Free transport for WoW Fest Concert

The City of Greater Geraldton will be providing FREE transport to and from the WoW Fest Concert on Sunday 22 April.

There will be a first pick up at 3:30pm and a second at 4pm from both routes (below). The first return trip will commence at 9:30pm and the second at10pm from the WoW Fest Concert.

Blue route will pick up and drop off from:

• Double Beach Caravan Park (Cape Burney) outside entrance
• Puma Service Station
• Coles Express (Brand Highway)
• St Francis Xavier Cathedral (Cathedral Avenue bus bay)
• Foreshore Boat Ramp

Green Route will pick up and drop off from:

• Gull 440 Road House
• Glenfield IGA
• Wintersun Hotel (near bottle shop)
• Broadwater Resort (Mabel Street bus stop)
• Bill Sewell Complex
• Foreshore Boat Ramp

Significant fine issued for illegal land use

Ongoing complaints and refusal to comply with town planning regulations has resulted in a significant fine for a Geraldton man running an illegal industrial business from a rural residential property.

Acting on numerous complaints from the surrounding community the City undertook an investigation and the results revealed the property owner was not only illegally residing in a shed on his property; he was also operating an industrial business from the site without development approval.

City of Greater Geraldton CEO Ross McKim said staff had tried to work closely with the resident to resolve the issues.

“Over a number of months City staff worked with the man to ensure the shed he was living in was compliant which resulted retrospective planning and building approvals for the shed being granted,” he said.

“However, the sand blasting business did not have any development approval to operate.”

After numerous requests to stop the activities were ignored, Mr McKim said the City was left no other option but to take the matter to the Geraldton Magistrates Court in March 2018.

“The City takes breaches in the Planning and Development Act very seriously and will only resort to prosecution once all other avenues have been exhausted,” he said.

The Court described the offence as ‘significant, repeated and ongoing’ and noted that the accused had shown complete disregard for the City, its town planning requirements, and the accused’s own neighbours.

The Court also noted that the operation was generating significant commercial gain for the accused and that the operation was having significant adverse impact on the accused’s neighbours.

The penalty and costs recently awarded by the Court amounted to $77,093.00. If the illegal land use continues, the offender can be fined for every day that the offence continues. 

“The City has a responsibility to act in the best interest of residents by ensuring residential areas are not degraded by inappropriate industrial or commercial type activity which adversely impacts on the lifestyle of the people living there, the general amenity of the area or diminishes the value of their homes,” Mr McKim added.

Proposed Alignment Dongara Northampton Transport Corridor (DNTC)

The Shire of Chapman Valley has erected a sign at the location where a Heavy Haulage Road Train Route is being advocated by Main Roads WA (MRWA) and the Mid West Development Commission (MWDC).

“The Shire of Chapman Valley is vehemently opposed to the route being proposed and has been trying to promote a preferred route, which incorporated the existing North West Coastal Highway (NWCH) and Oakajee Narngulu Industrial Corridor (ONIC)” Cr Farrell said.

“The route being proposed by MRWA and MWDC bypasses the Oakajee Industrial Estate and will sterilise land across a large section of the Shire. We have seen the ONIC corridor sterilise land for decades because the State Government drew a line on a map, yet refused to acquire the land from the landowners. We do not want to see this happen again with the DNTC proposal” Cr Farrell said.

The Shire encourages all landowners, either directly or indirectly affected by the MRWA & MWDC proposed alignment of the DNTC, to contact these two organisations and their local members of parliament to express their concerns.

School Holiday Program returns for autumn

Kids will have no reason to be bored this autumn break with the return of the ever popular School Holiday Program.

The School Holiday Program, a combined effort of local providers, will begin on Monday 16 April and run through to 27 April.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the line-up of programs would entertain kids of all ages and interests.

“I am delighted to introduce the latest School Holiday Program which offers kids a fantastic variety of activities from sports, arts and more,” he said.

“It’s great to see local community providers unite to put a jam-packed fortnight of quality entertainment together for kids of all ages.”

Kids will have plenty of reasons to keep active during the break, with a variety of sporting events such as basketball, soccer, volleyball and sunset yoga on offer. There will also be special kids SUP yoga classes, fishing clinics and junior golf.

For those who prefer to stay indoors, there are plenty of crafts to create at the Geraldton Regional Library, PCYC and Scrapbook House, as well as a video game zone at the Geraldton Multipurpose Centre, and lots of pirate themed fun at the Museum of Geraldton.

Panaceum’s Films on the Foreshore will return to the Stow Gardens on Friday 27 April. Families are encouraged to bring along a picnic rug, blankets and some snacks, while settling down to enjoy a free screening the hilarious family comedy, Despicable Me 3 on a large outdoor screen.

Parents with very young children from newborn to five years of age can come along to a morning of free activities and games designed for littlies on Friday 27 April thanks to Child and Parent Centre – Rangeway.

With lots more on offer, be sure to check out the full program by clicking here or pick up a hard copy from the Civic Centre on Cathedral Avenue, the Library, Visitor Centre, Aquarena and the Mullewa Youth Centre.

For more information about events on offer during the school holiday program, visit our website at www.cgg.wa.gov.au or contact the Youth Development team on 9956 6600.

Lot 601 to be upgraded

Lot 601 will be transformed after Council voted to enter into a five-year lease agreement with LandCorp.

Plans to enhance Lot 601 will go ahead after Council voted to enter into a five-year lease agreement with LandCorp.

Located on Marine Terrace, the City of Greater Geraldton will look to improve the aesthetics of the area and activate the site for community use.

Mayor Shane Van Styn said he wanted the “dust bowl” gone.

“Lot 601 is located in such a prominent spot in our CBD and we really want to beautify the area,” he said.

“Even simple things such as taking down the chain mesh fencing and resealing the area will make such a big difference to the look and feel of the area.

“Being located next to our premier location, the Foreshore, our aim is to active this site for community use.”

The space is used as a free informal carpark and Council are currently undertaking a paid parking review to determine if the parking remains free.

As part of the Growing Greater Geraldton Growth Plan, the City will enter into a five-year lease with LandCorp at peppercorn rent with a further five-year option.

“As part of our City Centre Revitalisation Plan we are always looking at new ways to redefine our city centre to unlock its full potential and we are seeing this with the transformation of the Rock’s building into a laneway.

“The lease of the parcel of land also gives us opportunities for bigger developments in the future.

“Council will decide on a preferred detailed design option for the site this financial year and funding for the project will be considered as part of the 2018/19 budget.

“It is such a prominent space in our community and activation of the site is extremely important.”

After Council makes a decision on the design, works to transform the space will begin next financial year.

Rabbit numbers to be reduced with virus strain

As part of the City of Greater Geraldton’s rabbit control program, a strain of rabbit haemorrhagic virus has been released this week in Chapman River Regional Park.

City of Greater Geraldton Chief Executive Officer Ross McKim said controlling feral rabbits is essential to supporting revegetation works and preserving natural areas for future generations.

“The Chapman River Wildlife Corridor is one of the few remaining quality stands of remnant vegetation in the area and we need to protect it from these feral animals,” he said.

“Feral rabbits are costly issues for landholders and control of their population is essential to reducing their grazing impact on native vegetation.

“For the first time in 20 years, a new rabbit biocontrol agent is being released into the Geraldton area and we are hoping it will help get rabbit numbers under control.”

The RHDV1 K5 virus being released  is a strain of the existing virus already widespread in Australia, commonly known as calicivirus. Once the virus is introduced, it will spread via flies and mosquitoes into surrounding areas.

The K5 strain is expected to assist current management practices with an expected reduction of 40% of the population. This is why additional follow up measures such as warren ripping are so important to maximise the effect of the virus release.

The virus does not affect dogs, cats or any other animal other than rabbits. Pet owners should contact a veterinarian for advice on how to protect their domesticated/pet rabbits, with online information available from the Australian Veterinary Association www.ava.com.au/rabbit-calicivirus

Landholders and other community members can report sightings of rabbits or evidence of disease through the Rabbit Scan online portal www.rabbitscan.org.au 

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.