Southgate dunes continue to be a sore spot

Opinion Piece

Our iconic dunes at the southern entrance to Geraldton are under threat. For those that have not been following this issue there is actually two threats. 

One is from a proposal to develop a residential housing estate across the area of the dunes that would see the sand dunes flattened. 

The other is from the lime sand extraction operations currently occurring in the north-eastern section on Southgate Road. 

While the issues are seemingly separate from each other, they do intersect when it comes to the north-easterly drift of the dunes that would impact on community infrastructure such as roads, drains and culverts, but also on houses as well. The original intent of the land development was primarily to halt this slow northern migration of the dunes. 

The potential land development has been a threat for some considerable time now but hasn’t been realised due to the inability of the developers to get agreement from a number of government Departments, including Environmental Regulation, Planning and Transport. The Department of Lands (DoL) is also in the mix now because the developers have failed to commence the development, which required a land swap agreement with DoL for it to occur, in the original timeframe. This agreement was extended a number of times but I believe that it has since expired in 2014. 

Back in 2009 the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) did not agree to the development for environmental reasons that highlighted the significant impact on coastal erosion that would likely occur to beaches north of the development. It now appears that the Department of Environmental Regulation (DER) has seen fit to allow this to occur, regardless of the quite sensible view of the EPA. 

The CGG has also refused to accept the recommendations from the Minister for Environment due to the poorly understood Aboriginal heritage in the area and the significant effect that any development will have on coastal erosion to the north. The CGG also refused to accept the requirement that they assume the responsibility for the foreshore dunes after 5 years. Acceptance of any or all of these conditions would most likely come at an enormous cost to the residents and ratepayers of Geraldton. 

I fully support the City Councillors and the Mayor in their most recent refusal to accept these recommendations from the Minister for development of the dunes.

The lime sand extraction that occurs in the northern portion of the dunes is beneficial in that it actually removes the need for any land development over the dunes. Lime sand extraction operations remove the sand that would otherwise impact the public infrastructure at risk if nothing was done. 

The threat here comes from the behaviour of the operator of the lime sand extraction business which is threatening the farming community that uses lime sand to increase their productivity. In breach of the permit and the boundary of the area in which lime sand can be taken, the operator has seen fit to flatten all of the fore-dune area right up to the water line. This must be considered as environmental vandalism at its worst and surely cannot go unpunished. 

Any further lime sand extraction must be done in a responsible manner by an operator who is ready to observe all of the environmental and moral requirements. 

This behaviour has also put at risk the ability for our Midwest farming industry to utilise this resource in a sustainable manner. This would also benefit the City of Greater Geraldton (CGG) by reducing the need to undertake expensive removal of the sand as it slowly migrated northeast. 

But the CGG also has an obligation to ensure that this area is protected from over-exploitation and manage the dunes far better than it has previously. 

The petition that I tabled in Parliament on behalf of the community will also bear fruit by allowing the community access to the public responses by the Ministers for Environment, Planning and Lands as part of the enquiry undertaken by the Environment and Public Affairs Committee. 

Conversations that I have had with many people across Geraldton have also included their desire to have an entry statement for visitors to our wonderful City, but I’ve always thought that we had one already. There is nothing better than coming north on Brand Hwy, up over the hill to look across the Southgate dunes with the back beach, silos and Point Moore lighthouse in the background welcoming everyone. 

Let’s all make sure that the dunes are protected from any future development and are kept as a recreational area for everyone for generations to come.

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Half Yearly Clearance at Harvey Norman Electrical

Harvey Norman Electrical are having their huge ½ Year Clearance, with products from all areas on sale – vacuums, small appliances, home appliances, white goods, cooking appliances, heaters, TV’s, entertainment packages – just to name a few!

If you have been looking at upgrading your kitchen, add in a speaker system or you need a new washing machine or dryer, then now is definitely the time to get into Harvey Norman Electrical and get yourself a bargain. For the full catalogue - http://www.harveynorman.com.au/catalogues/current-catalogue/#j=320249&r=V99&t=636004845620000000&v=spread&p=20,21

And why not take advantage of Harvey Norman Electrical’s 50 Months Interest Free – yes 50 Months! With no deposit and no interest until August 2020. To apply online before your head in store, click here -http://www.harveynorman.com.au/customer-service/finance-options/interest-free

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Concrete and line marking works at Francis Street Jetty carpark

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise that contractors will be undertaking concrete and line marking works at the Francis Street Jetty carpark from today Thursday 9 June until Wednesday 15 June.

Traffic management will be in place to ensure safety to motorists and pedestrians. Motorists and pedestrians are requested to exercise caution and obey all warning signs and direction from authorised City personnel and contractors.

If you have any queries regarding this work please contact the City on 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au.

Lighthouse Open Day - expressions of interest wanted

International Lighthouse Lightship Weekend 

Open Day at Point Moore Lighthouse  

Sunday 21st August 2016
10.30 – 1.30pm

Geraldton, Western Australia

You are invited to submit an expression of interest to participate in this annual event which will be held in the grounds of the Point Moore Lighthouse and the adjacent Bob Davies Park on Sunday, August 21st. 

We want people with interests in Geraldton’s West End precinct and the surrounding marine environment to support the promotion of the iconic lighthouse as a special feature in our maritime history and itsplace in the heritage of the Batavia coast.  

Participation in the Point Moore Open day will be our acknowledgement of the International Weekend of recognition and visitors will be able to view inside the Lighthouse base with the assistance of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA). It is expected the newly refurbished Geraldton Volunteer Marine Rescue group’s headquarters in Davies Park across the road from the lighthouse will be open to the public.  

Interactive and static displays, presentations and promotions will be vital to the success of the day and provide opportunity to showcase, deliver messages and gather support from the community. 

To satisfy requirements for conducting a public event and to understand what space will beneeded pleaseconsider and commit to the event as soon as possible andrespond with the following details:-

Your/organisation’s name, contact detail, a short description of the proposed activity and the extent to which you will be self sufficient, by Thursday June 30th.   Thank you.

Celebrating World Ocean Day with a 97% interaction rate for Whale Shark swims at Ningaloo

World Ocean Day, held annually on 8 June, has been initiated to raise global awareness, celebration and collaboration for a better future with cleaner, healthier and safer oceans.

The timing couldn’t be more perfect with the current 2016 swimming interaction rate on board whale shark tours in the Ningaloo Reef on Australia's Coral Coast being at a record high of 97% for 2016 to date. Additionally, on 25 June 2016 the Ningaloo Coast will be celebrating five years of UNSECO World Heritage listed certification.

Swimming with the world’s largest fish, the enormous yet gentle giants of the sea, is considered to be a bucket list experience. In 2015, the Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia welcomed 20,670 tourists who visited specifically for this experience, noting a 92% sighting rate for the 2015 season. All operators provide a “no sighting” policy, offering guests the next available tour day free of charge. Tourists are encouraged to book a whale shark tour in advance and at the beginning of a holiday.

Whale shark movements to and from the Ningaloo Reef vary from year to year, but this is the second year that the world’s largest fish have arrived earlier than usual (starting mid-February instead of late March following the mass coral spawning). The Coral Bay whale shark experience conducted by its two whale shark operators, Coral Bay Eco Tours and Ningaloo Reef Dive, has seen the largest growth in passenger numbers in 2016, with the 13 whale shark licence operators in Exmouth continuing to welcome strong numbers of enthusiastic tourists.

The 2016 whale shark season should conclude late-June (Coral Bay) and late-July (Exmouth) with the forthcoming Humpback Whale interaction tours anticipated to commence from August 2016. 

The Ningaloo Reef is one of the only places on the planet where these huge but completely harmless fish can be reliably located in large aggregations. Whale Sharks are listed as ‘vulnerable to extinction’ and are protected in Western Australia contributing to the UNSECO World Heritage status of Ningaloo. 

Ningaloo’s eco-tourism experience is best practice world-wide for both fish and swimmer. A percentage of each whale shark tour ticket sold goes towards important whale shark research, conservation and protection. This benefits not only the Ningaloo Reef but the world to understand more about the importanrt species.

Visit www.australiascoralcoast.com for information on whale shark swims and to see the latest holiday deals to help plan your next Coral Coast adventure.    

Built Environment Offers Opportunities

The downturn in the state’s economy has prompted 5 industry and professional associations to join forces and host an Information Forum on where future work opportunities might be for design and construction businesses.

Being promoted as “Future Opportunities for the Built Environment”, the forum will be held on Thursday 16 June at Perth Arena.

The 5 host organizations are:

• Master Builders Association of WA
• Australian Institute of Architects
• Consult Australia
• Australian Institute of Building
• Engineers Australia

According to spokesperson, Michael McLean, this is the first time each of these 5 industry groups have come together to sponsor a joint event.

“Rather than dwell on the current downturn, we thought we would be pro-active and try and help our respective members to identify some of the “hot spots” across a few major sectors which will provide opportunities for architects, engineers, builders and specialist contractors”, Mr McLean said.

“It’s a difficult and extremely competitive business environment for the building and construction industry at the moment so being aware of where to focus our energies will be strategic and hopefully productive”.

“It’s not all doom and gloom in the built environment as some very large construction projects will soon be coming out for tender in areas such as shopping centres, aged care, public infrastructure, industrial developments and educational buildings”, Mr McLean said.

“We have attracted an excellent blend of presenters from 5 key areas:

• Phil Helberg (Building Management & Works)
• Dean Mudford (LandCorp)
• Stephen Beer (Vicinity Centres)
• Dr Penny Flett (Brightwater Care Group)
• Kieran Kinsella (Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority)

“This inaugural forum will also allow attendees to pose questions to the panel and to network with kindred members from different segments of the industry which employs over 140,000 workers – the second largest of any industry in WA”, Mr McLean concluded.

Registrations can be made to https://events.engineersaustralia.org.au/ei/getdemo.ei?id=2980&s=_BE00UDUMQ

Letter to editor - Will we get a meeting about cashless welfare cards?

Now that the Federal election campaigns are in full swing, will Melissa Price call a Geraldton public meeting to explain the benefits of the cashless welfare card she is keen to have trialled in her electorate?

Mark Gilligan

Brown says any sale of Geraldton Port will not have his support

Paul Brown MP with Geraldton Port in the background.

In response to comments by Labor MLC, Darren West that the complete removal of the Port Expansion Project (PEP) charge and the forgiving of the remainder of the loan is a precursor for a future sale of the Geraldton Port., Nationals WA Member of Parliament and candidate for the seat of Geraldton Paul Brown MP, speaking on local radio this week, clearly stated that he would not support any future sale of the Geraldton Port.

Calls by Mr Brown for the removal of the PEP charges and the remainder of the loan have been agreed to by the Minister for Transport in this year’s State Budget.

Mr Brown said “Geraldton Port sale comments are nothing more than blatant scaremongering by the Labor party and its members. The removal of the PEP charges were due to a concerted call over a considerable period of time by myself and other community members, particularly the northern grain farming community, to recognise the contribution that had already been made without a substantial reduction in the loan amount.”

“Along with my Nationals WA colleagues, I have opposed the proposed sale of the Fremantle Port and I would definitely not be supporting any sale of the Geraldton Port. At this point there has been no discussion of a proposal except from the Labor’s Darren West. Perhaps it’s them warming up the community for a potential sale if they have the opportunity to form government.”

The Port Expansion Project was undertaken in 2003 to deepen the inner harbour and the shipping channel of the Geraldton Port to enable larger vessels to be fully loaded at the port, rather than the previous operations model which was to partially load before continuing to Fremantle to complete the loading. This model only increased the charges to growers by requiring addition fees at two ports.

Mr Brown said “The need for the Geraldton Port to remain in government control has been strengthened when you look at the requirement to continue the sand bypass from Pages Beach as part of the coastal erosion that is attributed to the port expansion in 2003.”

“I also think that the potential for a future port development at Oakajee would restrict the financial return of anyone that wanted to buy the current Geraldton Port. If I was going to spend the time and money on a port in this area I would be looking to entice a developer that might look favourably on a 50 year “build and operate” model for Oakajee.”

“We always seem to want to undertake these projects at the top of the economic cycle rather than look for investments at the bottom of the cycle where we are now.”

Kalbarri Boardriders making waves for the environment

NACC’s Coastal and Marine Program team this week joined-up with members of the Kalbarri Boardriders for a bit of landscape restoration – helping to revegetate the dunes surrounding a new memorial shelter at Jacques Point.

The shelter, which was solely funded by community donations and many volunteer hours, was recently erected in memory of two young men from Kalbarri who lost their lives when the trawler they were aboard sank at Nichol Bay last year.

NACC’s Quick Step Grant Program provided the Boardriders with 200 coastal native plants which were put in the ground with help from more than 25 volunteer members of the community.

NACC Coastal and Marine Project Officer Vanessa McGuiness said: “It was fantastic to see so many people jump in and help support the Kalbarri Boardriders revegetate such an important site that is valued highly in the community. We hope to see more projects go ahead like these in the region, supporting both Kalbarri and the environment.”

Vanessa said that adding to the perfection and beauty of the day, the surf picked-up just as the plants were all in the ground, and getting ready to be watered by Rick Davey, Ranger from the Shire of Northampton.

“Then it was a case of ‘Surf’s up’,” she said.

Look out for the memorial shelter’s grand opening on Sunday 5 June.

For more information on the Coastal and Marine Program, or opportunities to apply for grants, please contact Vanessa McGuiness on 9938 0108 or vanessa.mcguiness@nacc.com.au.

School holidays at the Western Australian Museum – Geraldton: Imagine it! Design it! Build it!

Imagine it, design it and build it at the WA Museum – Geraldton these school holidays.

Become a mini-architect-builder and explore the ideas, designs and possibilities of buildings and structures. How does climate, the environment, sustainability and needs of the community influence and change building design in our world today?

Take a step back in time and be inspired by the architecture of Monsignor John Hawes, responsible for many iconic buildings throughout the Mid West. His designs are also this year’s theme of the Museum’s annual Clem Burns Heritage Award. Local school students are submitting models as their entries. They will be on display from 29 June until 17 July 2016.

Have fun drawing inspired plans, adding your designs to existing buildings and imagining buildings of the future.

Great Ideas Wall
Dates: 2 – 17 July 2016
Cost: free
Age: all ages
Bookings: not required for groups of less than 5

Be inspired by Monsignor John Hawes and the design principles he followed in his iconic buildings throughout the Mid West. Check out the great models on display in the Clem Burns Heritage Award and then select elements of environment and location, shapes and materials, function and sustainability from the list architects use today. Create your designs for a building suitable for Geraldton and add it to the Museum’s ’Great Ideas Wall’. 

Geraldton re-designed!
Dates: 2 – 17 July 2016
Cost: free
Age: all ages
Bookings: not required for groups of less than 5

Choose an image of a well-known building around Geraldton. Let your imagination soar as you draw, cut and paste on the image to change the way the building looks. What would be the environmental impact of your ideas? What ways would your ideas improve the way the building is used?

Say it in Lego
Dates: 2 – 17 July 2016
Cost: free
Age: all ages
Bookings: not required for groups of less than 5

What fantastic structures will you build? A building, home, slide, swing, or even a climbing adventure playground? Maybe something never seen or dreamed of before? Share photos of your designs on social media using #wamholidayfun. 

Activity corner
Dates: 2 – 17 July 2016
Cost: free
Age: all ages
Bookings: not required for groups of less than 5

Come and enjoy the great range of free family activities and games in our creative hub of construction.

Trails
Dates: 2 – 17 July 2016
Cost: $3 or $2.50 each for families of 4 or more
Ages: all ages
Bookings:  not required for groups of less than 10

Choose an activity trail to take you on a journey of discovery around the WA Museum – Geraldton.

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Venue: WA Museum – Geraldton (Museum Place, Batavia Coast Marina) 

Further information: call 9431 8393 or visit http://museum.wa.gov.au/whats-on/school-holidays/Geraldton 

Bookings: not required

Programs are subject to availability. All children 12 years and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Building a competitive Western Australian defence supply sector

Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney has congratulated GCo Electrical in Geraldton on their receipt of a $30,000 grant toimprove their competitiveness to secure work related to the Australian Government's multi-billion dollar defence programs.

The funding is part of the defence-specific round of the State Government's Industry Facilitation and Support Program (IFSP).

Mr Blayney said IFSP would enable small and medium-sized businesses in Western Australia to purchase equipment, upgrade facilities, and contract finance and marketing experts.

“The successful recipients will use this funding to up-skill and diversify their business base, ensuring they are in the best position possible to take advantage of defence-related contracts,” Mr Blayney said.

“GCo Electrical will use this funding to improve internal business infrastructure systems to ensure they continue to offer a broad scope of works and solutions to their customers.”  

The IFSP defence round will provide more than $350,000 in dollar-for-dollar assistance to 16 WA businesses.

Mr Blayney said IFSP has supported 257 WA-based SMEs to win 539 major contracts valued at $313 million since 2011.

"The State Government's $4.4 million investment in local industry has resulted in hundreds of millions of dollars in major contracts that have created 565 new jobs, including 66 apprenticeships," Mr Blayney said.

“I’d like to congratulate Murray Hadley and his team for developing a company that looks across WA and Australia for work.

“One of Geraldton’s strengths into the future is to develop as a venue for education and training, and as a base for companies like GCo,” said Mr Blayney.

Goodness Festival to Inspire

Pollinators and partners have met to plan a range of inspiring science, sustainability and innovation activities during the 2016 Goodness Festival in Geraldton.

Held over National Science Week from August 14th to 21st, the Goodness Festival brings together a kaleidoscope of exhibits, activities and presentations aimed at thrilling participants with the wonders of science and innovation. Last year more than 3500 people participated in Goodness activities, and 2016 promises to be just as attractive.

This year’s Goodness Festival will operate under the themes of Ocean Science, Bright Green (environmental conservation), Smart Health (health-related technology), Light Science (astrology and astrophotography), Engineering Energy and Social Innovation.

It will include a mix of professional development workshops and talks, community events and festivities, school events and activities and a ‘hub’ of activity at the WA Museum.

“There are plans for some fascinating tours, professional development opportunities, inspiring public talks, pitches for funding and interactive family activities,” Mr Outhwaite said.

Pollinators is also welcoming organisations and individuals to help create the Goodness Festival by hosting their own activities under the Goodness Festival umbrella.

Pollinators Community Lead Andrew Outhwaite said this model enables partner organisations to host science, sustainability and innovation events that suit their needs, while leveraging Pollinators’ marketing, communications, partnership and back-end administration capabilities.

“It’s a win-win-win where an organisation might use the Goodness Festival as an opportunity to bring a speaker to Geraldton, Pollinators will help market it and sell tickets, and our community gets inspired and informed in ways that otherwise wouldn't happen” Mr Outhwaite said.

Goodness Science, Sustainability and Innovation Festival is an Inspiring Australia initiative, supported by the Australian Government as part of National Science Week, and by Regional Development Australia Mid West Gascoyne.

Anyone interested in being part of the Goodness Festival should check the website for updates: http://www.goodness.org.au or contact Mr Outhwaite directly via email andrew@pollinators.org.au or on 0466 694 702

Scholarships invaluable for growth of local students

Corin Desmond

Jarna Kendle

Central Regional TAFE students Corin Desmond and Jarna Kendle are among the first recipients of the Northern Agricultural Catchments Council (NACC), Conservation and Land Management (CALM) scholarships, delivered through the Batavia Coast Maritime Institute (BCMI) campus in Geraldton.

The scholarships were introduced last year, and Corin and Jarna encourage anyone considering a career in this industry to apply – regardless of their age or experience.

Corin, 20, began studying at the BCMI in 2014 and was a scholarship recipient in 2015. He startedstudying the Certificate IIin Conservation and Land Management (CALM), and is now completing his Diploma in CALM.

Corin went straight from Year 12 to study at the BCMI, choosing TAFE over university as he prefers the hands-on experience offered through vocational education and training. Since undertaking the course Corin said he has learnt theory aspects that are equally as important as the practical elements, like record keeping and management skills.

Growing up in an environmentally conscious family, studying CALM was a natural choice for Corin as he’s spent many hours volunteering with his father who works with the Department of Parks and Wildlife.

He was involved, from inception, in the black-flanked rock wallaby project where a number of the species once thought to be locally extinct were recently released into Kalbarri National Park.

“I was involved as a volunteer, collecting scat and setting up camera traps to monitor the effectiveness of pest control to check that the area was safe to release the animals,” he said.

Corin said receiving the scholarship has helped him enormously from an economic perspective.

“It has the flow on effect of freeing up more time for study and also allows me more time to volunteer, and take part in BCMI’s ongoing Abrolhos islands’ restoration project.”

The BCMI’s Biodiversity Conservation Projects Manager (Abrolhos islands), MarykeGray, said Corin has been a significant participant in the Abrolhos project.

“Corin is a great asset to the restoration project, demonstratingpractical skills including on-site groundworks, biodiversity monitoring and developing site management plans,” she said.

“He has shown great leadership to the Certificate II and III students on his regular trips to the Abrolhos.”

Both Corin and Jarna said the NACC scholarships are a fantastic opportunity and encourage everyone interested in the field to apply to study the CALM program at the BCMI. They both said lecturers have been incredibly supportive and helpful of anything they have undertaken, and age is no barrier to applying.

Jarna, 32, who is equally passionate about the environment, has returned to study after a break to raise her family.

Originally a biosecurity officer, Jarna said being a NACC scholarship recipient to assist with expenses while studying the Certificate IV and Diploma in CALM has not only helped financially but has given her confidence knowing she has qualifications on her resume.

“I’ve always been passionate about the environment and wanted to gain qualifications to confidently re-enter the workforce,” she said.

“Studying at the BCMI has been amazing with opportunities like being a part of the Abrolhos project and working with industry partners like NACC and the Department of Parks and Wildlife.”

Jarna said she has had some incredible job opportunities presented already, through the study and work experience elements of the course, including an offer from a national company with a base in Geraldton.

“I want to finish my studies first and then I really want to get back into biosecurity,” she said.

Both Corin and Jarna’s advice to anyone thinking about a career in CALM is to gain some experience by volunteering

“And get to know the local community members who are involved,” added Jarna.

For more information visit this link: http://www.durack.edu.au/students/future/scholarships/government-funded-scholarships on the Central Regional TAFE website or contact Maryke Gray on (08) 9956 2892.

Applications for the NACC scholarships close on Sunday, June 5 2016.

Pavement works on NWCH

Pavement works on North West Coastal Highway may impact your journey from 7 to 12  June.  Plan ahead to avoid delays.  For a full list of roadworks happening across the region visit: http://ow.ly/3Gcj300PkGR

Northampton to clean up lead tailings from dozens of properties→

Sarah Taillier for the ABC:

The Department of Lands has received more than $7 million to remove the tailings from dozens of properties in Northampton, north of Geraldton.

Click here to read full story. 

Kathleen Nelly named named Durack Aboriginal Student of the Year

Kathleen Nelly with her Aboriginal Student of the Year award – and others she has earned over the past two years! 

Kathleen Nelly has achieved a great deal since beginning work at Bundiyarra in 2013, and in April this year, she was named Durack Institute of Technology’s Aboriginal Student of the Year. Through a work placement at Bundiyarra as part of her Business Certificate II, Kathleen became a fulltime employee.

Last year, Kathleen returned to study the Certificate IV in Digital Media and Technology at Durack three days a week, while working at Bundiyarra for the other two, and was the recipient of three scholarships to help her on her way.

She was awarded the 2015 Aboriginal Education and Employment and Training Committee (AEETC) Academic Careers Pathways scholarship, and the 2015 Rio Tinto Aboriginal Scholarship. Kathleen also earned herself the 2015 Mid West Development Commission Certificate IV in Digital Media Scholarship to continue her studies at Durack Institute.

Kathleen, 21, has achieved what she set out to do and is now working fulltime at Bundiyarra once again as Administration Coordinator.

Kathleen said she is thrilled to have successfully completed her studies and looks forward to using her new skills as part of her full time role.

Stories of Geraldton: There were twenty kids in the whole school ... so it wasn’t very big. It was daunting coming here...

I finished school last year. I did ATAR, so it was just study, study, study. I’ve been accepted into Notre Dame, so I’m going to do Early Childhood teaching. Hopefully I’ll be a good teacher. I moved to Geraldton about five years ago from a town that had 300 people in it. There were twenty kids in the whole school including me and three of my siblings, so it wasn’t very big. It was daunting coming here, but when I think about going to Perth it’s even bigger and scarier.  

I took a gap year to gain experience and meet new people. My favourite thing about my job is meeting lots of people and talking to lots of people, becoming more of a person outside of school. It’s the best when people realise you remember their name and what coffee they drink and it makes my day better. That’s why I love what I do.

Consumer Watch - What everyone building a house should know

With Consumer Protection Geraldton receiving enquiries recently about builders experiencing financial difficulty, the Building Commission has provided the following information to assist anyone whose building work remains unfinished or whose builder becomes insolvent.

We understand the frustration homeowners face when they are confronted with incomplete work and a builder who is no longer able to trade.  It is important to know that all residential building work valued over $20,000 is required to be covered by home indemnity insurance (HII).  

HII protects owners against financial loss if a builder cannot complete residential building work because of death, disappearance or insolvency of the builder. 

Occasionally, there is a period of uncertainty for owners between when a builder begins to experience financial distress and when they actually become insolvent. The following points may be helpful if you find yourself in this situation.

• Before construction or renovation of your home starts it is vitally important that you read and understand the terms and conditions of the contract and what should be agreed as the progress payment points at the various stages of construction. 
• Progress payments should only be made in accordance with the contract terms and when the work has been carried out.
• A builder having trouble meeting its obligations may attempt to make arrangements with another builder to complete the building work. You have a choice as to whether or not you go ahead with this new builder or wait until it is confirmed that your builder is insolvent and lodge a claim with your HII provider.
• Understand what your rights and obligations are if you wish to terminate your contract.  You should get legal advice.
• Contact your home indemnity insurance provider. Details of who you need to contact will be on your certificate of insurance, which can be obtained from your builder or applicable local government.  
• Delays may result in other unplanned expense or stresses including additional rent or storage costs while your home is completed. If you are experiencing any financial difficulties as a result of the delays, you may need to contact your bank or lender.

Once the builder has become insolvent and you haven’t transitioned to a new builder, you are able to make a HII claim against your policy. The claim will be treated in a timely manner as the insurers and their agents are very aware that it can be a frustrating and anxious time for home owners and can represent a significant financial burden.  

If approved, the insurer will work with you to resolve the issues associated with the completion of the building contract.  This may involve seeking quotes to complete the work, appointing a new builder to complete construction of the works and assess the shortfall (if any) of work against the progress payments.  Claims made under HII are capped at $100,000 and the policy may have up to a $500 excess that the home owner has to bear.

Talk to the Building Commission

If you are worried about your builder’s ability to complete your home you should raise these concerns with the Building Commission by phoning 1300 489 099 or email bcinfo@commerce.wa.gov.au.

Road maintenance works in Kojarena and East Chapman

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise that it will be undertaking road maintenance works in the localities of Kojarena and East Chapman between 30 May and 30 June 2016.

Lateral tree pruning and vegetation clearing to improve road user’s line of site and road safety will occur on Kojarena Road South and on Angels 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 Coordinator Roads, Peter Traylen, at 9956 6600.

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

Clustering for Growth – Cluster Musters

• Global Cluster Expert in Geraldton to meet with businesses
• Aim is Growing the Pie for the region
• Focus on Horticulture; Wind and Wave and Marine Services

International clustering expert Ifor Ffowcs-Williams, CEO from Cluster Navigators Limited will be in Geraldton for a series of follow up meetings with local businesses to continue with cluster development in the Mid West on June 8, 9 and 10.

Mr Ffowcs-Williams previously visited Geraldton earlier this year to explore possible cluster development approaches for horticulture, adventure and experiential tourism (Wind and Wave) and marine services. Since then, more businesses have been communicated with and the response has been overwhelmingly positive with several ideas put forward where collaboration could hold the key to "growing the pie" for the Region. 

The project, led by local business identity Todd West (Glassco) and Trish Palmonari (Mid West Development Commission), is part of the Mid West Regional Blueprint and Growing Greater Geraldton, a partnership project by the City of Greater Geraldton, Mid West Development Commission and the Department of Regional Development, as part of the Government's regional centre development program. 

According to Todd West – Clustering is a “coalition of the willing”.

“Whilst the opportunities are apparent, the missing ingredient for such collaboration is often the "glue" - who has the time or resources on top of their day jobs to organise meetings, facilitate the agreements, do the research and manage the initiatives?” Mr West explains.

“That is where the public sector can play a useful role. The business leaders just focus on what they are best at and what will help their cluster grow. 

“This is a proven methodology for business-led growth, with public sector in support. Academia (research and education) completes the "triple helix". 

“Following the exploratory meetings in April, the Greater Geraldton Growth Plan Partnership met to assess the potential of the cluster development approach and expressed wholehearted support for offering this approach to the development of a Horticulture, Marine Services and Wind and Wave (adventure and experiential tourism) cluster. 

“This means that a highly capable facilitator will be available to work with the group to assess and agree the areas to focus on, starting with the "low hanging fruit". There will also be some seed funding to enable those early initiatives to get up and running quickly and produce results. 

“We are fortunate that Ifor Ffowcs-Williams will be in WA in mid-June. We are making the most of this opportunity by holding a series of "cluster musters" to ignite the cluster developments. The musters will review the information we have about the growth potential and identify the priority areas to pursue.

“We are looking forward to seeing as many businesses there as we can. We know that other regions in the world have achieved impressive results that in today's global economy just couldn't be achieved without a structured approach to collaboration - we are excited by what this approach could deliver for us here,” Mr West said.

For further information about the Cluster Musters contact Trish Palmonari on 0428 210 712.

We are “lucky” so many key #Geraldton influencers at #TCIOCEANIA16 Diverse perspectives; shared passion #innovation pic.twitter.com/5bK5TkruCH

— Andrew Outhwaite (@ArOuthwaite) June 2, 2016