Shane Crothers Homes closing down

Well known local builder 'Shane Crothers Homes' has entered into voluntary administration.

Company Director Shane Crothers confirmed today the sad news with Everything Geraldton.

But he had a word of thanks for the Geraldton community who supported SCH for the last two decades.

"I like to thank everyone that has supported us over 19 years. Clients, contractors, suppliers, staff. We're truly thankful. A lot of them have been fantastic with messages of support this week. We've been proud to be a small, locally owned family builder, and we thank all of our customers who have supported us over the last 19 years."

Mr Crothers mentioned the tough environment for business around town at the moment, saying it's a sad day when a local businesses that's been operating for 19 years closes.

Shane Crothers Homes have been operating in the Mid West since 1997.

Update: Tradies and businesses unhappy about not getting paid. 

Looking for the owner of this old pendant

Geraldton Police are looking for the owner of this item. Please share with your friends and family.  

Geraldton Police can be reached on 9923 4555.  

MY RANT ABOUT THE WELFARE CARD

Time and time again we are faced with the same scenario, liberal or labor introduce some punitive measure designed to change behaviors the major parties team up while the greens are on the sidelines making statements against the measures. Select information is given to media but what about the facts they all ignore, who mentions those facts and how often is our media on the end of really informing the general public?

The welfare card trials have been debated on the assistance it is supposed to provide addicts or those caught in bad behavior situations, the greens come out with income management failure stories and the information is limited to these areas. Those who have witnessed first hand what effects drunks or other addictions cause take the simplistic approach that if there was no cash then that would not happen. Others take a more in depth look and suggest the heart of the addiction needs to be addressed first.

Both are in a sense true. Maybe it wouldn't happen for short periods but there is always crafty people who will find ways around it and that information spreads so it will always be short lived. Some people need to reached out to and feel supported to break into new lifestyles others will never change and no amount of restrictions support or help will change that for very long.

What is not being said is how they will manage to achieve these results. How can a banking product be introduced that can pick and choose consumers? How is that in line with consumer laws and protections in place? Will it be a way forward that businesses will pick consumers based on if they are 'working class' only. It could be done by simply stocking an item that is restricted such as prepaid cards. Will discrimination become more widespread and allowed?

Is that mainly due to the fact it is a prepaid card itself but they are masking this fact? Is Australia happy to change our entire social security system to one that mirrors the USA concept of providing social assistance via prepaid cards that can restrict brands or products in large chain supermarket stores. Will every person look towards someone they know with a challenging disability and ask if they deserve to be limited in life due to that disability?

This is not income management in the sense the greens may point out, it is much  more than that, income management is the mechanisms of centrelink holding money. The security of conduct being accountable all the way up the chain and onto the floor of Senate or the house. Every aspect or situation is covered in some form of legislation and when push comes to shove, those on income management could have payments made directly into the bank account of any businesses they wished to deal with. Given it would of been a major hassle but the right to do it was there.

I say was because this card will remove that area entirely. A visit to centrelink to reveal your housing costs and other bills cost will set an amount to be directed to these areas. If not via the centrepay system where government charges the biller for the service then it will need to be made via the welfare card.

Any direct payments are taken to of been made from a card and will attract fees that the biller can then charge onto the consumer. Direct debits the most commonly used payment type will be prohibited. The form of payment costing nothing is taken away from those that can least afford the few dollars it costs.

Rent at a cost of $250 per week paid via the card attracting a charge of 2% will increase yearly rent cost by $260. Money that could be used for healthy food.

The rest of the 80% is put onto the card and indue a private organization can then place its own restrictions on where the card can be used. Centrelink effectively wipes its hands of if you can access that money to pay for your living costs and needs. There will be limited information of the sort Indue can pick and choose, with less scrutiny to ensure objectives are achieved.

Will family tax benefits for all soon shift to this sort of card, after all it is also welfare. So to are the allowances, childcare benefits and pensions thousands rely on. Will all money be forced into payment systems that skim a few dollars here and there and consumers allocated rather than have any choices to keep prices low and markets competitive.

Not to mention a prepaid account funds are owned by the issuer until the holder calls on the funds. Social Security has been an inalienable payment to protect people for a long time, this will ignore that fact and issue income support, allowances and the family tax benefits of some to an issuer of a card. If it was placed in to a bank account like the legislation actually does state, it would be owned by the account holder.

I doubt it will be rolled out to major cities as some might gleefully suggest, as the merchant code process and control over store owners is simply not sound enough nor policed in any sense. Getting around the card will be easier if implemented in major city areas. The control will not be there only the fact it is a prepaid card and the pretend benefits of reducing alcohol or the like will not really be possible, will anyone wake up to the whole thing then I wonder?

The bigger implications are being ignored and hard questions thrown off the table, will you start to question the motives and future for our country today or will you too just ignore it until it's too late?

Targeted processes are already in place to deal with individuals situations so why the huge costs of a trial if there is not much more to it?

When it comes to all politicians these days there is ALWAYS more to it.

How many know that in May 2015 basics cards were replaced with stored value cards but funds could be recalled to the income management account. It was the real first step in the welfare card trial and has obviously already been in trial under a varied form. Stored value cards are prepaid cards. Link to instrument : https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/F2015L00781

Ultimate goal appears to be to send income support to private organizations who are paid more to restrict the payments of those on income support than the people who actually need the assistance due to ill health or the jobs pool getting lower and lower every year.

How's that for class war!

sandra legro
Spencer street sebastopol VIC

Chucking in rocks not a simple cure

With the disappearance of Whitehill Road from Drummonds, a number of people online have stated why hasn’t Council done anything about this? There are also people who state that the problems are caused by the construction of rock walls, such as the port, the marina and various groynes and simply chucking more rocks in to save one road will only cause problems elsewhere.

The problem of coastal erosion is created largely in part to a lack of sand moving north as well as sea level rise and constructing infrastructure in questionable areas of the coast.Council needs to fully understand our Coastal processes, as simply throwing rocks into one area to save a road, will most likely cause a road somewhere else to be undermined and the problem simply gets moved up and down the coast. To that end the City commissioned a study late last year to understand our coastline in full, so that bad decisions about building on our coastline are no longer made. It is only when armed with the science can we make these decisions properly.

Then the matter of cost needs to be discussed. It is clear that we need to protect the northern beaches starting from the Marina and traveling up to Drummonds. The cost of saving just the Beresford foreshore is approximately $21,000,000. (Geraldton total rate collection is $42,000,000). From there we need to look at St George’s beach which is also under threat and of then up to Drummonds. The costs of simply chuckingin some rocks and sand at Whitehill road would be around $1,500,000 a year to build and maintain.

So where does the funding come from if the City has no way of paying for these works itself? The State Government. Application for funding for Beresford was finalised in February 2016 and we are eagerly awaiting the outcome of this application so that we can commence works to save our northern beaches. This process is probably not as fast as everyone would like but it is a process that needs to be followed. When it comes to responsibility for funding costal protection works, the State Government is responsible as they constructed the Port and the Marina and are of the owners of foreshore reserves. We as A City have a role in advocating for the funding and in consulting for the design.

As a City we are working as fast as we can to get real science behind our coast line so that we can make smart, effective and sustainable decisions as to how we invest Government funds to protect our coast line. Without the science the State will not fund coastal works. Randomly chucking in rocks here and there and constructing groynes without due regard for the remaining cost line has failed us in the past, creating the problems today and we do not want to continue see new problems such as Whitehill road created in the future as a result of actions wetake today.

Failure to provide a detailed scientific solution to coastal protection could result in a total loss of beaches to the north, replaced by a long line of limestone groynes and concrete seawalls. Surely this is not what the people of Geraldton want for their coastline? 

Shane Van Styn
Mayor City of Greater Geraldton

Coastal erosion closes Whitehill Road

Whitehill Road on the brink.

Beach erosion caused by high tides and strong swells over the weekend have undermined Whitehill Road in Drummond Cove and forced its closure till further notice.

The Drummond Cove coastline from Drummond Point through to the City’s northern boundary with the Shire of Chapman Valley has been suffering the effects of an increased rate of erosion in the past years.

City of Greater Geraldton CEO Ken Diehm said the City has been working with the Drummond Cove Progress Association regarding beach erosion and the impact it’s having on the road.

“Staff have discussed temporary options for Whitehill Road with the Drummond Cove Progress Association which include realigning the road, diverting the traffic or not renewing the road,” he said.

“Although there are a number of options available from letting the area erode naturally through to installing protective measures such as rock sea walls they all come with varying price tags with the cost of protection estimated at $1.5 million.

The Department of Planning has advised the City that undertaking protection works along Whitehill Road could pre-emt the outcomes of Geraldton wide coastal adaptation planning.

“The City has applied for grant funding to undertake coastal adaptation planning which involves a holistic approach that considers the entire urbanised coastline,” said Mr Diehm.

“Without seeing the bigger picture and understanding that erosion is affecting the entire coastline, it’s difficult to make decisions about what could be done.

“The Department of Planning has advised that we wait until the final coastal inundation study for the area between Cape Burney and Grey’s Beach is complete before we begin engaging with the community to develop a Geraldton wide adaptation plan.

“Until then, a temporary adaptation solution for Whitehill Road must be found and in the coming weeks the City will be holding a workshop in Drummond Cove to discuss the temporary options with the community,” Mr Diehm said.

Whitehill Road will remain closed until Council determines its preferred temporary adaptation measure which will be informed by the community consultation.

Ian Blayney requests Ministerial Assistance for Drummond Cove Erosion

Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney has approached Transport Minister Dean Nalder to request assistance to repair White Hill Road, Drummond Cove. 

“I approached Minister Nalder’s office yesterday and provided him with photos showing the extent of the erosion and damage to White Hill Road, which has now been closed. 

“I have informed him that State assets are also being threatened, as there is important sewerage infrastructurenearby. There is an urgent need to address the issue. 

“I will provide whatever assistance I can to help the City of Greater Geraldton repair the damage. 

“I think establishing a fund through Royalties for Regions, to help mitigate beach erosion in regional communities, would be an excellent project going forward, and I hope some consideration will be given to it,” said Mr Blayney.

Tyrepower Geraldton - Buy 3 get 1 free until May 31st

Tyrepower Geraldton
Buy 3 get 1 free until May 31st

Tyrepower Geraldton is a locally owned and operated store dedicated to keeping you safe on the road. 

With more than 30 years of experience in the tyre industry, they'll give you the right tyres, at the right price, with the right advice.

Tyrepower stock all the leading brands like Cooper, BF Goodrich, Bridgestone, Michelin, Toyo, Pirelli, Dunlop and many more.

Offering deals like buy 3 get 1 free on selected Dunlop tyres until May 31st, there is sure to be something to suit you.

They also provide other services including:

• Wheel alignments
• Wheel balancing
• Suspension and brake work
• Mufflers and exhaust systems
• Century Batteries for cars/4WD's/marine services
• Supply & fitment of new alloy and steel wheels

And they offer a free pick-up and delivery service!

So next time you need some new tyres make sure you go into Tyrepower Geraldton on the corner of Chapman Rd and Forrest St where Vic and his fully trained staff will take care of you and your car. 

Call to make an appointment today on (08) 9921 4144.

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Tyrepower Geraldton

I hit a dog this morning: Letter to Editor

 "A beautiful tan dog that looked like it might have been a Shar Pei ran out in front of me this morning at 8.30am on Brand Hwy  near Ackland Street. Despite braking I hit him, as did the car next to me.

We tried to find him to take him to the vet but he ran off up the hill- which hopefully means he isn't too injured. The wonderful woman in the red car behind me drove up the hill to try and find him to take him to the vet.

If you are missing a dog fitting this description please contact local vets.

Please people, keep your dogs locked up. This was so distressing for me and the other driver and was completely preventable.

Hopefully this beautiful dog is going to be ok and back with his family soon."

Anon

Police unable to comment on suspicious boat in Geraldton port

Image: Mark Guidice. "All happening down at the wharf. Customs and Police swarming over this boat. 

Everything Geraldton has had several readers reach out asking about a boat in Geraldton's port today.  

Onlookers said there were about 5 to 6 men on board, who seemed to be questioned by officials before being taken away on another boat. This was around midday today. 

We contacted Mid West Port Authority who said they were unable to comment. 

WA Police released this statement:

"Commonwealth and state agencies work closely together to ensure the safety and security of the Western Australian community. As operational activity is ongoing it would not be appropriate to comment further."

Update: We haven't had firm confirmation of the situation with the boat, but we have been informed that Border Force are saying it was not an "irregular maritime arrival"

The boat witnesses say the men were taken away in.  

Suspicious boat docked in Geraldton harbour at the moment, authorities are currently checking it out. pic.twitter.com/fOj98X670G

— Chris Lewis (@a_film_maker) May 2, 2016

Several authorities have just boarded the suspicious vessel currently docked in Geraldton. pic.twitter.com/E0Am67zhYh

— Chris Lewis (@a_film_maker) May 2, 2016

Tree Pruning on Rudds Gully and Devlin Pool Roads

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise that it will be undertaking road maintenance works in the localities of Rudds Gully and Cape Burney between 3 May and 13 May 2016.

Lateral tree pruning and vegetation clearing to improve road user’s line of site and road safety will occur on Rudds Gully Road between Edwards Road and Brand Highway, and on Delvin Pool Road.

Traffic management will be in place during this time. Motorists and pedestrians are advised to exercise caution and obey all warning signs and direction from authorised City personnel and contractors.

For more information on the road maintenance please contact the City’s Acting Coordinator Roads, Dave Bairstow, at 9956 6600.

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

Community Chest funding for Mid-West region

Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney has welcomed today’s announcement that John Willcock College and Geraldton Senior College have together received $18,000 to facilitate neurology and education professional learning workshops, to be delivered by an international expert in neurology of learning, Dr Judy Willis through Community Chest funding .

 The fund supports region-specific priorities that are driven by local communities to assist the development of infrastructure, services and community projects that help build vibrant regions with strong economies.

 WA's nine regional development commissions oversee the projects, each being allocated an equal share from which to provide the Community Chest Fund grants.

 The State Government, through the Royalties for Regions program, has invested $10 million into the fund over four years.

Support for new Geraldton community complex

Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney has congratulated Sun City Christian Centre on its commitment to Geraldton and the Midwest community following the opening of its new Centre.

“I have worked closely with the Sun City Christian Centre since I was elected in 2008 and I am delighted that their vision has become reality.

“They actively participate in the community, tackling areas of greatest need -never backing away from the complex challenges created by domestic violence, substance abuse, mental illness, personal financial problems and disadvantage.

“They help people in need,” said Mr Blayney.

The Center and Sun City Care complex, a $4.1 million project supported by Lotterywest and the State Government's Royalties for Regions program.

How this satellite could increase populations throughout the regions

As I drove around Australia last month, one thing that struck me was how decent the 4G and 3G coverage was throughout our nation, with the exception of NT. It's been 10 years since I had done such a trip. That was before the iPhone existed and we all expected to have Facebook in our pockets 24/7. Mobile reception was notably poorer a decade ago. 

What really surprised me was how having a half decent internet connection as I travelled gave me a sense of connectedness... both to my friends and family, and to the wider world. I have come to rely on the Internet for everything from banking and shopping, to communications and information consumption, not to mention entertainment.  

There are so many beautiful, but remote parts of this massive island, but I found myself thinking "yeah I could live here" in many of them, in part because I didn't feel quite so distant from the rest of the world.  

BUT... Mobile internet costs are way too high to be used in large doses. Each Gig of data cost be an extra $10. Living in rural Australia would require a decent home internet connection, something most remote places have gone without... until now. 

Enter the NBN satellite 'Sky Muster'. Finally, residents living in regional and rural Australia will be able to connect to affordable, high-speed broadband. 

Melissa Price, federal member for Durack, welcomed the official launch.  “This is great news for people in Durack that will finally be able to access high speed internet,” Ms Price said.

Offering download speeds of up to 25 Megabits per second (Mbps) and upload speeds of up to 5 Mbps, the Sky Muster service will provide a faster online experience for internet users living in regional and remote areas.

“The remoteness of our continent and its islands is no longer a barrier to broadband connectivity thanks to nbn’s Sky Muster.”

To put those speeds in perspective, 25 Mbps is about a quarter of what you can get if you're on a fibre connection... but it's still 100 times faster than the speeds many people in the bush get. Many people who have access to a fibre connection only purchase a 25Mbps speed anyway. We shouldn't overstate the value of the service either. Not only are the speeds slower than fibre, but the amount of data you can download is a lot less. 

Each service requires a professional installation of a new receiver dish and indoor modem.

Equal priority will be given to new customers and current nbn Interim Satellite Service users migrating to Sky Muster. Around 5,000 users per month will be connected in the early months of the rollout before scaling up to 10,000 installations per month later this year.

More than 600 installers have been fully trained and are forecast to reach on average one to two premises per day due to safety considerations and extended traveling times involved in each installation.

An estimated 22,026 homes and businesses in Durack will be eligible to connect to the service as they are outside of nbn’s fixed line and fixed wireless coverage areas.

For more information on eligibility and retailers visit: www.nbnco.com.au or freecall nbn on 1800 687 626.

To give you some idea of the level of service and price, for around $150 per month, you can get about 60Gb of data to use during normal times, and another 8Gb to use during off peak times. This is still a far cry from the levels needed to compare to larger centres (I use about 1000Gb per month), but it will make doing most non video tasks quite bearable in rural areas. You won't be able to enjoy copious amounts of Netflix, iTunes movies, and YouTube though. 

Will people flock to the regions so they can have a notably poorer internet connection? Of course not. But will a half decent satellite connection be enough for many people who were considering a tree change? I believe it might be. 

Don’t lose power with this emergency power supply at Sun City Batteries

Take a look at this awesome emergency power supply. 

This unit will run the kids devices as well as start the car if the battery is flat.

It has 600 amp peak current and will recharge from your car’s 12V outlet as well as 240V power supplies. It comes complete with intelligent jumper cable, 8x laptop connectors & switch cable, and 3 in 1 mobile phone cable.

This unit comes complete with its own zip up wallet and will fit easily in your vehicles glove-box or map pockets for easy storage and accessibility. The RRP is $338.00, great value for peace of mind when traveling or camping.

See Sun City Batteries at 140 Flores Road or call them today on 9934 6903 or 0427 658 468

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Are you due for your eye test? Come in and see Specsavers Geraldton

Experience and professionalism is the key for the team at Specsavers Geraldton. With over 30 years of experience between them, Optometrist Director Jacques Breytenbach and Dispensing Director Richard Reynolds have tested the eyes of more than 8570 patients and dispensed over 14,490 pairs of glasses since opening the Geraldton store in 2013. 

At Specsavers Geraldton there are over 1,000 frame styles to choose from with complete glasses starting from just $39 and unlike some other optometrists, Specsavers offers bulk billing on eye tests, so there are no out of pocket expenses to the customer. Specsavers also offers designer ranges that start at two pairs from $199 and include local and international designers such as Tommy Hilfiger, Alex Perry and Collette Dinnigan.

“Specsavers brings fashionable and affordable eye care to the Geraldton community. Specsavers’ collaborations with leading fashion designers including Alex Perry and Collette Dinnigan mean that style doesn’t have to be compromised for affordability,” says Richard. 

The Geraldton store also offers customers free contact lens consultations and fittings to ensure customers are matched with the right contact lenses for their needs. Customers who purchase contact lenses from Specsavers are also entitled to aftercare at no extra cost. 

The store is pleased to show their support for the local community by being part of the Specsavers Community Program. Through this initiative Specsavers Geraldton donates money out of their own pocket from each pair of glasses sold to The Fred Hollows Foundation and their local charity of choice the Parkerville Children and Youth Care. 

“We are so pleased to have donated such a significant sum of money to local charities. We want our store’s donations to go towards something we have a real passion for, and the Fred Hollows Foundation and charities Parkerville Children and Youth Care tick all of the boxes” says Jacques. 

The store conveniently tests Mondays through to Saturdays and regardless of whether or not you wear glasses, optical professionals recommend that everyone, including children, have an eye test every two years. 

Call to make an appointment today on 9964 7555 or come in and see them at Shop 24 Stirlings Central Shopping Centre.

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Jaffle Shack on foreshore now allowed alfresco dining

The area where Jaffle Shack is located. 

The pop up store along the Geraldton foreshore "Jaffle Shack" was granted permission for alfresco seating at Tuesday's council meeting, after being rejected at last months meeting.

Last month the proprietors of nearby restaurants Dome and Skeetas were both present at the council meeting to raise questions regarding the seating at the pop up store. Mr Graham Sertorio from Dome was particularly visibly frustrated at the proposal. Several issues were raised, in particular the question surrounding the need for Jaffle Shack to provide public toilets. In a response provided later, the council has advised that the nearby public toilets at the foreshore suffice. 

The style of table to be used at the Jaffle Shack. 

Although divided in their opinions, council rejected the application for the seating in March, stating that the seating did not keep with the goal of open free space at the foreshore, and that what was originally put to them as a "pop up" coffee shop was evolving into a fully fledged restaurant on the foreshore.

The proponent for the request, Jaffle Shack owner Christian Watters, changed the number of tables from the original application of 9 tables with 6 stools per table to 4 tables with only 5 stools per table, and also reduced the footprint of the area needed from 60m2 to 50m2.

Part of the condition for approval is that the alfresco dining is to be made available for general public use, and not only patrons of the Jaffle Shack.

The proposal passed council 7 votes to 5.

Interestingly, last month council staff noted in the meeting that ALL alfresco dining tables and chairs that are on public areas are available for the general public's use.

​In supporting the application, Mr Watters advised council of the following:

* The addition of alfresco dining to the area surrounding the Jaffle Shack will assist in creating an environment that is healthy, safe and comfortable not only for patrons of the Jaffle Shack but for other users of the foreshore. Currently customers are bringing their own picnic blankets and congregating around the trees to take advantage of the shade on offer. The alfresco dining options proposed will increase the available shade and as a result will increase the availability of suitable spaces. Through thoughtful design in keeping with the shack, the attractiveness of the area will also be improved. 


* By providing an area to sit and take in our wonderful foreshore (both protected from the heat of the sun and also in a way that ensures an ability to dine in some comfort) the vibrancy of the area will be enhanced. A more comfortable seating arrangement than currently is on offer (by way of seating on the grass) will encourage longer stays which is in keeping with the City’s desire for the foreshore area. 


* The public amenity of the area will not be impeded at all by this application. The area proposed for the seating is immediately adjacent to the Jaffle Shack and have both a path and trees which are well suited to the addition of further seating. 


* This proposal will not impede at all on the community’s use of the public infrastructure currently in place and will in fact improve the infrastructure on offer by freeing up community facilities for general usage.

* The proposed operating hours of the seating area are as per those of the café, this being 7.30am until 6pm at this time but subject to seasonal changes. 


The type of stool to be used.  

* The tables and chairs will be stored in the existing lease area. 


* The stools have rubber stoppers on the bottom of each foot 
preventing damage to the grass. 


​Questions asked 22 March regarding previous proposal:

Mr Graham Sertorio, Director, Champion Bay Holdings 2 Hoskin Street, Bluff Point

Question:


If there is to be an extension to the Jaffle Shack’s alfresco area, where are the toilet facilities to be located to accommodate the patrons?

Response:


The alfresco application submitted will be using the City’s facilities that are provided on the foreshore given the size of the facility and temporary nature as approved.

Question
:

Where there is an alfresco area with more than 20 seats isn’t the proponent to provide toilets

Response:

This question will be taken on notice and a response will be provided in the next Agenda. A formal response will be provided to Mr Sertorio.

Response
:

The requirements for toilets is specified within the National Construction Code (NCC) Sanitary facilities need to be provided for patrons if the total number of persons accommodated in the building is more than 20.

This is generally calculated by the number of seating proposed (Tables, Chairs) for patrons. The toilet facilities to be used by patrons need not be for their use exclusively. For a building accommodating more than 20, the NCC goes onto state “Suitable sanitary facilities for personal hygiene must be provided in a convenient location within or associated with a building, to the degree necessary. The proximity to the public toilets is not dissimilar to a café etc. within a shopping centre.

​Mr Graham Sertorio referred to a letter dated 3 Aug 2015, from the City of Greater Geraldton and the following question/response.

Questions were addressed at the Ordinary Meeting of Council of 28 July 2015 as per below

Question:


If increased to 48sq meter now. Does this mean the Pop Up Café will have its own private seating for its customers?

Response:


It will mean the footprint area of 48m2 will be leased to the proponent for exclusive use under a lease agreement for use in line with a sea container café with a verandah /decking containing universal access.

Question:


With the excessive use now available, how is it maintained by Council?

Response
:

The City will monitor the use as per other alfresco areas and the recommendation includes a condition in this regard. For example the alfresco area at 2 Foreshore and those in Marine Terrace are not part of any lease area and no fees are charged by the City in order to encourage vibrancy.

Question:

At no cost?

Response
:

Council will not charge for the Alfresco area exactly the same as other alfresco areas.

Question
:

Why do I get charged for the Alfresco area (at Dome)

Response
:

As your Alfresco area is part of the building structure and is for exclusive use.

Mr C Cox, 19a Ajax Drive, Wandina, Geraldton

Question:


Will the proponent have to pay any money in lieu of parking like other restaurants and businesses considering they will be seating approximately 70 people and will they be required to subsidise the use of public toilets?

Response:


Provision of car parking on the foreshore for the various activity areas were part of the overall Foreshore Master Plan. It is noted that the foreshore car parking areas are also catering for the City Centre activities as well.

Question:


This business was approves as a pop up shop, with a set area. If the concept is now changing to a business/restaurant with the capacity for up to 70 people, should this therefore go back to council, and be re classified as a restaurant rather than a pop up shop?

Response:


The current approval covers the operation of a sea container café with the floor area now set at 50 sq m. The proposed alfresco area does not change the current approval/ use.

Question
:

Will the proponent be erecting all the 9 tables and 54 chairs daily to increase the available shade seating on the foreshore for other users as was mentioned in his application or will he be erecting tables and chairs as required as stated at the agenda meeting purely for him own benefit and use?

Response:


The application mentions tables and chairs daily use. The proponent has advised that if business is quiet on certain days he will only put out chairs/tables to meet those needs.

Spreading the magic of science

Members of Scinapse - Emma Jackson, Andrew Outhwaite, John Gourley, Ken Lawson and Mark Canny.

The Mid West’s network of science lovers has revamped its name and released an exciting new events calendar aimed at spreading the magic of science.

The former Mid West Science Engagement Group (MWSEG) is now called Scinapse, and has unveiled a host of exciting new initiatives aimed at enabling everyday people to become swept in science’s wonders.

Scinapse committee chair Emma Jackson said the group was fired up about sharing its upcoming events, which range from a short film making workshop and stargazing to understanding the wonders of brain development.

“Scinapse is all out sharing our passion for science and engaging the community in fun and exciting events that demonstrate the amazing possibilities of science," Ms Jackson said.

“We cover everything from making mesmerising science films, like we will as part of the Sci Film competition, to realising the magic of astronomy as you gaze at the heavens like we will at the ‘Fireballs in the Sky’ event at Mt Magnet Astro Rocks Festival.

“We’ve a host of events coming up that will prove anyone of any age can become swept up in the magic of science.”

Next on the agenda is a short film making workshop in Geraldton on April 30, which will school people in the art of film-making in the lead up to the Sci Film competition.

Participants will learn how to make and edit a film on mobile devices, techniques for making films for a theatre screen, how to communicate a science story through film, the best free film editing apps and online resources for use after the workshop.

They can then create and submit three-minute films featuring science stories, with winners to be showcased on the cinema screens.

This will be followed by the Fireballs in the Sky Event at Mt Magnet Astro Rocks Festival on May 13, understanding the wonders of neurology and brain development event on June 2-3 and Goodness Festival and National Science Week activities on August 14-21.

As MWSEG, the group has already conducted a raft of activities, including crystal workshops, science films about bees, considering a productive farming future, upskilling kids in computing coding through CoderDojo and hosting the Science Festival Community Night.

Keep up to speed on Scinapse events and find membership forms on Facebook, or through Pollinators website http://pollinators.org.au/science/.

And, if you have an upcoming science event, please contact Scinapse for help in promoting it. Contact 0438 925 058.

Scinapse is a partnership with Scitech, Inspiring Australia and local science engagement organisations. 

Sand bypassing to slow erosion of St Georges Beach

Erosion of St Georges Beach.

Further erosion of St Georges Beach caused by recent storms has prompted the decision to begin sand bypassing to stabilise the area.

Mid West Ports Authority will undertake sand bypassing of St Georges Beach as part of the Northern Beaches Stabilisation Program which involves sand bypassing to the Beresford Foreshore. Approximately 3000m3 of sand will be carted to St Georges Beach between Monday 16 May and Friday 27 May, 2016.

City of Greater Geraldton CEO Ken Diehm said erosion of the popular beach wasn’t a problem in the past but needs to be addressed as community assets are now at risk of falling into the ocean.

“Up until a couple of years ago St George’s Beach was much wider and erosion wasn’t a concern but that’s changed in the past two years and beach erosion has reached a point where infrastructure such as the carpark, trees and the toilet block are now at risk,” he said.

Although sand bypassing provides a temporary solution to the erosion, the City will be engaging with the community to develop a long term solution for the area.

“Beach erosion resulting in the loss of infrastructure and amenities is a real concern for the City and plans will need to be put in place to help us adapt to our changing coastline,” Mr Diehm said.

“The City has already started the process of coastal adaptation planning by conducting inundation studies for the coastline stretching from Point Moore to Drummond Cove.

“We still have one more study to complete for the area from Cape Burney to Grey’s Beach and once this is done we can begin working with the community to develop adaptation plans for the entire urbanised coastline of Geraldton.”

Members of the community interested in learning more about coastal adaptation planning are invited to attend a forum on the topic on Thursday 5 May 2016 from 5.00-7.30pm at the QEII Centre. The forum is being delivered in partnership with NACC, Mid West Ports Authority and the City of Greater Geraldton.  To register to attend contact Sarah Taylor on 9938 0120.

Mullewa Ward councillors expressing interesting in leaving Geraldton and going to Chapman Valley

Two councillors from the City of Greater Geraldton have had discussions with the Shire of Chapman Valley regarding changing the boundaries of the City of Greater Geraldton, so the Mullewa Ward would become part of the Shire of Chapman Valley. 

Cr Tahlea Thomas and Cr Jennifer Critch, who run their own independent facebook group called 'Mullewa Councillors', approached the Shire of Chapman Valley without discussing the matter at any formal council meeting, according to CGG Mayor Shane Van Styn. 

“I need to make it perfectly clear that council have not considered this matter,” Mayor Van Styn said.

“Two council members have independently taken part in discussions with the Shire of Chapman Valley without consultation or consent from Council.

“It has not been formally discussed at any official Council meetings or forums.”

The Shire of Mullewa amalgamated with the City of Geraldton Greenough on 1 July 2011 to form the City of Greater Geraldton.

The community in Mullewa at the time was overwhelmingly against the amalgamation, with 83.24% of Mullewa voters voting against the merger.

Chapman Valley Shire President, Councillor John Collingwood, said "Chapman Valley has been approached by the Elected Members representing the Mullewa Ward in the City of Greater Geraldton enquiring into our interest in opening dialogue with the City on possible boundary changes.

"Chapman Valley is not committing to anything at all other than to listen to what the City has to say.

"Any proposed boundary changes need to go through a rigorous and detailed analysis to ensure any new entities are financially sustainable and meets the demographic and community interest requirements of the legislated condition for proposed boundary changes."

Mayor Van Styn said "We are happy to look at any proposal but we will need to consider all issues to determine if it is in the best interests of our community.”

The Geraldton Boat, Caravan and Camping Show is on this month

The Club Marine Geraldton Boat, Caravan and Camping Show is on this month - 30th April & 1st May at GBSC Sports Park (Eadon Clarke Oval).

It is the biggest event of its kind in the region. Attracting 6,000 people each year and loyal exhibitors from the local area, as well as from Perth and the south-west. It brings together displays of new products and services in boating, fishing, 4WDS, camping, accessories, electronics and lifestyle products with a huge line-up of entertainment and attractions for the whole family.

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Club Marine Geraldton Boat, Caravan and Camping Show