September 11, 2020: As part of Council’s Capital Works program and commitment to ensure the long term sustainability and efficiency of our water infrastructure, Council is continuing construction works for the renewal of the Water Main along Youngman Street, Kingaroy.

This is part of the Kingaroy Water Main Replacement Program announced on 30 July 2019.

The remaining major works for this component of the project involves several major underground directional drilled pipes that will cross Youngman St to connect properties on the western side of the street with the new water main on the east. These directional drilling works will be undertaken starting on Monday 28 September 2020 for a two-week period ending Friday 9 October 2020.

Appropriate traffic controls will be in place. Detours and traffic re-routing may be required to ensure workers’ and public safety.

No water supply interruptions are planned during these works. Once the new water mains are to be commissioned, residents and businesses will be advised prior to any interruption to the water service. Council apologises for any inconvenience that this work may cause and thanks you in advance for your patience.

Please direct any enquiries to Council’s Water and Wastewater section on (07) 4189 9100 or by email

September 11, 2020: South Burnett Regional Council is seeking quotes from suitable suppliers to provide computer replacements in accordance with ouncil’s computer replacement cycle.

Tender documents will be made available on the LG Tender Box website www.lgtenderbox.com.au from Tuesday 15 September 2020 and for all tender enquiries use the LG Tender Box tender forum. Register on the site to sign in and download or upload tender documents and participate in tender forums. The online forum provides a place to comment on the tender, and obtain further clarification if needed.

In order to submit a post you must be logged in, have downloaded documents for this tender and the tender must not be closed.

Tender enquiries close at 4:00pm Tuesday 29 September 2020.

Tenders are to be suitably endorsed, marked and lodged as per submission documents no later than 2:00pm Tuesday 6 October 2020.

September 11, 2020: South Burnett Regional Council is seeking offers from suitably qualified and experienced contractors for the Kingaroy Sewer Renewal Project. The project includes 693m of OD315 PE100 SDR17 installed via pipe bursting and 3,700m of relining sewer mains ranging in sizes from DN150 to DN375.

Tender documents will be made available on the LG Tender Box website www.lgtenderbox.com.au from 14 September 2020. For all tender enquiries use the LG Tender Box tender forum. Register on the site to sign in and download or upload tender documents and participate in tender forums. The online forum provides a place to comment on the tender, and obtain further clarification if needed.

In order to submit a post you must be logged in, have downloaded documents for this tender and the tender must not be closed.

Tenders are to be suitably endorsed, marked and lodged as per submission documents no later than 4:00pm Tuesday 6 October 2020.

August 27, 2020: To recognise the important contribution community organisations make to the South Burnett region, South Burnett Regional Council is committed to lowering the barriers for these entities to grow and expand their activities.

Council is preparing a formal policy to offer reduced infrastructure charges to eligible community groups when community developments are undertaken.

The policy aims to provide up to a 100% reduction in infrastructure charges payable by eligible community groups. To be eligible the community group must be a registered not-for-profit group or charity, must undertake development that benefits the South Burnett community, and have not received funding from a government source in the last two years.

A copy of the proposed policy is available on Council’s Website or by requesting a copy by email.

Interested community members are invited to have your say on the policy. Feedback can be made in writing by email prior to 5pm Monday 21 September 2020.

For further information regarding the draft policy please contact Council’s Planning team on 4189 9100.

September 1, 2020: Nominations are now open for the South Burnett’s annual Australia Day Awards for 2021.

The awards provide the community with an opportunity to acknowledge and reward outstanding groups and individuals committed to improving the lifestyle experienced in our region.

Award categories that have been chosen give individual communities equal opportunity to nominate those who have made special contributions to their local community.

Award categories are:

• • South Burnett Citizen of the Year
  
• • South Burnett Young Citizen of the Year
  
• • South Burnett Community Organisation of the Year
  
• • South Burnett Lifetime Achievement Award
  
• • South Burnett Volunteer of the Year
  
• • South Burnett Junior Cultural Award
  
• • South Burnett Senior Cultural Award
  
• • Local Achiever Award (Town & Rural)
  
• • South Burnett Junior Sportsperson
  
• • South Burnett Senior Sportsperson
  
• • South Burnett Sports Administrator/Coach/Official Award

The official awards ceremony will be held on the eve of Australia Day, Monday 25 January 2021 at the Wondai Town Hall.

Further information on award categories and how to nominate is available on Council’s website. Nominations close Friday 13 November 2020.

For further information regarding the 2021 Australia Day Awards, please contact Council’s Executive Services team on 4189 9100 or by email

August 24, 2020: Rates notices for the period 1 July 2020 to 31 December 2020, were issued on Friday 21 August 2020 with the final day for discount being Wednesday 23 September 2020.

South Burnett ratepayers have the option to have rates notices sent electronically via email, or by post.

If you have not received your rate notice please contact your local Customer Service Centre for a copy to be mailed to you.

Council offers a number of payment options, and are happy to assist ratepayers in finding a payment method that best suits them, with options including:

• • Telephone & Internet Banking
  
• • Australia Post
  
• • BPay
  
• • Payment by mail
  
• • Paying in person
  
• • Pay by phone
  
• • Pay by Centrepay
  
• • Pre-payments or instalments

Residents are reminded that payment via direct credit (payments into Council’s bank account) ceased on 30 June 2020 to allow Council to better streamline processes, ensure that money received is allocated to the correct place and assist with prevention of potential fraud.

If you are currently paying amounts into Council’s bank account you will need to transition to an alternative payment method.

Council is acutely aware of the financial pressures facing our communities and encourages ratepayers to make payment prior to Wednesday 23 September 2020 to take advantage of the discount offered.

Council encourages residents that may be experiencing difficulties in paying their rates to please contact Council’s Rates team on 4189 9100 to discuss options available.

Discount will be available up to 4.30pm on Wednesday 23 September 2020.

For further information regarding rates, rate payments, or changes to Council’s payment options please contact Council’s Rates team on 4189 9100 or by email

July 30, 2020: Council in conjunction with Biosecurity Queensland will be participating in a coordinated Wild Dog and Feral Pig Baiting Program.

Failure to control wild dogs and feral pigs can result in livestock losses, attacks on domestic pets and the loss of native fauna. Landholders have a legislative responsibility to control declared pests on their land and participation in this program is an effective way to help meet this responsibility.

Baiting stations will be held throughout the South Burnett from Tuesday 13 October to Tuesday 20 October 2020.

All participants must register their intention to conduct baiting no later than Friday 25 September 2020.

For further information or to register your intention of attending a baiting station please contact Council's Stock Route and Pest Officer on 4189 9100 or by email

July 30, 2020: National Mental Health Month (NMHM) will be held from October 1 to 31, 2020.

NMHM is an initiative of the Mental Health Foundation Australia to advocate for and raise awareness of Australian mental health, and it is an important time where the Australian community comes together to raise awareness that #MentalHealthMatters.

Mental Health Foundation Australia deliver a range of FREE virtual mental health support groups, including:

• • Men’s Wellbeing Support Group
  
• • Mood Disorders Support Group
  
• • Gender Identity Support Group
  
• • Depression Support Group
  
• • PTSD Support Group

Mental Health Support Groups focus on individuals’ strengths, not weaknesses and work towards the individual’s wellbeing and recovery. In these groups, participants can open up, realise they are not alone, address past unresolved issues, set new goals, learn new skills and take charge of their lives.

For many people, the support group is the best environment to accomplish these changes.

You can find out how to join a mental health support group or obtain more information on the Net

July 30, 2020: As a part of Council’s 20-21 Capital Works program and commitment to ensuring the long-term sustainability and efficiency of our water infrastructure, Council has engaged Water Infrastructure Services to undertake the replacement of the reservoir roofs at both the Orana reservoir in Kingaroy and Scott Street reservoir in Wondai.

Preliminary assessment and cleaning works are currently underway. Structural works including roof removal, replacement and internal pipe works are expected to begin at the Scott Street reservoir in Wondai in the week beginning Monday 3 August 2020 and be completed prior to the commencement of the Orana reservoir in Kingaroy works, scheduled for the week beginning Monday 7 September with completion expected by mid-October.

The works will improve the structural integrity, ongoing operation and water quality protection of the reservoir. Council have organised temporary storage arrangements at Scott Street as the main reservoir will need to be taken offline for several weeks during the work.

Whilst the main reservoir is offline, lower pressures may be experienced periodically.

Additional works may be required in some areas to improve the network efficiently and to minimise interruptions to supply. Affected properties will be notified directly prior to these works occurring.

We apologise for any inconvenience that this work may cause and thank you in advance for your patience.

Please direct any enquiries to Council’s Water and Wastewater section by phoning 4189 9100 or by email

July 2, 2020: Did you know that Council has established a local marketplace for non-contracted, low risk, ad-hoc supply arrangements for business within the South Burnett region?

Felix Marketplace is an online procurement system which allows Council officers to search, nominate and invite local suppliers to quote. In turn, suppliers will receive an email notification with an invite to submit a quote. All the supplier is required to do is log in for details and then upload the quote.

If you are interested in supplying goods or services to us you can register your business on Council’s Local Marketplace on Felix for free. The marketplace intends to capture goods and services such as Catering, Stationery, Tools & Equipment, Hardware, Printing, Horticulture, Plumbing & Electrical products, Uniforms, Clothing and PPE, Accommodation, Training Providers, Spare Parts, Florists & Giftware, Information Technology hardware and many others.

A full list of the Local Marketplace categories and registration instructions are available on Council’s website

Felix Marketplace is a great opportunity for local business owners within the South Burnett region to have their goods and services seen by a new audience. The registration process does not mean that you are automatically a supplier to Council, and should you be engaged for goods or services you may be required to provide additional documentation.

For further information on how you can do business with Council, please contact Council’s Strategic Procurement coordinator on 4189 9100 or by email

July 2, 2020: South Burnett Regional Council wishes to advise that the reconstruction works for the Alford Street car park located between Alford Street, Haly Street, Kingaroy Street and Hector Munro Lane are scheduled to commence on Monday 6 July 2020.

The project will increase usability for both the local and travelling public by improving safety and accessibility to Kingaroy businesses and community centres.

The construction works are funded through Council’s 2020-21 Capital Programme and aim to improve the current aspects through the rehabilitation of the existing pavement, including new seal and line marking, disabled parking, caravan access, parking and dumping point, upgrades to lighting, provision for future electric vehicle charge stations, and associated landscaping.

The reconstruction works require the closure of the parking area to all pedestrians and vehicles. Barrier fencing will be installed at the entries off Haly Street, Alford Street and at the end of Hector Munro Lane. For local property and business owners, access restrictions will apply. Council will grant limited access to those businesses who require a genuine reason to access the area.

Council apologises for any inconvenience caused and thanks you for your patience whilst works are in progress.

For further information, please contact Council’s Works team on 4189 9100 or by email

June 10, 2020: Plumbers, drainers and contractors ... did you know that under the Plumbing and Drainage Act 2018, the use of prescribed forms is mandatory for various aspects of Plumbing and Drainage work?

In particular, Council draws your attention to Form 11, advising that all service reports for treatment plants are required to be lodged on the prescribed Form 11. This form is to be used for the purposes of section 106 of the Plumbing and Drainage Regulation 2019. Completion of all applicable sections is mandatory.

From 1 July 2020, this form must be submitted to Council and a copy provided to the owner of the facility within 10 business days after servicing the facility.

Similarly, all other prescribed forms are mandatory for their respective purposes, as listed on the Government's website

Should you have any queries in relation to this matter, please contact Council's Plumbing and Drainage Department on 4189 9100 or by email

June 10, 2020: In an attempt to reduce vandalism and subsequent maintenance and cleaning costs, Council will commence closing various public amenities in the Kingaroy and Murgon areas after hours.

Council will commence closing the following facilities from Friday 12 June 2020 between the hours of 8:00pm and 6:00am daily:

• • QEII Park, Lamb Street, Murgon
  
• • Glendon Street, Kingaroy
  
• • O'Neill Square - Corner of Haly and King Street, Kingaroy
  

All other public amenities in the Kingaroy and Murgon areas will remain open. Council apologises for any inconvenience caused.

Did you know that vandalism has cost Council nearly $15,000 in the last seven months alone? Vandalism is an action involving deliberate destruction of or damage to public or private property.

Vandalism to Council’s facilities, and in particular, parks and gardens can increase undue risk to the public through hazards and may necessitate the closure or removal of facilities or equipment until repairs can be progressed.

If you see an incident in progress, or possibly come across the results of vandalism, there are a number of ways you can help:

• • Report to the Queensland Police Service: Is the incident happening now? Is the suspect still at the scene? Is anyone seriously injured or in immediate danger? Please contact Triple Zero, 000. Reporting vandalism can also be done through Policelink on 131 444. Reporting property damage can be done online

• • Contact Council: Should you come across damage to Council’s facilities or equipment, please notify Council by phone on 4189 9100 or by email. This will ensure Council is aware of the incident and it is actioned as soon as possible.

• • Snap, Send, Solve: Reporting local issues is now a ‘snap’… The easy and efficient way to notify of issues that need addressing in your community. Simply download the Snap, Send, Solve App and submit a request. For further information visit the website
  

For further information contact Council’s Parks and Gardens team on 4189 9100 or by email

May 8, 2020: Be Connected is an Australia-wide initiative empowering all Australians to thrive in a digital world. Be Connected have online learning resources as well as a network of community partners - the Be Connected Network - who offer in-person support so you can develop your digital skills and confidence.

You can learn a new skill from home, or at a nearby community organisation. Join thousands of Australians who are taking our free courses on everything from how to access the internet, using your device and keeping in touch with others online.

Find a local place for friendly help and advice, or join the Network to help others.

Quick links include:

• • Topic Library - Start learning today by browsing the range of topics
  
  
  
  • • Find local help - Use a simple map to find free local face-to-face help
    
  
  
  • • Sign up today – Simply visit Be Connected
    
  
  Should you have any questions or require assistance with Be Connected or any other online library services, please contact Council’s library team during business hours by phone on 4189 9256 or by email.
  
  South Burnett Regional Council reminds residents to follow the Queensland Government messaging: if you are sick, stay home; if you're feeling unwell with symptoms of COVID-19, you should contact your doctor about being tested; practice social distancing; continue good hygiene practices.

May 7, 2020: South Burnett Regional Council is calling on volunteers in our community to join the Care Army.

The Care Army is for people who want to help older people living in the South Burnett who may not have friends, family or neighbours who are able to support them during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Care Army is focused on social connection and essential services such as the delivery of groceries and medications, as well as phone calls or videos chats to check on the well-being of older and vulnerable Queenslanders.

Find out more and register via Volunteering Queensland’s Emergency Volunteering program on the Internet.

South Burnett Regional Council reminds residents to follow the Queensland Government messaging: if you are sick, stay home; if you're feeling unwell with symptoms of COVID-19, you should contact your doctor about being tested; practice social distancing; continue good hygiene practices.

April 20, 2020: Council would like to advise that in accordance with Section 277 (1) of the Local Government Regulation 2012, the Ordinary Meetings for 2020 have been scheduled as follows:

* Wednesday 29 April 2020 * Wednesday 20 May 2020 * Wednesday 17 June 2020 * Wednesday 15 July 2020 * Wednesday 19 August 2020

* Wednesday 16 September 2020 * Wednesday 21 October 2020 * Wednesday 18 November 2020 * Wednesday 9 December 2020

Ordinary Meetings are held on the third Wednesday of the month (except the April and December meetings) commencing at 9:00am in the Warren Truss Chamber, Glendon Street, Kingaroy unless stated otherwise.

From April 2020, Council has also begun to live stream video and audio of each meeting. These videos, along with meeting agendas and minutes, can be viewed on the Council Meetings page of Council's website.

March 17, 2017: Level 3 water restrictions are now in place throughout the South Burnett Region.

Residents are advised that sprinklers are not to be used, and hosing of paved or concreted areas is not permitted.

Hand held watering is permitted from 7:00am to 8:00am, and 5:00pm to 6:00pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays for odd numbered houses and Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays for even numbered houses. No residential watering is permitted on Mondays.

Further details are available on the Council website or by contacting Customer Contact on (07) 4189 9100.

You can obtain more news and information from the South Burnett Regional Council's website, or by contacting Council on (07) 4189 9100 during office hours.