Geraldton not even mentioned in an Australian Regional Cities report

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The tiny southwest towns of Harvey and Capel were acknowledged in a recent paper published by the Regional Australia Institute, but Geraldton Albany, Broome, Kalgoorlie and Karratha were not. 

According to an article from the ABC, the WA Regional Capital Alliance took issue with the report calling it "lacking" and "insulting" 

"It just seems like they haven't actually been to Western Australia, you know, they're that far off the mark it's laughable quite honestly" - WA alliance president Ron Yuryevich.

The Regional Australia Institute felt a response to the comments was not necessary. 

Click here to read the full article.

Broome and Geraldton get ANZAC Centenary grants

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ANZAC funding in the electorate of Durack has again been boosted with the announcement of two further projects that have been successful in attracting ANZAC centenary grant funding.

The grants program is a key element of the Australian Government’s ANZAC Centenary program through which funding of up to $125 000 shall be allocated to successful applicants in Durack, which extends from the Kimberley to the northern Wheatbelt.

Melissa Price, Federal Member for Durack said that she was pleased that applicants in the regional hubs of Broome and Geraldton had met with success.

“We have already secured funding for projects in Carnamah, Mt Magnet, Mullewa, Koorda, Meckering, Mukinbudin and Wongan Hills amounting to more than $36 000,” Ms Price said.

“The new funding for Broome and Geraldton takes the total to date for Durack to more than $50 000.”

  • Broome: a new memorial wall in Bedford Park shall be installed to recognize the centenary of ANZAC campaign with the Shire of Broome securing $10 000 for the initiative.
  • Geraldton: three honour rolls will be framed and the 1918 Victoria District honour roll will be reprinted, with the Geraldton RSL Sub-branch securing $5 500 for the works.

“I hope to be able to see all of the ANZAC projects in various stages of development or completion as I travel throughout the electorate next year,” Ms Price said.

“Next year, 2015, is very special in Australia’s history, and the communities in Durack are truly embracing the opportunity to plan special ANZAC events, to remember, to commemorate and to pass on the knowledge and tradition to the younger generations.  They should be very proud,” Ms Price said.

Opinion: Regarding the current financial situation at the City of Greater Geraldton, and a brief overview of the last 8 years

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For those of you late to the scene, you might wonder why the Geraldton public are so distrustful of the local council. 

Flash back to 2006

A recommendation was made to the Minister for Local Government by the Local Government Advisory Board in August 2006 to amalgamate the Shire of Greenough with the City of Geraldton.

At that time the Shire of Greenough had a pretty good reputation in the community. They were fair to deal with and were very prompt when it came to building approvals and the like. 

The City of Geraldton did NOT have a good reputation, and many community members feared the mess that was the CoG would become the burden of the residents from the Shire of Greenough. 

But the policitians and bureaucrats felt they knew what was best for the simple citizens of the Midwest, and the Shire of Greenough residents had to petition for a referendum to be held. 

The Greenough electors managed to successfully petitioned for a referendum to determine whether the amalgamation should proceed. 

This was held on 2 December 2006, and of those who voted a majority of around 80% voted against the proposal.

However, the politicians and bureaucrats had a loophole. The Local Government Act 1995 (clause 10 of Schedule 2.1) stated as the vote did not attract 50% of registered voters, it did not meet the requirements for a valid poll.

The referendum only had a participation rate of 28.74% (much like councillor elections which still get counted).

So despite having an extremely clear picture of what a majority of people felt, those in charge at the time found a way to do what they wanted rather than what the residents wanted.

Trust was lost. 

Millions of ratepayers dollars was spent on the rebranding. Fancy new number plates were seen around town. 

But things weren't smooth in the newly created city. Building approvals banked up. Builders complained. Developers complained. 

City staff complained. Some of the good ones left. 

The mood in the town was "they don't listen to us any way", and animosity toward the council grew. 

GFC

Then after all that money was spent on rebranding and "gaining efficiencies" the global financial crisis hit and it emerged that the city of Geraldton Greenough had invested substantial amounts in sub-prime derivatives through Lehman Brothers Australia. 

Why on earth was our rate payer's money being invested in high risk complex securities? Geraldton residents were again furious, and no investigation was launched by the WA Department of Local Government. 

Council had invested $2.45 million.

Yes. Million.

Chapman Valley

After this there were discussions between the Shire of Chapman Valley and the City of Geraldton Greenough about merging. But this was under the looming threat of forced mergers from the state government. 

As soon it became clear there would be no forced mergers by the state government, the Shire of Chapman Valley said "Thanks, but no thanks". 

So like any respectful neighbour, the City of Geraldton Greenough tried to enact an aggressive boundary readjustment on the Shire of Greenough to get a chunk of rate paying land from them and of course the coveted area allocated for the Oakajee Port and Industrial Estate. 

The president of the Shire of Chapman Valley, John Collingwood, said the aggressive boundary readjustment would have destroyed the Shire of Chapman Valley, taking around 37% of the rateable income. He also told the ABC that the City of Geraldton Greenough was "trying to destroy us". 

Those were his actual words. 

So the City of Geraldton Greenough wasn't making any friends. 

The community was again in shock. Who ARE these people!?

More trust was lost. More people up in arms. People in Chapman Valley were vehemently against merging with Geraldton Greenough, and they made it clearly known to their council and the State Government. 

The border readjustment did not succeed by the City of Geraldton Greenough. 

Mullewa

Throughout 2010 and 2011 more negotiations were held. This time between the City of Geraldton-Greenough and the Shire of Mullewa, as to whether the two entities should merge.

After a long period of negotiations they decided to merge. 

A poll was requested by both communities and was held on 16 April 2011. 

Again, an overwhelming majority of voters said NO to the merger. 

In fact, in Mullewa it was 83.24% NO.

And in Geraldton-Greenough it was 72.39% NO.

It did not take a university education to realise once again the people who had actually chosen to make the Midwest home did NOT want this merger. 

However, as with EVERY local government election or poll, there was a lower than 50% turnout. 

So Mayor Carpenter, CEO Tony Brun and the rest of the team pushed forward with the unwanted merger. Because of that loophole mentioned earlier. 

The new weirdly shaped mega region was called Greater Geraldton. 

Most people were perplexed by the odd name. Greenough residents felt ripped off that their brand had now been permanently relegated to the annals of history and would no longer be a noun in daily use by the council and its staff. And many residents asked what we were "greater" than?

Surely folk who live in Mullewa don't tell their friends they live in the "Greater Geraldton" region.

It seemed the only thing the unwanted name had going for it was the ability to keep the same initials.

Most of that earlier rebranding was now money down the toilet. More was needed to be spent on the new rebranding.

The citizens of Geraldton, Greenough and Mullewa were told to drink their medicine because the educated bureaucrats knew what was good for us. There would be "efficiencies" and ultimately everyone would get more stuff for less money.

So to restate the obvious, Geraldton residents didn't want to merge. Greenough residents didn't want to merge. Mullewa residents didn't want to merge. Yet it was forced upon everyone anyway. 

The final straw

Trust toward the council and the city was at an all time low. No one believed the people at the city really had the interests and wishes of the residents at heart. It seemed like Geraldton was a grand experiment for them all to practice what they'd learned at "City Planning School". 

Then the icing on the cake. 

The 2012 rate increase. 

People were in shock. Their annual rates bill came in at a 27% increase. Some people and businesses saw increases up to 30%. 

The line from the city was that this increase was needed to cover the shortfall of rates that had been charged for years. Essentially council wasn't leaving enough money in the kitty to fix stuff, and now they needed to. And the best way to do that was put the rates up 27% in one year. 

Businesses were flabbergasted. Home owners were in shock. The Member for Geraldton Ian Blayney said he was speechless (an oxymoron to be sure, but you get the point).  

Yours truly at that point had two houses in Rangeway and a block in Wandina. In part because of that alarming rate bills along with the promise that rates would continue to increase by 7.2% for the foreseeable future, my wife and I realised we couldn't afford to keep those properties, and sold them all.

Many residents shared similar stories.

If people distrusted the council before this, they hated them with a passion afterwards.

Community groups formed. The Chamber lobbied. Meetings were held.

And the CEO Tony Brun, who was perceived as the main energy behind it all resigned and went to Perth. 

At the next council elections only 6 of the 12 councillors were up for a vote. All 6 were replaced except for Shane van Styn who was endorsed by the community group "CGG Ratepayers Demand Change" as he promised to fight for lower rates and reduced council spending. 

The position of Mayor was not up for reelection. 

 

That's a broad overview, but it brings us up to today. 

The $25million backlog

Now we're being told that decisions made by past councils and CEOs have left us with bills we cannot afford to pay. 

Never mind that the people of Geraldton complained loudly every time money was being wasted and were shut down with intelligent arguments about how necessary that particular piece of artwork or infrastructure was. 

The unwanted mergers that were rammed down our throats came with the promise of efficiency gains that never manifested. 

Instead the city is going to have to take drastic measures to curb spending. Redundancies will have to be made within the City staff. Every area of expenditure will have to be looked at to remove waste and the reduce rate payer burden.

But this is NOT drastic. It should be standard operating procedure. 

Ratepayers money should always be treated with the respect it deserves. It should have ALWAYS been the goal of the council and City staff to find ways to reduce the amount of money they need to take off us each year. 

Do we want sealed roads? Sure. 

Do we need yet another fireworks display funded by ratepayers? Not so much. 

Do we want our rubbish collected each week? Absolutely. 

Do ratepayers want to pay for free wifi for backpackers at the library when there's a perfectly good Internet cafe two doors down? Maybe not. 

The current financial situation

CGG CEO Ken Diehm (if you're not paying attention the CEO is the person who the councillors and mayor employ to run the city) understands this thoroughly. 

His media briefing regarding the CGG's current state of affairs was frank, thorough and humble. He should also be commended on the obvious care he has for the wellbeing of the employees of the City. 

It was clear that he understood that the proposed rate increases for the coming years of 5.2% are too high. He, the city staff and the council say they're going to do everything in their power to get them below that number. 

But he didn't over promise either. He was frank about the fact that there was no way future rate rises would be kept as low as the CPI (consumer price index), as the major costs incurred by the council, like power, were generally rising much more than the CPI. 

Moreover, Ken and his team had commissioned auditors to physically go out to the roads and parks, the highways and byways, to inspect all of the assets of the City.

What they came back with wasn't pretty. 

There's essentially a $25 million backlog of urgent maintenance work that needs doing. That's not the kind of news a CEO who's inherited a position following a 27% rate increase wants to hear. 

Worse than that is the projection for the future. In 2027 and 2028 there will be a spike in road infrastructure expenses that the current CGG budget simply doesn't accommodate for. It might seem like someone else's problem because it's so far away, but kicking the can down the road is what has led to the problem we have now. 

So they're facing the music. Which is something. It could all be buried in an obscure public notice  full of technical terms that would cause anyone other than an accountant to glaze over. 

But to Mr Diehm's credit they've chosen to let everyone know the actual state of the union. 

He also explicitly pointed out that every time we build something new, we inherit the costs of maintaining that item and that is hurting us. Even if the funding to build the new hotness comes from another agency, Geraldton ratepayers still bear the burden of maintaining the infrastructure. For every $10 million in new infrastructure, operating costs increase by around $300,000 a year. 

(Yes, this is logical and many of you have been pointing this out for some time.)

Crisis

I don't think this demonstrates a "crisis" like other media headlines have read. 

I think this actually represents a positive turning point in Geraldton's timeline. 

A "crisis" is having leaders who don't or won't listen to the public they're supposed to serve. 

What Ken is doing is showing he has been listening, and is prepared to make the changes needed to help relieve the burden on the ratepayers even if it makes his job a lot harder and a lot more stressful.

The "crisis" is what would happen in 10 years if we don't make some changes now. What the City is doing by offering its staff voluntary redundancies, going over expenditure with a fine tooth comb and aiming to keep rate increases as low as possible is not a crisis. 

It's good news. 

For the first time in a while it feels like Geraldton is in good hands. 

So what's going to happen? 

There will be cut backs at the city. Staff are going to be offered voluntary redundancies. Ken says these will only be granted where the job can be done by someone else, and won't be granted to poor performers. They're looking for at least 20, and will assess the situation in the new year. (To their credit, the city acknowledges this could be an anxious process for some staff members, and has a free employee assistance program in place. Also credit for announcing now and not a post Christmas shock.)

Then the city directors and managers are basically going to look at all the services that ratepayers currently fund. From the Aquarena, to the Queens Park Theatre, to your rubbish being collected, roads built and maintained etc etc. Everything. 

These services will be categorised into "mandatory" and "non-mandatory" services. Expect things like your bins being collected to be mandatory. But things like free wifi at the foreshore isn't exactly a mandatory service. 

Once it's clear what is mandatory, a budget will be done based on these services.

Then non-mandatory services will be rated in order of priority. The city says it will look for input from the community and city staff to do this. 

Any available funds, less around $7.5million needed to fill the gap immediately, will be applied to the non mandatory services in order of their priority. 

This is where it could get messy. One man's mandatory service is another man's waste of money. You might want more shows at the QPT. Another person might prefer more books at the library. Getting a cohesive list of priorities for non-mandatory services might be a challenge, but at least it's being addressed. 

Any services that are unfunded basically don't make the cut, and will be recommended to council for discontinuation. 

The city is also going to look at the "level" of services it offers. For example (and this is our own example, not a prediction) the city might deem the tip is important to keep running, but might reduce the number of hours it is open. 

In addition to this, the city will be assessing what it does with its current assets. In early January it will be reviewing all its assets to determine if they need to be replaced or can be sold or disposed of. 

New capital works (that's code for "building new stuff") will also be reduced, unless a prior community commitment has already been given. 

Revenue

Other non-rates revenue streams will be looked at. 

There are lots of services that rate payers are essentially subsidising at the moment which might be able to be charged for, and these potential streams of income will be looked at. 

So what does this all mean? 

For most of us, we won't notice a thing. The services we know and use will carry on, and hopefully any future rate increases will be reasonable and bearable. 

For some of us there's a chance a beloved ratepayer funded service may reduce or disappear. That seems to be the reality of the financial situation we currently have. 

But long term what would be most exciting is if a culture of genuinely listening to community feedback and acting on it becomes the pillar of how the City of Greater Geraldton operates. 

Elderly lady has bag snatched on Marine Terrace - passer by chases offender

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Geraldton Police would like to speak with anyone who may have witnessed a theft that occurred yesterday. 

Police say that around 5pm on Sunday 14 December 2014, an elderly female was walking along Marine Terrace in the Geraldton CBD when her purse was stolen.

A passer-by who witnesses the event gave chase and the offender dropped the purse. 

The offender is male, early to mid 20's, approx 5"10 and with dark ski.  He was wearing a black t shirt and black track pants, with a red baseball cap.  

Police are requesting anyone with information regarding the incident to contact Crime Stoppers on 1300 888 000. 

Chinese film crew showcases Geraldton to millions of on-line viewers

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A Chinese production crew were in Geraldton recently filming an episode of the popular online travel show, Traveller.

A Chinese production crew from Traveller, were in Geraldton recently to film an episode of a hugely popular online travel show.

Traveller is broadcast on QQ.com, China’s most popular website. Each episode of Traveller has been seen at least 3 million times.

The crew from QQ TV were in the region thanks to local tour operator, and owner of Geraldton Air Charter, Wendy Mann who believes that the production company chose to use her business because she has recently taken part in the China Ready and Accredited program that is run by the Tourism Council of WA, in conjunction with Tourism Australia and the Chinese Government.  

“Businesses that are certified as China Ready are trusted by the Chinese Government to look after Chinese travellers and treat them with cultural care and understanding,” Mrs Mann said.

“Geraldton Air Charter believed that by obtaining China Ready Accreditation we could benefit from the potentially huge and largely untapped market in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan.”

City of Greater Geraldton Acting Mayor, Neil McIlwaine, said more local tourist operators should consider getting ‘China Ready and Accredited’.

“Our aim is to position Geraldton and the surrounding region as a major tourist hub,” Councillor McIlwaine explained.

“We tried our best to highlight the best that the region had to offer,” said Mrs Mann.

 “Whilst in Geraldton they filmed the Sydney Memorial and at the Fishermen’s wharf, we then took the whole crew to Pink Lake (Hutt Lagoon) and the Abrolhos Islands.

 “I also hosted them at my house where they filmed how to cook Abrolhos Lobsters the ‘local’ way.”

 According to Councillor McIlwaine many local businesses benefitted from having the film crew in town.

“It is my understanding that Geraldton Air Charter had to charter two more aeroplanes as well as coaches to ferry the crew around,” he said.

“They also stayed in local accommodation, dined in local restaurants and even filmed a segment in Latitude Gallery.”

Mrs Mann said she would recommend more local tourist operators become China Ready and Accredited.

“We now have understandings with two major Perth based Chinese Travel agents and have also signed a contract with one of the largest travel agents in China,” Mrs Mann said

“We consider it something of a coup to have hosted the team from QQ and at looking forward to the awareness that will be generated when the program about Geraldton is streamed online on Christmas Day.”

For more information on becoming China Ready and Accredited visit www.tourismcouncilwa.com.au/accreditation/china-ready.

Your help needed to find sick girl's family

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My 9 year old daughter is sick and the Drs need additional information from my side of the family tree which I don't have.

My name is Kristy Logan and I'm looking for anyone who may have known a man called "Ted Steers" who lived in Geraldton or near here around 35/40 years ago. I know this is a long shot. 

I wouldn't be doing this at all if it wasn't a medical emergency. This will be kept private but my daughter needs help or I wouldn't be asking.

If someone can HONESTLY help her then please call 0448387690. Please no crank calls as I have enough to deal with and am finding that going in this direction hard enough as it is. Thank you.

Anyone with info can even go through a third party so they don't have to deal with me if that is what they are more comfortable doing. I will do it any way they would like. My daughter is only 9 and doesn't have a say, so someone please, please help us. Any information on "Ted Steers" especially medical, would be a god send for us. 

Sincerely 

Kristy Logan 

0448387690

Amazing mushroom cloud formation in Geraldton sky

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Thanks to Everything Geraldton readers who posted these pics of an incredible cloud formation that appeared in our sky today. 

If you have any you would like to share post them in the social section of the Everything Geraldton app, available for iphone and android.  

The WA Weather Group tell us they are Cumulonimbus capillatus. 

Pics posted by  

Helen Counihan

Jennifer Robins

Carol Conway

Kerry Wray

Irene Ghannage

Korey Phillips

 

Check out activities for the Sunshine Festival

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The 2014 Geraldton Sunshine Festival is nearly upon us! Running from Saturday, October 4th to Sunday October 12th, there's something for the whole family! Check out the events below and for more information visit www.sunshinefestival.com.au.

Saturday, October 4th

Noon-6pm - Kids Fun and Activities
This year’s festival, places a whole new emphasis on family-friendly fun with plenty of free activities, games, activities and entertainment.

The bulk of entertainment will occur in Geraldton’s Maitland Park to ensure a hive of activity in one setting. There will array of exciting stalls, displays, live music, performances and loads of fun for the whole family, including your chance to meet The 501st Legion – Star Wars Storm troopers and crew! 

2-2:30pm - Toll Truck Pull Competition
Enter your group, club or team in the Toll Truck Pull competition for a chance to win $1000!

This is a fabulous team building event to take part in or just watch and cheer on. Teams will compete against each other to pull the Toll Mining Services prime movers 100m in the quickest time. Come down and cheer on the teams while you wait for the MMG Float Parade to start. Thanks to the MWCCI Future Leaders for coordinating this event. While this taking place grab a nice cold refreshment, hamburger or sausage sizzle in-between all the action. The event will take place on Cathedral Avenue in front of the QPT. Entry forms available at www.sunshinefestival.com.au

3:45pm onwards - Twin River Guard Medieval re-enactment Display & Show
Step back in time and relive history with the Twin River Guard medieval re-enactment group. The display includes arms and armour, and various arts and science examples of the period as well as interactive activities. Come along, interact with medieval re-enactors, witness Viking battles and harsh medieval justice meted out, and yell for your favourite combatant or jeer at their opponents.

-Combat display Saturday October 4 - 3.45pm onwards
-Static display from Saturday morning through to Midday Sunday
-Maitland Park, Cnr Maitland St and Cathedral Ave
-More details contact Twin River Guard direct - 0417 952 916

2:30pm - 3:30pm - MMG Float Parade
The 56th Sunshine Festival Float Parade is a highlight of the festival as entrants’ parade through Geraldton’s main street in a whirlwind of sound, colour, fun and laughter.

The parade will take the same route as last year – and commences from the foreshore near the Mid West Ports (formally Geraldton Port Authority) building, travelling along Marine Terrace, Lester Avenue, Cathedral Avenue, Carson Terrace and into Maitland Park.

Winners of the MMG Float Parade and Toll Truck Pull will be announced at Maitland Park at the conclusion of the parade and judging.

Sunday, October 5

9am-4pm - Water Corporation 21st Dragon Boat Classic
This is the 21st event to hit our shores; it’s an exciting family fun day at the beach. The community really gets behind this event and the colourful team spirits make it a wonderful and entertaining spectacle. For more details or to register your team contact the Geraldton Yacht Club on 99641664 or download the entry form @ www.sunshinefestival.com.au

9:30am-3:30pm - Patchwork and Craft Fair
Exhibition of Locally made Quilts, quilt challenge display, many new and various trading stalls. Major raffles, light refreshments available, free admission. Held at the Netball Stadium on Eighth Street. 

10am-11am - Brass on the Grass
What a fantastic way to start a Sunday!  Be entertained by the Geraldton City Band. Experience the BIG Brass band whilst soaking up the morning sun on our beautiful foreshore.

10am-2pm  - City of Greater Geraldton Community Safety Day
This is a free, fun interactive event for children, families and community providing a range of safety information to encourage a safer community. Kids’ activities on offer are paper plane & flying competition, trivia quiz and a colouring in competition. There are plenty of prizes to be won. A bouncy castle and the PCYC food stall will be present and a rock climbing wall supplied and organised by PCYC!

10am-3pm - Inline Hockey Demonstrations
 Join the Geraldton Inline Hockey Association as they provide exciting demonstrations of the game in action! Stop in at the information marquee, grab a sticker or find out how to become a member. It will be held on the Geraldton Foreshore Basketball area. 

11am-1pm - Chapman Animal Pet Parade - Theme "The Circus Ring"
Roll Up… Roll Up… with your best friend! Think fancy dress, clowns, acrobats, dancers and magicians. Perhaps your pet has the fluffiest tail or longest ears and was born to entertain? Come and join in the fun and see if your pet has what it takes There is a category to fit every pet.  Please remember to have your pet on a lead, in a cage or restrained in some way. Don't forget a hat and sunscreen! $4 per entry. Location: Maitland Park.

2pm - 3:30pm Cleanskin Cowgirls with Australian writer Rachel Treasure
Geraldton Regional Library invites you to join one of Australia’s top ten bestselling authors, Rachael Treasure, as she talks about her latest book, Cleanskin Cowgirls. (Books will be in sale on the day – cash only $32.99). It will be held at the Geraldton Regional Library and afternoon tea will be served. RSVPs are essential. RSVP by Friday, October 3rd to library@cgg.wa.gov.au  or  9956 6659.

Monday, October 6th

10am-11:30am Draw like da Vinci Workshops
In this hands-on workshop artist Marina Baker helps you to discover the dynamic power of da Vinci’s innovative drawing techniques, composition and his ability to register human emotions and gestures.

  • WA Museum - Geraldton, 1 Museum Place Batavia Coast Marina
  • Age: 8+
  • Entry $5 per person
  • Bookings essential on 9921 5080

 

Tuesday, October 7

8:30am-11am - Colour Decor Pavement Art - Theme "Bigs and Magical Critters"
It’s a Sunshine Festival favourite for our budding young artists. The possibilities are endless…Come on down and enter for your chance to win a prize or to view an array of designs and talent as showcased at this very popular annual family friendly event. 

  • Registrations from 8.30am. Artwork commences from 9.00am – 11.00am
  • Entry per person: $2.00
  • Various age categories  
  • Stow Gardens, Town Beach near the Yellow Submarine

10am-11:30am Draw like da Vinci Workshops
In this hands-on workshop artist Marina Baker helps you to discover the dynamic power of da Vinci’s innovative drawing techniques, composition and his ability to register human emotions and gestures.

  • WA Museum - Geraldton, 1 Museum Place Batavia Coast Marina
  • Age: 8+
  • Entry $5 per person
  • Bookings essential on 9921 5080

12pm-4pm - Festival Goes Country - Create your own clay brick sculptures
Head out to the Bootenal Family Tavern for family fun with music, sausage sizzle and lots of unfired clay bricks to make sculptures in the gardens.  This favourite annual event is relaxing for the whole family.  Bring extra hand tools, a hat and a great attitude. This event is proudly supported by Geraldton Brick and the Bootenal Family Tavern.

Free entry, held at the Bootenal Family Tavern, Edwards Rd. 

2pm-3pm - Lego Workshop
Held at the Geraldton Regional Library. Bookings are essential, call 99556 6659. For ages 8+.

Wednesday, October 8

8:30am-11am - CWA Sandcastle Competition
Thanks to the CWA Bluff Point ladies, this annual event is a firm family favourite. To help create your master piece you are encouraged to bring your spade and bucket, your beach friendly decorations and your creativity. Don’t forget to be sun safe. Entry is free and will be held on the Geraldton Foreshore in front of the Yellow Submarine.

9am-12pm -  Super Impossible Promises – Kids Club 
The theme is “Super Mario”. The Geraldton Anglican Cathedral aims at having lots of fun. There will be singing, drama, games and craft. Register at www.crosskids.net or call Sam on 9921 3052 or 0412 147 223. Ages kinder - year 6. Cost is $2 per day which includes craft and morning tea. Held at the Geraldton Anglican Cathedral, 101 Cathedral Avenue. 

10am-3pm -  Geraldton Bullbars SciTech Science Roadshow 
Learning for life & the wonder of science with 15 amazing interactive shows and displays will be fun for all ages.  It will take hours to see and experience the wonders of science with the SciTech Team. It will be held in the QEII Centre Upper Hall and entry is a gold coin donation.

Thursday, October 9

9am-12pm -  Super Impossible Promises – Kids Club 
The theme is “Super Mario”. The Geraldton Anglican Cathedral aims at having lots of fun. There will be singing, drama, games and craft. Register at www.crosskids.net or call Sam on 9921 3052 or 0412 147 223. Ages kinder - year 6. Cost is $2 per day which includes craft and morning tea. Held at the Geraldton Anglican Cathedral, 101 Cathedral Avenue. 

10am-3pm -  Geraldton Bullbars SciTech Science Roadshow 
Learning for life & the wonder of science with 15 amazing interactive shows and displays will be fun for all ages.  It will take hours to see and experience the wonders of science with the SciTech Team. It will be held in the QEII Centre Upper Hall and entry is a gold coin donation.

10:30am-11am - Rhymetime
For ages 0-3 at the Geraldton Regional Library.

6:30pm-7:30pm - Twilight Storytime
For all ages at the Geraldton Regional Library.

9am start -  Let’s Party Little Miss and Masters Sunshine Pageant 
Enjoy the Junior Festival Quest – a pageant for the young and young at heart – watch as cute contestants show their personalities and shine. Must be pre-registered. Entry forms must be in by October 3 to Lets Party. For ages 0-7. Evennt held at the QEII Seniors and Community Centre. 

5:15pm-6:15pm -  Act Belong Commit Have-A-Go ‘Community Drumming’ 
Join in and be part of the Sunshine Festival community enjoying themselves. Chairs, drums and percussion will be supplied. This event highlights Mental Health Week. Geraldton Foreshore next to the Lifesaving Tower. No registration require. 

Friday, October 10

9:30am-10:30am - Storytime
For ages 0-3 at the Geraldton Regional Library.

10am-12pm - PCYC Teddy Bear Picnic
Bring your favourite fluffy friend to the PCYC Teddy Bear Picnic. Lots of interactive games, face painting and the fabulous teddy parade. Sausage sizzle, fruit and drinks for sale. For ages 0-5, held at Maitland Park. 

11am-11:30am - Rhymetime
For ages 0-3 at the Geraldton Regional Library.

9am-12pm -  Super Impossible Promises – Kids Club 
The theme is “Super Mario”. The Geraldton Anglican Cathedral aims at having lots of fun. There will be singing, drama, games and craft. Register at www.crosskids.net or call Sam on 9921 3052 or 0412 147 223. Ages kinder - year 6. Cost is $2 per day which includes craft and morning tea. Held at the Geraldton Anglican Cathedral, 101 Cathedral Avenue. 

Sunday, October 12 Festival Finale

11am-1pm -  Geraldton Sand Sculpture Workshops 
Join free workshops to learn the art of sand sculpting and be eligible to enter the Geraldton Sand Sculpture Competition on Australia Day 2015. Event is free and the minimum age to enter is 14. It will be held at the Geraldton Foreshore near the Water Park. Register with Steve Davidson via e-mail steved@cgg.wa.gov.au or visit www.cgg.wa.gov.au.

4pm-8pm - D-Trans Festival Finale
Come and join us at Maitland Park to celebrate the 56th Sunshine Festival finale with a hub of activities, free entertainment, displays, dances, performances, stalls and more… Held at Maitland Park.

7:30pm start - 2014 Iluka Skyshow 
For twelve years Iluka have sponsoring the Sunshine Festival fireworks.  Grab your picnic rug and join the crowds at Maitland Park as the Sunshine Festival puts on another magnificent skyshow over our beautiful city. Held at Maitland Park.

The Oil and Gas industry hated this advertisement in the Guardian

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On the 11th of July, Frack Free Geraldton ran this ad (it didn't have the big red x of course) in the Geraldton Guardian. Frack Free Geraldton are associated with the Conservation Council of WA (CCWA). 

10 days later, the Chief Operating Officer of the WA region of the Australian Pertroleum Production and Exploration Association Limited (APPEA) had a letter published in the Guardian. 

He essentially refuted the claims of the ad. 

Then on 29 July 2014, APPEA wrote to the owners of the Geraldton Guardian, West Australian Newspapers Ltd (SevenWest), formally complaining about the ad. 

The CCWA responded, basically declaring the complaint by Michael Bradley and the APPEA vexatious and motivated by a desire to suppress the true nature of the gas fracking industry.

SevenWest ruled in favour of the Oil and Gas industry in many of the points.

Click here to get the PDF of their ruling.

1. The APPEA claims that shale fracking is not the “process of extracting gas”. It says that hydraulic fracking is a technology used to enhance the flow of gas from a well once the drilling is completed and the rig is removed from the scene.

Totally different.

SevenWest actually ruled in favour of the advertisers CCWA in this point, stating that 

"While technically shale fracking is not a “process of extraction” but a method to enhance the extraction of gas, the ordinary reasonable reader will not be led into error by this description. The description is used generally to describe the process in an ordinary or garden variety way."

CCWA said that the APPEA doesn't own the word fracking, nor does it get to decide whether it's a noun, adjective or verb. "Fracking" is an umbrella term just like "mining" is an umbrella term used to describe many different processes that result in the extraction of minerals. 

2. APPEA contends that “toxic chemicals” are not used “to crack deep rocks”. It's the pressure that cracks the rock. 

Totally different.

But SevenWest says that's beside the point. 

Toxic Chemicals are used in the process.

But we only use a little bit of toxic chemicals!

SevenWest says because the ad says "toxic chemicals" are used, along with a drink bottle of water that has mostly turned black, you the reader will be mislead to think that ONLY toxic chemicals are used. But only .05% to .5% of the fluid pumped into the ground is toxic. 

Hope that helps you sleep at night. 

So SevenWest says the statement "toxic chemicals" is an exaggeration. 

CCWA says that as the total volume of water is so large (10-25 million litres per well) even if the toxic chemicals constitute as little as 0.05%, that's 50,000 to 125,000 litres of toxic chemicals being pumped into the earth to kill bacteria, break down minerals and initiate fissures. Per well.

The WA Health Department in their preliminary submission to the WA Inquiry on Unconventional Gas found 195 "chemicals of concern". Some are known as suspected carcinogens, others have been shown to have developmental or reproductive toxicity. Many of the chemicals have NO SAFE LEVEL OF ORAL INTAKE and many have been banned completely overseas. 

But does that image really imply that ONLY toxic chemicals are used?

The image in the ad shows a drink bottle with a syringe. The drinking container is approx 1.5 litres. 

The syringe with the black fluid has a capacity of 30mL.

The point of the image seems to be that it only takes a small amount of poison in your drinking water to render the entire amount non-potable. 

What about this image?

The APPEA has this picture of a lush green field and a big healthy tree at the top of their website, implying that using gas mining or gas usage as an energy source would be associated with such an image. While burning gas might create less CO2 than burning other non-renewable resources, this image implies things that could also be challenged.

The claims of gas being cleaner are being refuted by recent studies. While it may be cleaner to burn, the methane released into the atmosphere during the extraction process is worse the CO2 and many now believe that overall, gas is worse than coal. 

This study from Cornell University shows that when viewed on a 20 year time horizon after emission, the greenhouse gas footprint of shale gas is considerably greater than that for coal or diesel oil, when the full effects of the methane emissions are considered. 

Click here to view study.

3. Frack Free Geraldton says that fracking can “turn our water into a dangerous chemical cocktail”.

The Oil and Gas Industry says using toxic chemicals in shale fracking will not turn our water into a dangerous chemical cocktail.

Frack Free Geraldton and the CCWA didn't say that it will, just that it can. 

And the APPEA didn't say that it can't, just that it won't.

A paragraph in the SevenWest report quoted CSIRO saying the risks of water contamination are low, in most cases.

However, the CSIRO website adds that the risks are low WHEN MANAGED PROPERLY.

This is a self evident statement however, as any contamination that has occurred can obviously be chalked up in hindsight to poor management. 

What the APPEA and the Oil and Gas Industry in general haven't convinced the world of is that "this time" they'll manage it properly. 

In addition to this...

SevenWest state in their report:

"That illustration (the water bottle) would appear to reflect a substantial contamination of the water by the black “toxic chemical” fluid. In the order of 70% of the water appears to be substantially “contaminated” by the black fluid."

But again, they seemed to have missed the entire point of the image. 70% of the water isn't poisoned. ALL OF IT IS. 

And it only took 30mL to do it. 

Moreover, CCWA say that the APPEA's claims of water never being contaminated by fracking are based entirely on a narrow interpretation of the term "fracking". They say there is extensive documented evidence of fracking well failure and subsequent leakage (of gas and fracking chemicals) into ground water. 

SevenWest concluded this point by stating:

CCWA have not produced any evidence that hydraulic fracking fluid has in the course of any hydraulic shale gas fracking process permeated a fresh water aquifer. Its contentions are against the scientific literature. The advertisement is misleading in this regard.

But by SevenWest's own acceptance of the term "fracking" applying to the entire process of gas extraction, the CCWA HAS produced evidence that fresh water has been polluted. 

In fact, they linked to a very thorough study that you can read here:

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0264817214000609

Here's a taste:

"poor well integrity is a far more likely cause of elevated concentrations of thermogenic methane in shallow groundwater and water supplies than pathways induced solely by hydraulic fracturing. Examples of leaks in shale gas wells have been reported and fines imposed."

In other words, the upward propagation of hydraulic fractures may not be the direct cause of the contaminations of fresh water aquifers, but other parts of the overall gas extraction process have demonstrably contaminated drinking water numerous times in the past.

Why SevenWest chose to semantically interpret "fracking" in this case, but accept that it applies broadly to the entire process in point 1, is unclear. 

4. “Research in the US has found that 6% of fracking wells leak into ground water in the first year”

CCWA has admitted that this statement is not materially correct.

And the APPEA are chalking this one up as a win. 

But, they should have read the response from CCWA. 

“We have reviewed the report and agree with Appea to the extent that Professor Ingraffea’s findings related to well barrier or casing integrity failure which does not necessarily mean that leakage into groundwater has occurred in all cases. On further consideration, a more accurate statement would perhaps be that “6% of fracking wells leak into groundwater, surface water, soil or air in the first year”

So instead the ad should have read:

6% of fracking wells leak into groundwater, surface water, soil or air in the first year. 

It's not likely to make the public fond of fracking, to know that risks apply to groundwater, surface water, the soil and the air we breathe. 

The CCWA states that the claims by the APPEA that fracking has not caused contamination of aquifers are misleading and rely on a narrow definition of fracking designed to exclude well casing failure, surface spills, wastewater re-injection, and other common causes of groundwater contamination due to the fracking processes.

But SevenWest still ruled that the original statement is "misleading and deceptive".

7. Once our water is contaminated, it will be forever

APPEA challenged this, saying someone probably would be able to clean up our drinking water if a fracking company accidentally poisoned it. 

But the CCWA said that there are no regulatory requirements in WA for contaminated groundwater to be returned to its original state. They also assert that remediation measures do not actually exist for all of the chemicals which could pollute our ground water. 

The CCWA also assert that while it may be possible for remediation of contaminated groundwater, it's not possible to bring it back to its original unaltered state, even if it is technically drinkable again. 

The APPEA provided SevenWest with some links to publications of how to clean up contaminated ground water, which record that to a greater or lesser degree, and depending upon the particular circumstances, remedial steps can be taken to resolve or alleviate water contamination.

So to a "greater or lesser" degree, if your drinking water gets poisoned, it's technically possible, depending on the circumstances, maybe, to possibly make it usable again, even though there's no legal requirement to do so, and the companies who do engage in fracking have made no commitment to do so.

Comforting. 

The short TV advertisement from Clean Water Healthy Land about the risk of gas fracking that the Geraldton Guardian ad was based on. 

Top 5 images shared with us this week

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Michael Muller took this photo a week ago on a road near Nukara.

Jaclyn sent in this beautiful image showcasing Geraldton's lovely weather.

Regenerate Youth Group did a rubbish pick up on the Foreshore on Friday night. This image was sent in by a member of the group and gained several likes on Everything Geraldton's Facebook page. 

Lex Wilson took this stunning image.

Jas Saunders shared this with us on Instagram. Beautiful colours!

Post your pics in the Everything Geraldton app, the Everything Geraldton Facebook Page or email them to petak@justeverything.com.au. We’d love to share them.

5 reasons to use JB Timber Flooring

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WA family owned and run business, JB Timber Flooring, are your timber floor technicians!

They pride themselves on their attention to detail, the quality of workmanship and customer service. 

If you are wondering if you should get timber flooring, these five reasons might help you make up your mind. 

1) Timber Flooring is often referred to as a 'living floor': 
Timber continues to move long after it has been removed from the tree.

2) Half the dry weight of timber is carbon: 
The Austalian forestry was measured as being the only carbon positive industry in Australia.

3) Timber Flooring emits less greenhouse gases: 
This is 10 times less than a concrete slab or a steel sub frame, and 5 times less than ceramic floor tiles.

4) Timber lasts longer: 
Timber flooring has a service life of approximately 100 years, carpet lasts 10 - 12 years.

5) You'll receive the best service and quality!
JB Timber Flooring are certified members of ATFA, the Australian Timber Flooring Association. They ensure their customers receive quality products, service and information to provide you a hassle free experience and a beautiful floor.

So if you're after a flawless timber floor and fantastic customer service, give JB Timber Flooring a call on 0417 998 125.

Unlicensed breast cancer charity illegally fundraising

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Consumer Protection has issued an alert concerning the illegal fundraising activities in Western Australia of an unlicensed breast cancer charity.

Reports that Breast Cancer Australia (BCA) has been selling raffle tickets to WA consumers via a telemarketing and doorknocking campaign has prompted this alert. Apart from its unlicensed status, the BCA is also not a current permit holder to conduct raffles in WA.

The licensed and reputable charity Breast Cancer Care WA Inc., which is not affiliated in any way with BCA, has expressed concern about BCA’s fundraising activities. The licensed Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) and the Department of Health’s BreastScreen WA have issued a similar alert to the WA public.

Commissioner for Consumer Protection Anne Driscoll has urged WA donors approached by Breast Cancer Australia to report them.

“We will be liaising with Commonwealth and other State agencies regarding this charity’s activities and urge anyone in WA who has been contacted by this charity to come forward,” Ms Driscoll said.

“While we conduct an investigation into reports of this charity’s unlicensed activity in WA, we urge the public not to donate any funds to this particular charity or any other charity that is not licensed.”

Donors can check if a charity is licensed by searching the list on the Consumer Protection website at: www.commerce.wa.gov.au/charities. Reports of unlicensed charity collections can be made by email: consumer@commerce.wa.gov.au or by calling 1300 30 40 54. 

Improved power supplies for Mid-West

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Towns in Western Australia’s Mid-West region will benefit from a reliable new power supply which Horizon Power forecasts will save taxpayers millions of dollars.

Energy Minister Mike Nahan today announced a new power purchase agreement with WA company Contract Power Australia for the supply of electricity to the Mid-West towns of Cue, Meekatharra, Yalgoo, Wiluna, Sandstone and Mount Magnet.

“This agreement will ensure a safe and reliable power supply for the Mid-West as well as providing savings for the State Government through a more flexible supply arrangement,” Dr Nahan said. 

Five new diesel-fired power stations and one gas-fired power station will be funded and built by Contract Power Australia on land owned by Horizon Power.  A new station may be built in Norseman, if required. 

“The new arrangement gives Horizon Power much more flexibility in finding the most economical way of providing additional capacity if required in the future, and offers the ability to augment the generation capacity with renewable energy,” the Minister said.

“Horizon Power is currently exploring several options to enable more households to connect solar energy to our network and we hope to give more information on this new development in the coming months.”

Since the inception of Horizon Power in 2006, the operating subsidy from the State Government has grown substantially and the business has recognised that this is not sustainable in the long term.  Horizon Power undertook a strategic review last year following consultation with the State Government and identified that it could reduce its operating costs significantly.  The goal is to decrease its subsidy by $100million a year by 2018. 

Dr Nahan said the Mid-West project was testimony to how the Government would continue its work to find better ways to deliver essential services to all West Australians while allowing for the uptake of renewable energy and displacing diesel fuel generation.

 

Get ready for the G-FEST Arts Spectacular

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Get ready for the G-FEST Arts Spectacular from the 3rd - 12th of October!

A ten day explosion of art, culture and community.

The Fringeworld De Parel Speigeltent makes it's first ever appearance in Geraldton in Queen's Park for 10 days of art and cultural events.

We have a range of exciting shows for the whole family! Check out our flyer or visit our website for more information. We hope to see you all there!

The 50 Cent Swing will be back!

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The Merry-Go-Round when it was a swing. Picture: Phil Duperouzel

Geraldton's iconic Merry-Go-Round by the Sea, otherwise known as the 50 Cent Swing, has been removed but don't worry - it will be back!

The 50 Cent Swing is not actually a swing anymore after it was made a fixed structure in 2010. 

A statement from the City said the Merry-Go-Round had only been removed for refurbishment.

"It has been cleaned, restored, galvanised and painted and will be returned as a fixed structure providing seating in the new youth space/Geraldton Visitor Centre area," a City spokesperson said.

"It will be fixed on a concrete plinth with interpretive signage about its history and surrounded by timber decking linking the two areas."

The location of the 50 cent swing, next to the old Railway building is currently under renovations.

The Heritage listed building, Geraldton’s first Railway Station located on Marine Terrace, will soon be home to the Geraldton Visitor Centre and the City are refurbishing the whole area.

Credit card parking payment facilities now available at Geraldton Airport

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Parking at Geraldton Airport can now be paid by credit card. The facility was activated on August 13 and the new fees and charges as adopted in the City's 2014-15 Budget on July 1, have now come into effect.

Parking fees remained at the former rates until the credit card facility was activated removing the necessity for people to carry cash, and often, use the airport terminal café to withdraw money with their debit cards to pay for parking.

The new fees and charges for long term parking at the airport are now $15 per day with a minimum of $30 for the first two days, and $10 per day thereafter.

For short term parking the first hour is free and then $2 per hour thereafter to a maximum of $20 for 24 hours.

The City say fees generated from parking, and from aviation operations, are used to fund capital upgrades and ongoing operations and maintenance of the airport, removing the need to fund these activities from Rates.

The new car parking areas more than double the long term and short term car parking spaces, overcoming the problem of inadequate capacity that had been a source of complaint by the community in recent years.

The new car parks were built at a cost of $2.86M with additional works this year to complete landscaping.

To meet growing community needs the Council, at its Ordinary Meeting on Tuesday August 26, awarded a contract for an extension to the Airport Lounge to local contractor, Crothers Construction at a cost of $1.861M with total project costs including customer facilities, amenities and furnishings of $2.1M. 

Midwest Charity gains with grain

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Midwest Charity Begins at Home (MCBAH) in conjunction with Ten Tigers – Grain Marketing Solutions, have announced a new grain donation program, exclusive to grain growers.

MCBAH is now a registered deliverable charity with CBH which means farmers can support the charity by donating all types of grain. The accumulated grain will then be sold to buyers by Ten Tigers, a Geraldton based grain marketing advisory service which has been working for WA grain growers since 2004.

Growers can donate grain directly via their CBH Loadnet account. There will also be an opportunity to join the grain donation program at the Gala Dinner on November 29th. Growers who register with the program have a chance to win a one year Grain Marketing Package, donated by Ten Tigers.

Chris Tonkin, Director of Ten Tigers, said that grain donations are a valuable and simple way for local farmers to support Charity Begins at Home this harvest.

“We are a locally owned and operated business, and are happy to be involved with this unique charity supporting Midwest families,” Chris said.

President of Midwest Charity Begins at Home Inc, Chris Dobson said they were extremely excited to join forces with Ten Tigers on the project. 

“It’s fantastic to be able to provide an easy avenue for our grain growers to contribute to Midwest Charity Begins at Home because as a charity, we are here to support the whole Midwest region, including many of their farming communities," she said.

For more information on how you can be involved contact Ten Tigers on 9964 9905.

Geraldton students and teachers take part in cyberbully workshops

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Allendale Primary School, Melissa Price Federal Member for Durack, Nola Marino Federal Member for Forrest, at Allendale Primary School where 110 students participated in the cyberbullying workshop. 

New research commissioned by the Abbott Government this year showed that one in five Australian children aged eight to 17 experiences cyberbullying each year. 

The findings confirm that cyberbullying is widespread and that there is significant community concern about whether there are adequate response mechanisms available today.

More than 470 students from Allendale Primary School, St Lawrence’s Primary School and Geraldton Senior College participated in five workshops to learn to be safe, smart and responsible when using technology. A further 50 teachers from Geraldton Senior College attended a workshop. 

Melissa Price Federal Member for Durack, hosted Nola Marino, Federal Member for Forrest, presented the workshops.

Working with local and Federal Police and being on the Joint Select Committee for Cyber-Safety, Ms Marino has been able to identify what concerns young people when using the internet. 

Ms Price said she was concerned about young people’s safety when using the internet and that Geraldton was fortunate that Ms Marino was able to conduct the cyberbullying workshops, which have helped many children and parents over the past years.

“The workshop presentation addressed the risks associated with social media like Facebook and Twitter, cyber bullying, your child’s digital footprint, what it means to be groomed online, your mobile phone and its security weaknesses such as location services and of course, scams,” Ms Price said.

“If you are being cyberbullied, you need to block the contact or ignore it, and tell a parent or responsible adult.”

The workshop participants also discussed unwanted contact, online friends, rude messages and online gaming and how to recognise the associated dangers, as well as strategies for managing them.

The Abbott Government announced funding of $10 million in the May Budget for its policy of Enhancing Online Safety for Children, including:

  • $7.5 million to assist schools to access accredited online safety programmes;
  • $2.4 million to establish and operate the Office of the Children’s e-Safety Commissioner (the Commissioner) to take a leadership role in online safety; and
  • $0.1 million to support Australian-based research and information campaigns on online safety.