Wind Propelled Vessel Arrives at Geraldton Port

More than a century after moving away from wind power, a new vessel to arrive at Geraldton Port’s Berth 3 this morning has again looked to harness the power of mother nature.

The MV AFROS is the first ever bulk carrier to embrace spinning sail technology to harness the power of the wind – developed originally to reduce reliance on fuel.

Mid West Ports Authority marine pilot Scott Beevers brought the wind propelled vessel in to Geraldton Port this morning, which he said handled beautifully.

The vessel, with its unique look already catching the eye of many around the port, features four large rotor sails on the starboard side.

These rotors use the principles of the Magnus effect to propel the vessel forward.

The Magnus effect, commonly associated with a spinning object, drags air faster around one side, creating a difference in pressure that moves it in the direction of the lower-pressure side.

It’s the same effect that causes a ball to spin in some sports, and can be harnessed in a similar way to propel the vessel forward.

The thrust produced by the rotors significantly reduces the need for engine power, without losing operating speed, therefore saving fuel and ultimately reducing emissions.

Marine pilot Ross Halsall said a ship with this type of configuration is a first for the port.

“This system has been developed with the intent of both reducing fuel costs and reducing greenhouse gases,” he said.

“It is very much at the forefront of future ship development.”

The MV AFROS will depart Geraldton Port tomorrow morning.

Mayor says Abrolhos could turn around tourism in WA

Mayor Shane Van Styn says the Abrolhos Islands could be key in turning around WA’s tourism market. Picture: Eco Abrolhos

The Abrolhos Islands are one of Western Australia’s hidden gems and City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn says they could be the answer to turning around the state’s tourism market.

With statistics showing there was a five per cent decline in spending by tourists in WA last year, Mayor Van Styn said the Abrolhos Islands are an untapped resource that could turn numbers around.

“It is alarming that WA was the only state to have a decline in the $40 billion industry in 2017,” he said.

“We think the Abrolhos Islands has exactly what it takes to bring more tourists to our state to see an increase in the amount our tourists are spending.

“It could be the next biggest exciting destination in Australia, a real game changer!”

The 122 islands that make up the Abrolhos are located 60km off the coast of Geraldton in the Midwest and have been predominately inhabited by rock lobster fishermen.

There has been a compelling case put to the State Government to turn the Abrolhos into a National Park to create world-class tourism opportunities including accommodation and other facilities.

“With best practice management in place of the Islands’ terrestrial and marine environment, we could create a huge tourism opportunity but it will be imperative to preserve the area’s nature, culture and visitor appeal,” Mayor Van Styn said.

“The State Government has announced $10million to fund best practice management and development of the Abrolhos Islands and we would ideally like this funding to be brought forward to the 2018/19 financial year so we can take a hold and enhance this opportunity in the very near future.”

Mayor Van Styn also added that modelling indicated the development of the Abrolhos would create huge economic benefits.

“Resultant growth in tourism is projected to increase business revenues by over $70 million and increase economic benefits over $100 million in the first decade,” he said.

“Not to mention the amount of local jobs it would create.

“We believe the Abrolhos Islands has what it takes to be the turning point for tourism in WA.”

QPT turns purple for Epilepsy

Geraldton Primary School staff Ashe Gough, Katie Taylor and Student Kristy-Lee Percy have Epilepsy and will be celebrating ‘Go Purple Day’. They are pictured with Mayor Shane Van Styn.

Lights at the Queens Park Theatre will shine purple on Monday 26 March as part of Purple Day for Epilepsy.

With March being epilepsy awareness month and March 26 being Purple Day, people all around Australia are being urged to ‘go purple’ to end the stigma and discrimination of epilepsy.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said it was something many people are touched by. 

“One in 25 people will have epilepsy at some stage in their life and nearly everyone knows someone who is affected by epilepsy,” he said.

“The City is proud to ‘go purple’ and support the cause by having the lights at the QPT purple on Monday evening.

“It will definitely make a mark on the building so make sure you drive past and check it out.”

Epilepsy is a common brain disorder which takes the form of recurring seizures. It can develop at any age, regardless of gender or ethnicity. An estimated 65 million worldwide currently live with epilepsy - in Australia alone approximately 250,000 people live with epilepsy.

Locals can show their support by hosting a Purple Day fundraising event with friends or at work, or make a donation to raise epilepsy awareness.

More information can be found at www.epilepsyaustralia.net 

Construction of new North West Coastal Highway footpath

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise it will be constructing a new footpath on the west side of the North West Coastal Highway between Johnston Street and Bayly Street in Geraldton with works scheduled to commence on Thursday 22 March 2018 for a period of approximately eight weeks.

The anticipated hours of work will be from 9am to 5pm. Works include earthworks and concrete works to construct a new, user-friendly concrete path.

These works are part of $544,600 allocated in the 2017/18 Budget for the construction of new footpaths, which will add approximately 1.77 km to Geraldton footpath network.

Traffic Management will be in place during this time, 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

Rubbish collection changes for Easter 2018

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise of the following changes in rubbish collection days and landfill opening times and over the Easter holiday period.

Collection of 240L municipal garbage bins on residential and commercial premises for the City of Greater Geraldton, Shire of Irwin and Shire of Northampton are as follows:

Normal Collection Day : Friday 30 March 2018

New Collection Day : Saturday 31 March 2018

No changes to Shire of Chapman Valley rubbish collection schedule.

Normal rubbish collections recommence on Monday 2 March 2018. 

The following landfill and transfer stations will be closed on Good Friday, 30 March 2018.

• Meru Landfill
• Irwin Transfer Station
• Northampton Transfer Station
• Nabawa Transfer Station
• Kalbarri Transfer Station

Please ensure that all rubbish bins are on the verge by 6:00am on your collection day.

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

Harvest and vehicle ban in place

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise a harvest and vehicle ban is now in place from 11am to 2pm today Tuesday 20 March 2018, for the Greenough and Geraldton area, excluding Mullewa.

The fire danger index is currently at 45 and will be reviewed at 1.30pm today.

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

Great White Shark art piece to involve community

WA Artist Ross Potter and his life sized work ‘WHALE’ for Fremantle’s High Tide Biennale in 2017.
 

A giant Great White Shark will be drawn by members of the community as part of this year’s Wind on Water Festival.

WA artist Ross Potter will host a series of free community graphite rendering workshops where participants will contribute to a large-scale temporary artwork of a Great White Shark.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the piece would definitely turn heads.

“Not only will this artwork be visually amazing but it is going to be created by our community – with the help of Ross,” he said.

“It’s great to have an art component of WoW Fest and to have something on such a large scale is going to be a crowd favourite.

“I’d encourage community members to give it a go and be part of something very special. And if you can’t contribute to the artwork, you won’t want to miss the reveal!”

The format of the workshops will see participants work on a small square section of the Shark after learning graphite rendering techniques.

When all the pieces have been sketched, a grid method will be used to fix them to the wall to reveal the six-metre long Great White Shark.

The free workshops will take place from Thursday 19 April to Sunday 22 April at the vacant Rock’s building on Marine Terrace and are open to all ages. Children under 10 will need to accompanied by an adult. 

The big reveal will take place at Rock’s at 3.30pm on Sunday 22 April. The artwork will be temporarily displayed at Rock’s before its new home is found.

Spots are limited and bookings are required. To secure your spot in one of the eight workshops, contact the City’s Arts and Cultural Development Officer Marnie Douglas on (08) 9956 6968 or email marnied@cgg.wa.gov.au

The project is part of the inaugural Wind on Water Festival, which encompasses everything Geraldton has to offer from perfect weather, water sports plus amazing family activities on our beautiful Foreshore.

Program activities include kite displays, air displays, an Ultimate Watersports 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 a grant from the Australian Government through the Building Better Regions Fund and the City of Greater Geraldton.

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

Port Assists with Rescue

The Mid West Ports Authority have performed a textbook recovery of a man found in distress near Point Moore and Pages Beach late yesterday.

While piloting the ship Ocean Glory out to sea at about 5.30pm, a VHF radio call was raised by Geraldton Sea Rescue for any boats in the area to assist with reports of a man on a surf ski in distress.

Realizing the winds would soon increase, seas would rise and darkness was not far away, the Ocean Glory pilot contacted the crew aboard the Pilot Boat Glengary to see if they could assist.

Glengary called Geraldton Sea Rescue and informed them they would conduct a search, when a sharp-eyed engineer on the tug boat Wajarri noticed a person on a surf ski well away from the search area.

The pilot boat went to investigate and discovered the missing man, who was so exhausted he could no longer paddle.

Marine Pilot Ross Halsall said the man was at the mercy of the wind and waves.

“The Pilot Boat crew of Greg Normington and Travis Keeffe effected a text book recovery, using the man overboard recovery platform on the stern of the boat, while maneuvering with the remote-control system from the back of the boat,” he said.

“The very lucky man was returned to the Port where he was met by Wharf Supervisor Phil Patience and a security officer who provided him with towels, warm cloths and water.

“Without a radio, lights or flares, increasing winds and night approaching, had he not been found when he was, his situation could have been very bad.”

“Congratulations to all from Mid West Ports, who’s professionalism was simply outstanding.”

The port also coordinated with Geraldton Police, who first received the report and notified sea rescue.

Survey says coastal recreation areas are important

Rundle Park and St Georges Beach were identified as important coastal assets in the Community Coastal Planning Survey.

More than half of the assets identified at risk to coastal erosion and inundation in the Community Coastal Planning Survey conducted late last year were those related to recreation.

The beaches, sand dunes, including their flora and fauna, and the walking and cycling paths along the coast were mentioned 518 times in the survey undertaken by the City to inform the development of a Coastal Hazard Risk Management and Adaptation Plan.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the survey results aligned with the results from the Coastal Planning Community Workshops held in October 2017.

“We live in a beautiful coastal community that has spectacular beaches and coastal reserves that our community loves to visit and enjoy,” he said.

“Therefore, it wasn’t surprising to learn that more than 53 per cent of the 376 survey respondents identified coastal recreation areas as being significant to them as more than 71 per cent of the participants who attended the two coastal planning workshops had said the same thing.”

Understanding how the community values an asset plays a key role in developing coastal inundation and erosion adaptation options.

“The survey results showed natural assets such as beaches and social or cultural assets such as shared paths located along the coast were highly valued for their sports or recreational use and community amenity,” Mayor Van Styn added.

“This is vital information that helps inform the development of our Coastal Adaptation Plan which will provide us with a number of options to implement should erosion or inundation put assets at risk.

“Options can range from refraining from building anything new in the area to removing or repositioning existing assets or building infrastructure such as rock groynes or sea walls to protect assets at risk.”

The City’s Coastal Adaptation Plan is currently in the final draft stage and will go out to public comment before the end of the financial year.

For more information on the survey results visit the City’s website www.cgg.wa.gov.au

Derna Park nature playground construction begins

Wandina Primary School Principal Di Miller and City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn are joined by Wandina Primary students on the future site of the Derna Park nature playground.

Getting back to nature for Wandina children is only a few weeks away with construction of a nature playground in Derna Park begins next week.

In 2016, Wandina Primary School and the City signed an agreement to construct and maintain a nature playground in the heart of the suburb.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the project was unique and added real value to the local park.

“The project enables the school, the City and the land developer to pool funds and build a fantastic playground facility on land owned by both the school and the City,” he said.

“Derna Park is already a popular public open space and with the addition of a nature playground, it is sure to become a top location for families from across Geraldton to visit and enjoy.”

Wandina Primary School Principal Di Miller said the new playground would challenge students using it during recess and lunch times and children of all ages using it after hours.

“The new nature playground will provide our school community with a fantastic play space where children will be able to be more creative and imaginative as well as develop their gross motor skills through play in a more natural environment,” she said.

“The nature playground will be a shared play space that will be enjoyed by children of all ages.”

Construction of the playground begins on Monday 19 March 2018 and is expected to be completed by the end of May 2018. During this time, the shared path located on the south side of the park will be closed to the public.

The $200,746 project is jointly funded with the State Government’s Royalties for Regions Regional Grants Scheme and the Mid West Development Commission contributing $149,167 and Wandina Primary School and P&C; the City; and Humfrey Land Developments contributing funding that was provided to the school.

For more information on the project, visit the City’s website www.cgg.wa.gov.au

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.

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