Have your say on recycling and waste management in the City

Plastic bottles baled and ready for transport.

If you have an opinion on how the City of Greater Geraldton manages waste and recycling services the City wants to hear from you.

Following the recent release of the WA government’s Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery (WARR) Strategy 2030, the City is developing a long term waste management plan that will include targets for managing and reducing waste generated within the City region.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the waste management plan is about becoming a sustainable, low-waste circular economy.

“The key focus of the WARR Strategy is to generate less waste, recover more value and resources from waste, and to protect the environment by managing waste responsibility,” he said.

“The City’s long term Strategic Waste Management Plan will provide a commitment to achieving a 60% diversion of waste from landfill by 2030 and guide continuous improvement in the way the City manages waste generated within the community.

“To be in a position to achieve the 60% diversion target the City will introduce progressive ways to minimise waste to landfill through targeted activities, education and information programs.”

To better understand the community’s knowledge and views on waste and recycling and inform the development of education programs about waste services and waste reduction for inclusion in the plan the City is surveying residents.

Members of the community who would like to have their say on waste management and recycling in the City can take the online survey at www.surveymonkey.com/r/CGGwastemanagement

Hard copies of the survey are also available at the City Civic Centre, Geraldton Regional Library, QEII Seniors and Community Centre and the Mullewa District Office.  Survey closes Sunday 2 August 2020 at midnight.

Water main burst on Cathedral Avenue

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise Cathedral Avenue at the corner of Shenton Street is temporarily closed until further notice due to a burst water main.

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.

Community Nursery volunteers green the City

Community Nursery Volunteers show off some of the 30,000 seedlings and plants they produced this year. From left to right Doug Lee, Joan Earl, Anna Beyer, Helen Sumpton, Dennis Mills, Leonie Marsh, Gail Taylor, Lorraine Crothers and Darryl McCaw.

The 2020 winter planting season is off to a great start with thousands of seedlings and cuttings produced by the 35 City of Greater Geraldton’s Community Nursery volunteers now taking root in parks, reserves and private gardens across the City region.

Up 7000 plants from last year, the 30,000 plants grown in 2020 mostly filled orders placed by the City of Greater Geraldton’s Parks department and Natural Areas and Coastcare Team along with The Drylands Permaculture Nursery.

This year Nursery volunteers also produced their most advanced and healthiest Geraldton Wax cuttings to date and successfully struck Spotted Eremophila cuttings, which are native to the Chapman River, for the first time ever.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn congratulated the volunteers on another successful year.

“Growing 30,000 plants is an amazing accomplishment,” he said.

“Congratulations to everyone who was involved.

“Thanks to their passion and dedication to greening our City region, our parks, bushland and coastal reserves continue to be revegetated with a wide variety of native species.”

Geraldton Wax ready for planting.

The recently planted community nursery seedlings have been added to the Million Trees Project, pushing the tally to nearly 500,000 trees and shrubs planted since the project began in 2012.

Have you planted one or more trees or shrubs on your property lately?  Make your trees count by registering them on the City’s website towards the Million Trees Project (search Million Trees) and watch the tally grow.

Qantas sale to encourage tourism in Geraldton

Qantas have released affordable airfares to Geraldton as part of their network sale.

If your friends and family have been planning their Geraldton getaway, now is the perfect time to book flights as Qantas released affordable airfares as part of their domestic network sale.

In a bid to help revive the tourism industry following the COVID-19 pandemic, Qantas’ Love Australia Sale offers affordable price points to WA regional routes including Geraldton, Broome and Exmouth.

One-way flights from Perth to Geraldton will be available from August through to October, with the sale on now and ending this Friday 10 July.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn thanked Qantas for their proactive efforts in encouraging people to travel north.

“Everyone has been extremely impacted by COVID-19 but we are doing all we can to boost our economy, especially the tourism sector,” he said.

“We’ve implemented an Economic Development Relief Recovery Strategy to help stimulate tourism and the economy in our region which has included the launch of our ‘Adventure Awaits’ campaign.

“The campaign is encouraging people to explore their own backyard and having the Coral Coast as front of mind for those travelling north.

“We applaud Qantas for offering these amazing deals to help encourage travellers to our region and to help boost many of the regions who are struggling at the moment,” he added.

Embracing Geraldton as the ‘hub’ to explore the Midwest region, the Houtman Abrolhos Islands, Pink Lake and Kalbarri are not far.

“Travelling to Geraldton and basing yourself here means you can explore some amazing places which are all in close proximity,” Mayor Van Styn added.

“While you can explore what beautiful sunny Geraldton has to offer, you can also visit our friends in Kalbarri to experience their brand new Skywalk and check out the Pink Lake along the way.

“Or take a trip to the breathtaking Abrolhos Islands.”

Bookings for the Qantas Love Australia Sale are currently open with one-way flights from Perth to Geraldton available from $159.

Travel dates for the sale are from 1 August 2020 and run through to 31 October 2020.

For bookings and further details click here.

Botanic Garden begins to grow

Friends of Geraldton Gardens Chairperson Irene Ghannage is joined by group members and volunteers as she plants the first Banksia seedling in Stage 1 of the Maitland Park Botanic Garden Project. From left to right Roxanne Grant, Cheryl Galloway, Leslie Colliver, Stan Maley, Ray Morton, City of Greater Geraldton Councillor Natasha Colliver and Member for Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney.

The staged transformation of Maitland Park into a botanic garden has begun with the first native seedlings being planted by Friends of Geraldton Gardens (FroGGs) members and volunteers on Saturday.

The first project in Stage 1 of the Maitland Park Botanic Garden Master Plan involves replacing the shrubs at the existing park entry wall with a variety of native plants to show case the Mid West’s diverse plants and wildflowers.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said he was pleased to see Stage 1 of the project Council endorsed in July 2016 finally take root.

“This project which is supported by a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the City has been a number of years in the making and it’s great to see ‘in’ ground works finally starting to happen,” he said.

“The first step in the transformation of Maitland Park into a botanic garden featuring local native trees, shrubs and wildflowers is an excellent and sustainable use of public open space and Council is pleased to be able to support a community group’s passion.”

FroGGs Chairperson Irene Ghannage said the first plantings have successfully laid the foundation for the project.

“Since signing an MOU with the City in November 2016 to create the botanic garden, FroGGs has been growing its member base and working diligently towards this day,” she said.

“I am thrilled that the project is finally starting and we are turning our master plan into reality.

“Now that the entry wall is completed we can concentrate on the remainder of Stage one plantings which will be spectacular cross section of a few of our region’s diverse and unique flora.”

The 160 local native seedlings including Geraldton Wax and Banksias planted in an around the entry wall were provided by the Community Nursery and The Drylands Permaculture Nursery.   Everlasting wildflower seeds were also sown between the plants.

City contractor cleaning up fish kill incident at Greenough River

Community members are advised that a City of Greater Geraldton contractor is currently cleaning up a large amount of dead fish in Cape Burney along the Greenough River.

Reported last week, thousands of dead fish have washed up in the area which is currently being investigated by the Department of Water and Environment Regulation (DWER).

In a media statement from DWER, people are reminded that contact with dead fish should be avoided and the Department of Health advises against eating or handling fish found in these circumstances.

The City’s contractor is removing the dead fish which will then go to the FOGO waste stream at Meru Landfill.

You can view DWER’s full statement here.

Dates are now filling fast for 20/21 Weddings

Dates are now filling fast for 20/21 Weddings.

Contact Michelle to discuss your Wedding photography requirements.

Available for Weddings in Geraldton and surrounding areas.

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Michelle McKoy Photographer - Weddings

Café installation at Midalias Beach

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise the installation of a café at Midalias Beach will begin on Monday 22 June 2020 for a period of approximately three weeks.

On Sunday 21 June 2020, temporary fencing will be erected on site to ensure community safety during the works. Car parking in the immediate vicinity of the construction site may be limited during works.

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.

Splash of colour for new development

A new mural will be painted by local artist Phil Doncon on the rear wall of a new development in Mahomets Flats.

Residents in Mahomets Flats will soon enjoy a new public art mural as part of the development taking place on Brand Highway.

Fully funded by the developers of the new service station being built between Brand Highway and Fortyn Court, local visual artist Phil Doncon has been chosen to showcase his work.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn commended the developers on adding a positive visual element to the area.

“The rear wall of the service station could have potentially looked quite stark for the residents in the area so it’s great to see the developers have been proactive in working with the City and a local artist to liven it up,” he said.

“I am looking forward to seeing the piece completed and congratulate Phil Doncon for his visual piece that will add vibrancy to the suburb.”

Set to begin this month, the design uses the notion of liquid droplets or underwater bubbles to frame and reference various historical and contemporary meanings of the area.

With a heavy focus on our beaches and coastal lifestyle, the mural also includes references to aboriginal people and country as being the first people here.

To add fun and an interactive element, there will be a raised seat camouflaged into the mural which people can sit on and be photographed.

The development was required to provide ‘visual relief’ from the rear facing blank wall to the adjacent residences.

An expression of interest for local artists to undertake the work was released in May with the evaluation completed by the Geraldton Regional Art Management Committee.

Residents in the area have been contacted about the new piece and have been invited to submit relevant words to be included in the mural.

The mural is set for completion in early July. 

Sand by-passing works in Beresford

As part of the Northern Beaches Stabilisation Programme the Mid West Ports Authority will be undertaking sand by-passing works on the Beresford Foreshore between 15 June and 19 June 2020.

During this time, sand from Pages Beach will be transported and deposited at a placement sites located opposite from Mitchell and Brown and at the Mark Street carpark.

The purpose of the sand by-passing is to feed sediment into the longshore current operating in a northerly direction along the Geraldton coastline. Through a coastal process known as littoral transport, sand by-passing provides sediment to Geraldton’s northern beaches through the action of the breaking waves and the longshore current. This approach provides a cost effective way of providing sediment to Geraldton’s northern beaches.

Traffic management will be in place to minimise the disruption to traffic in the area. Working hours will be between the hours of 7.00am to 5.30pm for duration of the works. Motorists are requested to exercise caution and obey all warning signs and directions from authorised City personnel and contractors.

For further information on these works and the Northern Beaches Stabilisation Programme in general, contact Mr Michael Dufour at the City of Greater Geraldton (08) 9956 6600 or at council@cgg.wa.gov.au.

St Vinnies Emergency Relief Opening Hours

$7 Million Boost for Durack from Building Better Regions Fund

Drought-affected regional communities in Durack are set to receive a boost of more than $7 million of new local roads, restoration and building projects, as part of Round 4 of the Morrison Government’s highly successful Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF).

Federal Member for Durack, the Honourable Melissa Price has congratulated the 4 successful Durack Shires with projects that are  a positive investment in the region’s future.

 “These include more than  $4 million for  the construction of the  Landor Road Strategic Regional Connector at Peak Hill in the Shire of Meekatharra, and more than $2 million for a new Visitors Stop at Gascoyne Junction”, Melissa Price said.

“These projects will drive Durack regional economic growth and support local tourism. As will more than $400 000 for Carnarvon’s recycled water pipeline upgrade and more than $100 000 for restoration of Mingenew’s historic railway station.” Ms Price said.

Communities in Durack continue to show amazing spirit and strength as they support each other through drought in some areas and I am glad to see this latest round of BBRF will provide much-needed support.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said this funding of $207 million investment under Round 4 will support 163 new infrastructure and community projects across drought-affected regional Australia .

For a full list of successful projects, please visit www.business.gov.au/bbrf

City Services Update #11: Phase 3

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise there will be various updates to City services and infrastructure from Saturday 6 June as part of the government’s phase three restrictions.

Playgrounds and skate parks:

-Will re-open on Saturday 6 June.

-Community members are reminded to be patient while City staff remove signage and other materials from each site, and to not remove it themselves.

-All playgrounds and skate parks remain closed until Saturday 6 June.

Geraldton Regional Library:

-Remains open with an increased capacity of up to 100 people and full borrowing privileges to be reinstated.

-Visits to the library are to be kept to two hours.

-There are limited public computers available with bookings strictly monitored.

-The Marine Terrace entrance has also re-opened.

-Reduced opening hours remain in place. Check out the Library website for full details.

QEII Seniors and Community Centre:

-A number of programs have been reinstated however informal visits are not permitted.

-Seniors must book to attend programs and activities.

-Contact the QEII Centre on 9956 6636 to book.

Aquarena:

-The Aquarena remains open with an increased capacity of up to 100 people.

-The leisure, 25m and hydro pools are available at all allocated times.

- Change room facilities are all open.

-Visits to the facility are to be kept to two hours.

-Bookings are only essential for the hydro pool and can be made by contacting the Aquarena on 9956 6906.

-Reduced opening hours remain in place. Check out the Aquarena website for full details.

Geraldton Regional Art Gallery

-Remains closed at this time however is planned to re-open in August with the commencement of the 2020/21 Exhibition Programme.

Queens Park Theatre:

-Remains closed and will aim to re-open with further easing of restrictions.

Geraldton Visitor Centre:

-Will be open at reduced hours until its co-location at the Geraldton Regional Art Gallery.

-Head to the City’s website for updated opening hours.

Mullewa Facilities:

-The Mullewa Library is open with full borrowing privileges reinstated, however public computers are not available.

-The Mullewa Swimming Pool remains closed.

-All public toilets in Mullewa are open.

-Mullewa Youth Centre is open with reduced hours.

Community Halls:

-Re-opening of community halls will sit with individual associations.

Sporting Ovals:

-Bookings can be submitted through the Ground Management Committee for City approval.

Event applications can be submitted to the City, but they must be within the guidelines and restrictions from authorities.

The Museum of Geraldton will also re-open this weekend, Saturday 6 June.

Community members are reminded to be patient in order for staff to ensure health and safety measures.

Please note there will be measures in place at facilities to ensure there is only 100 people at the facility at one time.

There will also be increased cleaning and hygiene measures in place.

The City’s Health Officers and Town Planning team will work with cafes, pubs, restaurants, and beauty salons and spas, to provide necessary assistance regarding the phase three restrictions around social distancing requirements and general advice for their readiness to re-open.

Further information for entertainment, hospitality and food businesses can be found at the state’s website on the Phase 3 – easing restriction FAQs.

All updates and information are being released in a timely manner as more decisions are made about facilities and services, and there will be updates on the City’s website and social media channels.

All changes to City facilities and programming can be found here.

For information on changes to regional travel restrictions, head to the state government website.  

Community health and safety has always been, and remains, a top priority for the City of Greater Geraldton as the current health crisis continues to be monitored closely and the situation changes rapidly.

Community members are reminded they can still contact the City through phone on (08)9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au

Treat Back and Neck Pain at Rewind Osteopathic Clinic

Rewind Osteopathic Clinic is now open and servicing Geraldton and The Mid - West with Osteopathic Treatments from Dr Mathew Kirk(Osteopath).

Osteopaths treat back and neck pain, shoulder pain, jaw pain, headaches, postural pain, knee pain, RSI and sporting injuries and other musculoskeletal complaints.

To book an appointment please call mobile 0422 221 371, you can also book online at their website  www.rewindosteo.com.au 

On the spot claims for Private Health Funds available with our HICPAS facility. DVA, CDM(Chronic Disease Management) and WorkCover welcome.

Office Hours :
Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm
Saturday - 9am - 1pm

Rewind Osteopathic Clinic is located at  123 Cathedral Avenue, Geraldton. 

Where the sunset meets the Sea - Kalbarri Seafront Villas

Stay 'where the sunset meets the sea' on the beach front at Kalbarri Seafront Villas.

Great Hot Deal Specials from$99 per night twin share,
minimum 3 night stay, with free courtesy pick up from TransWa bus stop.

Valid until 30/06/20, excluding school & public holidays.

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Kalbarri Seafront Villas Kalbarri

50% OFF on All Dresses

Don't miss Lela Pearl Boutique Mother's Day Sale! They are located inside Marine Terrace Arcade.

Opening times this week are the following:

Thursday: 10 am - 6 pm

Friday: 9 am - 5 pm

Saturday: 9 am - 5 pm

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Lela Pearl

City Services Update #6: Toilets re-opening

Community health and safety remains a top priority for the City of Greater Geraldton as the current health crisis continues to be monitored closely.

City of Greater Geraldton CEO Ross McKim said the City is monitoring the rapidly changing situation very closely and making necessary changes as needed.

At this week’s Council Meeting, Councillors agreed to commence trialing re-opening some public toilets and BBQs. Ellendale Pool will re-open however playgrounds remain closed at this stage.

The following public toilets will be open from Friday 1 May 2020:

• Glendinning Park

• Back Beach

• Derna Park

• Maitland Park

• Spalding Park

• Eadon Clarke

• Foreshore West (Youth Precinct)

• Foreshore Water Park

• Batavia Marina

• Muir Park

• Pages Beach

• Rundle Park

• Drummond Cove

• Woorree Park East

• Rocks Laneway

• Rubiks Cube (Foreshore)

• Midalia Beach

Community members are reminded to do the right thing and respect the facilities in order to keep them open. 

All changes to City facilities and programming can be found here. 

Community members are reminded they can still contact the City through phone on (08)9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au

Rewind Osteopathic Clinic is Now Open!

Rewind Osteopathic Clinic is now open and servicing Geraldton and The Mid - West with Osteopathic Treatments from Dr Mathew Kirk(Osteopath).

Osteopaths treat back and neck pain, shoulder pain, jaw pain, headaches, postural pain, knee pain, RSI and sporting injuries and other musculoskeletal complaints.

To book an appointment call mobile 0422 221 371. You can also visit their website at www.rewindosteo.com.au to book online OR jump onto our Facebook page - Rewind Osteopathic Clinic

On the spot claims for Private Health Funds with their HICPAS facility.

DVA, CDM(Chronic Disease Management) and WorkCover welcome.

Office Hours

Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm
Saturday - 9am - 1pm

Rewind Osteopathic Clinic
123 Cathedral Avenue
Geraldton

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Rewind Osteopathic Clinic

ANZAC Day weekend trading hours

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to remind members of the community about retail trading hours this weekend with the ANZAC Day public holiday being in effect on Monday 27 April.

General retailers must adhere to the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety’s direction and not trade on Saturday 25 April.  

Small retail shops and special retail shops are not bound by the same rules as general retailers and can trade on Saturday 25 April.

Special retail shops allowed to operate include:

• Pharmacies

• Garden nurseries

• Hardware and home improvement shops

• Newsagencies and book shops

• Video shops

• Art and craft shops

• Souvenir and duty free shops

• Shops at sport venues

• Boating shops

• Motor vehicle spare parts shops

• Shops at international standard hotels

General retailers will be open on Sunday 26 and Monday 27 April.

To lodge a small retail shop or special retail shop application please click here.

More information about extended trading hours is available at the Department of Mines, Industry Relations and Safety’s website.

WA’s First COVID-19 Respiratory Clinic Opens in Geraldton

The first GP-led respiratory clinic in WA established as part of the Australian Government’s $2.4 billion health package to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak has opened in Geraldton.

The Federal Government is establishing up to 100 GP-led respiratory clinics around the country to assess patients with mild to moderate COVID-19-like symptoms. The clinics will reduce pressure on hospital emergency departments and other local general practices.

Federal Regional Health Minister, Mark Coulton, said the Geraldton clinic, which opened today after a trial on Friday, was one of up to 100 dedicated respiratory clinics being set up across Australia as part of the Australian Government’s response to the outbreak.

“We are putting in place a range of measures including additional practice incentives and the expansion of telehealth to enable the rural medical workforce to continue to care for regional Australians through this crisis,” Minister Coulton said.

Durack MP, Melissa Price, said the local clinic is best placed to support people with fever, cough, sore throat, and other respiratory symptoms while avoiding the risk of infection in other members of the community.

“I encourage anyone in our community experiencing these symptoms to call the clinic or go online to book an appointment,” Ms Price said.

“The Federal Government has been working with local GPs and Aspen Medical - which has significant health emergency management experience in Australia and overseas - to roll out the Geraldton clinic.”

More than 260 fever clinics, jointly funded by the Commonwealth and State and Territory governments, are also in operation across Australia.

To access a clinic, people can visit health.gov.au and use the online booking system.