Cr Column - Councillor Amanda Hall

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As Councillor Furnell mentioned in his column last week, Council is currently forming its budget for the coming year. I want to assure you that as Councillors, I think for once we are all on the same page with regards to working within our means and delivering the absolute necessities to keep the Shire running smoothly. Farmers, contractors, businesses and ratepayers will be tightening their belts in the current economy and Council is no different.

The recent vandalism at Charlie’s Hill WW2 Site is particularly distressing ahead of Anzac Day. Honestly, what is wrong with people that they think it’s okay to destroy something commemorating our soldiers who fought and died so that we may live our lives in freedom? Or any vandalism for that matter!  

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Social media. I have a love/hate relationship with it. I don’t have a Councillor Facebook page and I don’t believe the other Councillors do either. We were elected because people trusted us to represent them. We wade through endless reports and information, attend Council, budget and many other meetings, attend on-site issues at rate-payers requests and take those phone calls (which are always important and welcomed). That is our job. My mobile is 0427827386 if you have any feedback, queries or issues and I am available anytime.  In addition, we all have our own jobs and businesses to run which leaves little time for self-promotion. The Burdekin Shire Council Facebook page or web site is where information is provided to you and which you may share as you wish. If something needs clarification, please ring the Council or a Councillor. Don’t rely on random Facebook posts.

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Recently Council added a “Fuel Supplies” tab on the Burdekin Shire Council Disaster Dashboard web page. When you click on the Fuel Supplies tab you are taken to a map indicating fuel availability, with green, orange and red indicating full, partial and no availability respectively. The fuel supply information is currently in a trial phase, is irregular and approximate only and should not be relied upon as the sole source for decision-making.

The Department of Customer Services, Open Data and Small and Family Business (CDSB) service team will be visiting the Burdekin region to provide information and hands-on training on how to access Queensland Government services online.  The following services and support are available at each session:  Queensland Government Grant Finder, Disaster Preparedness, Queensland Digital Licence, Apply Online and Online Payments.

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The scheduled community assistance sessions are as follows and bookings are not required:

• Monday, 20 April – Giru CWA Hall, 3:00pm – 5:00pm

• Tuesday, 21 April – Burdekin Library (Ayr), 9:00am – 4:00pm

• Wednesday, 22 April – Burdekin Memorial Hall (Home Hill), 9:00am – 1:00pm

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The Ayr Library recently hosted 3D design and printing workshops as part of their school holiday programs, featuring sessions for ages 9-15 years.  The 3D printer is available for public use and anyone who has an interest in learning about or using this technology just needs to contact the Library. Why not give it a go?  We’re never too old to learn new tricks.

Finally, please pay your respects and attend one of the many Anzac Day Services on Saturday 25^th April if you are able.  In honour of our fallen, those who have served and those who continue to serve, LEST WE FORGET.

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