Would you live in Moresby Heights, Geraldton's proposed new suburb?

If you didn't unwrap The Midwest Times when it landed on your driveway on Feb 20 and read the public notices section, you might have missed the advertisement about a proposed new development known as Moresby Heights.

This Tuesday it will be put to a vote by council, after public submissions closed back on March 21.

The proposed new development will be located 10km north east of the Geraldton CBD, 4km from the coast, at the foot of the Moresby Range. It could home approx 4000 - 5000 people, about the population of Carnarvon.

The structure plan put to the city by the developers says:

The structure plan proposes development of the site for predominantly residential purposes, supported by a neighbourhood centre, primary school and public open space. It also proposes areas of regional and district open space, in support of the City of Greater Geraldton’s planning strategies and requirements, and a tourism node at the top of the Moresby Range scarp.

The city staff are recommending to council to approve the proposal, despite several objections from nearby landholders.

Some of the feedback included:

• Destroy rural setting and current amenity of the area.
• Increased traffic, noise and light.
• Suitable land elsewhere in Geraldton for subdivision.
• Should be connected to sewerage scheme.
• Development is too dense.
• Impacts on visual landscape amenity.
• Well thought out and environmentally sensitive plan.
• Tourist site should be served by a road from the east not up the escarpment.
• Subdivision at a higher density than that recommended by the Moresby Range Management Plan.
• Tourism sites could set a precedent for future development in areas of high visibility.
• Loss of native fauna.
• The adjacent Waggrakine Rural Residential area cannot subdivide to this level and these developers will be unfairly favoured by being able to subdivide the land into suburban sized blocks.
• Allow only 2 – 4 ha lots.

Click here to read all the feedback submissions in full, and responses from the CGG.

One of the consistent themes within the submissions to council regarding the development is that there simply isn't the demand in the region to warrant more property coming on to the market; other developments remain undersold, many properties sit on the market for a long time before selling, and many similar properties are selling for hundreds of thousands of dollars below what they were 7 years ago.

Acknowledging the depressed state of the market, the city says the land may remain "as is" for some time; that is to say, even if approved, the land may remain undeveloped for quite some time until the demand warrants the investment.

But given the CGG council have a plan to make Geraldton suitable for 80,000 to 100,000 people, they believe "forward planning for the site should be progressed to enable the timely release of land" in the future. "The cost of developing the site largely falls to the developer, not the City."

The plan has been in the works for some time. It was presented to Councillors back in May 2011.

The people behind the new suburb development include Paul Dossiter, Site Construction Manager at CSI Phill's Creek; V Neil; Seventh Wave Enterprises Pty Ltd which is owned by Ashley Newton, Christopher Newton and Dana Newton. Other stakeholders are also named in the LOCAL STRUCTURE PLAN by CLE Town Planning and Design 

From the Tuesday's agenda documentation again:

The site is surrounded by Rural Residential developments to the south and west, which are subject to the Waggrakine Rural Residential Structure Plan. Land to the north and east is zoned ‘Rural’ and is subject to low intensity agricultural use.

The development of the site for urban purposes will require treatment of these areas to provide a transition in intensity of development. This has been addressed through the provision of rural residential and larger residential lots and / or open space around the periphery of the development.

The development will essentially represent an expansion of the Geraldton urban area to its north-easterly limits. Its separation from existing urban areas by the Waggrakine Rural Residential area will give it something of a ‘village’ character; however its proximity to Geraldton means that it will effectively form a suburb of the city.

The proposed Local Structure Plan provides for development of the site to accommodate:

• 79 ha of ‘regional’ open space, protecting the Moresby Range;
• A neighbourhood commercial centre and abutting Primary School, roughly in the centre of the site;
• Urban residential neighbourhoods both north and south of the neighbourhood centre, with potential for higher density in close proximity to the centre;
• Low density and Rural Residential around the periphery of the residential neighbourhoods, providing for a diversity of lot types and a graduation in density from adjoining rural residential and rural areas;
• An integrated network of parkland throughout the development, protecting areas of environmental significance, providing for integrated urban water management, and providing for local recreation and amenity to service the subdivision;
• 33 ha of District Open Space, provided in a linear spine through the development to link to the Moresby Range, and in a consolidated 14 ha block in the west of the site, to provide for District Recreation;
• Two potential tourism facilities, including one on the Range Tops, where a low profile development could be designed to nestle in behind the Range ‘edge’ where it would be visually unobtrusive, but could benefit from the magnificent ocean views this location affords. In addition to accommodation, the site might also accommodate a cafe or restaurant, or possibly even a small tavern which would provide an attraction to the local Geraldton community as well as more distant visitors. The second, lower site appears more suited to eco-chalets or similar self-contained, low intensity accommodation.

Colin “Scruffy” Burgess Grandstand officially opened

Last Sunday was a day of bittersweet emotion at Geraldton’s historic Recreation Ground Oval when City of Greater Geraldton Councillor and local sporting identity, Peter Fiorenza, officially opened the Colin “Scruffy” Burgess Grandstand before the main game of the day.

Named in memory of the well-known and respected community identity who gave so much to local football, and restored to its former glory – and more – the Recreation Ground grandstand, home to Railway Football Club, has long been touted as the best seat in the house when it comes to watching a local game of footy.

After languishing in disrepair for more than eight years, the City fully funded the $1.5 million restoration with works undertaken in cooperation with the Recreation Ground Management Committee, including a canteen refit, new change rooms and landscaping.

A large crowd including City representatives and Scruffy’s former workmates from the Geraldton Fire Station, gathered to watch his wife, Gerry, and Management Committee Chairman, Tony Caniglia, unveil the plaque in Scruffy’s name.

“The naming of the grandstand in his honour is a very special tribute that we as his family will always treasure,” Gerry said.

“There are no words to describe how proud we are of Scruff and the contributions he made to football, the fire brigade and the community.”

Cr Fiorenza paid tribute to Scruff, the family man, career firefighter, Railway Football Club and GNFL life member, recalling his commitment to Railway Football Club of 47 years as either a player or trainer until a serious illness cut his life short at 65.

“Scruffy was also a career firefighter for 43 years, based at the Geraldton Fire Station. He joined the Volunteer Fire Brigade at 17 and spent six years as a volunteer,” said Cr Fiorenza.

“In total Scruffy spent around 50 years protecting the community’s residents from the dangers and consequence of fire.”

In what could be seen as another fitting tribute to Scruff, Railway’s went on to defeat Towns in the League game.

Emergency services tested at Airport Emergency Exercise

Geraldton’s emergency services were put to the test on Saturday 14 June when the Airport Emergency Procedure Plan was tested. The emergency exercise scenario involved a crash landing at Geraldton Regional Airport.

At 9am the aircraft called in a ‘Mayday’ with engine failure shortly after take-off, requesting to make a forced landing at Geraldton Airport as soon as possible. At 9.45am, the aircraft crash landed and slid off the runway onto a grassed area and caught fire. There were 46 passengers and some deceased.

Emergency response units including the Geraldton Police operating as the Hazard Management Agency were quickly on the scene and set up an incident command post for all emergency services liaison.

Exercise ‘Q400’ was a simulated exercise designed to test the State Air Crash Emergency Management Plan to maintain Emergency Response Accreditation for the airport under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) regulations.

It was a full field exercise conducted on location at the Geraldton Regional Airport to appraise the Geraldton Airport Emergency Response Plan and evaluate responses from all emergency services and their resources and capabilities. It was also to examine the Incident Command Structure, appraise the Department of Child Protection’s Victim Registration practices and test triggers in the City of Greater Geraldton’s Local Emergency Management Arrangements (LEMA); that will lead to the development of an Incident Support Group.

Airport Manager and exercise director, Bob Urquhart, said the exercise was invaluable in bringing all agencies together to test their abilities.

“It was a great way to get all the agencies together not only to test their resources but to identify potential problems – and possible solutions – in the event of a real aircraft crash at the airport,” he said.

“At the end of the exercise we held a hot debrief that allowed all agencies to raise any difficulties they had experienced that could be potential issues in a real life situation.”

Volunteer air crash victims were drama students from Strathalbyn Christian College and had stage make up and realistic prosthetic injuries, including gashed legs and arms and one victim ‘suffered’ a very bad stomach injury! City staff posed as media representatives to add to the woes and test the mettle of the Police command post.

Agencies involved in the exercise included; the District Emergency Management Committee, WA Police Service, Geraldton Airport, DFES Fire and Rescue, State Emergency Service, Local Bush Fire Brigades, Geraldton Regional Hospital, St John Ambulance, Department of Child Protection, Australian Red Cross, Community Volunteers, Bureau of Meteorology and City of Greater Geraldton Community Law and Safety Department. Each agency had an umpire to assess their handling of the situation.

Mayor and Chair of the Local Emergency Management Committee Ian Carpenter commended all agencies and volunteers for their commitment to the community. “Emergency Responders and volunteers often work so hard with little recognition. These people are passionate about protecting our community and their participation in this exercise is testament to this. On behalf of the City I thank them for their commitment,” he said.

Proposed 5.2% rate increase

It’s that time of year again, local government rates.

The City of Greater Geraldton has advertised its proposed rates for the 2014-15 Budget as a 5.2 per cent increase.

They are giving the community an opportunity to make a submission and the final decision will be made by the City at a special meeting of council in July.

The City say the proposed rate is consistent with the Long Term Financial Plan adopted by Council in 2013; the maximum rate increase as agreed with ratepayers groups in 2013; and the rate the City advised the community it would be considering 12 months ago.

Rates have been a touchy subject within Geraldton over the last few years.

In 2012, rates were increased by over 27 per cent.

After the huge increase in 2012, it spurred local debate with community group ‘City of Greater Geraldton Ratepayers Demand Change’ forming.

This year the City is proposing a 5.2 per cent rate rise and the community has until June 20th, to give their opinion.

City CEO, Ken Diehm, said the City agreed with ratepayers last year that rates would be kept as low as possible and a proposed 5.2 per cent rise is consistent with the Long Term Financial Plan.

“This was the maximum rate increase as agreed with ratepayers groups in 2013, and what the City advised the community it would be considering 12 months ago,” he said.

“More than 80 people on the two panels worked diligently alongside City staff — who also gave up their time over 12 weeks — reviewing council services and considering where services could increase or decrease.

“This gave people a greater insight into the operations and complexity of running a local government, and I appreciate their dedication. They had a steep learning curve and had to make some tough decisions,” said Mr Diehm.

Over the past few months, the City engaged the community to identify priorities through two randomly selected community panels that were advised to make sure rate increases were no higher than 5.2 per cent.

One panel reviewed the range and level of services the City provides and the other looked at the capital works program. The panels’ recommendations have been accepted by Council and incorporated into the 2014-15 Budget.

In a message from the City Mayor, Ian Carpenter, he said all local governments in Western Australia were facing the difficult challenge of balancing the books on the one hand and the ability to pay for community expectations on the other.

“The City believes the best way to address this challenge is to ask you, the people of Geraldton,” he said.

“Thats why we have undertaken the biggest consultation with community known. We reckon it’s the first time in Australia that any council has done this.

“It’s opened our eye to what is valued by the community.”

The panels produced two comprehensive reports which can be found on the City website http://www.cgg.wa.gov.au/your-council/city-budget-2014-2015 , and community members are encouraged by the City to make a submission by June 20 2014 by emailing budget@cgg.wa.gov.au or posting to City of Greater Geraldton, PO Box 101, Geraldton WA 6531 or filling out an online form http://www.cgg.wa.gov.au/have-your-say-budget-submission

Council will meet to decide and adopt the rate level at a Special Meeting of Council on July 1, 2014. Members of the public are invited to attend the meeting.

In addition, here are the contact details for the City’s Councillors:

Steve Douglas- cr.douglas@cgg.wa.gov.au

Peter Fiorenza- cr.fiorenza@cgg.wa.gov.au

David Caudwell- cr.caudwell@cgg.wa.gov.au

Des Brick- cr.brick@cgg.wa.gov.au

Laurie Graham- cr.graham@cgg.wa.gov.au

Jerry Clune- cr.clune@cgg.wa.gov.au

Jennifer Critch- cr.critch@cgg.wa.gov.au

Tarleah Thomas- cr.thomas@cgg.wa.gov.au

Victor Tanti- cr.tanti@cgg.wa.gov.au

Bob Hall- cr.hall@cgg.wa.gov.au

Shane Van Styn- cr.vanstyn@cgg.wa.gov.au

Neil McIlwaine- cr.mcilwaine@cgg.wa.gov.au

Simon Keemink- cr.keemink@cgg.wa.gov.au

Richard de Trafford- cr.detrafford@cgg.wa.gov.au

City to host Community Tree Planting days

As it’s now the start of the planting season and is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors, the City of Greater Geraldton is hosting Community Tree Planting Days to help restore Geraldton’s beautiful bushland.

The planting days will take place over a six week period which started last Saturday June 7 at the Chapman River Estuary.

Following planting days include:

• Saturday June 14 from 2pm to 5pm
• Saturday June 21 from 2pm to 5pm
• Saturday June 28 from 2pm to 5pm
• Saturday July 5 from 2pm to 5pm

*Locations to be confirmed.

Everyone is invited to join and no gardening experience is required. Remember to wear clothes suitable to gardening including enclosed shoes, gloves and hat, and bring a hand spade if you own one.

City of Greater Geraldton Senior Sustainability and Environmental Officer, Robyn Nicholas, said the last planting day saw thirty people assist the sustainability team.

“Overall, 500 seedlings were planted, watered and protected from rabbits with corflute protectors into the Chapman River Estuary,” she said.

“Without community help and support we wouldn’t be able to achieve as much, everyone’s time and assistance is gratefully received.”

For more information visit the Million Trees Geraldton Facebook Page on www.facebook.com/milliontreesgeraldton or contact the Environmental Sustainability Team on (08) 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au.

No Smoking signs kicking around footy club

Brigades Football Club at Eadon Clarke Oval embraced World No Tobacco Day on May 31 with new ‘no smoking’ signage at their grounds, and an award from the City of Greater Geraldton in recognition of promoting a strong, healthy community.

Using funding from the Department of Health through the Public Health Advocacy Institute of Western Australia (PHAIWA), and Curtin University, the City of Greater Geraldton is working to implement No Smoking projects in Geraldton and Mullewa under the Tobacco Control Grants Scheme. The grants provide funds to allow local governments across the State to expand smoke-free spaces.

Under this scheme a project to install 100 no smoking signs designed by school children was undertaken, and the students received awareness education on tobacco dangers, and support in their art class to create the designs. The signs were designed to complement the standard no smoking signs to make them more accepted in the community.

City Mayor, Ian Carpenter, said local sports clubs were asked if they would like to have a sign from the project installed at their club.

“Many did, and the City produced and installed signs at the clubs and chose Brigades Football Club for the award, as they had already taken the initiative to make their sports ground smoke free,” he said.

“I am pleased to present this award recognising promoting a strong, healthy community on World No Tobacco Day today.”

Students from John Willcock College contributed to the best four designs chosen for different locations including playgrounds, foreshore and sports grounds. All designs were displayed in the Geraldton Regional Library.

Verita Road largest City project to date

The City of Greater Geraldton's Verita Road project, otherwise known as the Karloo-Wandina Project, is the largest project the City has undertaken to date.

The current construction will facilitate the connection of Ackland St in Mt Tarcoola across to Abraham St, Karloo with a 70m long bridge spanning the Southern Transport Corridor.

The project will ultimately deliver an initial, priority release of 400 affordable housing lots through the WA Department of Housing.

The City acquired $9 million funding through the federal Government, $112 million through the Building Better Regional Cities Program from June 2012, $13.97 million from the Royalties for Regions initiative and the City put in a further $5 million.

A tender has currently gone out to build a bridge over the Southern Transport Corridor and rail line to connect Wandina with Karloo and Verita Road will eventually connect with Brand Highway at Greenough.

Works started on September 23, 2013 and the project is expected to be completed by the end of this year.

City of Greater Geraldton Site and Delivery Manager, Moneer Fates, said the project is currently on schedule and most earth and pavement works had been completed.

“The area is still a construction site and is only accessible by authorised personnel,” he said.

The City urges the public to obey the safety signs and the safety measures that have been installed on site and to refrain from accessing the site without authorisation. And remember, safety is everyone’s responsibility.

Any concerns in relation to the construction activities please contact City of Greater Geraldton Site and Delivery Manager, Moneer Fates, on 0433 453 441.

Spotlight on Emergency Management in the Midwest Gascoyne

Former Commissioner of the Australian Federal Police and Head of Royal Commissions into major bushfires, Mick Keelty, will be in Geraldton as headline speaker for an Emergency Management Conference being held at Queens Park Theatre on June 30.

Mr Keelty will highlight the key lessons for the sector drawing upon several major recent Inquiries such as the 2012 Coroner's Inquest into the response of emergency services to the London Bombings of July 2005; the 2012 NZ Royal Commission into the Christchurch Earthquake and Pike River Mine Explosion ad well as the Victorian Royal Commission into the Black Saturday Bushfires and the Perth Hills Bushfires.

He will be joined by International Recovery Professional Sally McKay, CEO Bank of IDEAS Peter Kenyon, Business Continuity Expert Nathaniel Forbes from Singapore, experienced Emergency Management Practitioner Greg Scroope, emergency practitioner and academic Lewis Winter, Vic Bliss from Brookfield Rail and Martin North, Harbourmaster from the Geraldton Port Authority.

The conference is being organised by the Mid West Gascoyne Local Government Emergency Management Network.

Konrad Seidl, inaugural Chair of the Network, said the high calibre of speakers will enhance awareness and knowledge of key players in emergency management.

Mr Seidl said the formation of the Network is a great opportunity to build capacity across the Mid West and Gascoyne in terms of preparing, responding and recovering from disasters that can impact the region’s communities.

“Similar collaborative partnerships have proven successful in other parts of the country and in the South West,” he said.

“Some of the benefits will be realised through local knowledge and the skills and experience on offer from the various local governments participating.

“Cross boundary matters such as communication and access to emergency management training can be addressed through collaborative funding applications,” said Mr Seidl.

He said support for major incidents could be streamlined by establishing stronger relationships and understanding of key emergency considerations of each local government area.

“A key Network outcome will be communication to and from the District, and State Emergency Management Committees and the WA Local Government Association on matters concerning Policy and Legislation.”

Maurice Battilana, Chapman Valley CEO, is deputy chair and brings significant experience in Local Government and Emergency Management highlighted through his involvement with the Carnarvon floods and fires in 2010 and 2012.

The network is supported by a successful funding application through the Western Australian Governments AWARE program and is sponsored by Western Power, Geraldton Port Authority and Brookfield Rail.

Tickets for the Conference are available for $100 and the registration brochure is attached. Registrations close Friday, June 13.

Accommodation can be arranged through the Geraldton Visitor Centre. To book your ticket please complete the Registration Form (last page in brochure) and email to Johannes Muller at the City of Greater Geraldton via johannesm@cgg.wa.gov.au.

For further information contact City of Greater Geraldton Manager of Law and Safety, Konrad Seidl, on konrads@cgg.wa.gov.au or by calling (08) 9956 6600.

Strengthening relationships between China and Geraldton

The Australia-China Business Council Western Australia (ACBC WA), has this week visited the Mid West as the start the first of four regional tours with the Chinese Consul General, Dr Huang Qinguo.

The regional tours have been designed by ACBC WA to help the recently appointed Dr Huang to familiarise himself with opportunities to further trade and investment between four key regions in Western Australia and China, namely the:

• Pilbara;
• South-West;
• Kimberley; and
• Mid West.

Dr Huang was part of the signing of an MOU to strengthen the trade and investment facilitation relationship between ACBC WA and the Mid West Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

“We are delighted that Dr Huang has shown such a significant interest in the trade and investment opportunities for China that originate from our regions," Adam Handley, President of ACBC WA said.

"The regional tours will enable Dr Huang to see the opportunities first hand and to meet key stakeholders who are committed to the growth of Chinese trade and investment with the regions.”

Deidre Willmott, Chief Executive Officer of CCI WA, said the CCI is proud to partner with the Australian China Business Council.

"We are proud to to promote the high quality, world leading capabilities of Western Australian businesses across the State," she said.

"Regional visits like these are important to establishing partnerships between regional businesses and new trade and investment partners from major trading partners like China."

As part of the tour, Dr Huang and his fellow delegates enjoyed a visit to the Batavia Coast Maritime Institute, a visit to see a Mandarin language and cultural class at Geraldton Grammar School, an inspection of the Fishermen’s Co-op – Processing Facility as well as a fly over tour of the proposed Oakajee Port project and Abrolohs Islands and a tour of Geraldton Port.

Dr Huang said he was very impressed with his first visit to Geraldton.

"Geraldton has a natural advantage both geographically and it is a region that is very rich is resources," he said.

"I look forward to see that there will be more developments and improvements for infrastructure to support  mining developments here in the Mid West.

"I trust with the development of infrastructure here, it will attract more Chinese interest and this will further enhance the trade and ecomic relationship between China and Australia."

Verge Side Collection 2014

Here's everything you need to know about Verge Side Collection for 2014. Week 1: Commencing Monday 16 June 2014 Items must be placed on verge PRIOR TO SUNDAY 15 JUNE for all northern suburbs. Collection commences in the north, i.e. residential properties in Parkfalls, White Peaks, Coffee pot, Bayside, Drummonds Cove, Glendfield, Sunset Beach, Waggrakine, Forrester Park, Moresby, Bluff Point, Spalding, Strathalbyn, Beresford, Webberton, Wonthella (North of Eight Street), Mooyoonooka, Woorree, Deepdale (North of Geraldton - Mount Magnet Road)

Week 2: Commencing Monday 23 June 2014 Items must be placed on verge PRIOR TO SUNDAY 22 JUNE for all Southern suburbs. Southern Suburbs includes: residential properties in suburbs including Geraldton, Beachlands, Mahomets Beach, Tarcoola Beach, Mt Tarcoola, Wandina, Rangeway, Karloo, Wonthella (south of Eighth Street), Utakarra, Mooyoonooka & Deepdale (South of Geraldton - Mt Magnet Rd), Eastlyn, Meru, Cape Burney, West End and Walkaway.

Mullewa Township Collection will be on MONDAY 30 JUNE 2014 - ONE DAY ONLY

Please note: Material placed out for collection must comply with the listed conditions. Items placed on the verger area after the collection or non-compliant items will not be collected and will be required to be removed by the resident to avoid incurring a littering infringement. All green (garden) waste to be stacked separately. NO TYRES - NO ASBESTOS

For more information click here.

Parents can have say in children and family planning

Following on from National Families Week, with the theme stronger families, stronger communities, local parents and carers are encouraged to take part in a survey to help plan the development of a children’s services plan.

The Family and Children’s Service Survey will help determine how services in Greater Geraldton are currently supporting families to be stronger, and how the suite of services could be strengthened for the future.

Karen McDowell, Manager of City of Greater Geraldton owned and operated Bright Stars Family Day Care, said the City is consulting with parents, children, educators and service providers about current and future services.

“The City has teamed up with Child Australia Inc and encourages parents and carers to complete the survey to share their experiences with child and family services and spaces,” she said.

“It will help inform future planning of children’s services in the Mid West.”

The survey can be found at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/FamilyandChildrensServices and hard copies are available at the Geraldton Regional Library and Mullewa Library and also Queens Park Theatre and the Queen Elizabeth II Seniors and Community Centre. Completed surveys can be lodged at these venues.

Public comment invited on Draft Sunset Beach Precinct Plan

The City of Greater Geraldton’s innovative way of giving residents direct involvement in the planning of their suburb has paid dividends, with Council’s adoption of the Draft Sunset Beach Precinct Plan at its March meeting, opening it up for public comment.

Last year Sunset Beach residents were invited to take part in three planning workshops allowing participants to assist in developing design principles based on their own community values and aspirations.

Mackay Urbandesign and Curtin University Sustainability Policy Institute (CUSP) were commissioned to prepare the precinct plan using feedback from workshop participants and incorporating the participants’ design principles to guide the planning and creation of the Draft Sunset Beach Precinct Plan.

City Director of Sustainable Communities, Phil Melling, said this was a different way of approaching planning for existing suburbs in Greater Geraldton.

“Traditionally an urban designer would look at the suburb, review existing town plans and produce a design that they thought would work well for the area,” he said.

“This time the City approached it from the other way around, letting residents and workers share their aspirations and needs with the designers and have input into the planning.

A full copy of the Precinct Plan is available for inspection during office hours at the Council Civic Centre, 63 Cathedral Ave, you can head to the City's website or you can click here to download it.

Submissions on the plan can be made in writing and lodged with the City of Greater Geraldton on or before Friday, June 20 2014.

Sand bypassing works to start on northern beaches

As part of the Northern Beaches Stabilisation Programme the Geraldton Port Authority will be undertaking sand bypassing works between Monday May 19 to Friday May 23, 2014.

During this period the Port Authority will transport approximately 6,250m3 of sand from Pages Beach to placement sites along the Beresford Foreshore.

The purpose of the sand by-passing is to feed sediment into the longshore current operating in a northerly direction along the Geraldton coastline.

Through a coastal process known as littoral transport, the sand by-passing provides sediment to Geraldton’s northern beaches through the action of the breaking waves and the longshore current.

The City says the approach provides a cost-effective way of providing sediment to Geraldton’s northern beaches.

Traffic management will be in place to minimise the disruption to traffic in the area. Where appropriate a water cart will be used to suppress dust and sand movement off the placement sites.

To protect the shared pathway from damage by the sand bypassing transport trucks the Port Authority will place sand over the pathway for the duration of the works.

The sand will be removed on completion of the works. Working hours will be between the hours of 7.00am to 5.00pm for duration of the works.

For further information on these works and the Northern Beaches Stabilisation Programme, contact Project Coordinator, Michael Dufour, on (08) 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au.

Bikeweek a big success for Geraldton

Every year Geraldton embraces Bikeweek in a big way, and this year was no exception with 44 participants cycling more than 8000km over the course of the events, and Time Trial participant, Ben Freer, walking away with a brand new bike donated by Revolutions, Geraldton.

Bikeweek is a collection of events held across Western Australia from 15 to 23 March that encourages people of all ages to take up cycling as a healthy and inexpensive mode of transport and the City of Greater Geraldton along with some local businesses, supports the initiative.

“However,” said City Sustainable Transport Officer, Bronwyn Neville, “this year Geraldton pedalled the Bikeweek event even further with the Commuter Challenge rolling on from March 3 until March 30.”

She said a great turnout of 44 bike riders racked up a total of 8872km over the three weeks of the Commuter Challenge, with the ACCS team in the novice category covering the greatest distance of 1133.4km and Weekend Warrier pedalling 3331km in the Experienced category.

“Bikeweek has been a great success with ‘Roll with Us’ having a great turnout, Why Not Wednesday Commuter Breakfast had 53 cyclists and the Night Ride was lit up with 28 riders enjoying the sunset over the Esplanade and a sundowner at Pollinators on Marine Terrace,” said Ms Neville.

“The weekend was also a roaring success with 53 participants getting out early on Sunday for the 22km and 44km Coastal Time Trial and 20 people enjoyed the lovely Family Fun ride.”

Time trial 22km winners were Jeff Peacock and Sara Armitage (male and female) and 44km winners were Andre Eastough/Jason Potts and Jacinta Potts (male and female).

Excavating begins for test pits on Beresford Foreshore

As part of the City of Greater Geraldton’s Beresford Foreshore Protection and Enhancement Project, geotechnical investigations will begin on the Beresford Foreshore, Tuesday May 6.

A local engineering company will excavate three test pits on the beach with a backhoe between the breakwater and Mark St at about 6.30am to coincide with the low tide.

The test pits will allow for the beach sediment to be assessed for properties including: sand colour and size, gravel inclusion, water level depth and the depth to rock/reef.

The backhoe will require access over the foreshore reserve and any access tracks created for the testing will be reinstated on completion of the works.

For further information or information on the Beresford Foreshore Coastal Protection and Enhancement Project contact Michael Dufour on 9956 6600 or council@cgg.wa.gov.au

PTA allows City extension for temporary parking

Shoppers and workers have been enjoying the indulgence of temporary free parking in the CBD on the Public Transport Authority (PTA) land (Lot 601 Marine Terrace) since before Christmas last year.

The PTA has agreed to extend temporary free parking on the lot until the end of the financial year. City CEO, Ken Diehm, said the City appreciates the PTA’s decision to allow the extension.

“The City is very appreciative of the PTA’s consent to allow this extension for temporary use of parking, while the City awaits State approval to fund the purchase of the land,” he said.

“Once the City has acquired the lot, it is likely we will continue to use it for temporary free parking until development occurs.”

Young Chase gets Bravery Award

City of Greater Geraldton Animal Control Team Leader, Darren Cole, and City Ranger, Archie Brown, nominated three-year-old local boy Chase, for a Bravery Award through the WA Ranger Association after the youngster suffered the trauma of a dog attack.

Chase and his mum, Kelly, were visiting a Geraldton property when the dog bit him on the face.

The injuries he received resulted in an emergency flight to Princess Margaret Hospital in Perth for emergency treatment and surgery.

Chase will require ongoing treatment for a number of years as a result of injuries received in the attack.

Mr Cole said from time to time the WA Rangers Association present a Bravery Award to children who have experienced the trauma of a dog attack.

“The purpose of this program is to help kids who have been attacked and injured by a dog,” he said.

“These awards help victims get through the trauma of the attack and aim to assist in promoting a quick and full recovery.”

Chase was pretty chuffed with his award, presented to him at the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Tuesday (April 22), by Deputy Mayor, Cr Neil McIlwaine, and proudly showed off his medallion to the public gallery.

Chase’s grandfather, Mal, praised the City’s Rangers for their ongoing support throughout Chase’s ordeal.

“I’d really like to thank all the rangers who helped Chase,” he said, “they have been really wonderful.”

Council receive Range and Level of Services Report from #changesCGGcommunity Panel

Local government is as complex as running a small country. That was the conclusion drawn by one of the panel members during the historic Participatory Budgeting process undertaken by the City of Greater Geraldton over the last six months.

Members of the Panel which deliberated on the range and level of services provided by the City told Councillors Tuesday night (April 22) that they had seen first-hand the complexity of local government.

Panel members who met for seven weekend workshops to analyse and make recommendations on the City’s multi-million dollar service provision budget, presented their final recommendations to Council Tuesday night.

According to Rob Pilliner, one of the panellists, the process provided an insight into the complexity of local government.

He also said that he, like other panel members, was initially sceptical of the process of Participatory Budgeting.

“The nature and complexity of process daunted many of us and we initially struggled with the concept of ever reaching tangible and coherent recommendations with the range of personalities, background and priorities,” he said.

However he said that, in the end, all the panel members were from the Geraldton community and they collectively represented the needs and aspirations of the community.

The panel members were chosen at random from the Geraldton community. Deliberations around the range and level of services was the second Participatory Budgeting program. The first resulted in a series of recommendations adopted by Council in January that will feed into the Council’s Ten Year Capital Works Plan.

Accepting the report, City Deputy Mayor, Cr Neil McIlwaine, said the Participatory Budgeting process is part of a whole package of changes being implemented by the City to make decision making more open, transparent and inclusive. 

“Under the banner of a program called #changesCGGcommunity my Councillors and I, and the City staff are working very hard to open up decision making to the community, while ensuring the integrity of the decision making process,” he said.

“The two Participatory Budgeting programs which have run over the last six months are examples of how the Council is serious about this.

Cr McIlwaine said that Council had been very brave to initiate this type of decision making and that it was the first time it had been done to this extent in Australia. 

Local nominees recognised in National Heritage Week

National Heritage Week kicked off in Geraldton with nine local nominees delighted to be recognised at the  presentation night earlier this month.

Now in its second year, the two award categories were Award for Excellence in Heritage Building Design and Conservation, and Award for Outstanding Heritage Achievement.

Winner of the first category, Excellence in Heritage Building Design and Conservation was won by Swansea House owner, Peter Creek.

Two-storey Swansea House, located on Marine Terrace and now home to Pollinators, Jaffle Shack and Fleur High Tea was almost past saving when Mr Creek was convinced to tackle the restoration earning him the award.

Dayle and Fay Kenny, owners of Heritage listed Fitzgerald Flats on the corner of Fitzgerald Street and Lester Avenue, received a High Commendation for the work they have done in restoring the art deco flats building to its former glory.

Special Recognition was bestowed on Dale Hammond for her work in restoring a house at 14 Francis Street, also Alex and Judy Holds for the restoration of Mt Pleasant Homestead on Company Road in Greenough, and owners Darryl and Joan Grey for the restoration of a home on Chapman Road, Geraldton.

The Batavia Coast Maritime Heritage Association nominated Howard Gray for category two, Award for Outstanding Heritage Achievement and he was declared the winner by the judging panel.

Barry Stinson, nominated by the Geraldton Historical Society, was Highly Commended and the Geraldton Historical Society itself received Special Recognition, nominated by Alice Thornton. Special recognition was also given to Pat Mills, nominated by Bishop Justin Bianchini.

City Manager Libraries and Heritage, Susan Smith, said from the nine entries received it was a tough job for the judges to categorise them.

“They were all of such a high calibre and it is wonderful to see the community so passionate about our heritage,” she said.

“We hope these awards will encourage more people to think about restoration of some of our magnificent local buildings and also to nominate individuals in the Community who work tirelessly to preserve, research and promote the wonderful history of the Greater Geraldton region.

The evening was made all the sweeter backed up with the City’s own win in the 2014 WA Heritage Council Awards for Outstanding heritage practices by a local government the week before.

Vandalism and graffiti costing ratepayers more than $110,000

The City of Greater Geraldton has spoken out about vandalism and graffiti which has cost ratepayers more than $110,000 in the last financial year.

The cost of a maintenance shed break in and graffiti attack on Queens Park Theatre and the Queen Elizabeth II Seniors and Community Centre on Sunday night is currently being assessed by City officers.

The shed that houses equipment for the care and upkeep of the City’s grounds was broken into. The offenders sprayed graffiti on the QPT and QEII walls and also on the windscreen and bonnet of a vehicle parked in the City administration offices car park.

The City  have also had to remove graffiti from the Esplanade after vandals took to the attraction last night.

City Director of Community Infrastructure, Neil Arbuthnot, said senseless acts of vandalism have cost the City thousands of dollars to repair.

“Infrastructure is provided to the public so it can be utilised and enjoyed by all, it’s very disheartening when a small minority ruin it for the rest of us,” he said.

He said he is particularly disappointed with the speed in which The Esplanade (formerly the Eastern Breakwater) was vandalised.

“Since its opening on December 20, 2013, The Esplanade has had two major vandalism incidents totalling $35,000 of damage," Mr Arbuthnot said.

“The first occurrence saw 11 LED (Light Emitting Diode) lights worth $33,000 broken, and the second act of vandalism, which happened recently, of seven bollard lights costing $2,000. Graffiti has also been found on the walls and seating."

Mr Arbuthnot said the City’s building maintenance and sanitation departments look after most of the vandalism and graffiti clean ups.

“This takes resources away from the departments’ core responsibilities of keeping the City’s assets maintained and clean, and the cost is passed on to ratepayers,” he said.

“Although the City is mostly responsible for cleaning up after vandals, outside contractors are brought in for specialist repair work of an electrical or mechanical nature which adds to the cost.”

The City urges the public to report vandalism and graffiti to the police immediately, call the Graffiti Hotline, or download the free mobile phone application, Snap Send Solve, to report such issues.

“Working together with the community to tackle the minority responsible for vandalism can ensure a better amenity for our community, and less cost to ratepayers,” Mr Arbuthnot said.

For more information on graffiti reporting, removal or prevention, visit the Goodbye Graffiti website on www.goodbyegraffiti.wa.gov.au. To report an incident call the Western Australia Graffiti Hotline on 1800 44 22 55, or report an incident on Snap Send Solve.