New shared pathway provides important north-south link

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Users of the existing walk trail between the Chapman River footbridge and the Chapman Valley Road roundabout will soon be able to enjoy walking, cycling or skating on a paved pathway designed for all users. 

Starting next week, the City will be formalising the existing footpath that begins at the entrance to Spalding Park and leads to the footbridge on the south side of the river at the North West Coastal Highway with works to begin on Tuesday 29 March.  The shared pathway will continue on the north side of the bridge ending at the Chapman Valley Road Roundabout. 

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the 850m long and 2.5m wide asphalt pathway will improve community safety, promote healthier lifestyles and provide a much needed connection to the existing path network. 

“A large number of school students use the footbridge over the Chapman River to get and from school every day and at the moment there is no formal pathway on either side of the footbridge for students to safely cycle, walk or ride scooters to school,” he said. 

“The shared footpath will complete an important link between Geraldton's suburbs on both sides of the Chapman River integrating the existing coastal and river path networks with the CBD and coastal paths to the southern suburbs. 

“Residents living in the areas of Waggrakine, Glenfield, Sunset Beach, Spalding Park and Bluff Point will be able to enjoy the health benefits a fully accessible pathway provides for cyclists, pedestrians, prams, walkers and wheelchairs alike.” 

During the construction period the footbridge over the Chapman River will be open, however, pedestrians are advised to exercise caution and obey all warning signs and direction from City personnel and contractors. The City strongly encourages the community to use the Chapman Road Bridge as an alternative river crossing. 

The $180,000 project, which was identified by the community during the Sunset Beach Precinct Planning workshops, is 50 percent funded by a Regional Bicycle Network grant from the Department of Transport with the City contributing the other half. 

Picture Caption: the Chapman River footbridge and the Chapman Valley Road roundabout will soon be able to enjoy walking, cycling or skating on a paved pathway designed for all users.

Calling all youth organisations!

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It’s Geraldton’s biggest event and one local youth organisation has the opportunity to reap the benefits from triple j’s One Night Stand held in Geraldton on 9 April. 

The City of Greater Geraldton is currently calling for expressions of interest from local youth organisations to gain the funds from the gold coin donation entry for the event. 

Mayor Shane Van Styn said that this event could attract in excess of 10,000 people which would be a huge injection of money into the chosen local organisation. 

“This is a huge opportunity for a local youth organisation to raise some serious funds,” he said. 

“We are encouraging all local youth organisations to fill out the EOI and be in the running. 

“This amount of money could do wonders for a not for profit organisation.” 

One Night Stand is an all ages, drug and alcohol free music festival which will be held at WA Country Builders Stadium (Wonthella Oval) on Saturday 9 April. 

Attracting concert goers from all over the state, acts include Boy & Bear, Alison Wonderland and Urthboy. 

There is a criteria which the organisation must meet to be in the running to receive the funds. 

This criteria and the EOI form can be found on the City’s website at http://ow.ly/ZAJ7p

Southgate Sand Dunes

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Nationals WA Member of Parliament Paul Brown MP, has added his voice to that of representatives of the City of Greater Geraldton (CGG) and residents alarmed by the potential development of a housing estate at the iconic Southgate sand dunes.

The planned housing estate has recently been given conditional approval by the Ministers for Planning and Environment which has led to a large #SaveSouthgates social media campaign opposing the development. The dire financial implications of the development are also a concern for the ratepayers of the CGG.

Mr Brown said “I share the concerns that the community have about the potential destruction of the iconic Southgate sand dunes area. The dunes are the first landmark that greet people to Geraldton travelling north and have long been considered a part of the fabric of environmental wonders that make Geraldton the fantastic place it is today.”

“The environmental impact of removal of this sand dune system is not fully understood, with a number of environmental reports over the last decade highlighting the important role that the sand dunes play in replenishing the beaches to the north.”

The expansion and deepening of the Geraldton Port in 2004 has led to considerable erosion problems along the Beresford Foreshore area and cause large amounts of sand to be accumulated behind the Geraldton Port at Pages Beach. Approx. 11,000 metric tonnes of beach sand is physically removed and bypassed from Pages Beach to the Beresford Foreshore annually.

Mr Brown said “Geraldton is already suffering from the impacts of a number of poorly understood environmental outcomes from coastal development that has seen serious erosion along our City’s coastline.”

“Why would anyone think that it is appropriate for a housing development to go ahead on that section of our coast when everyone from the Environmental Protection Agency to coastal planning academics have warned of the potential environmental catastrophe if the Southgate sand dunes are partially or completely flattened?”

Mr Brown confirmed that he will take a community petition to Parliament so that the Environment and Public Affairs Committee in the Legislative Council can consider an enquiry into the implications of the development.

City named a finalist in state awards for Esplanade signage

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The City of Greater Geraldton is proud to be named as one of the finalists in the 2016 Western Australian Heritage Awards. Minister for Environment and Heritage Hon Albert Jacob MLA announced the City’s Esplanade interpretive signage project as a finalist in the contribution by a public or private organisation category in the prestigious state awards.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said it was a significant achievement and great promotion of Geraldton’s rich heritage.

“We are delighted to be listed as finalists as it recognises the dedication and hard work of staff on this project,” he said.

“The signage has proved to be the perfect addition to the Esplanade, it enhances the area and provides visitors and residents with historical and contemporary information about the surroundings.”

The development of the Eastern Breakwater, which formed part of the West End Revitalisation Project, is a contemporary interpretation of the original Esplanade Jetty which was constructed in 1857 and demolished in 1944.  Renamed The Esplanade in December 2013 and officially opened by the Premier of WA in April 2014, the structure boasts a viewing tower, barbecue facilities, shaded areaand landscaping – returning to Geraldton a much loved community facility which had been lost for 70 years.

In partnership with Mid West Ports Authority, the City of Greater Geraldton embarked on the final stage of the Esplanade project - the installation of interpretive signage, telescopes and a sound unit which provides quality information about the area to the public. It also emphasises the significance of the Geraldton Port to the growing town and wider district and region since the 1850s.

Themes displayed on the signage include the Esplanade, a timeline from beach landing to Port City, the Port at work, Geraldton’s connection to the world, our sleepy sea lions, homeland of the Yamaji and scenes from a changing foreshore.

Award winners will be announced on Thursday 31 March 2016, at the former Hale House that is now the Office of the Premier and Cabinet Room.

‘Tent Cities’ for One Night Stand

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TRIPLE J One Night Stand Announcement!

There will be ‘Tent Cities’ in Geraldton to accommodate for One Night Stand concert goers.

So far Little Athletics and Spalding Rugby Field will offer places for people to pitch a tent, park their camper vans or lay their swags from Friday April 8 through to Sunday April 10. More tent cities will be announced before the event.

Click HERE for prices, terms and conditions and full details.

Please share with your friends from out of town who may need accommodation!

So where exactly ARE you allowed to take your dog in Geraldton?

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Everything Geraldton often gets asked where exactly dogs are allowed. There's a bit of confusion over what the story is with dogs at the foreshore too. 

Dogs are allowed on the Foreshore grassed area but only if they are on a leash. There are signs down there that also stipulate that.

However – dogs are not allowed on the Foreshore beach. Just the grassed area. 

There are lots of other beaches in town where dogs are allowed, many off the leash too. And there are also several parks where dogs are allowed off the leash. 

Here's a map produced by the City of Greater Geraldton that shows exactly where you can and can't take your canine companion. 

Click here to download a PDF version. 


Indian Ocean Drive closed following fatal accident

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​Everything Geraldton has been informed that about 4km of traffic is banked back heading northbound on Indian Ocean drive

​If you're heading to or from Perth, use Brand Hwy. 

Sent in earlier: "Major crash 60 kms out off wanneroo road, closed both directions. Truck and 4x4"

Dyson Run Out Sale at Harvey Norman Electrical

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Come into Harvey Norman Electrical for MASSIVE price reductions on all discounted Dyson models AND all older Dyson models are reduced to clear!

Harvey Norman Electrical are also offering 30% off Dyson Accessories.

But you had better be quick because there is a strictly limited amount of stock available – and once it’s gone, you’ll miss out!

You can find Harvey Norman Electrical at 38 Chapman Road, 
or can call them on 9964 0100

http://www.harveynorman.com.au/

 

Aquarena Creche to close it's doors, but it may reopen in the future

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Note: The bigger story here is probably that more staff cut backs will be taking place at the City of Greater Geraldton in the coming months. But as various cuts to city expenses rolls out, residents start to notice that their particular beloved service is under threat. EG will have more on the City budget and changes around the city in the near future. 

Cost cutting results in closure of Aquarena creche... but hopefully not forever

Everything Geraldton recently received a copy of an open letter to the CGG council and CEO, from a concerned resident regarding the future of the creche at Aquarena, Geraldton's public swimming pool, after hearing the creche was shutting down. 

To the CEO, Mayor and all Councillors,

I am a mother of two children, aged 4 and 2.

We love living in Geraldton and we love going to the Aquarena.

Last week, it was brought to my attention that the creche at the Aquarena might close at the end of the current term, which is in less than two weeks.
I hope this is not true, as this would cause great angst to myself and many other mothers.
I use the Aquarena weekly to exercise and keep fit and healthy. 
Without the creche, I wouldn’t be able to do that anymore, as the cost and time involved for me to hire a babysitter would be far too expensive.
Losing the fantastic service of the creche will also have further consequences for myself and many others.
We won’t be able to enrole our children in swimming classes due to having to supervise other younger children. Therefore a loss in revenue for swimming classes could be expected.
At the Aquarena, families meet and spend time enjoying the cafe and shop at the pool, which wouldn’t happen anymore, resulting in a loss of social interaction and lifestlye in Geraldton.
The creche is an essential component of the Aquarena and keeping it running at an affordable cost is of great benefit to many people, and also essential to the sustainability of operating a community service.
I look forward to a positive response from you regarding this matter.
Yours sincerely,
Insa Korth
Geraldton Resident and Mum.

Should rate payers be funding babysitting for other people?

The City of Greater Geraldton CEO, Ken Diehm, responded regarding the matter, saying the closure of the creche was part of wider cut backs, aimed at reducing the $7million deficit the city runs.

"The Aquarena is a key public service provided by the City," said Mr Diehm. "However it costs the City approximately $1million dollars a year to keep its doors open. The Aquarena however needs to contribute to the required savings and hence the service delivery model for the crèche is being changed. The Aquarena crèche, as it is currently run with Council officers, will cease on 9 April 2016."

But it's not all bad news for creche users, with Mr Diehm saying the city will be reaching out to the private sector in the future to run the creche.

"The Aquarena will be looking at external private opportunities to facilitate this service and will be seeking expressions of interest in the near future from commercial providers and educators to continue the operations,” said Mr Diehm. 

Mr Diehm also said there will be a reduction in staff numbers throughout the City of Greater Geraldton.

Nitalie Delouse are the Head Lice Specialists!

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Are your children constantly getting nits?

Have already spent hundreds of dollars on different head lice treatments that just haven’t worked?

Do you want a natural deterrent to keep your family safe from the lice epidemic?

Then come and see the Superheroes of Head Lice Removal at Nitalie Delouse Geraldton and ask about their exclusive products available for at home use.

Instead of the stressful hours of ruining your hair and eyes with chemical treatment and fiddly combing, bring your children into Nitalie Delouse and let their nitpickers do all the hard work while you enjoy a coffee. Using the Nitalie Delouse Technique in their child friendly salon, the Professional Nit Pickers will eliminate nits and lice for you using safe, comfortable and chemical free techniques. Prices are from $50-$100 for a manual comb out removing lice and nits (eggs) using their natural products followed up with their full support to help you eliminate Head Lice from your home, once and for all.

The Nitalie Delouse Super Hero Team are also available for events and fundraisers, they have an assortment of fun and educational activities for kids of all ages. Nitalie Delouse Geraldton are passionate about Community Health and Empowering our Youth and removing the Stigma associated with Head Lice. 

Come in and see Melissa and the team in their private and confidential salon at Shop 2, 14 Chapman Road, Geraldton. And if you can’t go to them, they will come to you (charges apply). Call them on 0499 966 648 to set up your appointment.

 

Changes to rubbish collection during Easter period

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The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise of the following changes to rubbish collection and waste disposal over the Easter long weekend.

 

Good Friday 25 March 2016

No residential or commercial rubbish collection for the following Councils:

  • Shires of Irwin
  • Shire of Northampton
  • City of Greater Geraldton.

Bins normally collected on Friday will be collected on Saturday 26 March 2016.

Shire of Chapman Valley will have no changes to collection schedules.

 

The following landfill and transfer stations will be closed on Good Friday 25 March 2016:

  • Meru Waste Facility
  • Irwin Transfer Station
  • Northampton Transfer Station
  • Kalbarri Transfer Station
  • Nabawa Transfer Station

Easter Monday 28 March 2016 - Normal rubbish collections resume.

Town Beach gets mobility beach access ramp

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Regional Ambassador for of ‘Count Me In’ Chris Kerr on site where the mobility beach access ramp will be constructed at Town Beach.

Access to Town Beach is about to get a whole lot easier for people with mobility impairments as construction of the long awaited mobility beach access ramp begins on 29 March 2016. 

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the wheelchair ramp not only provides additional amenity to the Foreshore it also links the ocean to the recently refurbished Town Beach toilet block. 

“The construction of the beach wheelchair ramp provides an important link between the Town Beach toilet block located in the Youth Precinct and the sea,” he said 

“The recently opened toilet block, which is the first Changing Places Facility in Western Australia, features a hoist, an adjustable adult change table and toilet and shower facilities. 

“Once construction of the mobility beach access ramp is complete everyone, regardless of their level of ability, will be able to enjoy the ocean.” 

The beach wheelchair ramp, which will be built on the western side of the Town Beach groyne across from the basketball half court, is specifically designed and engineered to counteract erosion from the sea. The path will feature stainless steel handrails for users down to the high water mark on the beach. 

The contract to build the ramp was awarded to Neo Infrastructure a leading civil construction services company highly experienced in building marine infrastructure and coastal facilities. 

A beach wheelchair currently stored at the Two Foreshore Café is available for use by contacting the City. 

The $285,000 project is partially funded by the Disability Services Commission, a grant funding program administered by the Western Australian Local Government Association contributing $50,000 (Inc GST).

Here's the petition to Save Southgates

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Here's the petition to Save Southgates. Be sure to share this with friends and family. 

CGG Mayor Shane Van Styn said via the Save Southgates Facebook page:

"The Hon Paul Brown MLC has helped me draft a petition to be tabled in Parliament, calling for an inquiry into the decisions around Southgates and calling for Southgates to be saved into the future. Please print it off and get them filled with signatures. "
Click here to download a PDF of the petition to print out

Return signed petitions to Shane Van Styn, 58 Fitzgerald St, Geraldton. Faxed copies cannot be accepted. 

We took a look at a new Pakistani cuisine restaurant in Geraldton, Barbecue 4 U

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Everything Geraldton went and checked out new Pakistani cuisine restaurant "Barbecue 4 U" located in Bluff Point, Geraldton. 

Quite simply, the food was incredible. Definitely try the Chicken Malai Boti.

They're open Tuesday to Sunday, offer take away, dine in, or free home delivery. You can reach them on 9923 1716.

Barbecue 4 U currently have a lunch time special, with $10 lunch boxes available. They're available between 11am and 3pm, and if you order 5 or more lunch boxes you get FREE delivery – so you get great food, at a great price and you don’t even have to leave the office!

Road resealing works

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The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise road resealing works will be undertaken in Waggrakine, the West End and in Mullewa. 

Works are scheduled to commence on David Road North, Coxswain Crescent and Jose Street in Mullewa on Friday 18 March 2016 and are expected to take approximately five days to complete. 

Access to driveways 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 Peter Traylen, Senior Supervisor Infrastructure Maintenance Services on 08 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au.

Leave our coast alone

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Absolutely no way. It is only a money making venture for someone that would have more than their fair share of money already. Leave our coast alone. You only have to look at what is happening to our beach's and foreshore. You can't keep filling in the ocean and not realise the water has to come back some where. Chapman Road and St Georges beach's are a prime example. Before any minster in any government make these stupid decisions I suggest they hop out of the air-conditioned office get in a car like the rest of us and have a look at what they are making these decisions about. This is an absolute disgrace. I mean no driver, do it yourself and drivel like the rest of us. It would be an eye opening experience to see what the vegetation in Australia looks like

Rose Ann Jupp

Partial closure of Foreshore promenade

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The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise the Foreshore promenade from the Youth Precinct to the Francis Street Finger Jetty will be closed to undertake Multi-User Facility landscaping works. 

Works are scheduled to commence on Monday 21 March 2016 and are expected to last for approximately eight weeks. 

During this time access to the Esplanade (Eastern Breakwater) will be via the Francis Street carpark. 

Pedestrians are requested 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 Jeremy Henderson, Site Supervisor on 08 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au.