 3 April

THE PRIZE:

  • Team up with NIDA directing, design, and production students to conceive and execute a music video.
  • NIDA will provide film equipment, locations for studio shooting, access to the supporting NIDA departments and a budget of $200.
  • Music videos will be aired on rage on ABC1.

Last year NIDA students teamed up with Polish Club and Donatachi with some pretty amazing results. We can’t wait to see what the class of 2016 comes up with!

Life Saving Breast Screenings on Offer at GRAMS

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Mid West woman are being urged to take the opportunity for potentially life-saving free breast cancer screenings at Geraldton Regional Aboriginal Medical Service (GRAMS) from March 14 to 24.

The BreastScreen WA (BSWA)10-metre van will be parked at the GRAMS Rifle Range Road clinic to encourage Aboriginal women aged over 40 years to attend for a free mammogram.
GRAMS CEO and Breast Cancer survivor Deborah Woods said “Having the highly visual van at the premises was a real coup in GRAMS’ ongoing bid to encourage preventative health care.

“GRAMS had been working for the past several years to encourage women to take advantage of free screenings. Having been through this first-hand and knowing the absolute difference early detection makes, this really is a potentially lifesaving screening.”

Dedicated GRAMS chronic disease registered nurse Blaise Chapman stated that In 2010 the attendance for GRAMS patients at the BSWA van was 78 women. In 2012, GRAMS’s ran a health promotion clinic which resulted in 176 women having a mammogram and in 2014 they ran another clinic in which 209 women attended.

“Of this 209, two patients were diagnosed with breast cancer and five were recalled for a biopsy.

“With the BSWA van parked at GRAMS this year for the first time, we’re hoping to encourage even more women to attend.

“The more women who attend, the better the chance of detecting breast cancer while they are still treatable.” Ms Chapman said

Attendees should book at least 24 hours in advance of their visit by phoning the GRAMS clinic on 9956 6555

The van will be open from 8.30 to 4pm on Monday March 14, Tuesday March 15 and Thursday March 17. It will open from 10am to 6pm on Wednesday March 16 and 9am to 1pm on Saturday March 19.

The following week it will open from 10am to 6pm on Monday March 21 and 8.30am to 4pm from Tuesday March 22 to Thursday March 24.

Geraldton firm wins $8m contract to build Tasmanian Police boat→

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Sarah Taillier for the ABC:

A Geraldton-based company that has secured a bid to build a new police boat for Tasmania has described the contract as a win for the mid-west WA region.

Click here to read story.

 

Library power outage

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The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise the Geraldton Regional Library will be closed on Sunday 20 March due to a power outage by Western Power for routine maintenance.

Western Power has notified the City that work will be carried out between 6am and 5pm.

The City regrets any inconvenience and endeavours to keep disruptions to a minimum.

For all enquiries regarding the power outage contact Western Power on 13 13 51, for Library related enquiries phone 9956 6659 or email to library@cgg.wa.gov.au.

Wonthella Oval carpark closed on 20 March

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The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise that sections of Wonthella Oval carpark will be closed for resealing works on Sunday 20 March 2016. 

Traffic management will be in place, however motorists and pedestrians are advised to exercise caution and obey all warning signs and direction from authorised City personnel and contractors. 

The City apologises for any inconvenience these works may cause. 

If you have any queries regarding the scheduled works please contact Brian Lumley, Construction Site Supervisor on 08 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au.

Road sealing works in Utakarra

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The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise road sealing works will be undertaken on the Utakarra Reserve. 

Works are scheduled to take place between Friday 18 March 2016 and Monday 21 March 2016. 

Access to the Turf Club from Utakarra Road and the Utakarra Reserve sporting facilities may be limited during this time. Traffic management will be in place, however motorists and pedestrians are advised to exercise caution and obey all warning signs and direction from authorised City personnel and contractors. 

The City apologises for any inconvenience these works may cause. 

If you have any queries regarding the scheduled works please contact Moneer Fates, Project Manager on 08 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au.

The Emerald Room Restaurant

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A well kept dining secret in Geraldton, The Emerald Room Restaurant is a fully licensed A La Carte restaurant in a relaxed setting within Best Western Hospitality Inn Geraldton. Open for breakfast and dinner the Emerald Room has an exciting seafood/Mediterranean style menu, which boasts high quality fresh food and an extensive wine list. 

You are sure to have a memorable dining experience at the Emerald Room Restaurant with the refined atmosphere, the attentive yet unobtrusive service and their superb cuisine. Treat your taste buds to one of the many tantalising delights featured on the menu such as the pork tenderloin stuffed with sage, prosciutto and mushroom set on sweet potato mash and green beans with a creamy port sauce – YUM! 

There's definitely something on the menu to please every palate. A special children’s menu is also available for children 12 years and under. We look forward to welcoming you at the Emerald Room at the Best Western Hospitality Inn Geraldton – 169 Cathedral Avenue, Geraldton.

Opening Hours
Breakfast: 7:00am – 9:00am daily
Dinner: 6:00pm – 9:00pm daily

Bookings are highly recommended so you don’t miss out. Call them today on 9921 1422 to secure your table.

 

Make 2016 the year you check out the Nukara Music Festival

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Get Tickets

The Nukara Music Festival takes place in a natural amphitheatre setting surrounded by towering River Red Gums. Nukara comes alive in March every year with the festival attracting local and international blues, roots and folk artists.

This year sees some worldwide festival favourites including Pierce Brothers (they supported Dan Sultan in Geraldton last year), Kallidad (Crazy Mexican Flamenco), Hussy Hicks (Folk/Roots), Katie J White (Roots/Reggae), Bret Mosley (Blues/Roots from the USA), Tracey Barnett (Blues/Roots) plus some of Geraldton’s finest including The Inks, Me & The Missus, Beck Tuesley & Anne Williams.

Saturday 19th March 2016 is the next Nukara Music Festival to look forward too & add to your diaries!

Set in a unique outdoor bush setting on Nukara Farm in the scenic Chapman Valley, this boutique music festival has been successfully running & growing carefully for a decade now.
NMF have had musicians from many parts of the globe grace the stages & some amazing smothering’s of some great Australian acts many from our own creative backyard of Western Australia!

It’s a very casual event which camping is encouraged ($10 pp payable at gate), BYO Beverages, southern-style cook up from the ‘Burnt Barrel’ crew, around 8hrs of music (not counting the recovery breakfast) & good vibes!

Tickets available at Geraldton CD Centre (ph (08)99214821) & online at https://events.ticketbooth.com.au/event/nukara-music-festival-2016

6 signs you know it's time to leave Geraldton and move to Perth

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1. You get to work too quickly, and you really want to know what it's like to be stuck in traffic for an hour each way every single day. 

2. You find the Geraldton beaches aren't crowded enough, and you long to know what it's like to struggle to find somewhere to set up your towel on the beach. 

3. You wish you could pay $25 to park your car in town, but the most you're able to pay in Geraldton is $7.70 for a full day.

4. Buying a house near the beach is too affordable, and you wish you could go into millions of $ of debt to get such a great lifestyle. 

5. You hate how easy it is to go camping, fishing and exploring the great outdoors. If you lived in Perth you'd be way more justified in telling yourself it's too much effort to get away. 

Pic: Brendon Plug

6. You see your friends and family way too often, because in Geraldton they're always only 5 minutes away. You want to be lonely as you grow older, and in a big city it would be much easier to be forgotten about. 

Pic: @deb_0_rah

Extended trading hours for Easter Monday

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The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise of extended trading hours approved by Minster for Commerce, Hon Michael Mischin MLC, for Easter Monday 28 March, 2016.

General retail shops, other than motor vehicle businesses, are authorised to be open from 10am to 5pm. It is up to the discretion of the individual trader whether or not they choose to open their doors for these additional hours.

Please note that Easter Monday is the only public holiday which has been approved up until Saturday 10 December, 2016. Other holidays during this time (including Good Friday, ANZAC Day, Western Australia Day and the Queen’s Birthday) do not have authorisation and retail shops should remain closed.

The City will submit another application to the Department of Commerce in May 2016, for the extended trading hours during the period from 11 December 2016 to 3 January 2017. The outcome will be advertised in due course.