development services - mackay regional council services monthly review report august 2015...

Development Services Monthly Review August 2015

Development Services

Monthly Review Report August 2015


Contents


Executive Summary

Development Services

With the City Centre public realm redevelopment coming towards completion it was pleasing to see thousands of people attending the 2nd Twilight Street Party which delivered a welcome boost to the City Centre traders. It is also pleasing to see numerous city centre building owners taking up Councils Façade improvement grants to improve their own buildings which compliment Council works. In the Strategic Planning arena it is pleasing to report that the judicial Review challenging Councils draft planning scheme has been resolved successfully and Councils proactive approach to coastal planning and climate adoption has been rewarded by being selected as the only Queensland Council to participate in the development of a risk tool with the National Climate Change Adaptation Research Facility. In the Development Assessment program it was pleasing to see another application from the NBN to expand their coverage and Council is meeting regularly with NBN to bring forward super-fast broadband to as many businesses and residents as possible to unlock the economic opportunities the NBN facilitates. On the construction front conditions remain extremely challenging which demonstrates the need for the strong stimulus measures Council has developed in its recent budget. The first round of applications in Councils community building fund are now in and following award these grants will provide much needed work for local builders.

Gerard Carlyon Director Development Services

Twilight Beyond Your Imagination Street Party


Department Overview

Department Main Operations

Development Assessment

Planning-Assessment of applications for: Material Change of Use Reconfiguration of a Lot Concurrence Agency Amended Application Negotiated Decision

Engineering-Assessment of applications for: Plan Sealing Operational Works Construction Works Minor Works

Strategic Planning

Draft Mackay Region Planning Scheme Waterways and Flood Studies Local Area Planning Regional Planning Infrastructure Planning

Health and Regulatory

Services

Environmental Health Vector Control Environmental Protections Pest Management Education Services Development Compliance Local Law Services

Economic Development

Business Investment and Attraction Major Projects Facilitation and First Point of Contact Business Retention and Expansion Tourism Development Education and Training Development Infrastructure Development Business Development and Marketing Tradeshows and Events City Centre Coordination

Business Liaison Event Delivery (such as Easter in the Laneways, Summer in the City, Christmas in the

City, New Year’s Eve) City Centre Website, Facebook & Instagram Marketing and Promotional Campaigns Facilitation of ‘Active in the City’ and ‘Kids Active in the City’ Sarina Sugar Shed

Operation of the Sarina Sugar Shed

Parks and

Environments

Parks Operational Planning Parks Building Services Parks Maintenance Natural Environment and Marine Beaches Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens


Workplace Health & Safety

Incident Statistics

Month 2015 Total Incidents

January 2015 1

February 2015 1

March 2015 3

April 2015 7

May 2015 2

June 2015 3

Month 2015 Total Incidents

July 2015 9

August 5

The WH&S statistics detail a summary of the Development Services incident performance. These are incidents involving injury only, not motor vehicle, loss, theft or damage.

The spike in incidents in April 2015 is due to Parks, Environment and Sustainability recently transitioning from Community and Client Services to the Development Services directorate.


Review of Operations

Strategic Planning

Current Projects The table below provides an overview of the projects currently underway in each of the sub programs in Strategic Planning.

Regional and Local Area

Planning

Transport & Infrastructure

Planning Waterways

Draft Mackay Region Planning

Scheme

Growth Allocation Model McCready’s Creek South

Stormwater Trunk Infrastructure

Study

Tradeable Development Rights

policy

Infrastructure agreements Bakers Creek Stockroute Road

East Stormwater Trunk

Infrastructure Strategy

Regional Sustainability Strategy

Implementation plan

Transport modelling Voluntary mechanism for

Stormwater Quality Management

Farm to Plate Program

(Agritourism development) (in

partnership with Economic

Development)

Development of a Local Government Infrastructure Plan

Mackay Region Coastal and

Inland Flood Hazard Adaptation

Strategy

Bakers Creek / Walkerston Flood

Study

Urban Stormwater Quality

Management Plan for Mackay

PROJECT UPDATES

Coastal Councils Adaptation Taskforce – LGAQ Disasters up and down the coast in recent years have cost Queensland billions of dollars. In the face of the increasing severity of natural hazards, investing now to identify strategic solutions, supported by expert advice, will save Queensland communities money and heartache in the future. Many of Queensland’s coastal councils are taking steps to understand the risks to their communities and assets and identify solutions, but this planning work is both complex and expensive. The Coastal Councils Adaptation Taskforce (C-CAT) was established in February 2014 as a vehicle for councils with a common commitment to effectively adapt to coastal climate change challenges. By working together, Taskforce members save money and achieve synergies they would otherwise be unable to access. Mackay Regional Council is a member of the Coastal Councils Adaptation Taskforce. The LGAQ provides the secretariat and resources to progress activities that are tailored to the specific needs of the member councils.


The C-CAT acts as a focus and forum for the discussion of issues and undertakes activities and special projects to identify needs, share information and develop solutions. The vision of the local government led and managed alliance is securing the future of their coastal communities in the face of climate change. The focus over the last year has been on reviewing governance associated with climate change.

FOCUS

CoastAdapt – Mackay Regional Council Selected as a Tool Development Partner The National Climate Change Research Facility (NCCARF) is working to produce a Coastal Climate Risk Management Tool, known as CoastAdapt. This tool is designed to provide coastal local governments and associated stakeholders with the skills, information and tools to support effective decision-making around climate change and sea-level rise. Council was selected to become a Tool Development Partner in July 2015 after a review of approximately 50 applications Australia wide. There are ten members of the Tool Development partnership and Mackay Regional Council is privileged to be the only local government member from Queensland. The Tool Development Partnership met for the first time in Sydney in late July and the next meeting will be in November 2015. NCCARF pays for travel associated with the partnership and provides Council with $10,000 to cover expenses as a tool development partner. The funding will also be used to further Council’s climate adaptation work. Figure of overarching structure of CoastAdapt (source: NCCARF Phase 2 Coastal Climate Risk Management Tool: Development Plan


Development Approvals

Volume of Operations No. of Applications Assessed

Material Change of Use – Code, Impact & Compliance

Reconfiguration of a Lot – Code, Impact & Compliance

Concurrency Agency

Amended Applications

Combined Applications – Code & Impact

Under Assessment New Completed

Planning The total number of planning applications received during August was 24, which is a significant reduction in application numbers compared to the previous six months. The applications received in August included 10 applications for setbacks to dwelling houses or sheds, approvals for dwellings in the Flood or Steep Land Overlay as well as four Permissible Change applications to amend plans of development or extend the currency period of approvals. Among the Material Change of Use applications received in August, there was an application for a NBN facility in Ball Bay and an application to ‘re-approve’ a Temporary Recycling Facility (concrete, bricks & tiles) at Holts Road, Glenella. Six Reconfiguration of a Lot applications were received in August; three rural boundary realignments, two for approval of access easements and one to create a new lot in the Aurizon freight facility in Paget. Of the applications approved during August, the two most notable were the approval of a Fruit & Vegetable Shop next to Macs Truckstop in Balberra and the refurbishment of the KFC on the corner Nebo Road and George Street.


Signage Applications

Prescribed Tidal Works

Review of Operations Development Approvals

Development & Compliance Permits

Minor Works

Value of Development Three Operational Works applications

were approved in August 2015 with a

total value of works of $807,095. The

August 2014 value of works approved

was $9,884,394 and there was no

construction works approved in July

2015.

Value of Approved Operational Works Cumulative value of works to date

Engineering In August Development Engineering received three operational works applications, two compliance certificates applications for construction, 24 minor works applications and six plan sealing applications. This compares with the three operational works, four compliance certificates applications for construction, 28 minor works and ten plan sealing applications received in the previous month of July.

Volume of Operations No. of Applications Assessed

Disclaimer: Due to fluctuating cost of works figures all data is updated

on a monthly basis. The graph demonstrates the cumulative figures for the calendar year.

Under Assessment New

Completed

Plan Sealing


Updates on Significant Developments Currently Being Assessed by Council

Applications Lodged for

Assessment

Developments Approved

NEW APPLICATION

OW-2015-24 OW – Civil Works – Carpark

76 Willets Road, North Mackay

APPLICATION APPROVED

DA-2015-78 78 Macs Truckstop Service Road, Balberra The applicant proposes to establish a Shop (Fruit & Vegetable shop) on land adjacent to the existing Macs Truckstop at Balberra. The facility will replace the fruit & vege shop that was previously located near the intersection of Bruce Highway and Hay Point Road which has been required to be removed to accommodate the planned intersection upgrade.


PLANS SEALED

NEW APPLICATION

OW-2015-21

OW – Roadworks

Kerrisdale Gardens Stage 1

61 Kerrisdale Crescent, Beaconsfield.

PLANS SEALED

SPCOM-2015-103

4 Lots

68A Makybe Dive Drive, Ooralea

Decided 12.08.2015

Applications Lodged for

Assessment

DA-2015-123

233 Holts Road, Glenella The application proposes to re-establish a Temporary Recycling Facility on rural land located in Glenella. The applicant intends to recycle ‘clean earthen materials such concrete, bricks and tiles, via a mechanical crushing machine. The resultant material will then be either sold or reused. This proposal was previously approved by Council (via a Consent Order) for a period of two years; however the previous approval expired in March 2015. The applicant is seeking to re-establish the same use, with an approval period of 10 years, though the operations would be required to cease earlier if residential development commenced in the surrounding areas within this period.


Development Services performance against legislative timeframes

MCU Code & Impact Days to decide Material Change of Use applications

Reconfiguration of a Lot

The KPI’s for approval of Reconfiguration of a Lot applications have been met for August, with the following results:

90% of applications were decided within 40 days, with the average timeframe being 19 days.

Reconfiguration of a Lot Days to decide ROL applications

MCU Code and Impact

The KPI’s for approval of Material Change of Use applications in August have been met for Code Assessable applications, but not Impact Assessable. Code

All of the Code Assessable Material Change of Use applications were decided within 40 days. The average timeframe for deciding this application type was 15 days.

Impact

Four Impact Assessable Material Change of Use applications were decided during August, with an average decision making period of 29 days. The KPI was not achieved as one of the four Impact Assessable applications exceeded the 40 day benchmark, being 45 days.


Development Services performance against legislative timeframes

Operational Works 100% of applications decided were in less than 40 days.

Operational Works Days to decide Operational Works applications

Plan Sealing Seven plans, containing five saleable lots, were sealed in the month of August with seven new Plan Sealing applications being received. 100% of plans that did not have an Action Notice issued were sealed within the target timeframe. Applications with an Action Notice issued are excluded from the target timeframes due to delayed applicant response timeframes.

Plan Sealing Days to decide Plan Sealing applications


Health and Regulatory Services

Client Requests

Overall, numbers of client requests received remained steady when compared to long term averages. There were minor decreases across all service areas apart from Environmental Protection where there was a 41% (24 requests) increase. This was attributed to higher numbers of environmental related enquires and noise and littering related requests being lodged. With the small reduction in Local Laws related requests, Officers were able to increase their completion rate to 69% for abandoned vehicle and wandering dog requests. The yearly cycle of outdoor events continues and Environmental Health Officers have been assessing increased numbers of applications and carrying out inspections with respect to conditions of approval and temporary food.

Inspections

This table shows the premises inspected calendar year to date, by the Environmental Health Officers.

Type Inspections

Caravan Parks 0

Food 69

Accommodation 8

Swimming Pools 2

Footpath Dining and Street Vendors

2

Environmental Relevant Activity 0

Volume of Operations No. of Client Requests Processed

Illegal or Non-Complying Development

Food Accommodation & Home-Based Business

Public Health & Safety and Environment

Abandoned Vehicles

Pools, Sewerage, Stormwater & Plumbing

Pest Management

Dogs and Other Domestic Animals

Under Assessment New Completed


Review of Operations Health & Regulatory Services

Monthly Infringements Activity

Total Infringements issued from 01 August 2015 to 31 August 2015 was 712.

Infringements required to be issued by Officers this month marginally increased across the full spectrum of regulatory activities undertaken, including regulated parking, animal related and environmental protection. However, they remained consistent with average numbers over previous months. Numbers of infringements issued relating to regulated parking increased to 680 in August. Although this was higher than July, this result remained consistent with the monthly average range for infringements issued.

The table below provides a summary of infringement activity for Health & Regulatory Services for August 2015.

Issued Paid Waived/voided Not Paid

All other infringements $ Value $3,534 - $589 $2,945

# 6 - 1 5

Animal Related $ Value $5,170 $235 $705 $4,230

# 22 1 3 18

Development Compliance

$ Value - - - -

# - - - -

Environmental Protection

$ Value $18,140 - - $18,140

# 4 - - 4

Health Infringements $ Value - - - -

# - - - -

Stormwater & Waste $ Value - - - -

# - - - -

Vehicle Related $ Value $42,680 $8,638 $1,903 $32,139

# 680 143 21 516

TOTAL $Value $69,524 $8,873 $3,197 $57,454

% 100% 12.8% 4.6% 82.6%

TOTAL # 712 144 25 543

% 100% 20.2% 3.5% 76.3%


Infringements Activity – 1st July 2013 to date

Total Infringements issued from 01 July 2013 to 31 August 2015 is 13,361.

Over two thirds or 72.4% of all infringements issued since 1 July 2013 have been paid by offenders. To date, 17.8% remain outstanding and are transferred to our collection process where they are issued a reminder notice and finally referred to the State Penalties and Enforcement Registry (SPER) for recovery.

The table below provides a summary of infringement activity for Health & Regulatory Services from 01 July 2013 up to the end of August 2015.

Outstanding

Issued Paid Waived/ Voided

Not Paid Reminder

Notice Issued

Referred to SPER

All other infringements

$ Value $117,639 $40,037 $31,316 $2,945 $4,612 $38,729

# 210 72 56 5 8 69

Animal Related

$ Value $156,977 $52,869 $18,281 $6,572 $5,476 $73,779

# 643 227 76 28 21 291

Development Compliance

$ Value $111,226 $66,539 $31,254 - - $13,433

# 58 31 14 - - 13

Environmental Protection

$ Value $48,367 $16,046 $6,977 $18,140 $227 $6,977

# 32 10 9 4 1 8

Health Infringements

$ Value - - - - - -

# - - - - - -

Stormwater & Waste

$ Value - - - - - -

# - - - - - -

Vehicle Related

$ Value $817,898 $592,098 $94,876 $34,843 $6,306 $89,775

# 12,418 9,330 1,160 562 93 1,273

TOTAL $Value $1,252,107 $767,589 $182,704 $62,500 $16,621 $222,693

% 100% 61.3% 14.6% 5.0% 1.3% 17.8%

TOTAL # 13,361 9,670 1,315 599 123 1,654

% 100% 72.4% 9.8% 4.5% 0.9% 12.4%


Review of Operations Health & Regulatory Services

Current Month Value of Works

Average Value of Detached Dwelling - $329,742.55

Average Cost of Attached Dwellings - -

Average Dwelling Size 283 $329,742.55

No. of Detached Dwellings 20 $6,594,851.00

No. of Attached Dwellings - -

Additions and Alterations 11 $816,695.00

Total Residential Applications 20 $6,594,851.00

Total All Applications 102 $25,332,349.00

Disclaimer: Total all applications includes all other Building Works applications not shown above

Vector Control

SITES INSPECTED SITES TREATED HECTARES TREATED

179 29 103 ha

Building Works

The table below represents the total dollar amount of building works carried out in the region for the month of August 2015.

The table below represents the work carried out by the Vector Control team in August 2015.

Out and About The Environmental Health and Education Team played a critical role ensuring Twilight City was a safe and successful event for the community. Before the event, Officers assessed and issued the Event Approval and Temporary Food Stall Approvals to 24 operators. Four (4) after hours education sessions (12 hours) were held with food business operators and food handlers to ensure they were adequately prepared for the event and aware of the food safety requirements. Four Environmental Health Officers worked with Economic Development and food operators immediately before and during the event for over 5 hours to ensure food safety compliance was achieved and public health risks were minimised.

Health Officers ensure Food Safety Compliance was Achieved


Building Applications Approved

Class Type Class Description August 2015

August 2014

YTD

Class 1a

Single dwelling

30 17 270

Class 1b Boarding house, guest house or hostel

- 43 -

30 60 270

Class 2 Building containing 2 or more sole-occupancy units

each being a separate dwelling.

- - -

Class 3 Residential building, other than a building of Class

1 or 2

- - 5

Class 4 Dwelling in building that is Class 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9

- - 1

Class 5 Office Building

1 3 17

Class 6 Shop or other building for the sale of goods by

retail or the supply of services direct to the public

4 5 48

Class 7a Carpark - - 2

Class 7b For storage, or display of goods or produce for sale

by wholesale. - 3 4

- 3 6

Class 8

Laboratory or a building in which a handcraft or

process for the production, assembling, altering,

repairing, packing, finishing or cleaning of goods or

produce is carried on for trade, sale or gain.

1 - 11

Class 9a Health care building - - -

Class 9b Assembly building 2 1 3

Class 9c Aged care building 1 - 1

3 1 4

Class 10a Non-habitable building being a private garage,

carport, shed, of the like:

45 77 450

Class 10b Structure being a fence, mast, antenna, retaining

or free standing wall, swimming pool, or the like.

8 13 88

53 90 538

Sundry Demolitions, class n/a, class s/s

2 3 17

TOTAL 94 165 917



Overview Twilight City Beyond Your Imagination was held on Saturday, August 29 and was delivered by the City

Centre Taskforce and Mackay Regional Council. Melco Engineering became the Presentation Rights

Sponsor for 2015. Large crowds attended Twilight City, which included 54 food, market and

community stalls and many of the city restaurants and businesses also traded on the street. The free

family event included two arts and crafts kid zones, a sports zone and a teen dance party, live

entertainment, fireworks display and Animating Spaces. A free shuttle service was provided in

partnership with Mackay Transit Coaches, with 560 passengers utilising the free services.

Economic Development coordinated the hosting of two successful delegations during August.

Warrnambool City Council and a delegation of six from Yantai China visited our city and toured

facilities such as CQ University and the Sarina Sugar Shed. The delegations also toured the City

Centre Revitalisation Project and engaged with the Diversify Mackay Leadership Alliance.

The new Senior Economic Development Officer was appointed and duties include the coordination of

the Invest Mackay Events and Conference Attraction Programs.

Manager Economic Development and Principal Economic Development Officer continued to network

and support regional initiatives including participation in the Regional Development Group and

meeting with the Queensland Trade Commissioner to Indonesia.

Work continued on the draft Economic Development Strategy 2015-2020, including an opportunity for

key stakeholders to review the Strategy and provide feedback. The Strategy is in the final stages of

development and Council will be briefed on the stakeholder feedback in September.

Key Focus September:

Finalisation of the Economic Development Strategy 2015-2020.

Attending AIMEX 2015 1-4 September to promote ‘Mackay Home of QME 2016’ with support from

Reed Mining Events, Resource Industry Network and Trade and Investment Queensland.

Continued promotion of the Invest Mackay Events and Invest Mackay Conference Attraction

Programs including administration of Round 1 funding.

Delivery of the City Centre Façade Improvement Scheme Round Two for buildings facing Sydney

Street, located between River and Gordon streets, and Victoria Street, from Sydney to Brisbane

Streets.

Implementation of the Mackay Pride Incentive Scheme for property owners in areas, such as

Sarina, Mirani, Pioneer Valley, Walkerston, Evans Avenue/North Mackay, West Mackay Fourways

and the Northern Beaches.

Recreational Vehicles (RV) Project briefing to Council in partnership with Strategic Planning.


Assisting with the Media Launch of the Bulls Masters Country Challenge being held in October 2-4,

sponsored under the Invest Mackay Events Attraction program, and provide support to market the

event.

Sarina Sugar Shed attending the Royal Melbourne Show from September 24 to September 27

2015.

Hosting SEGRA (Sustainable Economic Growth for Regional Australia) Conference Convenor

Implementation of the Sarina Sugar Shed online booking system and new EFTPOS facilities.


Economic Development Business

e-Networks Statistics

City Centre Business Network 736 current subscribers

Regional Focus Business Network 297 current subscribers

Sarina Businesses Network 285 current subscribers

Evans Avenue Network 121 current subscribers

City Deals Club Subscribers 2145 current subscribers

Investment Facilitation and Business Support There were nine facilitation meetings held with developers/property owners/business owners and

relevant Council and Government representatives.

Invest Mackay Events and Conference Attraction Programs The ED team worked with Corporate Communications and Marketing to facilitate a media call to

promote Round One of the Invest Mackay Events and Conference Attraction Programs (held

Wednesday, Aug 19 at MECC). Seven Local News and ABC Radio attended.

Invest Mackay Events and Conference Attraction Programs webpage and online application form

was also launched and short link established www.mackay.qld.gov.au/investmackayfunding

Website includes funding guidelines, application process details and expressions of interest form

Two event applications have been submitted online to date and many telephone enquiries have

also been received.

Contracts have been secured with 2015 Bulls Masters Championships (2-4 October 2015); two

other major events contracts are currently being negotiated.

ED is currently working with the MECC Team on securing a number of other significant

conferences and events.

Mackay Region Joblink

Analytic Report

231 total users

403 job views


Industry Development and Networking ED Manager and Officers attended several networking and industry development meetings/events

including:

o Mackay Region Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours networking event

o Local Content Leaders Network meeting – Brisbane

o Mackay Region Chamber of Commerce Buy Local Subcommittee meeting

o Regional Development Group quarterly meeting

o DMLA Construction and Infrastructure Pillar Group Local Content Subcommittee meeting

o Greater Whitsunday Regional Food Network meeting

Economic Development and Strategic Planning completed a survey of Mackay LGA caravan parks

as part of the RV Project and preparation of a council briefing.

Economic Development Strategy 2015-2020 The draft Economic Development Strategy 2015-2020 was released to key stakeholders engaged

in the consultation process for comment and feedback to be received by 27 August.

The final draft Economic Development Strategy and summary of stakeholder feedback will be

reported to Council in late September.

Trade and Export Opportunities Manager Economic Development and Principal Economic Development Officer attended a

meeting with Trade and Investment Queensland Advisor and the Queensland Trade

Commissioner to Indonesia.

Economic Development finalised arrangements for Mackay Region representation at AIMEX 2015

in Sydney in September to promote ‘Mackay as the home of QME 2016’, in partnership with Reed

Mining Events and with support from Trade and Investment Queensland and Resource Industry

Network. Nearly 500 exhibiters and over 7,000 visitors are expected to attend.

MIW Agritourism Project The Greater Whitsunday Food Network met on 28 August and is working on a range of projects

from the Mackay Isaac Whitsunday Food and Agritourism Strategic Action Plan.

The Network has submitted their application for incorporation and is waiting for approval.

A number of Sub-committees have been formed including Regional Food Ideas Exchange and

Marketing and Promotions.

ED submitted a Queensland Week 2016 Sponsorship Application, on behalf of the Network, to

seek funding to host a Queensland Week themed Farm to Plate Dinner in conjunction with Chef

Matt Golinski.

Digital Enterprise Program Continued to work on advertising and offering businesses FREE one on one on-site, face-to-face

mentoring from a local digital expert targeted at getting businesses online, productive and secure

online marketing (website and social media), operational performance enhancement and cyber

security.


Yantai Delegation Visit The delegation from Yantai, our sister region in China,

visited the Mackay region on August 24 and 25. The visit

commenced with the delegates meeting the Mayor of

Mackay Regional Council Deirdre Comerford and Acting

CEO David McKendry, followed by a round table meeting

with Mackay Regional Council Senior Officers.

The delegates visited Mackay Harbour with a tour

through the North Queensland Bulk Ports facilities and

toured Central Queensland University’s facilities and the

$18 million Mackay City Centre Revitalisation Project.

The Diversify Mackay Leadership Alliance had the

opportunity to meet with the Yantai delegates to present

Mackay’s industry and investment opportunities and

discuss Yantai’s investment environment and key

projects.

A welcome dinner with special guests including

Queensland Acting Premier Jacki Trad and Queensland

State Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert was held for

the Yantai delegates to welcome them to the Mackay

region.


City Centre Coordination

City Centre Website and Facebook Statistics

Mackay City Centre website page views and engagement on social media platforms increased in

August.

City Centre Taskforce

The City Centre Taskforce met on 18 August 2015 and was updated on the current status of the

City Centre Revitalisation Project and the projects being delivered under the City Centre

Marketing Strategy.

Progress report was provided on the organisation of the Twilight City Beyond Your Imagination,

detailing the entertainment for the event as well as the addition of free public transportation to the

event.

The Professional Bull Riders (PBR) Pro Tour event of 19 September will be filmed for television

production with a distribution agreement arranged with Foxtel to reach 300 to 400 million

households in New Zealand, Asia, Europe and the Americas.

The City Centre Free WIFI request for quote closed on 14 August with installation required to

coincide with the installation of the “Cane Fire” public art piece.

Twilight City Free Bus Service Feedback

Mackay Transit Coach Drivers (MTC) received feedback on the night that it was a wonderful

initiative from council and the City Centre, and they appreciated the transport to attend Twilight.

Some even said they would have contributed a gold coin to travel.

MTC probed people and many said they have not used our public transport before, but used the

free bus as an opportunity to take advantage of a having nice dinner with friends and loved ones,

and hop back on the bus to get home.

We contacted retirement homes in the lead up to Twilight City and sent through the timetable

outlining the stops that were closest to residents, this showed through patronage as we

transported passengers who otherwise have not have been able to attend due to mobility issues.

As the vehicles provided have disability access, this was greatly appreciated and people were

very thankful with wheelchairs, prams and children.

Sarina and Mirani residents were also thankful to leave the car at home and wouldn't have

attended otherwise.

Mackaycitycentre.com.au

Visits 15,746

Page Views 75,141

Mackay City Centre

Facebook

Likes 3,053

Total Reach 75,495

Mackay City Centre

Instagram

Followers 444

Following 107

Average Love

Rate 3.61%

Average Talk

Rate 0.23%

Average

Spread Rate 0.4%


Active in the City


The Active in the City program continued to offer a range of free activities for the community including:

City Centre Dog Walking, Zumba®, Rock and Road Cycle Rides and The LRC Runners Club.

City Centre Marketing Strategy The Twilight City - Beyond Your Imagination Street Party campaign ran for the full month with

television, radio, newspaper, print media and social media being engaged. Public response was

strong with social media accounts showing record uptake and sharing.

Continued implementation of the City Centre Marketing Strategy with ongoing support to the City

Centre businesses via the City Centre website, social media accounts and Sea FM Shout Outs.

Ongoing one-on-one support to businesses was maintained ensuring good communications and

a strong awareness of the current state of the City Centre.

Ongoing engagement with City Centre businesses encouraged participation with the Twilight City

Beyond Your Imagination street party and included assistance in developing offerings for the

event and completion of individual event permits.


Footpath Markets Markets were in held in the City Centre on Saturday 22 August from 2pm to 6pm.

The markets were coordinated by a local business owner and had 23 stalls with nearly all City Centre

businesses in the core remaining open for trade.

The markets were very well received both by City Centre businesses and the patrons of the City

Centre. An estimated 500 plus people attended the markets with the majority of the attendees being

young families.


City Centre Façade Improvement Scheme

The City Centre Façade Improvement Scheme Stage 2 guidelines are being finalised with

Stage 1 applications heading to completion.

The Scheme continues to be delivered with many property owners in the City Centre making

headway on the upgrades of their buildings.

Work has commenced on the following buildings listed below (see before photographs)

which are due for completion in mid-September:

1) Palace Hotel Victoria Street

2) Dalrymple Building Victoria Street

3) Montezuma’s Building Wood Street

4) Cougar Developments Building Wood Street

Before Photos

1) 2)

3) 4)

Building Work Completed Ray White Wood Street – after photographs


Sarina Sugar Shed

Visitor Numbers Visitors to Sarina Sugar Shed (SSS) in August totalled 1073.

Sunday trading commenced on August 2, 2015 with trading figures for the month totalling $3593.

A total of 92 visitors were recorded for Sunday trading in August and this is expected to increase

as new advertising material is distributed with updated opening hours.

Visitors came from the following areas:

Business Improvement and Opportunities Planning has been completed for the installation of new banking facilities at SSS, including new

EFTPOS terminals. This will allow the new online booking and point of sale system to be

implemented and staff and volunteer training to be completed.

Tourism Award Submissions Judging for the Queensland Tourism awards commenced with a site visit by Queensland

Tourism Industry Council on August 10. Four submissions were submitted on the 17th August in

the following categories:-

o Tourism Wineries, Distilleries and Breweries

o Outstanding Contribution by a Volunteer or a Volunteer Group

o Excellence in Food Tourism

o Tourism Attractions.

The Awards Gala Ceremony will be held in Brisbane on the 13 November.

Royal Melbourne Show Preparations are well underway for the Sugar Shed attendance at the Royal Melbourne

Show from September 24 to September 27 2015.

A pallet load of signature products has been shipped to Melbourne in preparation for the

event.


Regional Food Council SSS attended the monthly Greater Whitsunday Food Network meeting. Co-ordinator of SSS is

leading a sub-committee to implement a number of key actions from the Greater Whitsunday Food

Networking Strategic Action Plan. This includes the creation of a regular ‘Regional Food Ideas

Exchange” where produce is showcased alongside the work of chefs and retailers in using and

promoting regional food. Activities being discussed include:

o Annual regional food industry event to provide networking and professional development in farm

to plate innovation.

o Local exchanges of network event should occur twice per year in line with major seasonal

change.

o Support the development of Food and Agritourism clusters by facilitating cluster formation

activities/events and encouraging networking, bundling and clustering activities.

o Chef tours and producers dinners as informal information exchanges.

The sub-committee consists of members across the Mackay Isaac Whitsunday regional council areas.

Product Development Following the recent Bendigo Bank conference delegation visit to the SSS, interest was shown

in producing a new alcoholic product.

SSS Operator and Co-ordinator have been working with Mundubbera growers in developing a

mandarin NOI (Nice on Ice). The first trial batch was critiqued by visitors to the SSS during

August.


Parks and

Environment

Management

Consultant’s briefs for the upgrade of Ron Anderson Park, Bundersem Street Reserve 2A and Mulherin Park (Paget) completed. Fee offers will be called using the Local Buy Pre-qualified Panel, with consultants anticipated to be on-board to commence design work in November.

Work on SC6.16 Public Open Space Policy finalised. The draft is currently being circulated for comment. Council will be briefed on the Open Space Policy and park’s input into the LGIP on 16

th

September.

Graffiti management policy approved and initial blitz has commenced.

Briefing to council regarding urban mowing operations.

Presentation to State and Federal Government experts regarding waterway and reef protection projects.

Community consultation commenced for the Botanic Gardens Design Project. On Saturday 28th

August more than a 150 residents participated in two events facilitated by Place Design Group.

Above: Community Information Day held at the Botanic Gardens. Interactive displays

were positioned around the desk.

Below: Displays at the Twilight Event.

Above: The public engaging with the displays at the morning event at the

Botanic Gardens.

Below: Displays at the Twilight Event.


Parks Building Services Activities Electrical Operations

Conducted three maintenance runs on the regions traffic lights. Eight lamps were replaced, two

general repairs were completed and seven signal faults rectified. Two replacement traffic signals

were installed following separate traffic accidents.

Undertook three after hours emergency repairs to traffic signals and signals were lowered for

wide loads on five occasions.

Repairs were completed on lighting fixtures in five parks, as well as six repairs to tools and

equipment.

Completed testing and tagging for four work areas.

Progressed electrical work associated with the Malcomson St/ Greensfield intersection upgrade.

Installed new and repaired existing lighting within the Montgomery Street Park as an added

security measure to the new playground.

Completed the fit out of power to the new camp kitchen as the Seaforth Campground.

Public Amenities

Re-painted both the interior and exterior of the Quota Park amenities following a substantial

graffiti incident.

Re-painted the interior of the Jubilee Car Park amenities to remove graffiti.

Completed door and door frame repairs and fitted a new indicator bolt and hinges to amenities

subject to vandalism at Seaforth Campground.

Park Furniture and Playgrounds

Installed a new sign and plaque at Marilyn Wallman Park for the official opening ceremony on

30/08/2015.

Repaired damage to two bench seats at Queens Park.

Installed an additional park bench at Coral Point at Campwin Beach.

Complete a total of fifteen repairs to park log fencing and gates at various locations.

Installed a new locking pole and bin at Ram Chandra Park.

Other work Completed - City Centre, Bluewater Quay and Bluewater Trail

Cleaned 8,000m2 of concrete and paths with blower and 4,000m

2 with a water blaster.

Removed two bags of rubbish and five shopping trolleys from the river bank.

Completed 22 repairs to fences, furniture and bins.

Cleaned and oiled decks and seating along Sandfly Creek walkway between the boat ramp and

Iluka Park.

Commenced graffiti blitz within the City Centre.


Capital Works - In Progress

Jubilee Park Anzac Upgrade – Works have commenced. Storm water installation and bulk

earthworks in preparation for construction of the concrete paths now completed. Concreting of

paths will commence shortly.

Plantation Palms Play Equipment and Shade – New play equipment and roofed shelter have

been installed. Works on the concrete edge/ retaining wall and fencing are in progress. Security

lighting has been installed in the new shelter. Reinstatement of the sand soft fall and landscape

surrounds will be undertaken once the concrete and fence repairs have been completed.

Seaforth Campground Kitchen – Works on the new kitchen have been completed and the new

kitchen has been opened for park users. Works on upgrading the old laundry, immediately

adjacent to the kitchen, are now in progress.

Grasstree Beach Picnic settings – Planning and ordering of materials has been completed for the

replacement of ten concrete picnic settings along the foreshore. The old settings will be replaced

with aluminium settings installed on concrete slabs.

Owen Jenkins Drive Play Equipment – Works on the replacement of aged play equipment on the

Sarina Beach Esplanade is in progress. Sarina Beach Progress association successfully applied

for and acquired a grant to purchase most of the new equipment. Council is working with the

association to install the new equipment and proposed landscaping. Works are progressing to

schedule and the new playground will be opened in time for the September school holidays.


Capital Works Projects Completed

Marilyn Wallman Park sign and plaque installed to mark the official opening of the

recently refurbished play equipment

Seaforth Campground Kitchen has been completed and work on upgrading the

adjacent laundry has commenced.

Mulherin Park Shade Structure – Duplication of the large timber shade structure over the

play equipment has been completed.

Tom McLean Park – Worn and damaged components of the play equipment have

been replaced and the unit repainted.


Cemeteries

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

Burials/Ashes in Mackay Region

Burials Ashes

Administration – Parks Bookings

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

Park Bookings

Park Bookings Bot. Gardens

Nu

mb

ers

Nu

mb

ers


Grass Maintenance Activities

Horticulture

476

2664

456545

141 195 175 182304 361

459

891704

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

3000

Orchid House Visitors

Plants Grown in the Nursery and Planted out by Horticulture Staff:

Propagated 460 x 140mm pots and 180 larger plants for use in a variety of projects.

Potted 150 orchids.


Natural Environment and Marine Beach Activities Natural Environment Plan Implementation

Bush restoration works ongoing at a range of sites across the region including Grasstree Beach,

Blacks Beach and Seaforth reserves.

Progress made in the control of woody weeds (Lantana) at Blacks Beach Spit.

Conducted site visits with contractors to review progress and set new milestones for contracted

works.

Jointly showcased the Lagoons Creek rehabilitation site with Reef Catchments to senior DEHP

staff members.

Field Team Activities – (Sarina and Mackay Beach Teams and Habitat Restoration Team)

The Habitat restoration team teamed up with the Green Army to complete the revegetation works

along Gooseponds Creek with a total of 800m of revegetation installed (see Photograph 2).

Maintenance to walking track undertaken in Slade Point Reserve, Seaforth, Cape Hillsborough,

Bucasia, Blacks Beach, Grasstree and Salonika Beach.

Repairs to fencing at Seaforth, Cape Hillsborough and Bucasia.

Completed repairs to the swimming enclosure at Seaforth and McEwen’s Beach.

Planted 740 plants at various sites including the Gooseponds fishways, Slade Point and Eulburtie

Reserve.

Carried out general maintenance and weed control at Sandfly Creek, Grasstree Beach, Blacks

Beach and Slade Point reserve.

Environmental Ranger Activities

Issued nine notices for waste dumping and/or illegal clearing at various locations including the Blacks Beach (Zone C), Campwin Beach and East Mackay.

Issued warning notices for illegal access in Glenella.

Investigations in progress into illegal access to Council land in North Mackay.

32 vegetation cases (protruding/planting etc.) currently under investigation.

Article included in Hibiscus Herald regarding vegetation.

Strange substance found at Grasstree beach (See photograph 3).

Mackay Natural Environment Centre Activities

5425 plants sent out of the MNEC.

Regular volunteer activity throughout the month – PCL volunteers, Green Army, Youth justice etc.

One person carrying out light duties.

Other Projects

Activities undertaken by Green Army teams at Quota Park, Far Beach, Sandfly Creek, Wetland

Walkabout and Weeping Cabbage Palm Reserve, Blue Water Trail and the MNEC.

Staff attended JP training.

Transported an injured turtle to the Whitsunday turtle hospital.

Maintenance and report to WSUD assets throughout the region. Major rectification of the Premier

Gardens asset near completion (See photograph one).


Little McCreadys Creek Project – Coordinated the design review progress. Detailed design and

signage plans nearing completion.

Revegetation at Gooseponds Creek alongside the soccer fields

Rectification of stormwater asset at Premier Gardens

Vegetation damage at Binnington

Esplanade

Unknown substance found at Grasstree

Beach


Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens Horticultural and Site Works

Seasonal tree pruning and irrigation repairs continued to be priorities this month.

Harvested the heritage sugar cane collection.

Undertook a scheduled clean-up of the Regional Flora Terraces.

SGAP volunteers and MRBG staff participated in a working bee in the regional forest to remove

weeds, generally tidy up and place out labels.

Took possession of an Argo (amphibious vehicle) this new equipment will enable maintenance of

areas of the lagoons previously unable to accessed. Spraying of water weed has now

commenced.

Removed a large Hoop Pine in the middle of an avenue planting above the screens and hedges

garden which had succumbed to a fungal condition (Phellinus noxius) and become unsafe. Other

trees in the avenue will now be monitored.

Public Consultation with Place Design on

Lagoons Outlook Deck

Hoop pine trunk showing dark markings

due to possible P. noxius infection

Francis Blines, Education officer from

Brisbane Botanic Gardens with Maya.


Community Interaction

Lagoons Gallery - Cultivating Consciousness: an exhibition by Lesley Kane and Jenni Hanna. The

collaboration in two and three dimension addressed issues relating to the fragile and transitory

environment.

The “Friends Meeting Place” - Volunteers helped with the replacement of plant labels in the

Screens and Hedges section of the Gardens and Malta Garden.

SGAP (Society for Growing Australian Plants) conducted a working bee in the Regional Forest

area.

20 people have engaged in Free Friday Guided walks.

Beach to Gardens Fun Run.

Education sessions in the Botanic Gardens included the following:

August 6th

- 15 students visited with an interpreter from Matsuura. The focus of the visit was

Australian Bush Foods.

August 11th

- 37 Prep children from St John’s Catholic School learning about life cycles of fauna

and flora.

August 17th

& 28th

- Small Explorers session entitled ‘Plant a Seed and Grow a Mind. Attended

by 20 and 15 children consecutively and were accompanied by their parents or carers.

August 18th

- Guided walk attended by 14 special needs students from Mirani High School. Tour

featured discovery of bush foods, birds, small creatures, seeds and berries.

August 18th

& 19th

– Visits from students from Mackay State High School participating in self-

guided tours.

August 20th

- 48 children from Eimeo C & K Kindergarten attended sessions to learn about all

sorts of creatures including caterpillars of the four o’clock moths, crickets and ant lions and their

habitats.

August 25th

& 27th

– A planned visit by Slade Point Kindergarten was cancelled due to transport

costs.

August 28th

- 100 year two children from Fitzgerald school attended a history focussed guided

walk in the Heritage and Torres Strait islander Gardens.

Francis Bline, Education Officer from Brisbane Botanic Gardens met with Maya Harrison to

discuss the range of education session currently offered at the gardens.

Meeting Room - 25 books for community groups or internal users and 1 commercial booking.

Weddings: 6


Top 5 Pages

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/cafe/opening_hours 269(6.32%)

/cafe 267(6.27%)

/photo_gallery 169(3.97%)

/functionsbookings/weddings 144(3.38%)

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development services - mackay regional council services monthly review report august 2015...

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