Councillor Report – Council Ordinary Meeting – Wednesday 13 May 2020

Councillor Report – Council Ordinary Meeting – Wednesday 13 May 2020

Category : General News

Cr Cheryl Gaedtke – Ordinary Meeting 13 May 2020

Agenda Item # 5 Matters of Public Interest
It is with sadness that I reflect on the following events since our last Ordinary Council Meeting:
• The passing of a long-term Toogoolawah identity and true gentleman, Mr John Douglas Seymour. John joined his Father, Wilfred Seymour who founded Seymour’s Transport in 1924. The business was awarded an International Harvester agency in 1929, and which continued for over 55 years, it also took on a Toyota dealership in 1970. John 95, was a very pivotal part of the business and continued to play an active role until only a number of years ago.
• The passing of long-term Kilcoy Shire Council employee, Mr Eric Thomas Gray. Eric 91, worked at Kilcoy Shire Council from 1956 to 1991, and during the latter part of this time was my immediate supervisor. Eric held the position of Cost Clerk and Acting Shire Clerk and I respected Eric as my mentor and valued the work ethic that he instilled in me. Prior to 1985 and computerisation council utilised the Kalamazoo loose leaf ledger system, and I can recall being taught by Eric that all columns must balance preciously by the use of manual calculators, not even a one cent discrepancy was tolerated.
• The horrific accident that occurred in Victoria on 22 April 2020 which resulted in the biggest single loss of life of Victorian Police claiming the lives of four Police Officers. As we are in roles that relate directly to service to our communities, loss of life is the ultimate price to pay, and one not expected. They have now joined the legacy of our Australian’s heroes.

Agenda Item # 42 Councillors’ Report
Anzac Day Commemoration 2020 was remembered by many in our communities, and in a very different way to how we normally do this. Very proud and grateful communities gathered at the front of their properties with flags, candles, recordings and live connection to Anzac Day Commemoration broadcasts. Well done to those who took the time and effort to commemorate this special day. Given the positive feedback, this type of commemoration may well become a future trend.

I have received numerous complaints about the unacceptable behaviour of some motorists in specific areas of our region. It appears that more roads have become popular meeting spots for burnouts, the practice of keeping a vehicle stationary and spinning its wheels. Burnouts has the potential to become a serious form of competition and entertainment, and the practice is illegal when carried out on public property. I acknowledge the difficulty in policing this matter, however a holistic approach may be required to deal with the current and future unsafe public road use.

The provision of online technology has kept us in touch were possible during the COVID period. Zoom held meetings has provided the platform to conduct various meetings, and I am aware that one local community group held their monthly meeting via messenger. Webinars are another successful online platform that offers interaction at different levels. I have taken part in two episodes of the Rural Aid Community Builders Series webinars that focus on community rebuilding and resilience and will cover a range of topics designed to inspire towns and prepare them for post COVID-19. Ideas will be shared, help with tourism initiatives, discuss long-term viability, what grants are available and how to access them, and more. The first two topics were focused on What Makes a Great Town? and Building Good Businesses in Small Towns. Peter Kenyon is the facilitator and possesses great experience and knowledge. Many years ago, Peter Kenyon facilitated a public town meeting in Kilcoy which resulted in community invigoration and the experience certainly provided the locals with an “up an at ‘em” attitude. I can report that Peter definitely implanted community with a caring, positive and fresh perspective about our town, and given the current challenges, these attributes are needed region wide.


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Cover for Cheryl Gaedtke Retired SRC
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Cheryl Gaedtke Retired SRC

Cheryl Gaedtke Retired SRC

I believe in open communication, active listening and a commonsense approach, ALWAYS!
After 39 years, 31 as staff and 2 terms as Councillor, I have enjoyed my journey and understand the importance of Local Government as the grass root level of government.

A very informative meeting, with Somerset Regional Council's CEO Andrew Johnson, providing an overview of the strategic planning completed by council, and the ongoing objectives and goals for our new council team.Yesterday, the RDA Ipswich & West Moreton Committee had a fantastic meeting at the Fernvale Visitor Information Centre. We were joined by the newly elected Somerset Regional Councillors for a wonderful meet and greet session with our committee members. It was a lovely afternoon spent in beautiful Fernvale, filled with productive conversations and connection-building.Photo from left to right: Somerset Regional Council Deputy Mayor Cr Helen Brieschke, RDAIWM Katey Cochrane, RDAIWM Cheryl Gaedtke, RDAIWM CEO Rees Banks, RDAIWM Chair Janice Holstein, Somerset Regional Council CEO Andrew Johnson, Somerset Regional Council Cr Brett Freese, RDAIWM James Sturges, Lockyer Valley Regional Council and RDAIWM Cr Anthony Wilson, Somerset Regional Council and RDAIWM Cr Michael Bishop Somerset Region, Somerset Regional Council Cr Sally Jess, Somerset Regional Council Cr Tiara Hurley #RDAIWM #Fernvale #SomersetRegion #CommunityConnections #RegionalDevelopment ... See MoreSee Less
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I cannot express how proud I am to see this project take shape. Many thanks to Council staff and our new Council Team for making this happen. The Kilcoy Indoor Sports Steering Committee worked hard during our last term to arrive at the very best way forward with respect to this very much needed project.The development application seeks approval for an extension to Indoor sport and recreation, on land at 35-37 Hope Street, Kilcoy. The proposed development will be staged by converting the existing shed to provide for the new gymnasium and gymnastics hall and multipurpose rooms as Stage 1 and the multipurpose indoor sports courts as Stage 2.The existing Kilcoy Indoor Sport Centre building has an area of 1,383m2 and contains a gymnasium around an indoor cricket net. A gymnastics area is located at the eastern end of the building. Additional infrastructure on site includes an external basketball court with a hardstand area of approximately 450m2 located at the rear of the building. A 12m x 6m shed is also located at the rear of the building. A 12m x 3m transportable building is located to the west of the main sports centre building. The site contains 27 car parking spaces in Hope Street and an informal parking area to the eastern side of the building, served by a gravel driveway. The proposed extension to the building includes:  Upgrading of the existing shed to provide a dedicated gymnasium and gymnastics area, separated by a solid wall;  Construction of a large building extension to the south of the existing building including two multipurpose courts and ancillary facilities including change rooms; and  A multipurpose wing to the west of the existing and proposed building including café, reception area, administration room, allied health consulting rooms, toilets and multipurpose rooms. The building will have a total gross floor area of 3,973m2, an increase of approximately 2,050m2 of useable area and an increase of gross floor area of approximately 2,500m2. Stage 1 will have an increase in gross floor area of approximately 944m2. Stage 2 will have an increase in gross floor area of 1556m2Ancillary works to the extension include:  Additional fill at the rear of the building to provide a flat building area for the building extension;  A retaining wall at the southern end of the fill;  Additional carparking on site and within Hope Street; and  Upgrades to Hope Street including a bus drop off area. The car parking for the development comprises a total of 133 spaces and includes:  39 parking spaces at the front of the site including three PWD spaces;  25 parking spaces to the east of the building;  29 parking spaces at the rear of the building (on Lot 306); and  40 overflow parking spaces along Hope Street to the east of the site. ... See MoreSee Less
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Photos from Friends of Stonehouse- History Restoration and Conservation Inc's post ... See MoreSee Less
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Exciting developments for Lowood and Kilcoy with Lowood Futures Strategy and Kilcoy Streetscape Revitalisation projects receiving $830,000 each in joint funding from the Federal and State governments under the Liveability Fund. It was great to meet with Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt today to hear the latest on the Council's vision for these important revitalisation projects.Somerset Regional Council Fernvale and Lowood District News and Events ... See MoreSee Less
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