Ordinary Meeting 10 October 2018 – Councillor Report

 Cr Cheryl Gaedtke – Ordinary Meeting 10 October 2018

Agenda Item # 5 Matters of Public Interest

10 October         Farmers’ Workshop – Kilcoy Information Centre

10 October         Toogoolawah Show Society – AGM

13 October         Coominya Public Hall Celebrations

13 October         Kilcoy Rodeo & Kilcoy Konvoy

14 October         Esk Community Choir Gala Choral Concert Somerset Civic Centre

16 October         Mt Kilcoy & Sandy Creek Rural Fire Brigade AGM

18 October         Kilcoy Chamber of Commerce Monthly Meeting

20 October         Jacaranda Festival – Esk

20 October         Chappy Dinner – Kilcoy

21 October         Jammin in Esk

24 October         Kilcoy District Progress Alliance Inc. Monthly Meeting

Recognition and sincere congratulations to our local team who are now the PCQ Mounted Games State Champions 2018, and especially to Mikayla Symonds for being awarded the 1^st – Australian Champion in Combined Training.

As part of The Courier-Mail’s Future SEQ campaign, tickets to the most compelling business and community event in southeast Queensland are now available.  Topics will include population growth, development, infrastructure, technology, education, sport and tourism.

Agenda Item #33 Councillors’ Report      (I attended)

26 September   Kilcoy Interagency Meeting

26 September   Kilcoy District Progress Alliance Inc. Monthly Meeting

03 October         Somerset Dam & District Progress Assn Monthly Meeting

03 October         Teddy Bears Picnic – Fernvale

06 October         Mayoral Gala Charity Ball – Esk

09 October         Masquerade Party – Unmask Mental Health – Kilcoy

The Teddy Bears Picnic held at the Fernvale Community Hall was very well supported by service providers, parents, grandparents, children and teddy bears.   Analysing and including where appropriate the positive feedback shared with us will only see a bigger and better 2019 picnic.  Well done to staff.

Congratulations to all involved with the organisation of the 2018 Mayoral Gala Charity Ball.  Along with eighteen other guests, John and I had a truly enjoyable night, which was full of wonderful entertainment, pleasant surprises, an absolutely mouth-watering dinner and lots of joviality.  We all look forward to the 2019 Mayoral Gala Charity Ball.

Cr Gaedtke encourages local non-profit community groups to consider the Container Exchange program

After attending a container exchange program workshop, Cr Gaedtke would like to encourage non-profit community groups to give some thought to joining the container exchange program.  It was stated at the workshop how non-profit community groups in South Australia have received valuable funds from this initiative.  Financial benefit can be extremely large, as examples given.  The Queensland Container Refund Scheme will commence on 1 November 2018, and the advice from the facilitator was for non-profit community groups to discuss the scheme and to decide if their group is suitable and willing to take part.  This initiative also includes schools, and Education Queensland has further information available.

What can non-profit groups do now?

• Register your community group or charity with the scheme online.
• Decide what kind of donation point you would like to be, eg. virtual, mobile, pop up.
• Approach a CRP and plan to set up your donation point.
• As CRPs are added to the network, they’ll be published online for NFPs to approach.
• More details on assistance will be announced on www.containerexchange.com.au
• Go to www.containersforchange.com.au for more information on the scheme.

For further information:

Visit www.containerexchange.com.au, phone 13 4CHANGE (13 4242) or email

enquiries@containerexchange.com.au

Visit www.containersforchange.com.au or email enquiries@containersforchange.com.au

Cr Cheryl Gaedtke – Ordinary Meeting 26 September 2018

Agenda Item # 5 Matters of Public Interest

28 September   Somerset Senior Students Exhibition Visual Art –  The Condensery

29 September   Cent Auction – Moore Soldier Hall

03 October         Teddy Bear’s Picnic – Fernvale

06 October         Bush Breakfast under the Trees – Anglican Church Toogoolawah

06 October         Mayoral Gala Charity Ball – Esk

09 October         Masquerade Party – Unmask Mental Health – Kilcoy

10 October         Farmers’ Workshop – Kilcoy Information Centre

I wish to express my heartfelt concern to residents who were affected by the Toogoolawah/Mt Beppo fire on Thursday 20^th September 2018.  The presence and availability of the Mayoral Gala Charity Ball funding through the Toogoolawah Progress Association, I hope will offer some comfort and assistance to those residents who have lost so much.

On a different note, I would like to congratulate the Lowood High School for obtaining ranking in the top ten primary improvers in the recent Naplan results.

I was Interested to learn that Businesses will be forced to make gift cards valid for at least three years under new Federal Government laws to help stop consumers being dudded of tens of millions of dollars a year.

Agenda Item #    Councillors’ Report      (I attended)

12 September   Kilcoy State High School P&C Assn monthly meeting

13 September   Esk Hospital Auxiliary Inc Annual General Meeting

13 September   Kilcoy State School P&C Assn monthly meeting

13 September   Kilcoy District Historical Society monthly meeting

14 September   Out There Cycling – Adaptive bicycle event

15 September   Tiger Moth Flight – Mayoral Gala Ball 2017 Secret Auction item

15 September   Kilcoy Art Society Inc. – Community Opening of the Deck

15 September   Jazz on the Hill – fund raiser Kilcoy Hospital Auxiliary

17 September   Container Exchange Scheme Workshop – Caboolture

18 September   Kilcoy Hospital Auxiliary Annual General Meeting

19 September   Meeting with local resident

20 September   Meet & Greet with local businesses

22 September   Brisbane Valley Rattler Presentation Day – Fernvale

25 September   Kilcoy Interagency Meeting

It gives me great pleasure to advise that after receiving an email from the Queensland Rural Regional and Remote Women’s Network, which requested nominations in various award sections for women in our region, and after consulting with two regional women whom I felt met the associated award categories, one of these ladies accepted the nomination and went on to win her award category.  Ms Jayne McKenzie owner of Somerset Health and Fitness was announced the winner of the Queensland Rural Regional and Remote Women’s Network Small Business Owner Award.  The well supported and prestigious presentations took place at Kingaroy on Saturday 15 September 2018.

I attended a Container Exchange Scheme Workshop held at Caboolture where around 70 participants learnt of benefits of the scheme and how non-profit organisations can really be winners from registering with the scheme.  From examples given of the South Australia experiences, local non-profit organisations can make a healthy income from taking part in the Container Refund Scheme.

Press Release 12 September 2018

Cr Gaedtke believes Travelling Opens the Mind and Heart

After travelling around Western America for five weeks, Councillor Gaedtke has arrived home with greater awareness of major differences and major similarities between Australia and America.  A major difference is the population figures which records America with 325.7 million (2017 United States Census Bureau) and Australia with 23.4 million (2016 Census).

Cr Gaedtke said “that it has been 5 years since John and I took time out from our busy schedules to enjoy quality travelling, and we have been reminded of the benefits of doing so.”  Whilst it is good to be home, Cr Gaedtke is aware that there are many points of interest that was learnt by spending time in another country.

“We were both amazed by the road and bridge infrastructure that Americans have and the foresight of future planning.  Here we saw highways that already have numerous trafficable lanes but with future lanes visual and ready to be sealed to accommodate future growth and traffic demand.”

There are so many different forms of providing energy to this vast and everchanging country.  Cr Gaedtke and her husband rode a hired Harley motorbike past huge solar farms, giant windfarms, nuclear power plants, oil and natural gas producing regions, enormous power generating plants with never ending power lines that were built to supply communities with this valuable resource, regardless of the terrain or the size of the community needing this basic commodity.

Cr Gaedtke advised that she was surprised by the availability of good quality water resources.  “It certainly brought life to areas that would not support such without the provision of reliable water sources” said Cr Gaedtke.

The display of patriotism and the support of veterans and active-duty military, and those who serve their country was proudly acknowledged in every state visited.

After talking to the locals, it is interesting to learn that Australia is behind America with certain initiatives.  Questioning, analysing and learning from other countries is a significant opportunity not to be underestimated.

Photo  –  John and Cheryl at the north rim of the Grand Canyon. Arizona.

Cr Cheryl Gaedtke – Ordinary Meeting 12 September 2018

Agenda Item # 5 Matters of Public Interest

15 September   Pop Up Shop – Free Formal Wear for Lowood

15 September   Jazz on the Hill – Profits to Kilcoy Hospital Auxiliary

15 September   Art & Music in the Park – Lakeside Deck Kilcoy Courthouse Art Gallery

16 September   Jammin in Esk

18 September   Kilcoy Hospital Auxiliary AGM

22 September   Esk Campdraft

22 September   Brisbane Valley Rattlers Presentation Day

23 September   Spring Dance – Glamorgan Vale

I would like to acknowledge and congratulate The Lowood Truck Show for raising $15,046.84 from their August event this year which will be gratefully accepted by Drought Angels, and also, the effort being made by the Lowood Community Action Group by providing gowns, suits, accessories and shoes free of charge at their Pop Up Shop this Saturday.  The group’s ambition is to help those in need of formal wear to graduate in 2018 in style and to have wonderful memories of their special night.

Agenda Item # 57 Councillors’ Report      (I attended)

8 September     Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Community Celebration – Moore

8 September     Blackbutt Avocado Festival

9 September     Lakeside Deck – Official Opening – Kilcoy Courthouse Art Gallery

Cr Gaedtke – Ordinary Meeting 25 July 2018

 Cr Cheryl Gaedtke – Ordinary Meeting 25 July 2018

Agenda Item # 5 Matters of Public Interest

26 July                  Glamorgan Vale QWCA Birthday Luncheon

05 August            Esk Community Choir Theatre Restaurant – Toogoolawah

05 August            Social Sequence Dance – Glamorgan Vale Hall

18-19 August     Inaugural Reel Wivenhoe Classic – Captain Logan Campgrounds

19 August            Jammin in Esk

25 August            Kilcoy Hospital Auxiliary High Tea & Fashions by Portofino

25 August            Lowood Truck Show

31 August            Wine & Cheese Evening – Anglican Hall, Kilcoy

Congratulations to:

• Claudia Campbell representing Lowood Show Society as being chosen the 2018 West Moreton and Brisbane Valley Sub Chamber Country Life Miss Show Girl.
• Torie Harrison and Karly Kleidon representing Kilcoy Show Society who took out runner up Showgirl and runner up Rural Ambassador at the Near North Coast Regional Finals.
• Roland Sjollema, President of the Fernvale Lions Club on his recent receipt of the Melvin Jones Award, which recognises outstanding Lions or members of the general public.
• Department Local Government Racing and Multicultural Affairs is offering Queensland’s 129 local shows a boost of $400,000 over 3 years Show Societies Grants Program, which is on top of the annual $2 million program.

Agenda Item # 29 Councillors’ Report

Attended

15 July  Jammin in Esk

20 July  Condensery Tour & Regional Arts Overview with Arts Qld.

20 July  Picturing Innovation Meeting

21 July  Operation Icebreaker – Training exercise fire units/brigades – Kilcoy Showground

22 July  Bunya to the Bay – Eco Adventure Project – Barambah Environmental Education Centre

25 July  Meeting with Business Owners – Esk

25 July  Meeting Development Application – Coominya

Ms Jayne McKenzie has advised that she will be organising a Health Expo at the Kilcoy Indoor Sports Centre on Saturday 2^nd February 2019.  The health expo will include local community groups, various stalls, lectures regarding healthy lifestyles and various displays.

I wish to seek permission to complete the Diploma of Local Government (Elected Members) during the 2018/19 financial year.  I have eight units of competencies to complete.

Regional CBD Town Beautification – Collaboration with Community

Regional CBD Town Beautification – Collaboration with Community

Cr Gaedtke is looking forward to working toward the first steps in promoting the Regional CBD Town Beautification Project.  As part of the regional project, the broader community in towns in Somerset would be consulted to obtain feedback that community believes is important to their town.  The feedback would define the expectations and aspirations of the community through the public consultation process.

Cr Gaedtke explained “that Council received a request through a business plan from the Kilcoy District Progress Alliance Inc. that was based around the development with a forward-thinking view to incorporate new directions to ensure the ongoing relativity of Kilcoy, improved business confidence and longevity of the township”.  After much discussion and analysing similar projects in neighbouring council areas, Council agreed that the principles of beautification for the central business districts of all the towns within Somerset be further developed.

Community may have strong expectations as to what they believe requires changing, or what they appreciate and needs to remain the same, perhaps just enhanced.  Each town will have its unique needs and this is where community can share their knowledge, future expectations to correctly identify and build the ambience of the town.  Simple ideas and improvements can be incorporated to achieve the desired outcome.

Cr Gaedtke said “that she believes with robust community consultation, a precise and workable plan will be developed for each town”.  Obviously, the process will have strict timelines and be budget allocation driven as well.  Cr Gaedtke advised that as a member of the Tourism Advisory Committee and as an observer to the Economic Development Plan Committee, she understands the importance of both committees working together to share future plans and aspirations to ensure economic sustainability and visual appeal of all towns in Somerset.  The Regional CBD Town Beautification project is definitely a worthy initiative for both committees to support and contribute to.

Councillor Report – Council Ordinary Meeting 11 July 2018

Cr Cheryl Gaedtke – Ordinary Meeting 11 July 2018

Agenda Item # 5 Matters of Public Interest

14 July                  Esk Races

15 July                  Jammin in Esk

21 July                  Country Fair Apostolic Church of Qld – Toogoolawah

22 July                  Christmas in July – Lowood

26 July                  Glamorgan Vale QCWA Birthday Luncheon

Congratulations to all involved with planning, attending, competing and supporting the Council event – Somerset Rail Trail Fun Run.  The event was well supported, well administered and it was overwhelming to witness the number of entries and the number of visitors and locals who enjoyed the winter morning’s activities.  Well done!

Agenda Item #26 Councillors’ Report

(attended)

28 June                Kilcoy Chamber of Commerce & Community Inc. Monthly Meeting

30 June                Esk to Yarraman Brisbane Valley Rail Trail 100 km Challenge

02 July                  Kilcoy Flicks Meeting

03 July                  Citizenship Ceremony

04 July                  Somerset Dam & District Progress Assn. Inc. Monthly Meeting

05 July                  Brisbane Valley Heritage Trails Monthly Meeting

08 July                  Somerset Rail Trail Fun Run 2018

It is welcomed news that the State Government has created the Industry Reference Group in direct response to 2017 LGAQ Annual Conference resolutions calling for a State-wide policy position on short-term accommodation facilitated by online platforms to improve transparency and manage safety concerns.   The “code of conduct” the Government was proposing and the introduction of a system for data sharing would help councils manage the impact of short-term letting in their local communities.

“Queensland Fills You Up!” Max (12) tells Cr Cheryl Gaedtke

After attending the Brisbane Valley Heritage Trail committee meeting held at the Yarraman Heritage Centre, on Thursday 5^th July, Cr Cheryl Gaedtke called in to have lunch at the Bunya Nut Café at Blackbutt.  It was here that a hungry family was enjoying their lunch and it was obvious that the family were enjoying some special school holiday activities.

The family were holidaying in Queensland and came specifically to our part of the state to ride the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail.  Dad, Tony Richards was born in Esk 51 years ago and now resides in Warragul, Victoria with his wife Silvia, son Max (12) and twins Chris and Samantha (9).  The family rode from Esk to Fernvale the previous day and had a great time.  After travelling by car to Yarraman, the family have plans to ride from Yarraman through to Esk.  If necessary the support crew of Mum, Silvia will pick up the twins at Moore, whilst Dad and Max attempt to travel through to Esk.

Cr Gaedtke asked Tony “What was the best part of the trail so far?”  Tony was quick to answer “the best part is the small country towns with their unique characters and whom they have met, great food and the spots to visit along the trail.  Max has his own philosophy about his experience so far and was eager to share that “Queensland Fills You Up!”.

Warragul, Victoria has a population of 14276 (2016 census) and is an Aboriginal word meaning Wild Dog and is located 102 kilometres east-southeast of Melbourne.

Cr Cheryl Gaedtke – Ordinary Meeting 27 June 2018

Cr Cheryl Gaedtke – Ordinary Meeting 27 June 2018

Agenda Item # 5 Matters of Public Interest

28 June                Kilcoy Chamber of Commerce & Community Inc Monthly Meeting

30 June                BVRT 100 Bike Ride

01 July                  Social Sequence Dance – Glamorgan Vale Hall

01 July                  Sunday at the “Old Church” – Moore

03 July                  Citizenship Ceremony – Esk

04 July                  Somerset Dam & District Progress Assn Monthly Meeting

05 July                  Brisbane Valley Heritage Trails Monthly Meeting

07 July                  Mt Stanley Ranch Sorting

07 July                  Nanny McPhee – Somerset Civic Centre

08 July                  Somerset Rail Trail Fun Run 2018

11 July                  Kilcoy High School P & C Assn Monthly Meeting

It appears the wait is over and the Lowood Police now has four newly sworn appointments and one administration staff member who will work from the now fully staffed police station. 

The Brisbane Valley Protein is a farming business that is spreading its wings with the opening of a $2 million quail-processing plant that will service a growing Asia-Pacific market while serving up local jobs and community benefits.  The quail abattoir is the first stage of the protein precinct master plan which will be completed in four stages. The business is located at Coominya.

Agenda Item #43 Councillors’ Report

16 June                Esk Garden & Lifestyle Fair

16 June                Lowood Show

16 June                Visit to Ms Pauline Watson – Vernor

17 June                Hole in the Wall Café –  official opening – Jimna

19 June                Lowood District Residents Network Inc. committee meeting

26 June                Kilcoy Interagency Meeting

26 June                Kilcoy State High School Council Meeting

26 June                Fernvale Business Meeting with Somerset Regional Council

27 June                Farewell Staff – Somerset Regional Council

27 June                Lowood State High School Careers’ Night

27 June                Kilcoy District Progress Alliance Inc. committee meeting

The Cormorant Bay Parkrun will officially be launched on 14 July 2018.  The course is a 2.5km looped twice, the track is a lovely trail run along Lake Wivenhoe.  Congratulations to all involved with getting this initiative off the ground in the last seven months.  Well Done!