Cr Cheryl Gaedtke – Ordinary Council Meeting 25 May 2022

Cr Cheryl Gaedtke – Ordinary Council Meeting 25 May 2022

Agenda Item # 5 Matters of Public Interest
Foot and mouth disease has been confirmed in Indonesia. It is a highly infectious viral infection of domestic and wild cloven-hooved animals, including cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, camelids, and buffalo. It does not infect horses. The disease is not present in Australia and we all need to work together to keep it that way. Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment are encouraging those involved with animals to understand the symptoms.

Homeowners impacted by flood water have been encouraged to apply for their share of a major new funding package that would rebuild and floodproof Queensland homes. The State Government has announced the $741m package, which will be jointly funded by the commonwealth, and would give some homeowners the option to have their property bought back. The program will apply in 37 local government areas. Homeowners can register their interest for the program via the government website. Register your interest at www.qld.gov.au/resilienthomes.

Due to the unpredictable weather pattern and the forecast of rain this week and into the weekend, the Kilcoy Hospital Auxiliary is mindful of the unsafe condition of the grounds where the fete will take place. Unfortunately, the auxiliary has been left with no choice but to cancel the 2022 fete planned for Saturday, however the auxiliary looks forward to the 2023 fete.

Agenda Item # 24 Councillors’ Report
April
11 Ordinary Council Meeting – Teams
12 Brisbane Interagency Meeting – Teams
12 Meeting KCCCI – Kilcoy
13 Extraordinary LDMG Meetings (2) – Teams
14 Extraordinary LDMG Meeting – Teams
16 Meeting with CEO – Kilcoy
16 Kilcoy State High School – Presentation of Youth Leadership Camp Certificates
16 Extraordinary LDMG Meeting – Teams
16 Walk Fire Trail – Esk residents – Mount Glen Rock
16 RADF Advisory Committee Meeting – Esk
17 Council Workshop – Esk
17 Somerset Economic Development & Tourism Advisory Committee Meeting – Esk
17 Kilcoy District Progress Alliance monthly meeting – Kilcoy
18 Community Meeting – Mount Glen Rock Project – Esk residents
18 Access Inspection – private residence – Kilcoy
18 Weed & Pest Management Workshop – Toogoolawah
18 Kilcoy Indoor Sports Centre Steering Committee meeting – Kilcoy
19 Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea – Ray White Rural Kilcoy
20 Somerset Art Gallery Trail Launch – Courthouse Gallery, Kilcoy
21 Somerset Dam & District Progress Assn AGM
24 Drug & Alcohol Education Session – Esk
24 Meeting with Mayor, Deputy Mayor & CEO – Esk
24 QPS Prevention Information & Displays – Home Security, Personal Safety, Neighbourhood Watch – Kilcoy

It was pleasing to see the response by our rural residents who gathered to network around weed and pest management information shared at the workshop held at the Toogoolawah Golf Course. There is great concern with the variety of weeds that are appearing in many areas of our region.

Congratulations to Ray White Rural Kilcoy for hosting Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea, the event raised over $3,700. A huge thank you to all contributing businesses and community members for their generous donations. There was plenty of raffles and an auction to complete the fund raising effort.

Thank you to our art members who attended the launch of the Somerset Art Gallery Trail Flags. The event took place on the Courthouse Gallery deck overlooking the beautiful Greensill Lake.

It was a bitter sweet moment. We said thank you so very much to the outgoing Somerset Dam & District Progress Assn Executive, and welcomed the 2022/23 SDDPA Executive. Goodbye to a hard working tireless leader, outgoing President Noelene Hunter. Please don’t forget us Noelene upon relocating from our community. Thank you for all you have done.

Many thanks to local Kilcoy Police Officer Marty, Crime Prevention Unit Police Officers Jo and Gemma, and Crime Stoppers Chairperson Ken for sharing important information on security cameras, security tips and advice, and how to report matters to police. We appreciate your support and guidance.

Cr Cheryl Gaedtke – Ordinary Council Meeting 11 May 2022

Cr Cheryl Gaedtke – Ordinary Council Meeting 11 May 2022

Agenda Item # 5 Matters of Public Interest
The Hayes and Co 2022 Kilcoy Beef Event was a very well organised event with a great number of entries. A heartfelt reflection of the young Kilcoy identity was given with regard to The Coen Fry Memorial Trophy, which was proudly awarded to Jack Williamson of Linville. The Junior Judges were extremely well represented, so sincere congratulations must be offered to everyone.

Simon Cleary has commenced his track along the Brisbane River, he commenced with inclement weather but this has not dampened his enthusiasm. “Where the river leads, we shall go. When will we arrive? Does even it know?” Off on a little walk along the Brisbane River/Maiwar with some special companions, the river being one of them. Back in a month”. I look forward to obtaining a copy of Simon’s book about his experiences when written.

Congratulations to Council’s Tourism Staff who have successfully nominated Linville, and which has now become a finalist as part of the Queensland Tourism Industry Council – Favourite Top Tiny Tourism Town. There are nine other finalists – good luck Linville, let’s hope there are lots of votes received from our communities.

Agenda Item #24 Councillors’ Report
April
27 Ordinary Council Meeting – Esk
27 Visit to the official opening of the Esk IGA
27 Council Workshop Meeting – Esk
27 AgForce “Politics in the Pub” Meet the Candidates – Grand Hotel Esk
29 94.9 Radio Interview – Hedley Park Estate/Stage 8 approval – Flood Recovery
May
03 The Condensery – Somerset Regional Art Gallery Advisory Committee meeting – Toogoolawah
03 Somerset Dam & District Progress Assn Meeting – Somerset Dam
05 Somerset Regional Council Human Social Recovery Group Meeting – #5 – Teams
05 Brisbane Valley Heritage Trails monthly meeting – Linville
05 Mount Glen Rock Steering Committee Meeting – Esk
06 “The Little Mermaid” – Toogoolawah State High School – Toogoolawah
07 Yowie Parkrun – Mothers’ Day & Breakfast
10 Kilcoy Hospital Auxiliary monthly meeting – Kilcoy
10 Kilcoy High School P&C monthly meeting – Kilcoy
10 Kilcoy Rodeo committee meeting – Kilcoy

I now understand the work and stress experienced by many involved with the associated planning of the Esk IGA at its official opening held on 27th April. Well done to everyone concerned, you must be very proud of the eventual opening. We look forward to each milestone with the forthcoming changes to the existing building and the presentation of the final project.

I must acknowledge the professionalism and dedication of the Toogoolawah High School students who were part of the musical “The Little Mermaid”. The acting and singing were absolutely wonderful, with the students performing all roles and songs with complete confidence and passion. This production has been held up by COVID, but given the time lapse, it was well worth the effort and working through all the associated challenges.

The Kilcoy Hospital Auxiliary is finalizing its planning for the Kilcoy Hospital Fete to be held on Saturday 28th May.

I must acknowledge the resilience of our local community groups. The Kilcoy Rodeo committee has made a loss with the need to postpone the March Rodeo due to the February floods, however the committee is ignoring this fact and working on providing a fantastic event on Saturday 6th August.

Cr Cheryl Gaedtke – Ordinary Council Meeting 27 April 2022

Cr Cheryl Gaedtke – Ordinary Council Meeting 27 April 2022

Agenda Item # 5 Matters of Public Interest

I hope everyone jumped on line and grabbed cheaper tickets to the Somerset Rail Trail Fund Run to be held on 10 July 2022.  The Flash Sale has been and gone with some terrific specials.  Remember this year we have the new bike leg, which will commence at Coominya and finish at Fernvale.   Were you one of over 500 Flash Sale registrations received over the weekend?  This was Council’s biggest Flash Sale to date, with over $1500 for the Ipswich Hospital Foundation raised.

Following events are being held during the month of May –  1^st & 13^th Kilcoy Autumn Cup Racing Carnival; 7^th Yowie Mothers’ Day Parkrun (Dress up & breakfast at Black Rack); 7^th Esk Show Ball; 7^th Toogoolawah Charity Rodeo; 20^{th &} 21^st  Esk Show; 28^th Kilcoy Hospital Auxiliary Fete; 28^th Lowood Show Ball; 29^th Toogoolawah St Andrews Anglican Church 110^th Anniversary Celebration.  Also, congratulations to the Kilcoy Rodeo Committee who has been successful in organising another Rodeo date for this year – mark it in your calendar Saturday 6^th August!

Agenda Item #22   Councillors’ Report

April

13           Mount Glen Rock Information Evening  –  Esk

19           Project Debrief – Teams

21           Kilcoy Art Society Inc monthly meeting

22           Toogoolawah State High School Anzac Day Commemoration

22           Moore Hall Centenary

23           Mt Tarampa State School Flood Recovery Party

25           Anzac Day Commemorations – Kilcoy, Linville and Esk

26           Kilcoy Interagency Meeting

26           Kilcoy State School P&C Meeting

Congratulations to the Moore Hall Centenary committee who organised a wonderful old fashion ball.  I, along with many others enjoyed the evening filled with laughter, great dancing and there enough stalls providing tasty meals and coffee.  Well done to the volunteers of this very small community.

Once again, Anzac Day was strongly supported at each and every commemoration held in the Somerset region.  The provision of home cooked food by volunteers and the comradery was exemplary.  Lest we Forget.

Councillor Report – Ordinary Council Meeting – 13 April 2022

 Cr Cheryl Gaedtke – Ordinary Council Meeting 13 April 2022

Agenda Item # 5 Matters of Public Interest

Vaccine mandates for hospitality and entertainment venues will be scraped in a major win for businesses.  As from 14^th April, staff and customers will not have to be vaccinated when entering restaurants, cafes, pubs, clubs,  casinos, theme parks, libraries, galleries, weddings, showgrounds, museums, stadiums and cinemas.  Vaccination and check-in requirements will continue for anyone visiting or working in vulnerable settings (hospitals, disability accommodation services, residential aged care), as well as for workers in high risk settings including schools, childcare, prisons and airports.  I welcome this decision, and applaud the State Government for recognising the level of vaccination achieved in our great state, and I stress again the disconnect this mandate has caused to our communities.

Congratulations to Esk Caravan Park for taking out the 2022 Caravan Parks Association of Queensland (CPAQ) Awards – 2022 Refurbishment Award Winner.  The awards provide Queensland caravan parks and their staff the opportunity to review and reflect on their own activities each year.

Following Queensland councils urging the Federal Government to immediately commit to a trial of domestic mobile roaming during emergencies, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) will conduct a public inquiry into access to regional mobile towers and into the feasibility of providing mobile roaming during natural disasters or other emergencies.  Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, Paul Fletcher said the 2021 Regional Telecommunications Review had noted strong progress but highlighted issues that need to be further addressed.

Agenda Item #22   Councillors’ Report

March

23           Ordinary Council Meeting – Esk

23           Workshop Meeting – Esk

24           Somerset Regional Council Human Social Recovery Group Meeting (#3) – Teams

24          International Women’s Day – Kilcoy Showgrounds

24           Inspection of footpaths – Kilcoy resident

26           Youth Filmmaking Workshops – G & A Huglin – Somerset Civic Centre

26           Camp & Jam – Blues, Country & Rock Concert 2022 – Esk Showgrounds

28           Proposed Development meeting – Esk

29           Kilcoy Interagency Committee Meeting – zoom

29           Major General Ellwood visit to Somerset region

29           Experience Somerset Tourism Launch 2022 – Kilcoy Explore Centre

31           Linville State School – Farewell staff member

31           Linville Hotel – Welcome to forthcoming owners

31           The Condensery Masterplan – The Condensery, Toogoolawah

April

05           Visit to Esk residents – Mount Glen Rock project

07           Somerset Regional Council Human Social Recovery Group Meeting (#4) – Teams

07           Brisbane Valley Heritage Trails monthly meeting – Esk

07           Meeting with Murphy’s Pigs and others – Esk

08           Slow Churn Launch – Toogoolawah, The Condensery

11           Councillor Infrastructure Tour

12          Kilcoy Hospital Auxiliary meeting

12           Meeting with Kilcoy Global Foods

12           Development Application review – teams

Around fourteen adults and children enjoyed making “The Choice” film at the Youth Filmmaking Workshops held on Saturday 26 March at the Somerset Civic Centre.  The day was enjoyed immensely by all who attended the workshop.  It was pleasing to see our youth full of energy and playing their parts extremely well, it was a story that unfolded as we went step by step.  Thank you so much to both Greg and Andrea for their expertise and guidance on the day.

A very emotional farewell was offered by Mrs Carey, who had been a member of the Linville State School staff for 30 years.  Mrs Carey was presented with a beautiful home-made farewell cake, gifts, flowers and a lovely framed certificate of attainment.  It was very evident that Mrs Carey will be sorely missed by all.

Councillor Report – Ordinary Council Meeting 23 March 2022

 Cr Cheryl Gaedtke – Ordinary Meeting 23 March 2022

Agenda Item # 5 Matters of Public Interest

The Brisbane Valley Kilcoy Landcare Assn held a very successful Jimna Landcare Festival on Saturday 19^th March.  Around 140 people made their way to Jimna and spent the day at the festival.  The festival was blessed with perfect weather, interesting and informative stalls, entertaining and interesting speakers, great live music, lots of information around bush tucker, different stalls selling plants and other much needed supplies, hunger enhancing smells from the Kilcoy Lions BBQ and award winning scones and coffee from our host Pete.  Jimna Base Camp was a perfect venue to hold this community based event. This festival now completes the projects funded through Landcare Led Bushfire Recovery supported by the Australian Government’s Bushfire Recovery Program for Wildlife and their Habitat.

Agenda Item # 33   Councillors’ Report

March

09           Ordinary Council Meeting – Kilcoy

09           Council Workshop – Kilcoy

09           Villeneuve Rural Fire Brigade meeting

10           Brisbane Valley Interagency meeting – Zoom

10           Human Social Recovery Group Meeting – Teams

10           Kilcoy Historical Society AGM & Monthly meeting

11           Mt Kilcoy State School Badge Presentations

14           LGAQ – Qld Fixated Threat Assessment Centre (QFTAC) Forum – Teams

14           Kilcoy State School P&C Assn AGM & Monthly meeting

15           Kilcoy District Progress Alliance Monthly meeting

16           Mt Kilcoy State School P&C Assn AGM & Monthly meeting

16           Briefing – Human Social Recovery Group – Teams

16           Brisbane Valley Kilcoy Landcare Assn Monthly meeting – Toogoolawah

17           Human Social Recovery Group Meeting – Teams

17           Lowood State High School – 2022 Senior Leadership Ceremony

17           Alara – Morning Tea – Kilcoy

17           Kilcoy Art Society Monthly meeting

17           Mt Kilcoy Sandy Creek Rural Fire Brigade AGM & Monthly meeting

18           Youth Filmmaking Workshops Kilcoy State High School

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning Steven Miles said the 16,500 assessments were undertaken by the Queensland Fire and Emergency Service (QFES), supported by staff from the Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA).  While some of these properties will be repaired quickly, others may be uninhabitable for months, if not longer.

The Queensland Government has worked to unlock Personal Hardship Assistance Grants for those impacted residents, including additional options for those who aren’t insured. For more information, impacted Queenslanders can visit the Department of Communities, Housing and Digital Economy website or call the Community Hotline on 1800 173 349.

The State Recovery Coordinator, Major-General Jake Ellwood, is working closely with the QRA and key stakeholders to commence this plan which will include programs that address all of the issues that people are facing – their housing, their amenities and their mental health.

For more information on the damage assessments, visit QRA’s website at www.qra.qld.gov.au/darm.

  Cr Cheryl Gaedtke – Ordinary Meeting 9 March 2022 – Councillor Report

 Cr Cheryl Gaedtke – Ordinary Meeting 9 March 2022

Agenda Item # 5 Matters of Public Interest

I wish to express heartfelt thanks to all emergency workers that have assisted in any way over the recent flood event. I also wish to acknowledge our Council Staff, local businesses, volunteers, community members, and Councillors who came together to assist and manage the flood emergency in many different ways.  Community members opened up their hearts, wallets and homes to help stranded travellers.  A huge thank you to Kilcoy Global Foods for transporting several boxes of groceries to the sixty odd stranded travellers on the eastern side of Kilcoy Creek.  I offer sincere condolences to family, friends, loved ones and colleagues of those people who have lost their lives during this natural disaster.

The feeling around this natural disaster was summarized by a stranded traveller who offered the following words upon returning home after spending four days in the Kilcoy Refuge Centre.  “……….You are all amazing, beautiful people. The kindness and generosity you shared towards us the ” flood stranded ” for 4 days was unbelievable.  Words cannot express how grateful we are for everything you did. Donations of food, clothing, beds, linen, accommodation, access to showers and bathrooms etc. Kilcoy is an incredible town full of beautiful, gracious people who work together to make things happen and have fun along the way. Hula hoop competition was great addition.  Proud to be an honorary local.  We have returned home safely and will never forget your hospitality. Thank you all once again”.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the many other communities located in Queensland and New South Wales, that are struggling through this challenging and heartbreaking time.

Agenda Item # 25   Councillors’ Report

February

23           Council Ordinary Meeting = Esk

23           Council Workshop – Esk

24           Kilcoy Recreation Grounds Committee Quarterly Meeting

27           Kilcoy Refuge Centre

28           LDMG Extraordinary Meeting – Teams

March

02           ALGWA Conference – Hosted by Whitsunday Regional Council

02           Combined Ipswich & Toowoomba District Human & Social Recovery Committee Meeting – Teams

02           Councillor Briefing with CEO – Teams

02          LDMG Meeting – Somerset – Teams

03           ALGWA Conference – Hosted by Whitsunday Regional Council

03           LDMG Meeting – Somerset – Teams

04           Combined Ipswich & Toowoomba District Human & Social Recovery Committee – Teams

04           Tour of flood impacted areas Kilcoy with ADF

05           Kilcoy Rodeo Assn Committee Meeting

07           LDMG Meeting – Somerset – Teams

08          Kilcoy Hospital Auxiliary monthly meeting

08           Kilcoy Tennis Club monthly meeting

08           Visit to flood impacted residents – Seib Street, Kilcoy

08           Kilcoy State High School P&C Meeting

Whitsunday Regional Council hosted the Biyearly Australian Local Government Women’s Assn. (Qld Branch) Conference, titled “Women Connected and Unshaken”.   Among very informative presentations and sessions, the delegates also learnt of recent poor treatment of Councillors and Senior Staff members.  It is a sad day when the public believe they have the right to target and threaten Councillors and staff when unhappy with council decisions. This attitude and associated threats and treatment of fellow human beings is totally unacceptable in our society.

Unfortunately, the Kilcoy Rodeo Assn. has made an unavoidable decision to postpone the rodeo which was to be held on Saturday 26 March.  The showgrounds cannot be brought to a suitable condition to continue with this date.  Locating another suitable date this year proved impossible, therefore we look forward to March 2023 to welcome and attend this great event.

Cr Cheryl Gaedtke – Ordinary Meeting 23 February 2022 – Councillor Report

Cr Cheryl Gaedtke – Ordinary Meeting 23 February 2022

Agenda Item # 5 Matters of Public Interest

Bunya to the Bay is an award winning educational experience grounded in Aboriginal culture and heritage that follows the Brisbane River from source to the sea.  A group of 40 selected students relay in teams to walk, cycle and canoe over 340 km of challenging river terrain.  Scientific, personal, social and adventure learning experiences build the students’ understanding of the many facets of the Brisbane River.  An amazing and important opportunity provided by Stanley River Environmental Education Centre for State School students of all backgrounds and abilities from Years 10, 11 and 12.  I encourage our residents to view the video on Youtube of the 2021 expedition, it certainly provides a deep understanding of the students’ experiences.

153,000 trees have been planted at Wivenhoe Dam to increase koala habitat and water quality and is one of the biggest revegetation projects in southeast Queensland.  The Wivenhoe Dam revegetation program is part of the government’s $1 billion investment to protect the environment and create jobs as part of the state’s economic recovery.  The trees have been planted at seven sites on former grazing land.

Kilcoy Global Foods announced that it will build a $50m food manufacturing factory on the Sunshine Coast.  It has also announced that as a further part of its expansion plans, it is proposed to develop housing for abattoir workers at Kilcoy.

Huge congratulations to the following groups who have been successful with round 112 of the Gambling Community Benefit Funds (GCBF) :- Esk Jockey Club Inc. $35,000 install track running rail; Kilcoy Art Society Inc. $34,530 paint building, replace ramp and install flooring; Kilcoy Golf Club $17,000 renovate verandah; Kilcoy Race Club $28,510 purchase tent; Lowood Community Action Group Inc. $13,408.78 install lighting and paint mural; and Toogoolawah State School P&C Assn $25,000 install shade sail.  Community groups are advised that the GCBF is holding a “super round” (round 113) and grants of up to $100,000 is available to go towards projects that benefit local communities.

Agenda Item # 30  Councillors’ Report

09 February        Ordinary Council Meeting  – Esk

09 February        Council Workshop – Esk

10 February        Brisbane Valley Interagency Meeting – Zoom

13 February        AAA Racing (AUS) – Jimna Base Camp

15 February        Kilcoy District Progress Alliance AGM & Monthly meeting

17 February        Kilcoy Art Society Inc. AGM & Monthly meeting

21 February        RADF Assessment Meeting – Teams

22 February        Kilcoy Interagency Meeting – Zoom

22 February        Somerset Economic Development & Tourism Advisory Committee Meeting – Esk

AAA Racing (AUS) – Jimna Base Camp – Go Figure ‘22

AAA Racing (AUS) held its trial event at Jimna Base Camp on Sunday 13 February.  The event consisted of two running legs that shared a total of 80km of trails, and around 50 runners became part of the inaugural event.  The runners are welcomed to the northern section of our beautiful region, and I look forward to the return of this event in February 2023 at Jimna.

AGM – Kilcoy District Progress Alliance and Kilcoy Art Society Inc.

Congratulations to these two successful non-profit community groups who have achieved very important milestones and projects in 2021.  The strength of these groups will only provide a positive and rewarding presence in the Kilcoy community.  I encourage residents to pop along to the monthly meetings to learn what these groups are about and maybe consider becoming members.

Cr Cheryl Gaedtke – Ordinary Meeting 9 February 2022

Cr Cheryl Gaedtke – Ordinary Meeting 9 February 2022

Agenda Item # 5 Matters of Public Interest

Huge congratulations to the Yowie parkrun group of volunteers, in celebrating their third birthday.  There were tourists from Warner Lakes, Logan, Stanthorpe, Wondai, North Lakes and members from Kilcoy Indoor Sports Centre who joined in the brightly coloured fun.  Everyone was encouraged to dress in the loudest and brightest attire they owned.

I am somewhat relieved to learn that a former Facebook data scientist welcomes Australian’s efforts to regulate Facebook’s standard of operation.  The Australian Senate inquiry was told of the widespread harassment and violent threats on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and calls for changes, including greater powers to identify online trolls.

I wish to thank staff who took the time to investigate the possibility of providing sign language lessons in our region.  After being approached by residents who were interested in learning Auslan, I advise that the Kilcoy Indoor Sports Centre is providing a basic introductory course.  The course will be held on Saturday 26 February from 9:30 am – 12:00 pm, and will cost $25 per person.

With great sadness and along with many others, I would like to pay tribute of Mr Halwyn Herrmann.  Hally will be missed by many and remembered for his unique abilities.

Agenda Item # 40  Councillors’ Report

December

16           Council Ordinary Meeting

16           Councillors’ & Directors’ Christmas Lunch

16           End of Year Team Somerset Christmas Celebration

18          Esk Races – Judging Fashions of the Field

22           Mount Glen Rock Steering Committee Meeting and Walk on Sandy Creek Trail

23           Inspection Sandy Creek, Esk with Brisbane Valley Kilcoy Landcare Assn and NRM Officer

January

10           Councillor/CEO Team Catchup (Teams)

17           Meeting with (2) Kilcoy residents

19           Council Ordinary Meeting

19           Council Confidential Workshop

26           Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony – Somerset Civic Centre

26           Australia Day Awards Ceremony – Somerset Civic Centre

28           2022 Outlook – Councillors Strategy Discussions (Teams)

28           Ross Manning – The Condensery

February

01           Teams meeting – CEO & Councillors

01           Somerset Arts Networking Event – “What’s the Plan?”

02           Mr Jim Lougheed Funeral – Past Kilcoy Shire Councillor

03           Brisbane Valley Heritage Trails Committee Meeting – Yarraman

05           Somerset & Wivenhoe Fish Stocking Assn – Release Lake Somerset – Westvale Boat Ramp

05           Kilcoy District Tennis Assn AGM

07           The Condensery – Somerset Regional Art Gallery Advisory Committee meeting – Esk

08           Kilcoy Hospital Auxiliary meeting

Congratulations to our new Australians and to all Australia Day Award nominees.  It is overwhelming to be nominated, and the ceremony is one that resonates the pride experienced by all involved.

The second Arts Network Event was held Tuesday night 1^st February, and it was titled “What’s the Plan?”  This proved to be a great community brainstorming opportunity.  Guests were asked to participate in a workshop that had the theme identified as significant for the arts sector across the region.  I look forward to the next networking event.

Another great effort made by the busy members of the Somerset & Wivenhoe Fish Stocking Association, with 92,500 Bass fingerlings being released into Lake Somerset at the Westvale Boat Ramp. These Bass fingerlings were paid for from the SIPS permit, it is great to see the fishing funds at work.

The Condensery is undergoing a major change in direction – with the assistance of newly appointed professional and experienced staff.  New strategies and associated plans are in place and will be worked through accordingly – so watch this space!

The Kilcoy District Tennis Assn. held its AGM on Saturday 5^th February where its future plans and aspirations were captured and explained by President Gill Todd.  Well done to this group of volunteers who have really brought this club alive over the past 12 months, and special congratulations for being nominated in the Australia Day Awards – Community Group of the Year, and also to President Todd who was nominated for Citizen of the Year Award.

Councillor Report – Ordinary Meeting 16 December 2021

Cr Cheryl Gaedtke – Ordinary Meeting 16 December 2021

Agenda Item # 5 Matters of Public Interest

I note that the State Government announcement that they will continue offsetting the cost of the waste levy on household wheelie bins. I am aware the officers will be looking at the Somerset Stats in line with this announcement.

Apparently, a report has been made in a Queensland Newspaper, that a Yowie has been seen in Jimna Saturday 4^th December 2021, by three plantation workers.  Not long back to the Jimna Base Camp after tree planting, Stirling, Seamus and Margus were heading up School Road at about 7:50pm, when it was spotted.  It is reported that a big, dark, roundish shape was seen by two occupants of the car.  Do you believe in Yowies?  These hard working plantation workers say there is something out there, and it wasn’t someone dressed up!

I take this opportunity to wish my fellow Mayor and Councillors, Council Staff, all residents of our beautiful region a very Merry Christmas, and a Safe, Healthy and Happy 2022.  We are an awesome and envied team as we are not a team because we work together, we are a team because we respect, trust and care for each other.  In my role as Councillor, I look forward to achieving important and highly desirable outcomes during 2022.

Agenda Item # 26  Councillors’ Report

December

08           Ordinary Council Meeting – Esk

08           Council Workshop – Esk

08           Kilcoy Chamber of Commerce Business Meeting

Kilcoy Chamber of Commerce Business Meeting

Around ten people attended the meeting held at the Kilcoy RSL.  The meeting was led by Secretary Lee Robinson and based around brainstorming, sharing ideas and priorities that impact local businesses.  An opportunity that as leaders we must be willing to let go of what worked yesterday, and learn new ways of seeing, doing and leading.  It was suggested that the Chamber should survey local businesses to understand what is important to them, and what would encourage them to join the Chamber.  Membership is important for the Chamber to exist and to continue to grow.

Cr Cheryl Gaedtke – Ordinary Meeting 8 December 2021 – Councillor Report

Cr Cheryl Gaedtke – Ordinary Meeting 8 December 2021

Agenda Item # 5 Matters of Public Interest

Christmas Spirit alive and well in Somerset

Firstly, I acknowledge the hard work and immense effort provided by our community groups to successfully bring together any community event.  Unfortunately, this Christmas, one Christmas event had to be cancelled, but for those groups who have had or about to hold Christmas celebrations, good on you for taking the initiative.  The Kilcoy Christmas Carnival held on Saturday evening was a complete success, and the Christmas Spirit was on show for all to absorb and share.  It is estimated that around 1300 attended the celebration.  The organising committee advised that the event cost approximately $18,000 and most of these costs were met by donations and or sponsorships.  Some businesses provided not hundreds but thousands of dollars to make sure that no child was disadvantaged by providing free rides, free face painting, free entertainment, and free give ways.  The ever popular fireworks were held just prior to a storm that seem to  just reach Kilcoy resulting in some rain and wind for a short period of time.  The social wellbeing and community spirit created by such events will linger for quite some time.  Sense of Community, it is in the DNA of every Somerset resident.  Wishing for great weather for future Somerset Christmas events.

Mental Health Funding Shortfall

There has been much reporting and public discussion around funding shortfalls with mental health. Less money is invested in Queensland’s mental health system than any other state or territory in Australia, with decades of chronic underfunding meaning the state has the worst staffing levels and least number of beds to service its population.  And in the past 10 years while Queensland’s health budget has grown by around 50 per cent the mental health budget has only increased by about five per cent.  For example, the entire operating budget for the Metro North Hospital and Health Service this year is $3.36 billion but just $220 million of that will be spent on mental health – a meagre 6.5 per cent.   “Around the world” is experiencing an increased presentation in people with mental health issues, most of it on the back of Covid-19.  An issue for State and Federal Government to address sooner rather than later.

Agenda Item # 35  Councillors’ Report

November

24           Ordinary Council Meeting – Esk

24           Council Workshop 26 – Esk

25           Business Forum – Thriving in Agriculture Event – Lowood Golf Club

26           Movement to Music – Kilcoy Gym

26           Meeting with local community member – Kilcoy

26           Kilcoy Recreation Grounds Committee Meeting

30           Kilcoy Interagency Meeting

30           Kilcoy Indoor Sports Centre Steering Committee – Presentation of Concept Plans

30           Kilcoy Rodeo AGM & General Meeting

December

01           Somerset Dam & District Progress Assn monthly meeting

02           Brisbane Valley Heritage Trail Committee AGM & monthly meeting – Yarraman

03           Turn the Lights On – Kilcoy Shines

03           Linville State School Annual Awards – Moore

O4          Kilcoy Christmas Carnival

07           Volunteer Famil & Christmas Function – Toogoolawah & Esk

07           Kilcoy State School Annual Awards 3-6 years

Business Forum – Thriving in Agriculture Event – Lowood Golf Club

Congratulations to staff for organising another brilliant and informative business networking evening.  Once again, the guest speakers were informative, inspirational and motivational.  The catering was received at an extremely high standard, many thanks to all involved with this event.

Somerset Dam & District Progress Assn

Department of Parks and Gardens rang the SDDPA President and advised that it is agreed to facilitate the request to burn sections at risk around the Somerset Dam Village.  Discussions will be held with the Rural Fire Brigade, DTMR and SEQWater to coordinate an efficient burn.  The Department will also contact impacted landholders.  The association was also advised that the area required rain before attempting the burn.  Now that this has occurred, the position is looking very positive.  The group were ecstatic to receive this information so quickly after identifying this need early in November.

Linville State School Annual Awards – Moore

Being a small school does not limit the achievements of this active and sincere group of students.  An endearing evening was held with a spread of home cooked mains and ice-cream for dessert.  There were many special awards distributed, and a lovely Certificate of Appreciation certificate was presented to Council in recognition of ongoing support made to the school during 2021.

Turn the Lights on – Kilcoy Shines & Kilcoy Christmas Carnival Events

Many children, parents and care givers attended the Turn the Lights On, Kilcoy Shines to witness the newly erected Christmas Tree along with numerous Christmas lights glowing preciously in Yowie Park.  The event complimented the Kilcoy Christmas Carnival, which was a huge success as well.  Congratulations to the organising committees (and their spouses/partners), sponsors and of course to all those who attended these wonderful community events.