Mountain bike facility construction in Spalding Park

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise the shared pedestrian and cycle path on the north side of Spalding Park and a portion of the carpark will be closed to the public from Monday 12 March 2018 to undertake construction of a mountain bike pump and jump track.

To ensure community safety during the eight week construction period, temporary fencing will be erected on site and a detour will be in place.

Members of the community are requested to exercise caution and obey all warning signs and directions from authorised City personnel and contractors.

The City apologises for any inconvenience these works may cause.

If you have any queries please contact the City on (08) 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au.

City harvests power of the sun

Solar panels on the roof of the QEII Seniors and Community Centre

The City is set to reap the benefits of solar power with the installation of solar panels on the roofs of three of its facilities over the next three weeks.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the continued roll-out of solar photovoltaic systems on City buildings is key to reducing the City’s operating costs and carbon footprint.

“The installation of solar panels on the roofs of the Geraldton Regional Art Gallery, Queens Park Theatre (QPT) and Geraldton Multipurpose Centre (GMC) will save the City around $40,000 per annum in power costs,” he said.

“These buildings were chosen based on the available roof space for the panels and a quick return on $115,000 investment of less than three years.

“More importantly, the project is enabling the City to maintain its ongoing commitment to sustainability which will benefit our future generations.”

The City began its investment in renewable energy in 2012 when solar panels were installed on the roof of the QEII Seniors and Community Centre and a further installation at the Aquarena in 2015.

Installation works at the GMC commenced this week and are expected to take around two weeks to complete. Works at the Geraldton Regional Art Gallery are expected to begin on 12 Marchfollowed by the QPT on 19 March 2018.

City cracks down on illegal motor vehicle storage

PHOTO CREDIT: James Elsby: Daily Mail Australia

The illegal, dangerous and unsightly storage and dismantling of numerous vehicles on residential and rural residential land is being targeted by the City in an effort to improve community health, safety and amenity.

City of Greater Geraldton Chief Executive Officer Ross McKim said the City takes these illegal activities very seriously.

“The City may prosecute owners or occupiers of residential or rural residential land who breach planning, development and building regulations,” he said.

“A recent investigation into complaints regarding a landowner who was effectively using their residential property as a vehicle wrecking yard, storing over 20 unregistered or wrecked vehicles, resulted in the prosecution of the non-compliant property owner.”

The storage of multiple vehicles on residential properties is also an eye sore and can pose a number of safety, environmental and public health concerns.

“Vehicles, in any state of disrepair, stored on residential or rural residential land can seriously detract from the aesthetic value of neighbouring properties,” Mr McKim said.

“These vehicles are also a fire hazard, can release oils and other toxins into the ground, attract pests such as snakes and rats and are the ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes as rainwater often pools inside vehicles with broken or missing windows.

“The City will work with residents to ensure that their residential areas and street scapes are maintained and are not degraded by inappropriate industrial or commercial type activity adversely impacting their lifestyle, the general amenity and diminishing the value of their homes,” he added.  

Temporary closure of Seventh Street for road works

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise of the temporary closure of Seventh Street between Flores Road and Howard Street on Wednesday 7 March 2018 to undertake asphalt works.

The road will be closed from 7am to 5pm.  Members of the community are advised to use alternative routes.

Members of the community are requested to exercise caution and obey all warning signs and directions from authorised City personnel and contractors.

The City apologises for any inconvenience these works may cause.

If you have any queries please contact the City on (08) 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au.

Looking after the World, in our own Backyard

Assistant Minister for the Environment the Hon Melissa Price MP today announced the Australian Government is investing more than $2.1 million in WA’s own amazing places. 

“I’m pleased that the world-renowned Ningaloo Reef and coastline, Purnululu National Park and the Shark Bay region will all receive $700,000 to help manage these destinations into the future,” she said. 

“These are some of the most beautiful places on earth and together we can look after the plants and animals that call these places home. 

“From our stunning whale sharks, whales and dolphins off Ningaloo to the East Kimberley’s Bungle Bungles - our famous beehive-striped maze of orange and black sandstone domes - just waiting to be explored via Halls Creek and Kununurra. What an incredible heritage for our state and our families. 

“And World Heritage listing is more than just a ‘listing’ – it’s a global brand that helps us to drive tourism in our state. 

“It helps make us a destination of choice for international travellers. Tourism delivers $5.5 billion dollars a year to our economy and 72,000 jobs for West Australians. 

“Additionally we’re investing more than in Shark Bay. Inducted onto the World Heritage list in 1991, it is a place that contains plants found nowhere else on earth. Of the 26 species of endangered Australian mammals, five are found in the Shark Bay area.  From bandicoots to bettongs – we need to protect these animals and this investment will help do just that.” 

For more on our World Heritage places go to http://www.environment.gov.au/heritage/heritage-places

Batavia Marina Jetty Restricted Access for Clean Up Australia Day

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise that the Service Jetty located at Batavia Marina will be in use from 9am-11am on Sunday 4 March.

Divers will be working in the water for the Clean Up Australia Day Event. There will be spotters stationed on site providing direction for public access.

The City of Greater Geraldton apologises for any inconvenience this may cause.

For more information regarding Clean Up Australia Day, contact the City of 9956 6600.

Beresford Foreshore closure extended

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise the closure of the Beresford Foreshore between the ocean to the kerb on the west side of Chapman Road is being extended north from Midalia Beach to Mabel Street.

The extended closure will take effect on Tuesday 6 March 2018 and will remain in place until the Beresford Foreshore Enhancement works are completed in July 2018.

To ensure community safety during works, members of the community are encouraged to use the footpath on the east side of Chapman Road, the dedicated cycle lanes on either side of Chapman Road or take alternative routes until the project is completed.

The City apologises for any inconvenience these works may cause.

If you have any queries please contact the City on (08) 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au.

Temporary closure of Devil’s Creek Road

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise it will be closing Devil’s Creek Road between Mingenew-Mullewa Road and Ardingly Road South to widen a 300m section of road with works scheduled to commence on Tuesday 6 March 2018 for a period of approximately six weeks.

Works will include a reduction in crest height to improve sight lines and safety for road users. The anticipated hours of work will be from 7am to 6pm.

The WA State Government Black Spot Program is contributing two thirds of the funding with the City of Greater Geraldton contributing one third to the project.

Members of the community are requested to use alternative routes during this time and to exercise caution and obey all warning signs and directions from authorised City personnel and contractors.

The City apologises for any inconvenience these works may cause.

If you have any queries please contact the City on (08) 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au.

Partial road closure on Durlacher Street

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise the CBD outbound lane on Durlacher Street between Waldeck and Shenton Streets is closed. A detour is in place. The CBD inbound traffic lane is not affected. The closed traffic lane will be reopened before the end of the day.

Members of the community are requested to exercise caution and obey all warning signs and directions from authorised City personnel and contractors.

The City apologises for any inconvenience these works may cause.

If you have any queries please contact the City on (08) 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au.

Come to the Grammar's Old School Fete

The Geraldton Grammar Old School Fete is a fun, exciting and eagerly anticipated biannual event on the local community calendar.

The fete provides entertainment and stalls for all age groups and encourages students from Geraldton Grammar School to participate and showcase their musical talents. There will also be performances by local dancing and sporting groups.

With the support of the Geraldton Grammar School P&F and school community, the 2018 Old School Fete will provide an excellent opportunity for businesses seeking to promote or donate their goods and/or services. 

Stall Application

If you have a small/home business and you would like to book a spot for a stall at the Old School Fete, please complete the stall application form. If you have any questions or would like more information please contact 9965 7800 or email clare.place@gegs.wa.edu.au.

Stall Application Form* (please download here)

* Please complete the form and we will send an invoice.

Donations

The fete is being run as a fundraising event as we are hoping to refurbish the school entrance and buy equipment to improve the school oval. We were hoping that you might be willing to donate goods or gift vouchers which could be used as prizes. We very much welcome support in this way from all types of business. All contributors’ names will be mentioned and thanked in our programme.

If you are able to donate a prize for this event, please contact our Community Development Officer Clare Place on 9965 7800 or email clare.place@gegs.wa.edu.au

Sponsorship

The Geraldton Grammar Old School Fete 2018 will be advertised in the school newsletters, on the Geraldton Grammar School Facebook and Instagram pages and on the school website.

Sponsorship packages are available for local businesses and families, and for their generous contribution, they will be officially recognised as supporters of the Old School Fete 2018.

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor of this event, please email your expression of interest to clare.place@gegs.wa.edu.au or call Clare Place on 9965 7800.

We thank you in anticipation and look forward to see you at Geraldton Grammar Old School Fete to enjoy fete day too – so please mark it in your diary - Sunday 8th April from 11am – 2pm.

Sponsorship Packages

Sponsorship Form (please download here)

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Geraldton Grammar School

Giant interactive puppetry joins WoW Fest Program

Spare Parts Puppet Theatre is bringing its acclaimed unique puppet performance String Symphony to this year’s Wind on Water Festival. Picture: Luke Baker.

You haven’t seen a puppet like this before! It’s giant, it’s interactive and you can help bring it to life at this year’s Wind on Water Festival.

Unlike anything ever seen in Geraldton, Spare Parts Puppet Theatre is bringing its acclaimed unique puppet performance String Symphony to the Midwest to wow crowds.

Thanks to sponsorship from Mid West Ports Authority, the four-metre tall hand-woven illuminated puppet will come to life with the help of the community to pull the strings.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said String Symphony will have crowds enthralled.

“This is really an out of the box installation and something that is all about community collaboration and connection,” he said.

“String Symphony is going to pack a real punch as part of the WoW Fest program and we’re excited to welcome something so unique to the line-up.

“It will be an activity that everyone will enjoy! Whether it’s having a go at pulling the strings or marvelling at the visually stunning piece – you really won’t want to miss it.”

Presented by Spare Parts Puppet Theatre, String Symphony aims to connect complete strangers creating a real conversation between the participants, the artwork and the performers while creating an enchanting and entertaining spectacle for the greater audience.

String Symphony will be on the Geraldton Foreshore as part on WoW Fest on April 21 and 22. The free event will be available to the community across the two days and into the evenings.

WoW Fest is set to encompass everything Geraldton has to offer from perfect weather, water sports plus amazing family activities on our beautiful Foreshore.

Program activities include kite workshops and displays, air displays, an Ultimate Water Sports show, a sand sculpture, fishing competitions, sunset entertainment and a concert featuring The Veronicas and San Cisco on Sunday 22 April.

WoW Festival is jointly funded by the Australian Government's Building Better Regions Fund and the City of Greater Geraldton. String Symphony is sponsored by Mid West Ports Authority.

For more information regarding the event or for tickets to the WoW Fest concert, head to www.wowfest.com.au

City saves energy and water

New LED light fixtures at the Eighth Street sports precinct carpark.

The City is continuing its journey towards environmental sustainability with recent upgrades to lighting and irrigation systems to save energy and water.

Aged metal halide light fixtures in Grams Park in Rangeway and in the Eighth Street sports precinct carpark have been replaced with energy efficient LED lights whilst eight parks and sporting ovals are being fitted with a new centrally controlled irrigation system.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the changes would help reduce the City’s yearly operating costs.

“The replacement of the 250W metal halide light fixtures with 125W LEDs has reduced the energy consumption of these lights by 58 per cent or more than $3000 per annum,” he said.

“The savings will continue to increase when the remaining eight fixtures adjacent to the Eighth Street tennis court carpark are changed over next financial year.

“The installation of irrigation controllers with rain water sensors which are connected via the ‘virtual cloud’ will enable greater control over the watering of sporting grounds and public open space as staff can adjust, start and stop watering programs from anywhere using mobile devices or computers.

“It’s estimated the new system will save at least 10 per cent in scheme water consumption and an additional 10 per cent in energy savings through a reduction in bore pump running times,” he added.

These changes also directly align with Council’s sustainability and climate change policies, which were developed to future proof the City.

“Reducing our carbon footprint whilst ensuring water is used efficiently are critical steps we must all make to benefit our future generations,” Mayor Van Styn said.

Remote irrigation controllers are being installed in Muir Park, Alexander Park, Greenough Oval, Eadon Clarke Sports Park, Town Foreshore parks, Maitland Park and on 75 per cent of the Wonthella Oval.

Rabbit baiting on Kempton Street

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise it will be undertaking rabbit baiting in the Kempton Street reserve at Fuller Street to reduce the rabbit population.

Between Wednesday 28 February and Wednesday 7 March, specially designed covered bait stations containing oats mixed with Pindone, an anticoagulant poison similar to that found in many rat and rodent control baits, will be put out at night when rabbits are most active.

Members of the community are requested to manage their pets carefully while warning signage is present. An antidote is available from veterinarians should there be a concern about pets.

Adjacent landholders are asked to bury or dispose of any rabbit carcasses that they find on their properties to reduce the risk to non-target species that may consume dead rabbits.

The City apologises for any inconvenience the baiting program may cause.

If you have any queries please contact the City on (08) 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au.

Brighter future for WA hemp producers

Proposed amendments to the Industrial Hemp Act 2004 will help drive growth in the hemp industry and promote regional jobs, according to Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Food Ian Blayney.

“Changing this law will enable a greater level of local production, which is vital for development in the regions,” Mr Blayney said.

“Allowing a higher tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentration threshold in hemp plants will result in more viable hemp crop products.”

Mr Blayney believes that increasing the level of THC to its maximum of 1 per cent will make it easier for farmers to sustain their crops.

“The variety of hemp that farmers can access will be greater and they won’t have to worry that their plants coming in at more than 0.35 THC,” he said.

“This change will create real potential for this agricultural sector.

“The range of versatile end uses for hemp, coupled with the availability of more varieties, provides plenty of optimism for industry expansion, particularly in the regions.

“This is an excellent opportunity for growers and processors throughout the State.

“It will help to boost the economy by adding to the potential of long-term markets and creating sustainable jobs in regional communities.”

Stormwater drainage works at Sunset Beach

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise we will be removing the stormwater outfall pipe at Triton Place and redirecting future stormwater to the existing swale located south of Triton Place.

Works, which will reduce the impact of stormwater runoff on the beach, will take place between Wednesday 28 February and Friday 3 March 2018 from 7.30am to 4.00pm daily.

Members of the community are requested to exercise caution and obey all warning signs and directions from authorised City personnel and contractors.

The City apologises for any inconvenience these works may cause.

If you have any queries please contact the City on (08) 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au.

Port of Geraldton Master Planning Project Survey

Get involved in planning the future development of the Port of Geraldton. Have your say in the Mid West Ports pre-project Master Planning Survey. The survey closes midnight, Friday 2nd March.

https://www.midwestports.com.au/geraldton-port-master-plan.aspx

Geraldton women are invited to a film evening on International Women’s Day

The Oscar® nominated film – TANNA will be screened at the Desert Blue Connect Studio at their International Women’s Day event on 8 March.  The event also includes a “Bring and Share Supper” prior to the film screening.

Daphne White, Executive Manager Operations at Desert Blue Connect said organising an IWD event each year was important to celebrate women’s achievements and encourage discussion around gender equality and women’s rights. 

“We are very excited to screen this outstanding film at this years’ IWD event,” she said.  “It is set on Vanuatu’s island of Tanna and tells the story of young love and a traditional culture that is tested to its limits.”

“Our IWD event is an opportunity for women and men to celebrate the significant contribution women make to our community.  The film shows the diversity and complexity of women’s lives in other parts of the world.  We have many multicultural women in Geraldton and it is important to celebrate these stories and their contribution to the community as well.”

The film screening is free to attend however a donation would be appreciated at the door.  Attendees are asked to bring a plate of supper to share.  RSVP is essential due to limited numbers.

Event details:

International Women’s Day screening of the Oscar® nominated film - TANNA

Thursday 8th March,

Event commences at 6pm for supper with the screening beginning at 6.45,

Desert Blue Connect Studio, 28 Durlacher Street, Geraldton

Tickets (free) available through Eventbrite – link below.

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/international-womens-day-film-screening-tickets-42930867380

For information please contact Desert Blue Connect on 99642742 or via email at info@desertblueconnect.org.au

Geraldton Real Estate update

Latest numbers from REIWA show the Geraldton-Greenough region experienced strong sales numbers for the final quarter of 2017. 

Once sold properties for the quarter have settled, it seems total house sales for the region will be close to 135 with a median price of approximately $300,000. This would represent an appreciation of 1.7% in the median house prices over the previous quarter and a massive 57% rise in sales activity.

House listings have increased by 7.4% against the previous quarter and are 3.6% higher than the same time last year.

The average time to sell a house has remained constant at 101 days.

Western Australia's population was estimated at 2.58 million people, which is up 0.8% from 2016. Geraldton’s population in 2017 was recorded as 38,289, which was a decrease of 1% from 2016.

In residential rentals for the local region news is positive. It is reported that 285 total properties of houses and units leased over the quarter, which is an increase of 11.3% from the September quarter.

However the overall median weekly rent in the area came in at $265 per week, which is $8 lower than the September quarter.

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Our thanks to REIWA and Geraldton Property Team for the information. 

Ocean Film Festival World Tour

Designed to mesmerise and enthrall, the Ocean Film Festival World Tour showcases more than two hours of sublime footage taken above and below the water’s surface, screening at QPT Saturday 10 March 2018. Tickets available now at http://bit.ly/2AUzeAm

St Pat's Sundowner

Nagle Catholic College are hosting a St Pat's Sundowner on Friday 16 March as part of their 25th Anniversary celebrations.

Date: Friday 16 March 2018
Time: 5:30pm - 8pm
Location: St Pat's Oval
Entertainment and Food
BYO + Eskie
Cost: $20

Tickets can be purchased online at http://bit.ly/2zgdpgb. Tickets must be purchased before Monday 5 March 2018. All attendees will need to purchase a ticket in advance for catering purposes. We hope the community will get behind the event and support the College. Please share with friends and family.

For more information please contact the College on 9920 0500.