Council supports application for Active Travel Officer

Shared path at Sunset Beach

The City of Greater Geraldton Council unanimously voted in favour of seeking State Government grant funding to co-fund a three year Active Travel Officer position.

The role would involve developing and delivering active transport initiatives to improve health outcomes and address traffic congestion especially around schools.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said having a dedicated Active Travel officer would streamline projects and programs.

“Having a full time officer to coordinate our internal processes while providing a single point of contact for the community and advocacy groups regarding the planning and delivery of active transport infrastructure would be a fantastic outcome for our community,” he said.

“The position would also coordinate active travel to school initiatives such as the Department of Transport’s Your Move program and active transport planning and projects for new schools in liaison with State Government agencies.”

Geraldton Bikes owner Leighton Thomas welcomes the City’s application for the new position which will improve infrastructure, facilities and safety of all bike riders.

“The cycling community is very broad as most people own a bike. Some cycle for fun, fitness, transportation, socialising or competition. Everyone’s needs are different, and it is great the Council has recognised this by supporting an Active Travel Officer role,” he said.

“The timing is ideal, with e-bikes and e-scooters becoming increasingly popular and it’s noticeable that more people using the existing infrastructure.

“These power assisted items are a realistic alternative to motor vehicles and with good planning and support, Geraldton can make the most of this sustainable transport option.”

Should the Western Australia Bicycle Network grant application be successful the City would receive $112,500 over three years to fund 50% of a full time position.

Mullewa pool reopens

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise the Doc Docherty Pool in Mullewa has reopened for the summer season as of today, Tuesday 1 November 2022.

Opening hours:

·         Tuesday – Sunday 11.00am-12.30pm and 1.00pm-6.00pm.

·         Closed Mondays. 

If you have any queries please contact the City on (08) 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au.

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Clinic Hours:
Mon, Tue - am - 6.30pm
Thur - Fri 8am - 6pm

CCTV Installation

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise the installation of CCTV near the Horizon Sculpture site on the Beresford Foreshore will begin on Monday 31 October 2022 and take five days to complete.

During the works pedestrian management will be in place.

Members of the community are requested to exercise caution and obey all warning signs and directions from authorised City personnel and contractors.

The City apologises for any inconvenience these works may cause.

If you have any queries please contact the City on (08) 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au.

Road works throughout Greater Geraldton

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise road resealing works will be commencing in locations across Greater Geraldton from Monday 31 October 2020.

The works are part of the City’s 2022/23 Road Resealing Program and will take place over a period of two weeks at the following locations:

·         Mullewa:  Maley Street from Callaghan Street to Old Mingenew Road

·         Mullewa:  Main Road from Burges Street to Fry Street

·         Tardun:  Mindage Spring Road/Tardun-Pindar Road intersection

·         Tardun:  Mindage Spring Road/Kelly Road intersection

·         Tardun:  Mindage Spring Road/Drummond Road intersection

·         Rangeway: Cypress Street from Tamar Street to Eastward Road

·         Spalding:  O’Neil Street from Clarkson Street to Horan Street

·         Walkaway:  Padbury Road from Anderson Street to the cul-de-sac

The anticipated hours of works will be from 7am – 5pm Monday to Saturday with traffic management in place during this time. 

Members of the community are requested to exercise caution and obey all warning signs and directions from authorised City personnel and contractors.

The City apologises for any inconvenience these works may cause.  If you have any queries please contact the City on (08) 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au.

Seniors Week bookings are open

Pat Parker, Deputy Mayor Jerry Clune, Jean Jones and Lina Mittoni add the final touches to the QEII Seniors and Community Centre in preparation Seniors Week.

Staff and volunteers at the QEII Seniors and Community Centre are preparing for a busy week, with bookings officially opening for the 2022 Seniors Week program.

Taking place on Friday 4 – Saturday 12 November, the Seniors Week program comprises of both free and paid events that are sure to appeal to everyone.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn encouraged seniors from all backgrounds to grab a program and plan out their week of fun.

“The 2022 program contains classic events that everyone knows and loves, as well as a few new additions to spice things up,” he said.

“From tours and feasts, to crafts, quizzes and even an information session on how to prepare for an emergency, there is something for everyone.”

“Thank you to the tireless work of the Senior’s Week Committee as well as QEII Seniors and Community Centre staff for putting together another stellar program.”

Queens Park Theatre (QPT) will be a flurry of entertainment, with a QPT Club movie screening of The Duke, a special Morning Melodies performance by the Golden Age Girls and a Multicultural Concert hosted by Midwest Multicultural Association.

If you’re looking to get up and active, Wednesday includes Walk and Breakfast as well as outdoor bowls and croquet ‘have-a-go’ sessions.

Participants can also get out in the garden at the Community Nursery tour or a Devonshire tea at Greenough Museum and Gardens.

Other events include basket weaving, grandparents story time at Geraldton Regional Library, bingo, an oral history morning at Geraldton Regional Art Gallery and the ever-popular quiz afternoon.

Food galore is also on the menu, including a Taste and See three course lunch at Lighthouse Church, morning tea with Lara Dalton MLA, and an afternoon tea at Geraldton Shore Care Community.

“And no Seniors Week event is complete without my personal favourite, the Mayor’s Mystery Bus Tour,” Mayor Van Styn added.

“I know it’s always very popular so be sure to get in early to secure your seat!”

Bookings for the activities officially opened Monday 24 October and can be made at the QEII Seniors and Community Centre on Durlacher Street or by calling 9956 6636.

For more information or a copy of the program, head to the City’s website or follow Over 50’s Geraldton Life on Facebook.

Community Nursery Open Day

Community Nursery Officer Jeanette Reynolds (left) and volunteer Joan Earl in the Community Nursery Seed Orchard.

If you like being outdoors, are passionate about plants and don’t mind getting dirt under your fingernails becoming a Community Nursery volunteer might be just what you’re looking for.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn encourages residents of all ages who are interested in greening our City to come along to the Community Nursery Open Day.

“Our 25 Community Nursery volunteers are amazing,” he said.

“Every year they propagate tens of thousands of local plants that the City, community groups and organisations use to revegetate and beautify our bushland and coastal reserves.

“They have also become specialists at trouble shooting the propagation of local natives that are notoriously difficult to grow.

“However, one of their greatest works to date has been to propagate and cultivate 139 Lone Pine trees, direct descendants from the tree that stood on the battlefield in Gallipoli, which are being planted in the Leonard T Green Memorial Park to commemorate Geraldton residents who lost their lives in WWI.”

If you would like to be part of this dedicated and passionate group of volunteers who take great pride in their work and workplace then come along to the Community Nursery Open Day on Thursday 27 October 2022 from 9.30am to 11.30am.

The morning includes a presentation on the nursery followed by a guided tour and morning tea with the volunteers.

For more information on the Community Nursery head to the website here.

Night roadworks in Rangeway

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise that night road resurfacing works to a section of Utakarra Road from Howes Street to Wandoo Street in Rangeway are scheduled to commence from Monday 24 October 2021.

The night works, which will be undertaken in sections, will take place from 7.00pm to 7.00am and are expected to take approximately two weeks to complete with detours in place during these hours.

Members of the community are requested to seek alternative routes and exercise caution and obey all warning signs and directions from authorised City personnel and contractors.

The City apologises for any inconvenience these works may cause.

If you have any queries please contact the City on (08) 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au.

Spalding revitalisation plan revealed

AMC Park Masterplan

The plan to revitalise the AMC Park and Mitchell Street Community Centre in Spalding has been finalised and will soon go to tender.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the plan developed by local community members will be a game changer for the area located in the heart of the suburb.

“The City and landscape architects worked closely with year six Bluff Point Primary School students and the Spalding Urban Renewal Team made up of local residents, service providers and business operators to learn how the centre and park are used and what changes could be made to improve the area and increase community use of the space,” he said.

“The community agreed with the ideas they put forward and the Department of Communities is providing the City with funding to undertake the works.”

“The final plan, that includes something for everyone, sets out to completely transform the park and how the Mitchell Street Community Centre is used.”

The final design features an adventurous playground, basketball court, yarning/education circle, covered picnic nodes, new pathways, a bush tucker garden, public toilets and more car parking with ACROD bays. 

The Mitchell Street Community Centre is also planned to undergo some renovations including the installation of doors along the eastern side of the building that will open onto a large veranda.

The Department of Communities has already begun the first stage of renewal works in the area by removing a number of aged public houses on Bogle Way and Sullivan Court to create new road connections onto Mitchell Street and onto an extension of Robinson Street from Mitchell Street to Broome Street.

These new road connections will greatly improve the pedestrian, cycle and road networks of the suburb and are all part of the first stage of renewal works.

The State Government is investing significantly into the renewal of Spalding with $9 million of funding allocated.

Tenders for the project will be issued in the coming months with construction to begin next year.

More information on the project is available on the City’s website here

Tree removal in the CBD

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise five dead Norfolk Pine trees will be removed at the following locations in the CBD with works taking place from Tuesday 18 October to Saturday 22 October 2022.

·         Marine Terrace between Point Street and Portway

·         Marine Terrace between Burges and Cunningham Streets

·         Conway Street east of Burges Street

·         Sanford Street between Fitzgerald Street and Cathedral Avenue

The City is always reluctant to remove trees as they add to the liveability of the City. However in this case, these trees are dead and pose a risk to pedestrians, motorists, homes and buildings.

Works will take place between 7.00am and 5.00pm pending appropriate weather conditions on the day. 

To ensure community safety, these sections of road will be closed to traffic with detours in place during the works.

Members of the community are requested to use alternative routes during this time, exercise caution and obey all warning signs and directions from authorised City personnel and contractors.

The City apologises for any inconvenience these works may cause.

If you have any queries please contact the City on (08) 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au.

Prohibited burning period begins

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise the Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner has implemented the prohibited burning period for the City of Greater Geraldton, including Greenough and Mullewa from midnight tonight, Friday 14 October 2022 until 14 February 2023.

Burning permits will no longer be issued. Infringements may be issued for non-compliance.

If you see a fire or become aware of a potential fire contact 000 immediately. 

If you have any queries please contact the City on (08) 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au.

Stage set for Battle of the Bands

Battle of the Bands 2021 participants Rev'nant.

Geraldton’s top musical talent will be putting the “amp” back in the Queens Park Theatre’s Amphitheatre, when Battle of the Bands returns on Sunday 16 October.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn is looking forward to seeing local musicians go head to head.

“Battle of the Bands always lives up to the hype and I am sure this year will be no different,” he said.

“Once again there are cash prizes up for grabs as well as awards for the best original song and best under 25s band.

“I encourage everyone to come down, experience some fantastic performances from local musicians and enjoy a great afternoon out.”

Battle of the Bands is set to take place Sunday 16 October from 12pm - 4pm at the Queens Park Theatre Amphitheatre. The bar will be open from 3pm – 5pm and food vendors will be onsite throughout the event.

Registration forms for both individuals and bands can be found on the City’s website by clicking here.

The City would like to thank Rio Tinto for their support of this event.  

For more information about Battle of the Bands, please contact Jesse Steele on 9956 6792.

City completes preparations for bushfire season

Mulched firebreak installed along property perimeter and clean stem pruning of native trees along Waverly Street in Mount Tarcoola.

In preparation for the coming bushfire season the City of Greater Geraldton recently completed bushfire reduction treatments at various locations around the City region.

The works valued at more than $500,000, which included mulching mowing and the installation of firebreaks undertaken by local contractors, were 100 percent funded by the State Government Mitigation Activity Fund.

City of Greater Geraldton CEO Ross McKim said reducing the risk of bushfires is the responsibility of all property managers and owner/occupiers.

“Over the past seven weeks we have been providing the community with information on how to prepare their properties for the coming bushfire season in the lead up to the 4 October firebreak deadline,” he said.

“The City has been busy preparing and the recent completion of the bushfire mitigation works at these City owned or managed sites will certainly go a long way to help keep our community safe in hot and dry summer months ahead.

“I’d like to thank the State Government for funding these critical works and our local contractors for getting this big job done.”

On 5 October 2022 firebreak inspections began.  Property owners who have not put bushfire prevention measures in place are requested to act immediately as infringements may be issued for non-compliance with the requirements.

The 2022-2023 First and Final Firebreak Notice, which provides the fire prevention measures that need to be completed based on property size, was issued with rates notices and is also available on the City’s website here

History making camel trek to finish in Geraldton

John Elliot with his camels and Bruski the dog.

Stow Gardens on the Geraldton Foreshore will mark the final stop on adventurer and philanthropist John Elliot’s odyssey across the heart of Australia to raise awareness about skin cancer.

Before Mr Elliot’s departure in 2019, he undertook a routine skin check that revealed a melanoma on his back, which had it gone undetected may have proven fatal.

The discovery of the melanoma prompted Elliot to dedicate his journey to encouraging others to get checked.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn is looking forward to welcoming Mr Elliot and his caravan to town.

“John’s journey across Australia is truly inspirational and we can’t wait to welcome him to Geraldton,” he said.

“With our consistently sunny weather and outdoor lifestyle, there is an increased requirement to get checked for skin cancer.

“I urge everyone to come and meet John, Bruski and his camels, listen to some fascinating stories and get themselves checked out.”

When Mr Elliot, his camels and trusty dog Bruski traipse into town on Saturday 15 October, Mr Elliot will also become the first person in history to have camel trekked across every state and territory in Australia as part of a journey spanning over 12,000km.

To mark Mr Elliot’s arrival, Skin Cancer Champions and City Health Geraldton will be carrying out free educational skin cancer checks for the community in Stow Gardens from 9am. Later that evening, there will be a ticketed fundraising dinner at the Geraldton Multipurpose Centre.

For more information and tickets head to: www.thecamelman.raisely.com

New playground signs foster inclusivity

(L-R) City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn with Rocky Bay Speech Pathologist Jessica Morrison, Rocky Bay Clinical Operations Manager Jasmeet Flora-Drage, City of Greater Geraldton A/Coordinator Community Development Pavlina Heiderova and City of Greater Geraldton A/Manager Community & Cultural Development Peter Treharne with one of the new Communication Boards.

Signs to help individuals communicate have been installed at various playgrounds in Geraldton, helping to create an inclusive environment for all.

The Communication Boards are a collaboration between the City of Greater Geraldton and Rocky Bay to increase social skills and aid language development, especially with those who have difficulty speaking.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said they are welcome additions.

“These vibrant signs display symbols to help youngsters express themselves non-verbally, which will allow everyone to have a fun and safe time in our playgrounds,” he said.

“Our thanks to Rocky Bay for initiating the idea and helping us promote a more inclusive and connected community.

“I look forward to Communication Boards being added to other spaces in the City of Greater Geraldton in the future.”

Rocky Bay Clinical Operations Manager Jasmeet Flora-Drage said communication is everyone’s right.

“The boards can support someone with their understanding, expression, making new friends and connections as well as building awareness for people who have troubles communicating,” she said. 

“I am proud to be a part of an organisation that can support us with providing accessible communication to the community.

“I hope the communication boards are a step forward to a more inclusive community in the Midwest.”

The Communication Boards have been installed at both the Beresford and Geraldton Foreshore playgrounds, with the vision for more to be added around Greater Geraldton in the future.

The City’s Disability Access and Inclusion Plan seeks to develop and improve access to services, facilities, programs and events, and the addition of these signs is a step closer in achieving that.

The strategic document can be viewed here.

Carpark 6 asphalt repairs

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise works to repairs the asphalt in Carpark 6 located on Cathedral Avenue will take place on Tuesday 11 October 2022.

During the works a number of car parking spaces will be closed.

Members of the community are requested to exercise caution and obey all warning signs and directions from authorised City personnel and contractors.

The City apologises for any inconvenience these works may cause.

If you have any queries please contact the City on (08) 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au.

Temporary closure Bugara Park playground

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise maintenance works on the Bugara Park playground equipment will begin the week of Monday 10 October 2022 for a period of approximately three weeks.

To ensure community safety during the works, the playground located between Nixon and Bugara Streets in Spalding will be closed.

Members of the community are requested to exercise caution and obey all warning signs and directions from authorised City personnel and contractors.

The City apologises for any inconvenience these works may cause.

If you have any queries please contact the City on (08) 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au.

City thanks Clean Up crew

(L-R) Marg Dawson, Mick Steffan, Roy Jones, Laureen Ayres, Lisa Bickley, City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn, Ann Burrow, Tina Lawson and Bob Taylor.

Gero Clean Up Crew can usually be found removing litter and weeds all over Greater Geraldton on a weekend however, this month will signal a change as they officially hang up their gloves.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn commended the group on a job well done.

“This wonderful group of people choose to give up their time to make Geraldton an even better place to live,” he said.

“The results of their dedication are clearly visible and their actions are truly inspirational.

“I would personally like to thank everyone who has been involved and congratulate them on what they have achieved for our community and environment.”

Gero Clean Up Crew spokesperson Lisa Bickley said the group was proud of their accomplishments.

“Our aim has always been to raise awareness of the power that individuals have, to make a positive difference,” she said.

“Encouraging people to remove litter from the land, was our way of doing that. We also wanted to highlight what can be achieved, when passionate people work together.”

“I sincerely thank every person who has joined in our efforts. Being part of the Crew, has changed lives on many levels.”

“Thousands of orange bags later, it is time to hand this task over to all community. Making a conscious effort to dispose of litter and goods correctly, makes all the difference. We hope this role modelling is now continued by all Geraldton residents.”

The Gero Clean Up Crew are rounding up their activities on Sunday 9 October at Midalia Beach, with a breakfast for all past crew members.

For more information please email gerocleanupcrew@gmail.com.

Truck drivers urged to slow down on gravel roads

Following a strong growing season with plenty of rain reaching agricultural areas, the City of Greater Geraldton is urging truck drivers to slow down to help preserve the condition of unsealed rural roads in the Midwest this harvest season.

City of Greater Geraldton CEO Ross McKim said trucks slowing down on gravel roads makes a huge difference to future road conditions and driver safety.

“The condition of our rural roads affects all drivers using these roads, especially those running businesses,” he said.

“Problems with corrugation, or washboard effect, caused by acceleration and deceleration puts intersections and corners at greatest risk to drivers.

“It’s a small ask for truck drivers to slow down to 70km/h which will help keep our unsealed roads in good condition longer.

“It will also reduce the wear and tear on vehicles and increase the overall safety for all road users.”

This financial year the City has allocated more than $1.8 million towards renewing over 58kms of unsealed rural roads, including three intersections in the Mullewa region, and 50kms of road swales and shoulders.

To report unsafe road conditions, contact the City on 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au

Beresford Foreshore beach access repairs

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise works to repair the Beresford Foreshore beach access ramp located at the Dean Street carpark will take place on Thursday 6 October 2022.

Works to repair damage caused by recent rain will begin at 7.00am. To ensure community safety pedestrian management will be in place on the shared path.

Members of the community are requested to exercise caution and obey all warning signs and directions from authorised City personnel and contractors.

The City apologises for any inconvenience these works may cause.

If you have any queries please contact the City on (08) 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au.