Barcoo Indendent 19081

8/4/2019 Barcoo Indendent 19081

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/barcoo-indendent-19081 1/16Page 16 - The Barcoo Independent, Friday, August 19, 2011

SPORT ON THE BARCOO

Blackall is getting active with new social sports programbeing run at the Blackall State School.

Social basketball is being played on a Monday night, while a social sports program being run on Wednesday

evening will see netball, ag football and soccer played ona rotational basis. The free sessions will be held from 5:30-6:30pm at the

Blackall State School and are open to anyone over the ageof 13.

The programs aim to get people active with exible rulesand players of all skill levels welcome.

This week marked the rst week of the social sportsprogram with Wednesday night netball, while Mondaynight basketball started a month ago.

Program coordinator Pete Ossipow said the basketball was originally going to operate on a similar rotationalbasis to the other sports, but high levels of interest meantthey will have weekly games.

“We’ve got enough players for three teams now, with agood mix of adults and students,” he said.

“If we get enough for four teams we’d like to split itup into a students’ hour earlier in the afternoon and anadults’ hour.”

Mr Ossipow said there was the possibility that socialnetball could also become a weekly event if there wasenough interest.

Next week at 5:30-6:30pm on Wednesday, a social gameof ag football will be played at Blackall State School.

Blackall residents get into social sports

Jack Politch takes a shot with Matt Spencer andHarrison May on defence at Monday night basketball.

Clinton’s world championship shooting successLocal shooter Clinton

Sondergeld has returnedfrom the World Rim reand Air Ri e BenchrestChampionships in theUnited States of America

with two bronze medals toshow for his efforts.

Clinton competed in thechampionships held in

Charleston, South Carolinato from July 30- August 7, which are only the second tobe held in this discipline.

He received an individualbronze medal for the Rim reLight Ri e 25M as well as ateam bronze medal for theRim re Sporter 50M.

During the competition,Clinton used an Americanri e borrowed from an

American competitor.Clinton said the scoresat the championships werevery strong, with a highquality of competitors.

“Weather conditions

were tough, which broughtout the better shooters,”Clinton said.

“Not only did you haveto have a good ri e, youhad to be able to read theconditions.”

Clinton said he wasproud of his results andhe owed his success to

the mentorship of fellowBlackall shooter AshleyAdams.

“My success is due toAshley Adams teaching mehow to read the wind whenI rst began,” he said.

The trip wasn’t allcompetition, with Clinton

nding time to explorethe sights of Charleston,the oldest town in South

Carolina, as well as gettinga sampling of Americanpopular culture in theform of Walmart andInternational House of Pancakes.

Clinton Sondergeld received two bronze medalsat the recent World Rim re and Air Ri e BenchrestChampionships held in the USA.


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I NDEPENDENTTHE BARCOO

Blackall’s own community newspaper

In brief....August 19 2011 ISSN 1832-6129 RRP $2.00 Contact: [email protected]

Blackall’s new taxi hit thestreets late last week with JohnSpencer employed as the driverfor the taxi service.

Blackall Tambo Taxi is beingrun by the Blackall TamboRegional Council with taxi ranksset to be installed in ShamrockStreet in front of the library andat the Blackall airport, with thepossibility of another rank at theBlackall Woolscour.

The decision was made toemploy a driver at the July councilmeeting after a failure to attractany tenders from individuals

wishing to run it as a privatebusiness.

John has taken on the role inaddition to current business Jand L Cleaning Services and saidhe was positive about the taxiservice’s prospects.

“It might be slow at rst but

I reckon it’s going to be good,especially on weekends,” Johnsaid.

“Once local people get to knowabout it and tourists get to knowabout it, I think it’s going to be agood little business.”

The taxi service will operatefrom 9am-5pm during the week,and on Friday and Saturdaynights from 5pm- midnight.

The taxi’s fares will comply with Queensland standards withstandard charges including a$2.90 agfall, and a $3.50 perkilometre tariff, with an addition$1.10 booking fee.

The taxi was put into action on Thursday morning, with the rst

booking made that afternoon forSaturday night.

Anyone wanting to book the taxican call 0417 120 717.

Taxi service for Blackall

Blackall Tambo Taxi and its driver John Spencer have hit the streets of Blackalland are ready for business.

Coal explorationstarts in BlackallCoal exploration is increasing in

the Blackall district with CoalbankLimited making a presentation atlast week’s council meeting aheadof commencing drilling on theRavensbourne Road early next

week.

At the meeting general managerof Coalbank Limited Bruce Patricksaid the company would drillaround 80 holes that were 50-300metres deep along the road reserve,

with the holes to be re lled afterexploration.

Council is currently negotiatingan agreement with the company forland access.

Mayor Jan Ross said she felt thatCoalbank Limited had done the right

thing by making a presentation tocouncil and that it didn’t sit well

with her when mining companiescommenced exploration withoutcouncil consultation.

“I understand there is nowa tendency for some miningcompanies to actually come andsee the local authority,” Cr Rosssaid.

“We are actively promoting thatthrough the LGAQ and other

bodies,” she said.International Coal is also set tocommence an extensive explorationand drilling program on their SouthBlackall project this week.

The project is located in theBlackall Tambo Region, 80km northeast of Quilpie and is part of theEromanga and Galilee SedimentaryBasins.

Geological and explorationconsultants, the Moultrie Group

will manage the explorationprogram for International Coal which will consist of drilling overareas identi ed as being highlyprospective.

--by Victoria Nugent



Page 2 - The Barcoo Independent, Friday, August 19 2011

1/8 page: $16.501/6 page: $27.501/4 page: $34.651/3 page: $47.851/2 page: $68.75

Full pg/Insert:

$137.50Classi eds: $5 for3 lines and $1.25per extra line.Contact VictoriaNugent for colouradvertising rates

Please direct enquiries, suggestions, stories

and letters to the editor: Victoria Nugent

[email protected]

or post or call at Blackall Visitor Information

Centre, 108a Shamrock St, Blackall Phone/

fax: 07 4657 6966

Advertising Rates 2011 Contact

From the Editor The sky around Blackall has

been lled with striking coloursrecently with the Blackall rebrigade conducting backburningon Monday evenings to reducethe re risk, which is quite highalready and only set to increase as

we head towards summer.

There have been a signi cantnumber of grass res across theBlackall and Tambo districtslately, but luckily the damage fromthese has been minimal, thanks tothe quick working town and ruralbrigades.

We need to be aware of the

risks that come from having anincreased body of ground fuel andtake all the precautions we canto prevent res. Bon res shouldbe put out properly, people usingheavy machinery should be awareof sparks and property owners cancreate rebreaks and backburn.

The Anglican Flower Show ison September 3 and I was asked,“Are you willing to judge theProduce section again?” It was

hard to refuse as I have been the judge for many years. Last year I was pleasantly surprised at thenumber of entries and also thequality of the produce.

I have felt like the blooms thereshould be a rst and secondplace.

For those who like Cos lettuce, you can often pick a few leaves when newly grown.

Remember to keep an eye on thebower birds as they like tomatoes.

I am looking forward to someexcellent entries

This year I hope the juniors canbeat Mum and Dad with theirentries.

-- Harry Kitching M.M.

L ETTERS TO THE E DITOR Flower showproduce sectionIt has come to my attention that

the Blackall Powerhouse buildingis to be demolished. I must havemissed notice of this in Councilbriefs, newsletters and minutesbut feel that I have to raise thismatter publicly and urge someconsideration of alternatives todemolition. Council has recentlytaken over the management of Ram Park which is a collectionof moved buildings relating tothe Blackall and Yalleroi district.Council has thus demonstrateda great willingness to care forelements of the history of Blackalland surrounding district.

This rationale could also be

applied to the Blackall Powerhousebuilding. Its value as one of thefew remaining icons in Blackall’ssocial and economic history anda twentieth century industrialbuilding with extent motors isactually higher as it is not amoved building. Although our

electric power now comes frommany kilometres away, the supplyof locally generated electricityto Blackall was one of the mostimportant steps in the developmentof the town in the early 1920s.

The most effective way of maintaining buildings such asthe Powerhouse is to give thema new use. It would be hopedthat this building could be savedby reutilising it. Just as publicconsideration is being given toa new and future use for thenineteenth century Bushman’sArms building, it would be greatto develop an alternative use forthe Powerhouse building and thenmake it part of a walking trail thatlinks Ram Park, the Powerhouseand the Bushman’s building to tellimportant stories about Blackall’shistory.--Christine Campbell, Concerned

Citizen.

Save the Blackall Powerhouse

1 st Sunday of month Sunday Night Live 6pm3 rd Sunday of month Fun Social Event 6pm

Kids’ Club Monday 3:30 5pm. All welcome.

Ph 07 46512662Local contacts: 46574740;46574546; 46574884

Worship services Sundays 9am PLUS...... Contact: Rev Scott Ballment

BBLLAACCKKAALLLL UUNNIITTIINNGG CCHHUURRCCHH


http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/barcoo-indendent-19081 4/16The Barcoo Independent, Friday, August 19 2011 - Page 15

SPORT ON THE BARCOOFollowing months of lessons

and practice under the guidanceof Birrali Schefe from Roma

with assistance also from NaomiDolinski, three Blackall girlscompleted their Grade 4 RoyalAcademy of Dance Ballet Examsin Roma.

Aside from lessons in Blackall, Jemma Mobbs, Cassy Flynn andPagen Arnold spent some of their

winter school holidays in Romahaving lessons with Mrs Schefe’smother Edrine Keegan and joined

with students from Roma, StGeorge, Mitchell and Charters

Towers last week for the exams.

“I might want to be a danceteacher when I leave school, so it’sa good idea for me to get properlyquali ed while I’m doing ballet

with Bib,” said student JemmaMobbs.

“I did a lot of smiling so that theexaminer would look at my smileand not my feet!”

All three students are membersof Dance Blackall which is runas a subgroup of Blackall StateSchool P and C, with studentsfrom Longreach SDE, St Joseph’sSchool, Blackall Kindy, BlackallState School and young adultsfrom the community attendinglessons.

Ballet and other styles of dancelearnt at Dance Blackall will be

displayed at the annual concertbeing held on November 12 whichhas an Alice in Wonderland

Theme.

Jemma Mobbs, Cassy Flynn and Pagen Arnold were excited to have nished

their ballet exam.

Blackall girls complete ballet exams The Blackall Magpies suffered

a big defeat last weekend, goingdown to the Barcaldine Sand

Goannas 102-6.In other rugby league games

in the Central West district theIlfracombe Scorpions defeated theLongreach Thomson Tigers 29-18.

The nal points tally for thecompetition is Winton 22,Barcaldine 14, Ilfracombe 14,Blackall 6 and Longreach 4.

This weekend the BlackallMagpies will take on the IlfracombeScorpions in the semi nal.

Magpies defeatedby Sand Goannas

Blackall’s bootcamp program ismixing it up a bit with the additionof water aerobics classes.

Sergeant Bruce Trickett startedrunning the free bootcampprogram earlier this year, with the

water aerobics the latest programexpansion. The aerobics sessions will be run

by Catherine Par tt from 6:15-7am on Tuesday and Thursdaymornings.

The classes are free, howevergeneral pool entry fees apply.

Other bootcamp sessions will continue as normal at theBlackall showground from 6-7amon Monday, Wednesday and

Thursday.

Water aerobics atBlackall bootcamp

BLACKALL KINDERGARTEN AND LIMITED HOURS DAYCAREBlackall Kindergarten Associa on is invi ng applica ons for a Kindergartenteacher to join our organisa on.This is a part me posi on for 14 hours per week, 11 hours contact me and 3

hours prepara on me from Tuesday to Wednesday.This 6 - 12 month temporary maternity leave posi on will commence October4th 2011.Relevant quali ca ons required:

* Bachelor in Early Childhood Educa on (3 or 4 year)

* Current Blue Card* First Aid Cer catePlease forward your wri en applica on and resume by WEDNESDAY 31st AUGUST2011 to PO Box 54, Blackall Qld 4472 or email to [email protected] more informa on please contact the Centre on 46574832


http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/barcoo-indendent-19081 5/16Page 14- The Barcoo Independent, Friday, August 14 2011

Edition 26

19.08.2011

The Blackall Garden Competition is now open! Nomination forms and details are available from theBlackall Council office during business hours(8:30am to 4:45pm). Nomination close onMonday, 15 August. The prize winner for eachcategory will be announced at the Anglican Flower Show, which is to be held at the Blackall CulturalCentre on Saturday, 3 September.Competition Categories Include:

- Champion Town Garden + Jessie Bauer Memorial Prize $300.00

- Champion Country Garden Prize $300.00- Best Flower Garden Prize $200.00- Best Landscaped Garden Prize $200.00- Best Native Garden Prize $200.00- Best Edible Garden Prize $200.00- Best Water Wise Garden Prize $200.00- Best Senior Citizen Garden (over 65 years)

Prize $200.00- Best Non-Domestic Garden (Business etc.

Prize $200.00

- Neatest yard by any Group (Clubs, Schools,Social & Sporting) Prize $200.00

Unconfirmed minutes are available for perusal 10 daysafter the Council Meeting date (Local Government Act 2009) at both offices and on the Council website.

Adopted policies are on website.Next Council Meeting – 14th September 2011 – Blackall.

Ken TimmsChief Executive Officer

To the Communities of Blackall & Tambo:BLACKALL GARDEN COMPETITION

Elvis PresleyTribute show willbe playing at theBlackall CulturalC e n t r e o nS a t u r d a y 1 5October. Ticketswill be availableSOON from theB l a c k a l l a n dTambo Council Offices. Prices to be

advised.COMMUNITY MEETINGSTo the Community of

TamboDigital TV Conversion

MeetingTambo Shire Hall

Thursday18 th of August

7:00pmRSVP to Carroll Nugent by

Wednesday the 17 th

AugustCouncil will be meeting with theMultipurpose Sports ComplexRepresentatives on Thursday 18ththAugust 2011. Representatives havebeen contacted. Please RSVP toCarroll in Tambo by Wednesday17th August.Council will be meeting with the

R a c e C o u r s e M a n a g e m e n tCommittee on Friday 19th August2011. The Management Committeer e p r e s e n t a t i v e s h a v e b e e ncontacted. Please RSVP to Carroll inTambo by Thursday 18th August.

Council is hosting a HalloweenTrick or Treat for the childrenof Blackall and Tambo onSaturday 5 November, 2011. If you would like to register your kids to be a trick or treater, or register as a Halloween house.Please contact the Council Of- fice on 4621 6600 or visit theBlackall or Tambo Office.Regis t ra t ion Closes onOctober 21.

TAMBO GARDEN COMPETITION

The Tambo Garden Competition is now open! Nomination forms and details are available fromthe Tambo Council office during business hours(8:30am to 4:45pm). Nomination close onThursday 29th September.Competition Categories Include:

- Champion Town Garden Prize $300.00- Champion Country Garden Prize $300.00- Best Flower Garden Prize $200.00

- Best Landscaped Garden Prize $200.00- Best Native Garden Prize $200.00- Best Edible Garden Prize $200.00- Best Water Wise Garden Prize $200.00- Best Senior Citizen Garden (over 65 years)

Prize $200.00- Best Non-Domestic Garden (Business etc.

Prize $200.00- Neatest yard by any Group (Clubs, Schools,

Social & Sporting) Prize $200.00

FIRE BREAK BURNINGAs of Monday the 8th of August the BlackallAuxiliary Fire-fighters willbe burning off thesurrounds of Blackall andcertain parts of theD i s t r i c t ( w e a t h e r permitting) This is toreduce the risk of fireencroaching on Thetown before the summer heat. We apologise toe v e r y o n e f o r a n yinconvenience this maycause, however it isnecessary. If you haveany concerns pleasec o n t a c t : - C a p t a i nMatthew Richardson of the Blackall Auxiliary FireBrigade on 0488574 169

Fire breaks have beengraded and burning off will commence in the nextfew weeks in an effort toprotect Tambo from thehazard of bushfires.Firefighters will beburning off the surroundsof Tambo and certainparts of the District(weather permitting) toreduce the risk of fireencroaching on the town.We apologise to everyonefor any inconveniencethis may cause, however it is necessary. Pleaseensure that you stayindoors when the fires areabout if you have anyrespiratory problems.If you have any concernsin either Blackall or Tambo please contact:Ken Timms CEO of theBlackall Tambo RegionalCouncil on 4621 6600 or in the case of ane m e r g e n c y p l e a s econtact 000.



The Barcoo Independent, Friday, August 19 2011- Page 3

Last week’s council meetingbrought more complications tothe debate surrounding localbusiness Barron Agencies, after aresolution to the discussion wasrepealed when a councillor lodgeda motion to rescind the decisionafter the meeting.

With councillor Peter Skewesleaving the meeting after declaringan interest, and councillor SallyCripps absent, only councillorsGrahame Schluter and Graham

Jarvis were available to move andsecond the decision.

During the meeting, council haddiscussed an application by BarronAgencies to conduct an irregularsale on Tuesday September 20,

with a decision made to allow thebusiness to operate the sale on analternative date.

September 20 was rejected asa suitable date because it wasdeemed that a sale on that date

would have an adverse effect onother council business at thesaleyard in the week, including aregular weaner sale in September,spelling of travelling stock and

private weighing.In discussions it was decided that

due to the larger numbers likelyto be yarded for the September 22

weaner sale, the saleyards did nothave the capacity for an irregular

Tuesday sale during that week.Manager of Business Enterprises

said a sale on Tuesday September20 would place unnecessary stresson the saleyards as it would bedif cult to clear the cattle in timefor the weaner sale.

“The issue is not so much theday of the Tuesday sale as thedays before and after,” Mr Hiltonsaid.

It was decided that althoughSeptember 20 wouldn’t be a

suitable date, approval could beissued if requested for a sale onOctober 4 subject to a number of conditions.

These conditions includedcurfews for delivery of cattle,upfront payment of council’sannual fee of $3500 before thesale, provision of presentation anddrafting staff by Barron Agencies,that cattle be delivered in lines

where possible to avoid redraftingand that every attempt wouldbe made to clear cattle from thesaleyards by Wednesday evening.

Coucillor Grahame Schlutersaid he was in favour of allowingBarron Agencies to conduct an

irregular sale as a way of triallinghow the saleyards would operate

with more than one sale a week.“There has always been an issue

with conducting Tuesday salesbecause the stock is never goingto be cleared in time,” Cr Schlutersaid.

“We are going to review thesethings next year.”

“I think we should give them ago on a Tuesday to try it out and

see how it works, when we have asmaller sale week or no sale.” The decision to allow an October

4 sale if it was requested was thenmoved by Councillor Schluter andcarried, but was repealed after themeeting by the motion to rescind.

The matter will be tabled againat the next council meeting onSeptember 14.

-- by Victoria Nugent

Barron Agencies decision delayed again

Monday 22 nd to Wednesday 24 th August at Outdoor Sculpture Studio in the BasketballCourts behind Memorial Hall, come & get creative with mud, grass andfound materials and help generate ideas and shapes for another pubic artwork.

Wednesday 24 th August Evening at the Memorial Hall, Meet & Greet Get Together .

Thursday 25 th August at the Memorial Hall, Symposium Sessions with the returning artists

Natalie Billings, Robert Bridgewater, William Eicholtz, Bodo Muche & Fred White,Representatives from Arts Queensland Art + Place, Artsupport AustraliaSymposium Dinner & Arts Tour of the Woolscour.

Friday 26 th August , Symposium Sessions in the Memorial HallWith Three Public Art Talks in and around Memorial Park in the afternoon.

Saturday 27 th August Morning down on the Barcoo River, Three Public Art TalksFollowed by Symposium Sessions in Memorial Hall focussing on great regional art projects.

Saturday Evening down on the River, a Free Community Art Party for all. Come paintthe Community Canvas , participate and see the Grandfather Remembers’ Performance ,& buy your dinner from the Red Truck & Year 11s to raise funds for the Blackall StateSchool. Contact Robyn Adams on 46510939 or [email protected]



WHATS ON in 2011AUGUST19 Convoy of No Con dence stopover20 MG Classic Cars Display at Woolscour20 Tambo Golf Fun Day20 Jericho Drive In Movies

23 O ce Meltdown Workshop23 Tambo Mul purpose Centre Open House Community

Service Day24 Woolscour Tour & Corned Beef Dinner25-27 Symposium on Public Art in the Non-Urban Context30 SDE Blackall Sports Skills Day31 Woolscour Tour & Bush Dinner31 Woolscour Mid-Week Market Day

SEPTEMBER1 Wool Wagon Trek Departs Woolscour

3 Annual Flower Show3 Saturday Night Tour & Woolscour Bush Dinner6 Wool Wagon Trek Arrives Slygo9 Blackall State School Arts Evening12-15 Creative Pathways Workshops13-14 WesTech Barcaldine14 Shockwave Community Debrief 16-18 Back to Blackall Weekend16- 19 Tambo Teddy Bear’s Picnic Festival17 Community Markets23 Blue Light Disco

OCTOBER8 Community Markets8 Blackall Hospital Auxiliary Springtime Festival14 Blue Light Disco15 Blackall Races15 Elvis Presley Tribute Show28 Anglican Ladies Guild Street Stall29 Outback Tourism QLD Awards

NOVEMBER4-5 Gallery Day

5 Halloween Trick or Treat5 Halloween Blue Light Disco7-8 SDE Blackall Swim Camp12 Dance Blackall Annual Concert26 Blackall Races26 St Patrick’s Christmas Fete27 Christmas Tree Fes val

DECEMBER16 Blackall Memorial and Sports Club Members’ Xmas

Party

24 Christmas Eve Mardi Gras, Blackall24 Christmas in the Park, Tambo31 Blackall Memorial and Sports Club New Year’s Eve

Costume Party

Page 4 - The Barcoo Independent, Friday, August 19 2011

Blackall State School students were provided with the opportunity to learn about career andeducation opportunities when they attended theCentral Western Careers Expo in Longreach earlierthis week.

Secondary students travelled to Longreachto attend the exhibition held on Tuesday which

featured exhibits from universities, TAFE, trades,businesses and government departments.Some exhibitors on the day included Central

Queensland Institute of TAFE, Central QueenslandUniversity, Golden West Employment Solutions,Longreach Regional Council, the QueenslandPolice Service and the Department of Environmentand Resource Management (DERM).

Principal Jason Smith said it was a wonderfulopportunity for the students to be exposed to sucha diverse range of trades, businesses, governmentdepartments and tertiary educators.

“It’s fantastic that they now have the opportunityto get exposure to such wonderful exhibitors andbusinesses that they might only otherwise get toaccess online,” Mr Smith said.

“Tradies will also have their tools on hand forour students to experience real-life practical tasks

with the professionals as mentors,” he said. The exhibition was run by Employment,

Education, Training Advisory Network (ETAN)in partnership with the Longreach RegionalCouncil, Capricornia Training Company - Youth

Students at Career Expo

With warmer weather causing gardens to burstinto colour and produce, Blackall residents areencouraged to pick owers for arrangements, dosome cooking and take oral photographs for theupcoming Anglican Flower Show on September 3.

With the show now only two weeks away,schedules are available at several locationsthroughout Blackall. Anyone having dif culty

nding a copy is asked to contact Trethella Smith, with the organisers keen to receive lots of entriesfor another successful ower show with a great

showing of Blackall gardens.Several changes have been made to the schedules with the children’s and students’ sections nowcombined to become a juvenile section for 14 yearsand under.

The ower show will feature the usual wellstocked stalls of goodies, a cent sale and displays

with a lavish afternoon tea available.Visitors to the ower show will be entertained

with music, song and dance by the students of local schools plus other items.

The Florifoto competition is again beingsponsored by Desert Channels Longreach withpeople encouraged to enter as a way to be involved

with the ower show even if they’re not a keengardener.

-- Trethella Smith

Two weeks to Flower Show



The Barcoo Independent, Friday, August 19- Page 13

Our capital works budget has grown to over $13.5 million of which this year, the majority of this money will be used to maintain, repair and upgrade our existing infrastructure.

A copy of the full budget can be accessed on Council’s website www.btrc.qld.gov.auhowever I have endeavoured to give you a broad overview on funds allocated that may beof interest.

$10,000,000

plus

Council controlled roads, flood damage repairs, regular maintenance, new

sealing works and reseals$2,300,000 Plant replacement$400,000 Grant to upgrade the water and sewerage mains in Blackall$300,000 Mandatory upgrade of the Blackall Terminal to comply with the

Department of Aviation for security and comfort of passengers$350,000 Upgrade of the catering facilities at the Blackall Race Course$140,000 Tambo MPC Courtyard upgrade $60,000 grant$80,000 Digital TVReception in Tambo$100,000 Multi Sport and Recreation Association – Grants to community

organisations – Aides to Society – In kind community assistance

$50,000 Restumping of Tambo Child Care Centre$40,000 EEParr Park – Complete Skate Park

Ongoing projects have been carried forward into this financial year.

$1,481,000 Improvements to the Blackall Saleyard’s – Including additional yards, newtruck wash and general improvements

$424,500 Community Care Services in Blackall and Tambo including Aged Care$339,000 Library Operations in both Tambo and Blackall as a community service$320,000 Swimming Pools – maintenance, upkeep and management$319,000 Tourism Promotion – to increase tourism in the region

$313,000 Recreation, Sport and Youth Activities – This includes the employment of aSport & Recreation Officer, and a Youth Officer to assist sportingorganisations and the youth.

$138,500 Economic Development – to stimulate economic growth in the area$104,000 Grasslands Building Operation and Maintenance$801,000 Blackall to Jericho (Dismal Creek)$50,000 Blackall State School and St Joseph’s Catholic School footpaths$205,000 Tumbar Road Floodway Upgrade (Paradise Creek)$50,000 Blackall township – Over dimension vehicle route – Widen and seal shoulders$124,000 Construct and seal area across from BP in Blackall to assist with parking of

heavy vehicles$1,500,000 Construction on Emmet Road$723,000 Blackall Industrial Estate – Water and sewerage works and road works$280,000 Wild Dog Control$94,000 Council Housing upgrades$266,000 Child care services in Blackall and TamboWe have achieved unprecedented efficiency gains over the past two years, thanks to thehard work of our staff. This year, we hoped we would have a reprieve, however theeconomic circumstances mean that we need to continue cutting our costs, finding betterways of doing business and getting more for our money.

Councillors and staff at all levels are committed to working diligently to ensure that thedesired outcomes of this budget are achieved.

Jan Ro ss Ma yo r



Page 12- The Barcoo Independent, Friday, August 19 2011

BLACKALL TAMBO REGIONAL COUNCIL DELIVERS A RESPONSIBLE BUDGET

It is very heartening for me as the Mayor of the Blackall Tambo Regional Council to havereceived advice from the Director General of the Department of Local Government andPlanning advising us that “The Blackall Tambo Regional Council is in a strong financial position. ” This advice was received prior to the adoption of the current budgetand is indicative of the focus and commitment of Council and staff in ensuring this Regional

Council is sustainable for future generations.The Blackall Tambo Regional Council adopted a $32 million budget Council’s largest ever ata budget meeting held in Blackall on Wednesday 3 August 2011.

The budget was presented by the Mayor, Cr Jan Ross who stated that, “Council is consciousof the requirement to plan into the future and implement decisions to ensure the long termfinancial sustainability of this Council.

With the development of this budget, it has been foremost in Councillors’ minds thepressures faced by ratepayers in the areas of rising costs and their capacity to pay.

This is a responsible budget with a focus on both relieving the pressure on our communities,and ensuring we are in a strong position to build the infrastructure we will need when were enter the phase of growth.

We have started to see some signs of recovery in the regional economy; however families,the rural industry and small businesses are still doing it tough. As such, we have made thedecision this year to significantly reduce our expenditure and attempt to keep our rates andcharges as low as possible. The challenge has been to establish a strong foundation fordeveloping the Region’s long term sustainability with an appropriate and yet modest 5%increase in general rates.

The following considerations were factors impacting on the budget’s formulation:

Community expectations with regard to service provisionsContinued employment of a full workforce in Blackall and TamboReduction in government fundingThe flood damage works required on council’s road infrastructure systems affectedby the 2011 floodsConstruction and maintenance costs of local government infrastructure haveincreased as a result of the State’s summer of floods and cyclones. Costs have beenpushed up to around 7.5% in the Local Government Cost Index, well beyond CPI;Increased environmental requirements in relation to water, sewerage and waste

management operationsState Government changes to the Local Government Act, with greater emphasis onfinancial sustainability and asset managementLarge increases in energy costs


http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/barcoo-indendent-19081 10/16The Barcoo Independent, Friday, August 19 2011 - Page 5

People in Shamrock Street last Thursday mayhave been lucky enough to receive a small giftfrom the Blackall CWA when they handed outfree packages of biscuits, slices and fudge asrandom acts of kindness to mark QCWA day.

CWA members cooked and donated slices and

biscuits for the event, which were then handedout in downtown Blackall on Thursday morningon August 11.

The group had been asked by the QueenslandCWA to do something to mark the day, and theychose to distribute baked goods as random actsof kindness, handing out over 50 small packagesto locals and tourists.

CWA member Alison Mobbs said the peoplethey approached were surprised and pleased by

the gesture.“The rst person that we gave one too said

it was just what they needed to brighten theirday,” Alison said.

Random acts of kindness by Blackall CWA

Abigail Parry, Trethella Smith, Rebecca Parry and Alison Mobbshanded out random acts of kindness for QCWA Day.

Blackall will be one of the rstdestinations to be visited under theOutback Education Tour Subsidyscheme through Queensland

Tourism which subsidies school

trips to rural Queensland whenthe Emu Park State School YearSeven camp visits next week.

The Outback Education TourSubsidy Scheme was developedto encourage schools to takeYear Six and Seven Queenslandstudents to visit Queensland’soutback regions, in north west,central west and south and far

west Queensland. The Emu Park State School Year

Seven Camp is the rst trip to beapproved under the scheme and

will see 23 Year Seven studentsvisit Blackall, Barcaldine andLongreach from August 22-26.

The group will spend a morningin Blackall where they will visit theWoolscour and take a self-guidedtour of the town.

Teacher Ellie Fisher wrote

the submission after the schoolreceived correspondence from MPPaul Hoolihan encouraging schoolsto participate in the scheme.

The school was successful intheir application for the subsidy,

which has reduced the cost of thecamp by $100 per student, withpremier Anna Bligh visiting theclass last week to mark the rstimplementation of the scheme.

Ms Fisher said the students

were very excited about the tripand the furthest west any of themhad visited was Emerald.

“It’s really important to us to takethe kids somewhere they might

not visit again in their lifetime,”Ms Fisher said.

“After they come back they’re just mindblown and have a million

stories.”Principal Wayne McMurtrie saidthe scheme allowed more parentsto afford to send their children oncamp as well as encouraging tripsto rural areas.

“It enables more kids to be ableto actually go on the camp, andgives them a chance to head out

west, where they haven’t been,”Mr McMurtrie said.

“Our camps used to be Brisbanebased but they’ve been headingout west for the last couple of

years.”

Coastal students to visit central west

A group of six Blackall choirmembers will travel to Sydney toattend this year’s Sing AustraliaNational Gathering later this

month.Alison Mobbs, Marie Messer, LynSchluter, Grace Pocknee, Glenda

Tierney and Melit Furneaux willattend the annual gathering, beingheld on August 31.

The gathering will give thesingers the chance to participatein professional development

workshops and network with Sing

Australia choir members fromacross Australia, as well as time topartake in some leisure activitiesincluding a dinner cruise.

Alison Mobbs said in additionto helping the Blackall choir

to expand their repertoire, the workshop would give them theexperience of singing in a largechoir.

“Singing as part of a large groupis a fantastic experience,” Alisonsaid.

“We don’t get to hear it verymuch out here.”

Blackall singers to attend national workshop


http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/barcoo-indendent-19081 11/16Page 6 - The Barcoo Independent, Friday, August 19 2011

Do you know of something you think

The Barcoo Independent

should cover?Contact Victoria Nugent.(07) 4657 6966

[email protected]

FlorifotoPhotographic CompetitionFlorifoto CategoriesCategories 1-4 awarded for the best depiction.1. What a gorgeous ower! Best depiction of a single bloomor group of blooms. Prize $25 voucher.2. What a great produce garden! Best depiction of avegetable, fruit or herb garden. Prize $25 voucher.3. What a beautiful garden! Best depiction of a garden. Prize$25 voucher.4. What a lovely native ora! Best depiction of Australiannatives- foliage or owering. Prize $25 voucher.Categories 5-6 prizes awarded for photographic excellenceand are selected from the above categories.5. The junior grand orifoto. The best photograph entered bya student (up to Grade 12) Prize $40.6. The grand orifoto. The best photograph from all entriesin the competition. Prize $70.

NO ENTRY FEEEntries close 5pm Wednesday 31 August 2011 at:Blackall- Blackall Vistitor Information CentreBarcaldine- Smith Bros HardwareLongreach- Desert Channels Group Of ce, 92 Galah StreetTambo- Fanny Mae’s

Held in conjunction with the Anglican

Flower Show3rd Sepember 2011For enquiries, please call 46574574

The Blackall Fire Brigade has been conducting backburning on Monday evenings in the wake of the recent spate of grass res around the Blackall district. A higher level of ground fuel this year has resulted in an increased re risk withthe start of warmer weather. Photo courtesy Robyn Adams.

Blackall-Tambo EducationGroupAGM

Saturday, September 310 am, Blackall Club

Come along and hear how we are

supporting our young people toachieve their goals after completingformal schooling and nd out how

you can help them too.



ST. JOSEPH’S SCHOOL, BLACKALLEXTENSION TO ADMINISTRATIONBuilding Contractors wishing to tender for the above project are required toregister their interest. The works involverefurbishment and extensions to theexisting Administration building. Theselection of Tenderers will be at the solediscretion of the proprietor - The RomanCatholic Trust Corporation for the Dioceseof Rockhampton.Forward registration to the of ce of the Architects before 4pm Friday, 26th August,2011. Architects: TONY MADDEN ARCHITECTS& INTERIORS PTY. LTD.FAX NO: 07 49278815E-MAIL: [email protected]

The Barcoo Independent, Friday, August 19 2011 - Page 11

Tender noTice

THE BARCOO INDEPENDENT

LASSIFIEDS

OUTWEST Soil Tests. Prompt andreliable service. PH 0458 532 155.

Interested in advertising in theBarcoo Independent? We offer affordable and effective advertising. Thereare a range of sizes available as well asclassi eds, insert options and scheduledcolour advertising. Next colour editionon September 9. Advertising packagesare also available. Contact Victoria

Nugent on 46 576 966 or by email [email protected] to discussadvertising options for your business.

C

Blackall Campdraft Association AGM‘Blackall Campdraft Association Inc

Annual General Meeting will be held onMonday 19th September 6.30pm at theBlackall Memorial and Sports Club. Thoseinterested in attending are welcome.Queries phone 07 46 576 031

The community is gearing upfor ‘Grandfathers Remember’,a celebration of our historyand culture through publicperformance which will form partof the culminating event of theBlackall Public Art Symposium.

Visitors from across Australia will be entertained by a group of ‘grandfathers’ sitting around thecamp re remembering yarns fromthe ‘good old days’.

Each grandfather will sharememories from the early settlers of the region to experiencing droughtbreaking rain with members of the community singing, dancing,acting with costumed animalpuppets, playing instrumentsand riding horses, bikes or asulky to give an aural and visualinterpretation of the memory.

Coordinator of the CommunityArt Party performance, AlisonMobbs is looking forward to the

reaction of symposium attendeesto the performance.

“It is great to engage city visitors with the culture of our communitythrough performance,” Alisonsaid.

“It allows them to betterappreciate and understand our

way of life and the history of thearea.”

The song written by thecommunity with Paul Costa forthe Heartland Festival, ‘LightingUp the West’ will also feature aspart of the performance.

Everyone from the communityis invited to the CommunityArts Party with food available for

purchase as well as interactiveopportunities with art throughoutthe evening.

Due to lighting considerationsthe performance will start promptlyat 6pm.

Grandfathers remember at art party

Bob Harvey and Bob Wilson discussing their roles as Grandfathers for theCommunity Performance at the Public Art Symposium.

Do you have results or information to

contribute to the sports section?

Contact Victoria Nugent.

(07) 4657 6966

[email protected]



Page 10 - The Barcoo Independent, Friday, August 19, 2011

BLACKALL RETRAVISION

DON’T FORGET FATHERSDAY SUNDAY 4 TH SEPT – CALL IN A CHECK OUTOUR HUGE RANGE OF

STOCK FOR DADENGEL HAS A PROMO ON – RECEIVE $300 WORTH

OF PRODUCTS FREEWHEN YOU PURCHASEANY PLATINUM SERIES

FRIDGE – SEE IN –STOREFOR DETAILS

More Than Just The Best Price

For your Real Estate Enquiries — ContactHelen Aspinall - [email protected]

Ph. 46 574 355Mobile— 0428 316 289

Delivering Results

PROPERTIES OF THE WEEK

“The Gums” Modern 3 bedroom air -conditioned home seton 200 acres of free-hold land . Big shed,

yards, new fencing$690,000

Truly magnificent 5bedroom home set onlarge block, big shed,in ground, pool, veryclose school, CBD.

$350,000

Barcoo Plumbing is looking to appointan enthusiastic and motivated individualfor a plumbing apprenticeship. The termof the apprenticeship is for a period of four years during which the apprenticewill acquire on-the-job experience andTAFE training.

Candidates must have completed Year 10 with satisfactory passes in Mathsand English. For any enquiries callIan Hardie on 0427445555 or [email protected]

Your local taxation specialistwill be attending their

Blackall Office in Woods Arcadeon Monday 22 & Tuesday 23 August 2011.

For all your Accountancy & Taxation needscontact Prue Button on 07 4657 4144

or email [email protected]


http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/barcoo-indendent-19081 14/16The Barcoo Independent, Friday, August 19, 2011 - Page 7

TENDER FOR THE SUPPLY OF SUB-CONTRACTOR PLANTAND EQUIPMENT SERVICES

SUPPLY OF SUB-CONTRACTORS PLANT AND EQUIPMENT SERVICES FOR FLOODDAMAGE REPAIR WORKS

&PANEL OF PREQUALIFIED CONTRACTORS FOR THE SUPPLY OF CONTRACT WET

AND DRY HIRE PLANT ARRANGEMENTS

BTRCW02 2011/2012

Tenders are invited for the supply of sub-contractor heavy plant and equipment services and panel of prequalified contractors for the supply of contract wet and dry hire plant arrangements to deliver flooddamage repair works within the Blackall-Tambo Regional Council boundaries between September 2011 and June 2013.

This arrangement will complement the Blackall-Tambo Regional Council workforce and heavy plantfleet. The work items of plant include but are not limited to;

ScrapersDozersExcavatorsLoadersGradersCompaction EquipmentTransport combinations suitable for haulage operations from 40km -200km/ round

The successful tenderers will form a panel of prequalified contractors for the supply of contract wetand dry hire plant on an as required basis. The duration of the panel arrangement shall be fromSeptember 2011 to the 30 June 2013.

Tender documents can be obtained by contacting, Mrs Donna Richardson, Commercial ServicesOfficer on (07) 46216600. For further information on anticipated works and requirements of thisarrangement please contact Mr Les Edmistone, Manager of Works on (07) 46216600

Suitably endorsed expressions of interest addressed to the Chief Executive Officer and clearlylabelled “Supply of Sub-Contractors No BTRCW02 2011/2012” and must be received by 12.00pmMonday 5 September 2011 at PO Box 21, Blackall Q 4472.

The lowest or any tender may not necessarily be accepted. Selection onto the panel arrangement willnot guarantee that the tendered items will be hired.

PO Box 21 KL TimmsBLACKALL Q 4472 Chief Executive Officer Fax (07) 4657 8855 Phone: (07) 4621 6600


http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/barcoo-indendent-19081 15/16Page 8 - The Barcoo Independent, Friday, August 19 2011

Korean workers Evan, Eddy, Sun, Reed, Judy, Eva and Peter (absent) are enjoying their jobs at Game Meat Processing.

Roo works get boost with Korean workers The Game Meat Processing kangaroo

processing plant has had an increase in workers with the arrival of seven Korean workers last week.

The group has been contracted to work atthe plant for six months through a Brisbanecompany, with another group of workers set toarrive after they leave.

One of the workers, Eddy said that life inBlackall was a major adjustment as all the

workers were originally from the city but hethought the lack of traf c jams was a positiveaspect of small town life.

“In Korea, 80 percent of people live in thesame city so it’s very different,” he said.

The workers previously worked at a beef processing plant in Adelaide for sixteen monthsand are new to the kangaroo industry.

Game Meat Processing plant manager Allan

Brady said the workers were acquiring skillsquickly and doubled their numbers within vedays.

“Every day they’re getting much better at what they’re doing,” Allan said.

A oor motion calling for the Isolated Children’sParents’ Association to lobby for emergencyassistance so families in northern Australia affectedby the live export ban can continue to educate theirchildren was supported by delegates at the 40thannual conference held in Darwin last week.

Delegates from across the Top End providedconference attendees with rsthand stories of families taking their children out of school or leavingtheir properties because of nancial hardship.

“This is not just affecting the Northern Territory,it’s across the nation, shops are losing businesseverywhere,” said Queensland councillor and Mt Isabranch representative Wendy Hick.

“People are bringing their kids home or leaving theland.”

Tina MacFarlane from Katherine branch said thatschools were unable to support the avalanche of requests for fee leniency.

“They just can’t do this for everyone,” she said. “But we just have no income and won’t get an opportunityagain until next March or April.”

The motion asked for emergency nancial assistancefor families that are eligible for the Centrelink-administered Live Export Assistance Package.

The package consisted of a $5000 upfront paymentplus an additional $20 000 for operating expensesonce receipts are sighted, and it is not restricted toprimary producers.

An earlier motion by the Northern Territorystate council asking for the federal government tomaintain or reinstate Assistance for Isolated Childrenadditional boarding allowances supplements anddistance education supplements to assist families

wasn’t supported on the conference oor.

This assistance was a measure put in place to assistrural Australia with ongoing drought conditions, andconcluded this year.

A number of delegates opposing the motion spokeabout the roller coaster of primary production causedby droughts, oods, cyclones and governmentdecisions such as importing apples and that effecton the Tasmanian economy.

In asking for conference support for the latermotion, a speaker from Katherine urged delegatesnot to attack their own.

“We have to send a message to the government thattheir actions are having unforeseen consequences topeople’s lives,” she said.

--Sally Cripps

Former federal ICPA councillor and Pedals editor and a40 year ICPA member, Jan Gall shared memories of conferences past with her daughters Janine Hawkes,Yaraka-Isisford and Sally Cripps, Blackall when theyattended the 40th anniversary ICPA conference in Darwinlast week.

Live export ban reaches into rural education debate



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A group of around ten people turned up to 60s andBetter on Monday for an introductory computer workshop

which is part of a program being run to help Blackallresidents develop more con dence using computers.

The session was run by Alison Mobbs and offered abasic introduction to using computers, with Google Earth

used as one example of Internet uses.Alison said the computer courses would cover a vast

range of topics for people of all skills levels.“Anyone from the community can come down to the

sessions to develop their skills right from the basics of how to use a mouse, left clicking and right clicking, to

writing and sending e-mails and using Facebook,” Alisonsaid.

After the introductory session, separate sessions will berun for different groups wanting to learn different skills

with times and locations yet to be decided.

The program is being sponsored by the Blackall TamboRegional Council and the Queensland Department of Communities.

Blackall brushes up computer skills

Beris Harrison, Marie Messer, Sheryl Browning andJoyce Carter attended the computer workshop.

Ken Dent and Bob Sutton were having a chat beforethe start of the computer workshop.

Alison Mobbs was leading the computer workshop at 60s andBetter on Monday morning.

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