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Vandals destroy new Coominya playground shade in 4 days

Esk Shire Mayor Graeme Lehmann has lashed out at vandals who took just 4 days to destroy the new shade structure over the Coominya playground earlier this month.

“Every week we get new reports of vandalism throughout our Shire. They cost the community many tens of thousands of dollars a year.”

“We are building new shade structures over the Lowood, Esk and Toogoolawah playgrounds at an unprecedented height to try and prevent damage to those structures.”

Mayor Lehmann took the opportunity to thank the State government for the provision of three new police positions at Lowood station announced on 3 March 2008.

“I urge everyone to take advantage of the increase in police numbers – please do not hold back in reporting incidents of vandalism and other crimes,” he said.

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Police numbers boosted in Lowood

Police Minister Judy Spence today announced an increase in the operational strength of Lowood Police Station.

Ms Spence said "The Police have a process to determine the operational strength of police districts and divisions throughout the state."

"After Police considered the current growth in the area of Fernvale and the future predicted growth in the western corridor they have decided to increase the approved strength of Lowood Police Station from six to nine officers."

Southern Region Assistant Commissioner Col McCallum said "The station will also be boosted with an additional marked police vehicle to help deal with calls for service in the area."

"The Lowood police division covers some 619 square kilometers and includes the townships and hamlets of Lowood, Fernvale, Coominya, and Mt Tarampa,” Assistant Commissioner McCallum said.

Member for Ipswich West Wayne Wendt welcomed the increased operational strength at Lowood.

“This is one of the issues I identified when I first came into the job 16 months ago. These additional resources will make a difference and I will be working closely with Lowood Police Station and the local police superintendent Peter Guild to ensure these officers are welcomed into the community,” Mr Wendt said.

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$450,000 new bridge underway

Esk Shire Council has advised that the replacement of the England Creek bridge near Fernvale is now underway.

Council expects to complete the new bridge by the end of April 2008. The project is being partly funded under the Commonwealth’s Roads to Recovery program.

Previous tests of the bridge’s timber components revealed potential structural and safety problems.

The new 3-span $450,000 bridge will be a composite concrete, steel and timber construction with an expected life of at least 80 years.

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LGAQ President farewells Cr Lord

The Local Government Association of Queensland President, Cr Paul Bell and its Executive Director, Greg Hallam were in Esk on 27 February 2008 to present retiring Esk Shire Councillor Sim Lord with a certificate of service for his unbroken 39 years as a councillor.

Cr Bell mentioned that Cr Lord’s length of service would be one of the longest in Queensland.

Cr Bell also discussed a number of Queensland local government matters including the new remuneration arrangements that will result in a reduction in total Councillor remuneration in the Somerset Region of more than $150,000 a year and changes to local government industrial arrangements that were recently passed by State Parliament.

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Election - State hits Somerset ratepayers for $91,535

The Minister for Local Government has advised that the State government will charge Somerset Regional Council an estimated $91,535 to conduct the 2008 local government elections in the Somerset Region and that this amount does not represent the full cost.

“This is around $30,000 more than what Kilcoy and Esk Shires had budgeted for running the elections ourselves,” said Esk Shire Mayor Graeme Lehmann.

“Council officers ran the 2004 election in Esk Shire for around $40,000.”

“While I can understand the State’s desire with amalgamations to have the Queensland Electoral Commission run the election, I think an explanation is due as to how the government could come up with such a high cost. There are no extra polling stations, the queues won’t be any shorter and the results won’t come out any earlier,” he said.

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Esk Council offers residents information on household sewerage plants

The Council of the Shire of Esk will this week send to all residents who have an approved House Hold Sewerage Treatment Plant (HSTP) an Information Kit and a CD-ROM. The kits will explain to residents the basic operations of the system used at their property. It will also detail how residents can maintain their individual HSTP's.

The Mayor of Esk, Councillor Graeme Lehmann said that the mailout of the information Kit was brought about by one of the recommendations of Council's Natural Resource Management Plan. "This is one of many recommendations laid down in the Natural Resource Management Plan (NRM Plan) and is an important recommendation as each person can directly contribute to the water quality of the Shire by ensuring that their individual systems are operating correctly."

The Mayor also said "The water catchment area for the Somerset and Wivenhoe dams is in the Shire of Esk and therefore Council is taking a lead role in ensuring that both local residents and residents of South East Queensland enjoy clean drinking water."

Download the NRM Plan (warning - 13M in size)

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New $270,000 Esk rubbish truck ordered

Esk Shire Council has confirmed with its waste contractor the order of a new wheelie bin collection truck expected for delivery in mid April 2008 to replace one of two trucks in service.

The Council advised that the truck purchase is already factored into existing contract rates with Wanless Wastecorp that are tied to commercial inflation indexes until August 2013.

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Somerset Regional Council election 15 March 2008

For more information about the upcoming Council election, please visit the Electoral Commission website.

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$140,000 Esk Shire fire levy instalments paid

Esk Shire Council has paid the second half instalment of this year’s rural fire levy to the Esk Group Rural Fire Brigade of $61,873 to help meet the costs of the Shire’s volunteer rural fire brigades.

The Council has also confirmed the payment of urban fire levies to the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service of $81,773 for the six months to June 2008.

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$1.3 million Esk library design released

Esk Shire Council has approved the design for the new $1.3 million Esk library.

The library is being part-funded to the tune of $490,000 by the Queensland Government as part of the 150th anniversary celebrations of the creation of Queensland in 2009 with the remainder funded by Council.

The new 493 square metre library features a 165 square metre reading room, a 135 square metre exhibition space as well as seminar and meeting rooms and a courtyard.

Esk Shire Mayor, Graeme Lehmann said that the new library will be completed by 31 December 2008.

View Esk library elevations and floor plans

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Esk sets $9.7 million capital works program

Esk Shire Council has adopted a third and final budget review featuring $617,000 of new expenditure and reconfirming major projects including $2 million to replace Pointings Bridge between Lowood and Coominya, $1.3 million for the new Esk library and a $1.8 million road capital works program.

Projects funded include Somerset integration projects to catch up on road maintenance backlogs while at the same time helping to integrate Esk and Kilcoy road workforces ($200,000), additional Lowood Recreation Complex improvements ($37,000) and Esk water reuse projects ($182,000) in conjunction with the Australian government which will see water reused at Esk sporting venues.

The full list of added projects is as follows:

The revised budget also formally allows for the expenditure of $550,000 in State Government amalgamation grants in accordance with grant conditions.

View other projects

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Esk passes $2million in property sales

Esk Shire Council’s property sales for the 2007/2008 financial year have surpassed $2 million according to figures released by the council.

“Our Council identified many years ago that responsibly developing and selling land that is surplus to requirements should be a key way of funding the future replacement of aging and potentially unsafe assets like timber bridges,” said Esk Shire Mayor Graeme Lehmann.

“This is a win-win situation for everyone. We are able to set the money aside for the future costs of replacing the Shire’s 45 timber bridges and for other assets and at the same time we are able to make more land available for new residents to come and live in our Shire and contribute to the local economy.”

In related news, Council has confirmed that it expects to release the designs and traffic plans for the new $2 million Pointings Bridge north of Lowood later this month.

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Esk becomes first debt-free SEQ council

Esk Shire Council has announced that it is now debt free.

“As of 1 February 2008 we understand from Queensland Treasury Corporation sources that we are now the only debt-free council in south east Queensland,” said Esk Shire Mayor Graeme Lehmann.

“We are operating in an increasing interest rate environment and this loan payout has been the result of the financial discipline shown by the current Council on behalf of our residents,” he said.

“Based on the current budget, the loan payout will save Council more than $140,000 a year in interest payments that can be reinvested in community facilities and services.”

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Australia Day 2008 Celebrations

Esk Shire Council's Australia Day 2008 celebrations were held at Cormorant Bay, Wivenhoe Dam. It was a family fun day, with plenty of great activities for all. The kids enjoyed a jumping castle, climbing wall and bungee run. For the grown ups there were community stalls, musical entertainment from Mick Lindsay, Travis Sinclair and The Bush Bashers and a chance to catch up with friends in the Esk Shire community.

The day was a great success, culminating in a fireworks display on the shores of Wivenhoe Dam! Thanks to everyone who attended, as well as the many volunteers and Council staff who helped make the day enjoyable and safe for everyone.

View photos

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Valley of the Lakes Photographic Competition Winners

View the winning entries!

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Toowoomba water to come from Esk

Within days of the announced State takeover of the Esk town water intake, the government has also announced that the Esk intake will be the starting point for a new pipeline from Lake Wivenhoe to Lake Cressbrook to supply Toowoomba by the end of 2009.

“This latest announcement underlines the value of Esk Shire’s water assets to the entire region,” said Esk Shire Mayor Graeme Lehmann.

State Govt News Release

Map of proposed route

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Council electoral arrangements released

The Electoral Commission Queensland has reconfirmed that it will run the 2008 Local Government Election and that Kilcoy and Esk Shire Councils will be taking no part in any aspect of the forthcoming election.

The Commission has advised that details of how it will conduct the election are available by phoning 1300 881 665 or by visiting www.ecq.qld.gov.au.

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Rates Analysis - Kilcoy and Esk Shire Councils

Of recent times some statements have been made in the press concerning the relativities of ratings between the two Councils. In the interest of providing accurate information to the public the following facts are set out:

1. The most recently published government report on comparative residential rates for all councils in Queensland is 2006/2007 which is available on our website.
   
   
2. This report and its predecessors have been published on Esk Shire Council’s web site for many years and Esk Shire residential rates compare very well with Gatton, Laidley, Ipswich and most SEQ councils.
   
   
3. Esk Shire Council was the second council in Queensland (after Rockhampton City Council) to publish its Queensland Treasury Corporation Financial Sustainability Review on the Internet.
   
   
4. Esk Shire Council has been rated as financially “moderate”. Full details of what this means are available on our website.
   
   
5. Kilcoy Shire Council has never published its Queensland Treasury Corporation (QTC) Financial Sustainability Review on its web site.
   
   
6. Kilcoy Shire Council’s QTC review says that Kilcoy Shire Council is financially “weak” not “weak to moderate” as claimed.
   
   
7. According to QTC, Kilcoy’s “weak” rating means:
   
   - (Kilcoy is) “a local government with a limited capacity (to meet its financial commitments) in the long-term.”
   - “It is unlikely to be able to manage unforeseen financial shocks and any adverse changes in its business and in general economic conditions without the need for significant revenue or expense adjustments.”
   - “It may experience difficulty in managing core business risks.”
   
   
8. Where QTC says “the need for significant revenue or expense adjustments” for Kilcoy, they mean significant rate increases and/ or cuts in expenditure.
   
   
9. Kilcoy Shire Council’s own audited financial statements show that it has incurred operating losses every year since 2002. These are not “administrative book” figures, they are from the official financial statements. The Kilcoy Mayor has signed a certificate each year stating that
   the financial statements are correct (most recently on 14 August 2007).
   
   
10. Kilcoy Shire Council’s 2006/2007 audited financial statements (notes 4, 11 and 14) show that it incurred operating losses including depreciation for its water and sewerage operations of more than $300,000 for the year. This loss represents around $300 for each of around 900 ratepayers with town water.
    
    
11. Whilst it is the right of Kilcoy Shire Council to set its water and sewerage charges to make a loss if it so wishes, all residents should be aware that as part of the State government’s water reforms, charges for water and sewerage will in future not be set by councils. Future water and sewerage bills for Somerset Region residents will be sent from a water retail company. That company is unlikely to set its charges so as to make a loss. Somerset Regional Council will have no input to the level of charges.

View the rates analysis table

Authorised by Esk Shire Council
Cr Lehmann, Cr Burke, Cr Caddy, Cr Kammholz, Cr Lord, Cr McCallum, Cr Pearce, Cr Roberton, Cr Whalley, Cr Witham, Cr Zabel

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Esk Mayor acclaims retiring manager

Esk Shire Mayor Graeme Lehmann has acknowledged the February retirement of Council stalwart and Corporate Services Manager Daryl Lever.

“Daryl started with Esk Council as part of the wash-up in the amalgamation of Moreton Shire Council in 1995 and ironically he is now leaving us just before the amalgamation with Kilcoy Shire Council,” he said.

“Daryl has put in a terrific effort over the years and his advice will be sorely missed by the new Somerset Regional Council. I offer my personal thanks to Daryl and wish him and his family all the best for the future.”

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Esk Choir immortalised in time capsule

Memories of Esk Community Choir and Lowood State School are amongst those to be preserved for 80 years in the Esk Shire time capsule according to Mayor Graeme Lehmann.

Mr Lehmann has confirmed that council welcomes contributions from individuals as well as schools and community groups before the close date of 15 February 2008.

The time capsule is to be buried during the final Esk Shire Council meeting on 12 March 2008 and opened on Australia’s 300th anniversary of European settlement on Australia Day 2088.

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Water compensation shortfall costs Somerset $4.1 million

Somerset Regional Council’s 1.15% share of the compensation shortfall for the State takeover of south east Queensland’s major dams represents $4.1 million according to Esk Shire Mayor Graeme Lehmann.

“Valuations had already been prepared by local government as to the value of South East Queensland Water Corporation’s assets and the announced compensation comes up $360 million short against those valuations,” he said.

“There is no way anyone could construct Wivenhoe and Somerset Dams today for anything like the $449 million that the State government say the net assets of SEQWater are worth.”

“We must now focus harder than ever on increasing development in the Shire as the way to retain our good financial rating and to continue to build facilities and services for everyone.”

Esk Shire has been told that water compensation will be paid by 30 June 2008 with most funds likely to be received by the new Somerset Regional Council.

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Esk’s auditors appointed for Kilcoy

Esk Shire Mayor Graeme Lehmann has welcomed today’s appointment by the State government’s Queensland Audit Office of Esk Shire’s auditors to also undertake the final audit of Kilcoy’s finances in March 2008.

“This is a commonsense decision that will see a consistent set of rules applied to both councils leading into amalgamation and hopefully see some overall cost savings in the longer term,” he said.

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Esk hospital pay phone gets reprieve

Telstra has advised Esk Shire Council that it will act on its threat to remove one public telephone from outside the Esk Post Office but that it will re-evaluate whether to remove the public telephone from outside the Esk hospital in June 2008.

Mayor Graeme Lehmann said that his Council had been pleading with Telstra to leave the Esk hospital telephone in place and consider the aging population and relatively low income levels in the area.

“What we need now is for the whole community to get hold of Telstra and tell them that we need this phone,” he said.

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Turn your old CDMA phone into plastic fence posts by recycling them now

On 28 January, CDMA mobile phones will cease to work with the closing down of the CDMA network and now is the time to do some good for the environment.

Esk Shire Council and MobileMuster, the official recycling program of the mobile phone industry, are calling on residents to recycle their old CDMA mobile phone handsets, batteries, chargers and accessories at their council collection point or post them free of charge to MobileMuster.

MobileMuster will recycle all CDMA handsets, batteries, chargers and accessories and recover over 90% of the plastics and metals. The recycled materials can then be turned into plastic fence posts, jewelery and stainless steel products.

“The closure of the CDMA network will mean many Esk Shire residents will be replacing their old CDMA mobile phones, so it is important that as a community we don’t leave these lying around at home or in the office or worst still end up in the rubbish” said Mayor Graeme Lehmann.

“Mobile phones, batteries, chargers and accessories are not biodegradable and should not be thrown in the rubbish bin where they will end up in landfill”, added Cr Lehmann.

Rose Rease, Manager of Australian Mobile Telecommunications Associations (AMTA) recycling program, MobileMuster, says over 90% of the materials in mobiles can be recovered and reused.
“Mobile phones contain many useful metals like copper, silver and gold, as well as plastic that can be recovered. The CDMA mobile you are using today, could be part of the plastic fence post you are installing next year.

“I’m encouraging Esk Shire residents to do their part for the environment by recycling old CDMA mobile phones, batteries, chargers, and accessories now. In doing so together we will be reducing our demand on natural resources, saving energy and helping protect the plant” Ms Read added.

CDMA handsets, batteries, chargers and accessories can be recycled at either council’s drop-off points or participating mobile phone retails and organisations in the region including the Esk Shire Council Administration Building 2 Redbank Street Esk and the Esk Shire Council, Lowood Office, Main Street Lowood.

To locate your nearest MobileMuster drop-off point or to download a free post reply paid label go to www.mobilemuster.com.au or call 1300 730 070.

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Toner cartridge recycling

Esk Shire Council has announced that free toner cartridge recycling facilities will be made available to the public at Council’s Esk Visitor Information Centre, Fernvale Futures Complex, Lowood library and Toogoolawah library.

Esk Shire Mayor Graeme Lehmann said, “This is a simple step we can take to help improve our local environment and I urge people to use the new recycling boxes rather than wheelie bins for their used printer cartridges.”

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$180,000 scour repairs at Lowood

Esk Shire Council has announced the practical completion of repairs to a large Brisbane River erosion site off Lindemann’s Road in Lowood.

“This is our second major scour repair and the results are impressive. This scour is around 200 metres long, up to 30 metres wide in some parts and around 10 metres deep,” said Esk Shire Mayor, Graeme Lehmann.

“Our men have moved a massive volume of soil and rock, put in some big stabilised rock structures and revegetated to direct overland water in a way that will reduce the loss of alluvial soil in the area and improve environmental and water quality outcomes for all of south east Queensland.”

“Our thanks go to SEQ Catchments for assisting with funding $42,000 of the total cost of this project.”

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Invitation to contribute to time capsule

The Shire of Esk was established on 11 November 1879 and the Council of the Shire of Esk was established on 31 March 1903.

On 15 March 2008, the Shire of Esk will cease to exist.

The council role will then be assumed by the new Somerset Regional Council.

To mark the occasion, Esk Shire Council will during its final meeting on 12 March 2008 bury a time capsule to be opened on Australia Day 26 January 2088, being Australia's Tercentenary.

Contributions are sought from the community celebrating the memories, hopes and feelings of Esk Shire on or before 5pm Friday 15 February 2008.

Accepted contributions for the project will be stored on public display in the Esk Shire Council Chambers until Australia Day 2008.

Download the application form

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Esk fears election cost hike

The Electoral Commission Queensland has written to Esk Shire Council confirming that it will take over the running of the March 2008 shire election.

Esk Shire Mayor Graeme Lehmann said, “Council itself ran the last local government election at a local level for a total cost of around $40,000.”

“The Electoral Commission has not been able to indicate at this stage just what the cost of the 2008 election might be.”

“We are very concerned that Queensland will follow the New South Wales lead again – just like it has with council amalgamations - and the state government will run council elections out of Brisbane at a cost to ratepayers of up to four times what we know the local cost would be.”

“We have heard of one regional New South Wales Council that had a $160,000 increase in election costs once their state government took over the running of elections.”

“We do not want this repeated here. We need the money here locally to provide local services.”

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Recycling bonus for Esk

Esk Shire Council has accepted a tender from Sims Metal for sale of recyclable materials from its landfill that will see a 23% increase in price for the most common metal type.

Esk Shire Mayor, Graeme Lehmann, said "In each of the past two financial years we have been able to return more than $30,000 to ratepayers from recovering recyclable materials at our landfill.”

“This is not just about paying lip service to the environment but about practical recycling and substantially increasing the life of our $500,000 landfill cell - and the price increase is great news for the Shire too."

Mayor Lehmann confirmed that the privately run waste transfer stations at Coominya and Harlin have separate recycling arrangements to the Council including sale of materials direct to the public.

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Esk acquires Kilcoy art

A 1938 streetscape painting of Kilcoy is the latest acquisition for the Esk Shire art collection.

Esk Shire Mayor, Graeme Lehmann and other Councillors chose the piece by Kilcoy artist Noela Lowien at the official opening of Eskstravaganza on Friday night 19 October 2007 at the Lyceum Hall in Esk.

Mayor Lehmann said, “This piece is a fitting addition to the Council's collection as Esk and Kilcoy prepare for amalgamation.”

“The quality and diversity of all the art on display is a tribute to our local artists."

The Mayor hopes that the work and other Council artworks will be on permanent display in the new Esk library to be constructed in 2008.

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Comparative Rates & Charges

Comparative rates and charges report

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$240,000 bridge completed

Esk Shire Council has praised the Australian Government’s Roads to Recovery program for helping fund the replacement of Sim Jue Creek bridge off Wivenhoe-Somerset Road.

“Roads to Recovery has been a terrific program for us,” said Esk Shire Mayor Graeme Lehmann.

“It is incredibly expensive to replace old timber bridges in rural areas - and we still have more than 40 to go – but if we don’t give timber bridge replacements priority there may be safety implications and the Shire’s economy might suffer.”

“These bridges are a vital link between our rural producers and their markets.”

The new $240,000 all-concrete bridge is expected to last 100 years.

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Somerset Local Transition Committee (LTC) website now available

The Somerset Local Transition Committee (LTC) has been set up to oversee the amalgamation of Esk Shire Council and Kilcoy Shire Council into the new Somerset Regional Council.

The Local Transition Committee now has its own website at www.somersetltc.qld.gov.au. Committee meeting minutes are also being made available on the website of both existing councils.

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Esk Kilcoy Local Transition Committee Minutes now available

Minutes from meetings of the Esk Kilcoy Local Transition Committee will be made available on the website. They can be found by selecting LTC Minutes from the menu on the left of the page. Minutes from the first meeting are available now.

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Latest on Equine Influenza

Check the DPI website for the latest information on the horse flu outbreak.

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Local Govt Reform Commission delivers its report

The LGRC provided its recommendations regarding Local Government amalgamations to the Queensland Government on Friday July 27th 2007.

Visit the State Govt website for more information.

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Regional Arts Development Fund Grants

Arts Queensland and Esk Shire Council have allocated $13,333 for Regional Arts Development Fund grants in 2007/2008. Local artists and community groups can apply for these grants under the RADF Program’s various categories of funding –

Grant application forms are available below. For more information, contact Daryl Lever (Manager Corporate Services) at Esk Shire Council on 5424 4010.

RADF Application Form
Eligibility Checklist for Professional & Emerging Professional Artist
Outcome Report
RADF Guidelines

RADF – A State Government initiative in partnership with Local Government.

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Esk Shire Budget 2007-2008

• Introduction by the Mayor
• Rates Changes
• Capital Works Map

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QRAA Financial Drought Assistance

QRAA (Qld Rural Adjustment Authority) can provide financial assistance programs to both small businesses and farmers who have been impacted by the drought.

Primary Producers are able to apply for assistance under the following programs:

• Exceptional Circumstances (Interest subsidy up to $100,000)
• Drought Carry-on and Drought Recovery Loans (low interest rates and no fees and charges)
• Drought Rate Rebate Scheme (when available)
• Irrigators Fixed Water Charges Rebate Scheme (rebate of up to $10,000 per financial year for irrigators who have experienced low water availability) (new program)

Small Business operators are also able to apply for interest subsidy assistance under the following programs:

• Small Business Fact Sheet
• Small Business Exceptional Circumstances (interest subsidy up to $100,000)
• Small Business Emergency Assistance Scheme (interest subsidy up to $10,000)
• Small Business Press Release (distributed 14 March 2007)

The Fact sheets (which can be found in the 'Links' section on the right hand panel of each of the pages above) provide a concise snap shot of each program.

Details of the Drought Rate Rebate Scheme are not yet available and QRAA are currently registering names and addresses for interested parties on Freecall 1800 623 946.

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Esk Shire sustainability rated on par with Rockhampton

In conjunction with the State Government's size, shape and sustainability program for local government, Esk Shire Council has undergone an independent financial check-up.

The Council has now released the Queensland Treasury Corporation's Financial Sustainability Review report on its website.

The report rates Esk Shire Council's financial sustainability as "moderate with a developing outlook".

"I encourage ratepayers to have a look at QTC's review of Esk Shire Council," said Mayor Councillor Graeme Lehmann.

"To put the rating into perspective, Rockhampton City Council has made public that they have also been rated by QTC as having 'moderate' strength with a 'developing' outlook."

"Not many councils have made their QTC reports public," he said.

"We are pleased with QTC's rating which confirms Council's financial discipline and long term sustainability."

Size, shape and sustainability review 

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WATER RESTRICTIONS FOR ESK SHIRE

The Queensland Water Commission has imposed Water Restrictions on most Councils within the South East Queensland area. Residents are urged to make themselves aware of the current requirements and to manage their water use to ensure they are in compliance with the water usage.

Council will continue to work closely with South East Queensland Water Corporation and our neighbouring Councils to ensure a secure supply of water for customers but your assistance is vital. 

For more information visit the Queensland Water Commission and Water Forever websites.

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Pipeline Alliance chooses Lowood

The Western Corridor Recycled Water Project Alliance has announced that it will establish a site office and depot on Council land in the Lowood Industrial Estate.

The project is billed as the largest recycled water scheme to be constructed in Australia and the largest project of its kind in the southern hemisphere.

Esk Shire Mayor, Graeme Lehmann said, “Council is thrilled that such a huge project will be based at the Lowood Industrial Estate bringing with it significant jobs during the construction phase.”

“The announcement comes on top of other activity at Lowood Industrial Estate that has seen prices there increase from $35,000 a block a few years ago to a recent independent valuation of two blocks at $150,000.”

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2005/2006 Annual Report

More information

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RAIN - Rural Assist Information Network

This external site contains information and options to support and sustain people living and working in rural and remote areas of regional Southern Queensland. More information

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Corporate Plan 2007-2011

More information

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Good Wood Initiative

A best practice education initiative resourced by government and industry, has established a 24 hour call centre 1800 853 370 and a Project Assistant at www.aboutgoodwood.info to provide best practice information about correct selection and use of treated wood with an emphasis on durability, safety and the environment.

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Pest Management Plan 2005-2009

More information

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General Complaints Process

More information

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Australian Pesticides & Veterinary Medicines Authority

The APVMA is seeking feedback from the general public, health professionals & chemical users on adverse events they encounter with agricultural chemicals / pesticides.  APVMA encourage members of the general public to report any health, safety or effectiveness problems that they experience or observe with pesticides.  Reporting forms can be accessed on the APVMA website.

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