Council briefs
THE Queensland Government’s Draft State Infrastructure Plan has been released and outlines a new strategic direction for the planning, investment and delivery of infrastructure in Queensland – and the Southern Downs Regional Council has compiled a list of their own to be submitted.
The council has now proposed several projects to be included in their submission to be sent to the government.
Among the suggested inclusions in the submission are:
* Water supply solutions for the Granite Belt, specifically Emu Swamp Dam.
* A natural gas line from Toowoomba to Warwick.
* Transmission power line upgrades to the Granite Belt.
* An upgrade of the New England Highway from the NSW border to Warwick.
* An upgrade of the 8 Mile intersection.
Oman Ama update
IT was not on the meeting agenda but in the general business section of the council meeting Cr Jamie Mackenzie brought up the proposed nuclear storage facility at Oman Ama.
“It’s actually closer to Warwick than it is to Goondiwindi,” he said.
“We need to cordially invite Bruce Scott and Lawrence Springborg to give us a written presentation.”
Mayor Blundell said it was not an issue Southern Downs Regional Council has any input on.
“Ultimately it’s outside our region,” he said.
It was mentioned in the meeting that there has been discussion from the government on bringing information sessions on the nuclear facility to the Southern Downs.
A motion was carried to invite Federal Resources head Bruce Wilson, State and Federal governments to give a local presentation for Southern Downs residents.
Arts funding granted
FOUR organisations will benefit from the Regional Arts Development Fund round one 2015/16 grants.
The Apple and Grape Festival’s Multicultural Carnival will benefit from a $21,500 grant for entertainers and workshops, Deborah Wheeler will get $10,000 towards creating a World War II book on the experiences of two local men, the Killarney and District Historical Society will see $17,000 go to a local sculptor for a statue of a bullocky in honour of Eric Reis and the Ananda Mela Music and Well-being Festival will get $9325 towards running the week-long festival.
Round two of the funding is now open with submissions to council due by 23 December.
Border relations
A MORE detailed report has emerged of the SDRC and Tenterfield Shire Council meeting recently.
Among some of the actions discussed in the meeting were creating a better link and cross promotion between Queensland and NSW emergency service notifications and media, a need to get more permanent employees, to improve communications in the regions with more towers, and encouraging more refugees to come to the area for employment.
Council CEO David Keenan said “we will continue to look for opportunities to work with Tenterfield Shire Council”.
He also mentioned that there was support for the funding of fences for dogs and rabbits.
