Chapman River Regional Park rehabilitation works

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The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise rehabilitation works will be undertaken in the Chapman River Regional Park commencing on Wednesday 27 March 2019 for a period of three days.

Works include closing tracks on the north side of the river that are not part of the formalised 11km Loop Trail and rehabilitation of degraded areas to mitigate erosion. 

Small machinery will be operating in close proximity to the Loop Trail. Vehicles will be operating in the area, accessing the maintenance track from the north side of the river.

Pedestrians and cyclists are requested to avoid the area, exercise caution and obey all warning signs and directions from authorised City personnel and contractors during works.

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.


Galileo and Celeste to create a unique journey at WoW Fest

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Spare Parts Puppet Theatre are bringing Galileo and Celeste to this year’s Wind on Water Festival. Picture: Spare Parts Puppet Theatre

Already primed to be a crowd favourite at this year’s Wind on Water Festival, Galileo and Celeste are bringing an art element to Geraldton unlike anything seen here before. 

Standing at 2.5m, the two giant snails have been created by Spare Parts Puppet Theatre as a dynamic and interactive piece which is not only visually appealing but also delivers a sensory treat. 

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said this brand new element would certainly get heads turning. 

“These puppets are very unique and something we know will engage crowds at this year’s WoW Fest,” he said. 

“String Symphony was one of the most acclaimed elements of the event last year so we can’t wait to see what Galileo and Celeste have in store for us!” 

Spare Parts Puppet Theatre brought the much loved giant interactive puppet Leor to Geraldton as part on the inaugural WoW Fest in 2018. 

Returning with a new installation, the huge molluscs will encourage festival-goers to slow down and enjoy the journey. 

A slow and steady voyage along the Foreshore will allow people to hear the sounds of the installation’s ancient horn and also get up close and personal by taking a look inside their shells. 

This intriguing experience is coming to Geraldton thanks to sponsorship from Mid West Ports Authority (MWPA). 

MWPA Chief Executive Officer Rochelle Macdonald said she was delighted the Port could be involved in sponsoring WoW Fest for the second-year running. 

“After sponsoring the String Symphony element last year, we could see how the interactive piece was able to be enjoyed by all members of the community,” she said. 

“We’re always excited and looking for opportunities to support inclusive community events.” 

Galileo and Celeste will be roaming on the Foreshore over the WoW Fest weekend on April 20 and 21. 

The City is presenting Galileo and Celeste in conjunction with Spare Parts Puppet Theatre and the City of Joondalup. It is a free installation for the community made possible by Mid West Ports Authority. 

For more information about WoW Fest head to www.wowfest.com.au 

Leaning Tree Steiner School set to champion a greener future thanks to Woolworths Junior Landcare grant

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Leaning Tree Steiner School has been selected from over a thousand applicants to be a recipient of a Woolworths Junior Landcare Grant, as part of the supermarkets’ commitment to grow the next generation of environmental champions.

The Woolworths Junior Landcare Grants program aims to inspire students with hand-on projects focusing on sustainable food production, improving waste management practices and enhancing native habitats.

The program is being funded with proceeds from the sale of the Woolworths ‘Bag for good’. Woolworths will be providing up to half a million dollars in grants to more than 500 schools nationally during this first round of the program. 

The local grant will mean Leaning Tree Steiner School is now able to develop their proposed project:

  • Project Type: Sustainable food production

  • Project Name: Bush Tucker Garden

  • Project Info:  Our main goal is for all students to have a better understanding of food that the traditional owners of the land would have eaten and to encourage healthy eating habits. This project will be a new venture on our new school site/ grounds. We will be constructing raised garden beds to keep plants out of reach of rabbits, and be growing local bush tucker. All students from years 1 to 6 will be involved in different aspects of the project

Woolworths Geraldton Group Manager, David Wilkinson said; “We’re so proud and excited to see the funds raised from our ‘Bag for good’ going directly into our local community through the Woolworths Junior Landcare Grants program.

“We are inspired by the students at Leaning Tree Steiner School who are playing an active role in ensuring a greener future for our community and can’t wait to see their project come to life.

“In partnership with our local customers, we can continue to empower this next generation of school students to work towards a more sustainable Australia."

Landcare Australia CEO, Dr Shane Norrish said; “This fantastic response shows the community’s passion for caring for the environment. Junior Landcare offers opportunities for sharing knowledge, developing skills and creating experiences that foster connections with the environment and community from childhood to adulthood.

“The project by Leaning Tree Steiner School is highly deserving and we look forward to the students getting hands-on experience and making a difference to their local environment.

An interactive map shows all 538 Woolworths Junior Landcare projects, including brief descriptions and photos.

The reusable Woolworths ‘Bag for good’ was launched on June 20 last year, when the supermarket removed single-use plastic shopping bags across all stores nationwide. Since the move, Woolworths has since taken more than two billion single-use plastic bags out of circulation nationwide.

Stage one of sand nourishment works at the Foreshore complete

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The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise that sand nourishment works at Town Beach on the Geraldton Foreshore has been completed, with stage two of the project which includes dune landscaping commencing on Wednesday 27 March to Friday 5 April.

During this period, sand, mulching, rock placement and coastal planting works will be undertaken in the area.

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.


Inggarda switched on for mobiles

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Inggarda, about 21km south of Carnarvon on the North West Coastal Highway, is the latest mobile phone base station to be switched on in Durack.

Federal Member for Durack and Minister for the Environment Melissa Price welcomed the connection delivered under Round 1 of the Federal Government’s $220 million Mobile Black Spot Program.

“This program is delivering much needed new investment in mobile infrastructure across the Durack electorate to address mobile coverage issues,” she said.

Telstra completed the new mobile base station under Round 1 of the program.

So far 44 sites across the Durack electorate have received new or improved mobile coverage under Round 1.

Under the first two rounds of the program, a total of 765 new base stations will be delivered to address black spots in every state and territory. 

A further $60 million has been committed to a third round to address 125 sites in priority black spot areas.

Rollout of Round 3, the Priority Locations Round, has started and is scheduled to be completed this year.

The Federal Government is further delivering on its commitment to improve mobile coverage, with a further $25 million committed to a fourth round of the program which was announced this week.

Whitehill Road sand nourishment works

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The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise sand nourishment works along the Whitehill Road coastal reserve will commence on Monday 25 March for a period of one week.

Works, which include the placement of 2000m3 of sand along the foreshore reserve as an adjunct to the two low crest Geotextile Sand Container groynes, are partially funded by a Department of Transport Coastal Adaptation and Protection grant.

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.

Nominations sought for Stakeholder Consultation Committee

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Aerial shot of the Port of Geraldton 
Credit: Joshua Miles

Mid West Ports Authority is seeking nominations for its Stakeholder Consultation Committee from community members interested in the planning, operation and development activities of MWPA.

The purpose of the newly formed committee is to provide a forum for communication and discussion between MWPA and representatives of the community and stakeholder groups on matters directly relating to the Port of Geraldton and the overall Port Authority.

Nominations are being sought from local residents and community group representatives inside the City of Greater Geraldton.

MWPA Chief Executive Officer Rochelle Macdonald said the committee would help inform MWPAs decision-making process by providing a consultative role.

“We recognise MWPA plays an important role in supporting our community, the region and state economy,” she said.

“We also understand that the aspirations, concerns and overall success of the community in which we operate is a key factor in how our own performance is measured.

“This is why the Stakeholder Consultation Committee will play an important role in the future of both the Port and community.

“It will establish good working relationships and promote and facilitate two-way communication and information sharing between MWPA, the local community and a number of stakeholder groups.”

The committee will have several items on the agenda, including MWPAs strategic plans, projects, management plans, monitoring and audit results, community concerns and complaint resolutions and upcoming community events and initiatives.

The committee, which will comprise of 16 members, will meet a minimum of four times annually and will be appointed for a period of two years.

Dr Macdonald said she encouraged anyone interested to apply.

“We want a variety of voices on the committee to best represent the overall community,” she said.

“You have the opportunity to be part of the very first committee of this kind and have your opinion heard on the future of our region.”

Nominations close 5pm, April 5, 2019.

For more information or to submit a nomination form, visit http://bit.ly/MWPAscc

For enquiries, email communications@midwestports.com.au

March Business After Hours

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Next Wednesday 27 march, marks our second Business After Hours for the year and we have partnered with

Geraldton Grammar School
&
Geraldton Community Energy

Entertainment will include the gorgeous angelic sounds of She Lion, delicious canapes by Tarts & Co, photobooth by Magic Mirror and a chance to win the door prize by showing us how good you can power up the energy driven bike!

At Geraldton Grammar School, we provide an outstanding K-12 educational experience with whole school programs that foster continual development. We are small enough to care and cater for the interests and academic readiness of each child, yet large enough to challenge all students.

Rated the top country school in Western Australia for 2018; we empower all students with the knowledge to achieve, the passion to inspire, and the path to motivate. Geraldton Grammar School provides an outstanding educational experience on a beautiful campus, providing an award-winning music program, enviable Mandarin curriculum; and an extensive camps program.

School website

Our goal at Geraldton Community Energy is to lower the price of electricity for Geraldton customers, improve the reliability of supply and offer a cleaner energy solution. It will be built by Geraldton businesses for Geraldton customers, keeping the money we all spend on electricity in the community.

Come along to the next Business After Hours & have a friendly chat with us about how your family & business would benefit from Geraldton Community Energy.

What are the benefits for Geraldton customers?

Who is Geraldton Community Energy?

Why does Geraldton need a Geraldton Community Energy?

What are the benefits to the community?

Follow us here

Rocks Laneway construction begins

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Construction of the Rocks Laneway, the City’s most flexible community space set to revitalise the City Centre, will begin on Monday next week.

The transformative project features areas for year round community events and activities including opportunities for local artists to exhibit and perform within the former Rocks building, at the revamped Clock Tower Square and along the Post Office Lane.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the Rocks Laneway will be a space for everyone to use.

“The Rocks Laneway spaces will provide our community with both open air and undercover areas that could be used for just about any purpose,” he said.

“It could potentially be markets, music concerts or plays by local groups, Tia Chi or a fantastic venue for presentations or talks.

“I’m sure there are lots of other ideas out there about how the community would like to use the spaces and we want to hear them all so we can develop a place management plan that will activate the area from September 2019 onwards when the project is scheduled for completion.”

If you would like to share your ideas on how you would like to use this space, you can have your say on the City website www.cgg.wa.gov.au.

The $1.48 million project, being constructed by local contractor Geraldton Building Services & Cabinets (GBSC), is funded via the City Centre Revitalisation Budget, which includes sale proceeds from the former City depot site on the North West Coastal Highway.

Cathedral Avenue light renewal works

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The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise it will be replacing a streetlight on Cathedral Avenue between Chapman Road and Marine Terrace on Sunday 17 March 2018.

Works will take place between 6am and 2pm with a partial closure of the road and footpath in effect during this time. Traffic management will be in place and motorists and pedestrians are advised to exercise caution and obey all warning signs and direction 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

New footpath construction in Spalding

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The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise works are currently underway to construct new footpaths on Webberton Road between Anderson Street and Foodbank and on Anderson Street between Mitchell Street and Webberton Road and will take approximately six weeks to complete.

These works are part of the approximate 5000m of new footpaths being constructed this financial year.

The anticipated hours of work will be from 7am to 6pm and 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

Youth precinct maintenance works

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The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise it will be undertaking maintenance works in the Youth Precinct on Tuesday 12 March for a period of approximately four days.

Works include the painting of concrete steps and various pieces of playground equipment.

To ensure community safety, fencing 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.

2019 Certificate III in Dance

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Looking for a Certificate Course to go towards your Year 11 & 12 WACE requirements?

Look no further!

Cheer & Dance Intensity are able to offer ALL dancers the ability to achieve this! Do something they love and gain a nationally recognised Certificate III in Dance in the process!

Even better - this can all be done while still staying at your current dance studio.

Open to students in year 9, 10 & 11.

Contact cheerdanceintensity@gmail.com for more information and your prospectus

Registrations close April 30th

 

Midwest Gascoyne big winners with BBRF

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Communities across the Durack electorate will benefit from a share of more than $4 million in funding under Round 3 of the Federal Government’s highly successful Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF).

Federal Member for Durack and Minister for the Environment Melissa Price said she is delighted that Durack has fared so well in this round and that the Government’s investment in local projects under Round 3 will help grow the economy and build a strong future for Australia’s regions.

“More than $3.2 million of this funding has been allocated to nine projects in the Midwest and Gascoyne, under both the Infrastructure and Community BBRF streams,” she said.

“The projects will benefit these communities which is a great outcome for Durack.

“It is projects such as these that make our regional communities even better places to live, work and raise a family - and also visit, and I’m excited to see the positive difference this funding will make to the community.

“In this round we are also investing more than $70 million in regional tourism infrastructure, to support those many regional communities that rely on tourism to bolster their economy,” said the Minister.

Midwest and Gascoyne successful projects include:

Under the Infrastructure stream:

  • Shire of Mt Magnet for Murchison Region Vermin Cell Fence: $2,250,000 
    The fence will be 1,400 kms, of which 1,074 kms has been constructed and 108 kms under construction. Will create a vermin proof cell encompassing 53 privately operated pastoral stations and nine pastoral stations managed by the WA Government, covering 
    6,536,198 hectares.

  • Shire of Mt Magnet for Extension of Mt Magnet Mining and Pastoral Museum $58,090 
    To generate economic growth in Australia's Golden Outback and increase tourism infrastructure available to visitors, whilst preserving significant historic relics from Western Australia's mining past. 

  • Shire of Meekatharra for Development of Lloyds Plaza: $500,000 
    To revitalise a 1950s building into a multi-purpose facility including visitors centre, cafe, indigenous art gallery, community resource centre, library/museum, conference/training room, hairdresser and two commercial spaces supporting tourism activity.

  • St John Ambulance Northampton: Beating Heart Project – Building community resilience in Northampton: $157,285 
    Aims to provide the best possible essential emergency service to the extended community. Improve facilities to continually meet increasing and changing community demands with a training room/hall, converting current space to reception/administration area and constructing a playground. Will provide inclusive access to amenities.

  • Carnamah North Midlands Project for The Exchange – Carnamah: $59,738 
    Renovation of historic garage building to accommodate local tourism office, local organisations, free community book exchange, co-working/incubation spaces, an arts studio, indoor and outdoor event venue and Indigenous nursery.

  • Shire of Chapman Valley for Bill Hemsley Park Groundwater Access Project: $28,000 
    To secure underground water access to the park community centre and surrounding areas. Parkfalls Estate in the White Peak locality is the fastest growing area within the Shire of Chapman Valley, and this project will support water collection and preservation at this new community hub location.

  • Cue Community Resource Centre for Construction of Cue Heritage Discovery Centre: $133,865 
    To expand tourism infrastructure in Australia’s Golden Outback through construction of Cue’s only heritage discovery centre.

Under the Community investment stream:

  • Gascoyne River ABC Foundation for Gascoyne Aboriginal Tourism Corridor: $61,995 
    To deliver a strategic plan and regional leadership program focusing on Aboriginal tourism in remote communities across the Gascoyne. Will involve meeting with regional stakeholders in different locations to assess needs to inform creation of the strategic plan. Upon plan’s completion, further consultation will be conducted with identified tourism operators to provide mentoring, training, and support regarding the plan.

  • Shire of Shark Bay – to measure the economic conditions of the local business sector in Denham: $20,000
    To commission external consultants to provide an economic study of the local business sector giving a better understanding in implementing sustainable economic strategic planning and employment creation.

Sustainable irrigation system finalist in awards

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The Wonthella Oval

The development of a new irrigation system that reduces the need for scheme water has been chosen as a finalist in the Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia (IPWEA) WA Awards for Excellence.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the irrigation system is enabling the sustainable use of water at the Wonthella Sporting complex, one of the City of Greater Geraldton's premier sporting facilities.

“The salinity level in the existing groundwater bores supplying irrigation water is rising which is forcing the use of scheme water to supplement the water supply to irrigate the 15 hectare complex,” he said.

“The development of this new irrigation system involves drawing irrigation water from the top of the aquifer at Wonthella at a rate comparable to the aquifer recharge at the nearby Water Corporation waste water treatment ponds and increases benefits achieved through the tried and tested method of recycling waste water.

“Although it is fantastic to see this project in the running for IPWEA’s annual awards, it’s our community who are the real winners as the system reduces costs whilst improving water quality and the performance of the turf for our footy, soccer, hockey and tennis club users.”

The IPWEA WA Awards provide opportunity for the public works sector and local government to showcase individual contributions to the growth and wellbeing of the Institute, excellence in significant engineering projects, and innovative practices.

The Winners of the Excellence Awards will be announced at the 2019 Annual State Conference Gala Dinner on Friday 15 March 2019.

Local contractor wins Rocks Laneway tender

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The revitalisation of the CBD will soon be underway with local contractor Geraldton Building Services & Cabinets (GBSC) having won the tender to construct the Rocks Laneway Project.

The long-standing local building company will oversee the transformation of the Rocks building into a laneway connecting Marine Terrace to the Foreshore.

The project also includes the creation of a Town Square and ‘Ghost Office’ and upgrades to the Post Office Lane featuring public art spaces and bespoke seating.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the Rocks Laneway Project is about diversifying public areas.

“The newly enhanced Beresford Foreshore is a bright and beautiful family friendly area used for sports and recreation whilst the West End with its painted buildings and activated laneways is a colourful and vibrant place to shop and eat,” he said.

“The Rocks Laneway Project will build on the success of these two areas whilst taking it a step further by developing a place management plan to activate the area year round with a range of events and activities, including opportunities for local artists to exhibit and perform.

“Council is always pleased to see local businesses throwing their hats in the ring for large infrastructure projects and I’d like to thank the local companies that tendered for the project.

“Not only does it keep our economy stimulated, it also keeps locals employed,” he added.

GBSC Managing Director Peter Fleay said winning the tender for the Rocks Laneway Project enabled the company to continue to work with the City on the delivery of key infrastructure projects.

“In 2015, GBSC completed the refurbishment of the Original Railway Station, now home to the Geraldton Visitor Centre, and we are currently constructing the new Geraldton-Greenough SES building at the airport,” he said.

“Through our apprenticeship and Aboriginal employment programs we are not only able to provide important employment opportunities for local people, we are enabling them to be part of projects that help make our City such a great place to live.”

Construction of the $1.48 million Rocks Laneway project is scheduled to begin in a few weeks’ time. The project is funded via the City Centre Revitalisation Budget.


Road maintenance works

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The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise preventative road maintenance works, including crack sealing, will be undertaken on eight City streets with works commencing on Tuesday 5 March 2019 for a period of two weeks.

Works will take place on the following streets:

  • Baler Road – Sunset Beach

  • Barret Drive - Wandina

  • Cathedral Avenue - Geraldton

  • Chapman Road – Bluff Point & Beresford

  • Horwood Road - Utakarra

  • Strickland Road - Spalding

  • Teviot Close – Cape Burney

  • Thames Drive – Cape Burney

 

Traffic management will be in place and 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.

Allanooka Springs road works

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The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise road widening and reseal works will be undertaken to a section of Allanooka Springs Road south of Walkaway Nangetty Road and north of Greenough Road in Walkaway with works commencing on Wednesday 6 March 2019 for a period of approximately six weeks.

These works are part of $3,965,000 allocated in the 2018/19 Budget for road renewals and are 66% grant funded via the Regional Road Group Scheme.

The anticipated hours of work will be from 7am to 6pm and 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.