engineering services monthly review august 2013 · emergency management staff continue to monitor...

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Engineering Services

Monthly Review > August 2013

Engineering Services Monthly Review > August 2013

CONTENTS

OVERVIEW............................................................................................................................................... 3

CIVIL PROJECTS.................................................................................................................................... 4

CVIL OPERATIONS................................................................................................................................. 10

TECHNICAL SERVICES.......................................................................................................................... 17

PARKS AND ENVIRONMENT................................................................................................................. 21

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT................................................................................................................ 38

PROGRAM SUPPORT............................................................................................................................. 42

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT...................................................................................................... 42

CUSTOMER SERVICE................................................................................................................. 43

QUALITY ASSURANCE............................................................................................................... 44


OVERVIEW

Civil Projects

The recent fine weather has allowed works to proceed unimpeded. Works are on program for several major projects including the Henman/Milton roundabout and Paradise Street. The month saw practical completion of works on Holland, Celeber, Nicklin and Juliet Streets.

Civil Operations

Continuing favourable weather has provided for good outcomes in all maintenance areas and is reflected in the expenditures being above average monthly expenditure rates, as expected.

The NDRRA team is continuing to work closely with QRA to meet reporting and compliance requirements and to deliver the approved works by the June 2014 deadline. Uncertainty associated with timing of 2012 approvals and with the scope and value of complementary works has resulted in delays in commencing some projects.

Technical Services

Ongoing delivery of the Capital Works Program for the 2013/14 and 2014/15 financial years and Saturation Damage Design projects for the 2010/11 and 2012 NDRRA events continues on program. In addition staff are participating in, generating and delivering projects under a number of programs from internal demands as well as other externally funded programs such as the CBD revitalization, Public Realm strategy and Active Towns program. In addition alternative designs are being developed for the Bridge/Milton intersection based on negotiations with Mackay Airport.

Parks & Environment

Irrigation maintenance and plant watering has been a priority during August. Planning for the redevelopment of Edward Lloyd Park progressed. The BMA funded redevelopment of Half Tide Beach foreshore and Grendon Park completed with the official opening by Her Worship the Mayor Deidre Comerford on 24 August 2013. Maintenance outputs have generally improved from August 2012.

Emergency Management

Council received the SunWater Emergency Action Plans (EAP's) for Kinchant, Eungella and Teemburra Dams were during the month. The 2013 EAP's were reviewed by Council's Emergency Management team within 7 business days and feedback was provided on the three plans. Council also received the Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal EAP.

Emergency Management staff continue to monitor advice from Biosecurity Queensland regarding properties near Mackay that have been identified with a serious exotic weed - Red Witchweed (striga asiatic).

Stuart Holley

Director Engineering Services


CIVIL PROJECTS

Overall Program

Boat Ramps

Comments

Currently forecasting full expenditure of this year’s program. The $36K over-expenditure relates to a cautionary forecast allowance for Constant Creek boat ramp which has an outstanding variation that is under dispute.

0

5,000,000

10,000,000

15,000,000

20,000,000

25,000,000

30,000,000

35,000,000

40,000,000

45,000,000

50,000,000

Period Actuals Original Forecast Forecast Period 9 Actuals Budget

0

50,000

100,000

150,000

200,000

250,000

300,000

350,000

July August September October November December January February March April May June



Bridges

Comments

Additional funding from reserves is yet to be brought forward for East Funnel Creek Bridge reconstruction. This bridge is substantially complete. With the bringing forward of the reserves, this sub-program is expected to be balanced.

Bus Shelters

Comments

Current forecast show a potential saving based on the remaining works. Pending successful grant applications this saving will be used to match the grant funding to undertake further works.

0

500,000

1,000,000

1,500,000

2,000,000

2,500,000


0

10,000

20,000

30,000

40,000

50,000

60,000

70,000




Drainage

Comments

The current forecast assumes not all expenditure will be achieved for the Shakespeare culvert works. Dependent on the length of the wet season, the start date for these works may be delayed until late May which could reduce the ability to achieve expenditure. This will continue to be reviewed as the year progresses. It is anticipated that there will be approximately $150K saving over the sub-program.

Footpath and Bikeways

Comments

As a program management process some footpath works are held in reserve pending review of the extent and severity of the wet season. These works are used to maintain work for Council’s crews during that period if other works are not possible. It is likely that work could be ramped up in the April / May period once an assessment is made however at this time a slight under expenditure is forecast. Current tender rates for footpath works are very competitive and we are achieving some savings.

0

1,000,000

2,000,000

3,000,000

4,000,000

5,000,000

6,000,000



0

200,000

400,000

600,000

800,000

1,000,000

1,200,000

1,400,000

1,600,000

1,800,000

2,000,000




General Road Works

Comments

The current budget includes an amount of $880K for Hill End Road (Hwy to Davies Street) which will not be required. This budget will be re allocated to other areas to address needs. Overall the sub-program is currently forecast at about $120K under.

LATMs

Comments

The current budget has reduced the allocation for the River Street / Nelson Street roundabout works. This is to be amended in the budget review process which should balance this sub-program.

0

1,000,000

2,000,000

3,000,000

4,000,000

5,000,000

6,000,000

7,000,000

8,000,000


0

200,000

400,000

600,000

800,000

1,000,000

1,200,000

1,400,000

1,600,000




Pavement Improvement

Comments

The current budget does not make allowance for the full NDRRA income until it is received from the QRA and as such the rehabilitation project on Shakespeare Street is currently forecast at approximately $2.7M over budget, which represents the difference between the forecast and the budget.

Shoulder Sealing

Comments

Council's day labour crews have achieve efficiency improvements undertaking these works and will achieve savings.

0

1,000,000

2,000,000

3,000,000

4,000,000

5,000,000

6,000,000

7,000,000

8,000,000



0

100,000

200,000

300,000

400,000

500,000

600,000

700,000

800,000




Special Items

Comments

Majority of the “Special Projects” are nearing completion and these are basically tidy up works. The original budget allocation had an allowance for additional works on Rosewood Drive ($360K). At this stage these works have not been included in the forecast but may eventuate.

Traffic and Road Safety

Comments

Traffic and Road Safety is on target for full expenditure.

0

50,000

100,000

150,000

200,000

250,000

300,000

350,000

400,000



0

100,000

200,000

300,000

400,000

500,000

600,000

700,000

800,000

900,000

1,000,000




Trunk Roads

Comments

Currently there is significant over expenditure shown for the Trunk Roads sub-program. This is represented by 2 Projects being Archibald / Paradise / Connors roundabout and Connors Road. The roundabout is fully funded with the funds currently in reserve to be transferred at the September review. Additional funds will be required for Connors Road, however the extent is still under review pending assessment of variations.

0

2,000,000

4,000,000

6,000,000

8,000,000

10,000,000

12,000,000

14,000,000

16,000,000

18,000,000

20,000,000

Period Actuals

Original Forecast

Forecast Period 9

Actuals

Budget


CIVIL OPERATIONS

Sealed Council Road Maintenance

Comments

Limited pothole patching was required during August with patching undertaken in the following areas:

Munburra – Oakenden – Balberra – Bloomsbury – Mt. Pelion – St. Helen’s – Sarina – Armstrong Beach – Koumala – Cape Hillsborough – Sugarshed Road – Baldhill Road.

Favourable weather has supported good line marking outcomes with works undertaken in the following areas : Slade Point -Andergrove – City Centre – East Mackay – West Mackay – with new linework being completed on Glenpark Street under night time works

Unsealed Council Road Maintenance

Comments

Maintenance grading activities have been undertaken in conjunction with NDRRA restoration works with good progress being made including works on the following roads: Matsens Road – Victoria Plains Road – Tedfords Road – Casey’s Road – Stockroute Road – Bell’s Road – Stafford’s Road – Caping Road – Back Road – Lindeman Drive – Denny’s Road – Mt. Convenient Road – Cone Creek Road – Swan Road – Ball Bay Road – Cape Hillsborough Road – Seaforth Port Newry Road – Evan Avenue Road – Seaforth – Belmunda Road – Griffiths Road – Riverside Drive.

$0$1,000,000$2,000,000$3,000,000$4,000,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$7,000,000$8,000,000

2013/14 Approved Budget Monthly Expenditure

Actual Expenditure YTD

$‐

$1,000,000

$2,000,000

$3,000,000

$4,000,000

$5,000,000




Street Cleaning

Comments

All programed street cleaning has been completed in August. Favourable weather and minimal mechanical problems with the sweeping equipment has supported good outcomes.

Open Drainage Maintenance

Comments

Routine drainage maintenance has been undertaken in the following areas: Andergrove – Beaconsfield – Farleigh – Richmond – Seaforth – Halliday Bay – Paget – Bakers Creek – South Mackay – Mackay and Ooralea.

$‐ $100,000 $200,000 $300,000 $400,000 $500,000 $600,000 $700,000 $800,000 $900,000



$‐ $200,000 $400,000 $600,000 $800,000

$1,000,000 $1,200,000 $1,400,000 $1,600,000 $1,800,000




Bridge Maintenance

Comments

Nominal bridge maintenance has been undertaken in the year to date. The regular bridge inspection program is on-going.

Boat Ramp Maintenance

Comments

Minimal boat ramp maintenance has been undertaken in August with the exception of the routine surface cleaning and programmed inspections.

$‐

$50,000

$100,000

$150,000

$200,000

$250,000

2013/14 Approved Budget

Monthly Expenditure

$‐

$20,000

$40,000

$60,000

$80,000

$100,000

$120,000




RMPC's

Surface Drainage Repairs – Eimeo Road

Comments

RMPC crews completed the following works during August:

Bituminous Works on Yakapari Seaforth Road - Bruce Highway North - Blue Mountain Road - Homebush Road

Yakapari Habana Road.

Patching works on the Bruce Highway South – and North Eton Road.

Road sweeping Mackay – Bucasia Road – Bruce Highway North and Yakapari Habana Road.

Surface drainage repairs – Eimeo Road

Surface Drainage Repairs - Eimeo Road Surface Drainage Repairs - Eimeo Road


NDRRA Restoration Works

Overview

The overall NDRRA program (2010, 2011 & 2012) is at 70% complete to the end of August 2013. The program is scheduled to reach practical completion in June 2014, weather permitting, with final acquittals being completed by September 2014. The primary focus on the team is compliance, audit, reporting and cash flow and logistics analysis over coming months. The NDRRA Team is continuing to work closely with the Queensland Reconstruction Authority to ensure compliance and delivery of the program within agreed timeframes and to expedite funding submission considerations.

Total Natural Disaster Recovery Project Overview

Comments

The recommended value will increase in excess of the estimated cost to complete resolving the disparity between these figures, once all approvals have been obtained from the Authority for the 2012 event submissions.

70% complete for whole of program.

2010 Event Natural Disaster Recovery Status

Comments

2010 event has reached practical completion with only the off maintenance contractual obligations and funding agreement acquittal outstanding. The exception is the Heinrich St project for which an extension of time approval has been sought and received. The transfer of uncompleted sites to the 2011 event has been detailed on the Form 9, in line with QRA instructions.

99% complete with the transfer of uncompleted sites to the 2011 event.

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Total Natural Disaster Relief & Recovery Overview as at 31st August 2013

Actual ExpenditureForecasted Final costRecommended Value of Submissions

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2010 Natural Disaster relief & recovery event as at 31st August 2013




Comments

The recommended value (RV) includes the 2010 transfer sites. The final forecast cost is currently estimated to be over the RV due to actual works construction rates being above the approved rates.

57% complete at submission level.


Comments

Once remaining approvals are finalised by the Authority, the total recommended value will be represented and will bring the whole of program outcomes into true perspective. The NDRRA team are working closely with the Authority to respond to queries and to finalise the approvals.

39% complete at program level.

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2011 Natural Disaster Relief & Recovery event as at 31st August 2013


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2012 Natural Disaster Relief & Recovery event as at 31st August 2013



TECHNICAL SERVICES

Development and design for saturation damage projects throughout the Council area for 2011 and 2012 events.

Development and design of projects within Capital Works Program (CWP) for 2013/14 and 2014/15. Specific detail design associated with grant funded RDA Round 3 - Edward Lloyd Park and Round 5

– CBD Revitalisation (detailed design) Discussions with service providers to streamline design and construction processes. Following implementation of Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) specifications and

estimates extend assessment to track actual unit rates to build history for future estimates. Provision of reports to Council on the Traffic Advisory Committee meeting and Walking & Cycling

Advisory Committee. Participation in briefings to Council on the Southern Entry Statement and the Marian to Mirani

Shared Pathway. Attendance at meetings in relation to: Ring Road proposals, Managing Infrastructure Agreements,

CBD Revitalisation, Public Realm Strategy, Walking and Cycling Advisory Committee, WRRG Technical Committee, Technical Services Supervisors, Engineering Services Departmental Program Managers, Asset Management Working Group, ADAC Implementation Group, Chenoweth Drive proposed IA agreement, City West Bus Interchange, Quality System Management Review, Draft Principal Cycle Network, IA Management Group and Report Writing Seminar

Lead role in the development of the “Active Towns” strategy: o Annual Plan for Yr 2 projects submitted for TMR approval o Construction plans generated for Bluewater Trail (Bluewater Quay (BWQ) to River Street

Ramp), Cross City Link, Gooseponds Link to Magpies, PCYC refurbishment, Memorial Bike Cage

o Design engagement accepted for Signage Master Plan, CBD intersection linemarking standard ,Alternative Bike routes and Evaluation Program proposal

Survey Services

Overview

10% of 2014/2015 CWP surveys completed.

Service locations for various CWP projects

Cadastral surveys complete for: Peel St/Alfred St Road Opening; Evan St/Vincent St Road Opening

Digital Cadastral Data Base (DCDB)

Bloomsbury field work 100% & plotting 95%

Quotes requested to upgrade remainder of DCDB in Koumala/Sarina Range area

Australian Height Datum (AHD)

Repairs to and maintenance of permanent survey marks around the region


Design Services

Capital Works Program (CWP)

Two of 214 2008/9 and 2009/10 projects are to be completed: Malcomson/Greenfields Intersection and Bridge Road footpath adjacent to the Hospital.

107 of the 110 design projects in the 2010/11 CWP completed (96%). Those remaining, are: Archibald reconstruction and upgrade, and Malcomson / Greenfields Intersection upgrade

111 of 114 design projects in the 2011/12 CWP completed to date (97%). . 92 of 98 design projects in the 2012/13 CWP completed to date (94%) 66 of 88 design projects in the 2013/14 CWP complete to date (75%) 15 of 65 design projects in the 2014/15 CWP completed to date (23%) Those outstanding require land acquisitions, valuations, input from service authorities etc, which is

delaying completion of the design.

Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA)

Detail design 2010 NDRRA projects 100% complete. Detail design 2011 NDRRA projects 95% complete, only Stockroute Road remaining. 2012 NDRRA Program assessed and three design projects identified. Survey completed and Geotech

works commenced and design commenced (60% complete). One project to be completed.

Major Projects for delivery next month

Preliminary layout for Milton Street/Bridge Road intersection duel lane roundabout Ooralea precinct LATMs Jilalan Lookout - Armstrongs Beach Road Apex Car Park Cross City Link from Webberley to Bridge Road

Landscape Issues

Detail design for BWT sections – BWQ to River Street Boat Ramp – Stages 2 & 3 – due to funding availability these will have to be delivered via CWP at a later stage.

Active Town projects Year 2: Cross City Link - Bridge to Webberley section - detailed design underway

Gooseponds Link Part 1 - Bruce Highway Underpass to Willets Road -

detailed design underway

Cross City Link Connection to Bluewater Trail - detailed design underway

Detail design BWT – Bridge Road from Leisure Court to Milton Street - plans completed

Detail estimates and construction plans for Edward Lloyd Park in conjunction with footway extension from Melba House to Kennys Road as part of Regional Development Australia (RDA) Round 3 submission - plan revision to include shade shelter - plans and estimate completed.

Preliminary design and estimates for BWT section through Quota Park and interim "on road" connection back to Iluka Park.

Improving Visual Amenity Committee - Various roundabouts and streetscape reviews as requested

DDA Access Audit 2013/14 West Mackay and commercial and educational precincts in association with Eric Martin and Associates. Preparing briefing for consultants.

Ongoing input and review of Public Realm Guidelines and detail design plans for CBD Consultation.

Detail design for Capital Works landscaping for projects including Peel/Alfred Roundabout, Jillalan Lookout detail design, DDA Access Audit priority list, CBD Revitalisation project, revised Southern Entry statement.

Queens Park detail design delivery phase.

Wallman's Road landscape - preliminary design.


Traffic and Investigation Issues

Active Towns Program: Evaluation

‐ Evaluation report has been submitted to Transport and Main Roads. It is noted that Mackay Regional Council is the only Council in the trial to date that has complied with its reporting obligations and that Main Roads are impressed.

‐ Planning has begun for the next quarter evaluation surveys to be performed in September.

Traffic Counts: 1. Rotation of 50 traffic counters which of 30 are doing capital projects. 20 installed as cordon

survey of areas to obtain empirical traffic generation data. Maintenance of 33 permanent traffic counter sites.

‐ Trial of reinforced pneumatic tube to reduce frequency of maintenance to repair punctured tubes.

‐ Planning for installation of 2 more permanent sites with the retiring of old traffic counters. Permanent sites provide long term traffic data for whole years and allow accurate calculation of traffic growth rates and identification of seasonal variation.

Investigations: ‐ Assessment of major works for Ergon High Voltage network and approval of service alignments.

Works On Roads – Ongoing projects

Ergon Energy Candice Horig New supply for CCTV cnr Victoria and Gregory Streets. On-site meeting with Wayne Neilsen (MRC) and Candice Horig (Ergon) to discuss the temporary O/H power supply to new CCTV camera.

Ergon Energy Northern Suburbs Power Project – Glenella to Planella line Route. Investigate the proposed line route to see how far it has deviated from initial design. From discussions with David Gray Regional Asset Manager there is little deviations and there is 30m horizontal exclusion zone from the wire. The concrete poles will be approx. 200-250m apart according to the terrain. Concrete Pole to be between 25 and 30m high. Maloney Field Services Matt Row 18 Hoey Street Sarina Q 4737. Initial Inspection has revealed that the P3 has been removed and the hole has backfilled. Have made numerous call and sent e-mails requesting the verification of this missing pit. Have recorded action to ECM. Due to lack of action from Customer I have elected to close the file. Ergon Energy Les Parchet Old Rocky Waterholes Road. Request from Les to discuss Councils preferred O/H Power supply position from existing pole to new NBN telecommunications tower in Lot 1 RP735778 on Rocky waterholes – Wollingford Road. Telstra Operations Don Barker Hay Point to FAPCBCH ‘AC’ have requested customer to supply proposed route before Council could consider this request. Waiting on a response and the issuing of the proposed route. Telstra Don Barker Optical Fibre route from Seaforth Exchange to Neilsen Creek Road via Howells Road. On-site meeting recognisance of the area to identify MRC Trunk water main and proposed optical fibre route.


Ergon Energy Jade Hammer Milton Street – request for amended cable route for 33kV power supply. Ongoing.

National Broadband Network FDH Cabinet Locations Mackay FSAM 5 MKY-05. Have assessed all proposed locations and returned comment

Ergon Energy Corner Alfred and Peel Street Mackay Ergon has replaced thee power poles and installed a stay to the new pole on the south eastern corner of the intersection. Council has no record of an application being receive nor a LONO, nor a RC approval being granted. I have sent an e-mail to Jade Hammer requesting assistance in this matter.

Customer Requests. A total of 1048 Customer Requests have been received for the year to date of which 962 have been completed within response times, and 61 completed outside of response times. Currently Traffic and Investigations has a 94% completion within response times.

Traffic and Investigations have completed a minimum of 327 Internal and External enquiries for the month of August.

Customer Requests for the Month of August 2013

53 Works on Roads Requests totalling 31 hours processing time. 29 Q100 Requests totalling 10 hours processing time. 57 Plan Searches (COPSEW) totalling 31 hours processing time. 108 Excess Dimension Load Approvals totalling 18 hours processing time. A total of 877 Excess

Dimension Loads greater than 4.6m wide have been approved for the year to date. 39 Temporary Road Closure Approvals totalling 37 hours processing time. Approximately $4,868

revenue raised. 9 Heavy Vehicle Parking letters sent to residents and property owners in response to 7 complaints.

Approximately 5 hours processing time. Total of 33 letters issued for the year to date in response to 23 complaints. 16 issues resolved to Customer satisfaction.


PARKS AND ENVIRONMENT

Administration - Park Bookings

Grass Mowing Requests

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park bookings Bot. Gardens

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61

68 67

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42

1721

27

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Received Requests

Grass Mowing


Arboriculture

Grass Maintenance Activities

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Parks Maintenance Activities

Grass Mow Snipping Litter Collection Herbicide Poison

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City Heart

gust 2013

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Aug‐13


Natural Environment and Marine Beach Activities

Volunteer and Community Activities

Coasts and Communities activities

A working bee was held at the southern end of Bucasia Beach on Saturday 24th August from 9-11am. 11 volunteers removed weeds from the dunes and checked and watered the revegetation. Water holding tree guards that release approximately 16 litres of water slowly over a period of a month are being trialled at this site.

10 volunteers removed Rubbish and marine debris from Blacks Beach Spit and surrounds from 2-4 pm on Saturday 24th August. Over 800 kgs of rubbish was removed around the dam site off Pacific Drive. The main litter items collected were plastic drink bottles, glass bottles and cans. Dumped items collect include a bike, garden chair and tyre. This activity was registered with Keep Queensland Beautiful as an ‘Adopt a spot’ site and the activity was held during Keep Australia Beautiful week which ran from Monday 19th to Sunday 25th August.

Natural Environment Plan Implementation

Coastal priority projects

Weed control is currently being undertaken in Slade Point Reserve. Target weeds include Red-leaved Alternanthera, Guinea Grass, Molasses Grass, Lantana, Ochna and Guava. Other weeds include Mother-of-Millions, Thungergia, Madeira Vine, Resurrection Weed and Prickly Pear.

Watering and maintenance of revegetation is being undertaken at Bucasia, Ball Bay and Haliday Bay. Weed contol is being undertaken at Finlaysons Point, Ball Bay South and Seaforth Reserves. Fencing was undertaken at Slade Point Reserve. Weed control and waste removal is being undertaken at Grasstree Beach.

Habitat Restoration Team Activities

Comments

Fencing at Slade Point Reserve (Anvil St), rewiring hind dune fencing and erection of signage. Watering was undertaken at Far Beach, Blacks Beach and Sandfly Creek Environmental Reserve. Weed control was undertaken at Far Beach, Blacks Beach, Sandfly Creek Environmental Reserve and Slade

Point. Seed collection was undertaken at Blacks Beach. Nursery maintenance was undertaken at the MNEC including spreading of gravel, relocation of seating and other

minor works.

Marine Beach Teams (Sarina and Mackay) Activities

Comments

Watering was undertaken at Bucasia, Finlaysons Point, Shoal Point, Campwin Beach, Louisa Creek and Grasstree Beach.

Fencing was repaired at East Point, McEwans Beach, and Finlaysons Point. Signage was installed at Shoal Point, Blacks Beach, Campwin Beach and Salonika Beach. Greenwaste and rubbish were removed from Shoal Point, Lamberts Beach and Bucasia. The swimming enclosure was repaired at McEwens Beach. Logs were placed adjacent to Hodges Rd, Shoal Point to stop illegal vehicle access to beach. Weed control was undertaken at Campwin Beach, Plane Creek, Grasstree Beach, Louisa Creek and Sarina

Beach. Access track maintenance was conducted at Plane Creek, Salonika Beach, Half Tide and Grasstree Beach. Seed collection was undertaken at Campwin Beach and Freshwater Point.


Environmental Ranger Activities

Comments

Dumping investigations underway for various sites including Delachantos Rd Park at Hampden, Debois and Daniel Sts North Mackay, Jubo St Andergrove and Heaths Rd Glenella. Warning letters have been sent regarding two sites and a PIN will be issued for one site.

Illegal structures being investigated at Sarina Inlet, Whitehaven Drive Blacks Beach, Seafarer Court Blacks Beach, and Eucalyptus Drive Andergrove. Compliance notices issued and items removed from two sites.

Investigation of illegal camping in Sandfly Creek Environmental Reserve. Warning notices issued to Ball Bay residents regarding unauthorised vehicle access on the beach. PINs to be issued regarding vegetation clearing at Blacks Beach Spit and the removal of a street tree in

Broomdykes Drv Beaconsfield. Discussions with residents regarding overhanging vegetation and illegally planted trees. Investigation of illegal fires at Shoal Point. Investigation of unauthorised baiting at Ball Bay. Letters sent to residents informing them of the issue.

Other Projects

Comments

The Natural Environment Advisory Committee (NEAC) met on 6th August. Council was briefed on the Mackay Coastal Project and the draft Beach Plan for Town and Far Beach on 7th

August. Council was briefed on the feedback received on the Blacks Beach Spit Management Plan. Local residents were advised about an upcoming fencing project in the southern section of Bucasia Beach. An audit of sandladders was conducted in Slade Point Reserve. Woodlands Bushland Care meeting. Development of a MOU for Pioneer Catchment and Landcare group at MNEC. Opening of the 2013 FLEC (Future Leaders Eco Challenge) at Sarina State High School Agricultural Centre. The Mackay Natural Environment Centre upgrade continues with the installation of rainwater tanks, pumps,

irrigation system and eyewash station. National Tree Day activities included giving away 200 plants in conjunction with Toyota at Canelands and planting

30 trees along the Pioneer River with Mirani State High School.

Refilling self-watering tree guards at Bucasia Removing litter from Bucasia Beach


A job well done at Bucasia

Unloading litter into the trailer at Blacks Beach A trailer-load of waste collected from Blacks Beach

Removing Mother-of-millions weed


Collecting litter at Blacks Beach Digging postholes at Slade Point

Fence construction at Anvil Street, Slade Point New gravel flooring in greenhouse


Parks Building Services Activities

Traffic Signal Maintenance

Parks Electrical Work

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

Number of Maintenance Operations

Traffic Signal Mtce Traffic Signal Emergency Response

Traffic Signal Lamp Replacement Traffic Signal Wide Load Pole Lowering

Street Lighting

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

Number of Repairs

Site Hut Connection/ Disconnection Test and Tag Inspections

Park Electrical Repairs Amenity Electrical Repairs

Other Electrical Work

InspectionRepai

Complet

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30

40

50

60

70

80

90

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Public Amenities

Installed 6 new soap dispensors at Seaforth Campground. Replaced broken indicator lock at Quota Park. Replaced paper towel dispensor at City Gates. Prep around new toilet block at Eimeo for bitumen and cleaned up rubbish. Painted toilet block at Midge Point, Inside / Outside Automatic toilet roll dispensor in Exeloo can not be repaired so a new water proof model has been installed.

Park Furniture

Poured concrete slab for park bench at Lamberts Beach and installed park bench. Old timber table at Eimeo Beach front was replaced with new alluminium one. Replaced bench seat at Slater Ave Park. Installed concrete slab and bench seat at Armstrong Beach. Cut two sections of path and poured new sections at Wilson Park to remove trip hazards. Removed 18M of sand pit edgeing from and replaced. Broken sand pit edgeing was cut out and reconstucted at Settlers Rise Park. Clean up of vegetation at Annie Wood Park and installation of 27m of post & rail fencing. There has been seventeen fence repairs throughout the month.

Other Work Completed - City Heart, Blue Water Quay and Blue River Trail

12 000 Sqm of concrete and path cleaned with blower. 8 000 Sqm of concrete cleaned with high pressure water cleaner. 14 Furniture repairs. 13 Seats oiled. 8 Rubbish bin repairs. 18 Rubbish bin cleans. 38 Umbrella cleans. 3 new bubblers installed. 6 shopping trolleys remover from riverbank and parkland. 11 bags of rubbish removed from riverbank.


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Exhibitions at the Gardens

July 10 - August 4 "THE JOURNEY" An Exhibition by ART WHITSUNDAY. 'THE JOURNEY' Exhibition’ gave artists in the Art Whitsunday group the opportunity to explore their chosen medium and interpret the theme, 'THE JOURNEY', in their own individual style. Art Whitsunday has a diverse range of artists including painters, sculptors, paper-making artists, photographers, potters, print makers, woodworkers and mixed media artists and this exhibition certainly presented a rich display of artworks.

August 7 - September 8 "Diversity in Nature: Special Plants of Mackay Whitsunday" This exhibition features local native plant species with a story to tell. They may be a plant species that is 'threatened in the wild', have a close association with fauna or have interesting seed dispersal patterns, but they are all showcased and growing in the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens and occur in the Central Queensland Coast Bioregion.

Local artists using printmaking, photography, drawing, sculpture and watercolours depict these special plants in unique ways. Curators of the exhibition, Margaret Lane and Chris Neely, had the participants of a conference tour to Mackay by ANPSA in mind when they chose to highlight these diverse and very special plants. The artists and Exhibition Curator Margaret Lane gathered on Sunday August 25 from 2.30pm - 4.00pm at Lagoons Gallery for an exhibition celebration.

Public Events/Displays

August 3-4 Mosaic installation at the PlayGarden – post the ‘Mosaic Magic’ school holiday activities. On the weekend mosaic artist Pam and her husband John Finlay, with the help of Gardens Friend Kevin Jackson and Visit Services Officer Maya Harrison, glued and grouted 110 mosaics into 3 of the 4 cement walls of the Under the Banyan PlayGarden. Children who created them will be able to revisit their creations over and over again. The third wall in the Seedlings area of the PlayGarden was started on the second day and 50 mosaics were added to this wall. The mosaics were all individually cleaned of grout and later polished. Children and parents were excited to see the mosaics installed. More mosaics will be added to the fourth wall in the future.

August 30 - 'BOTANICA' Calendar 2014 Launch. The calendar is another 10th Birthday present for the Botanic Gardens, this time from the Friends of the Gardens and the Botanic Art Interest Group (BAIG). A calendar for 2014, comprising botanical art works, selected from the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens' Botanical Art Interest Group Annual Exhibitions from 2009 - 2012, was launched on Friday 30th August at the Lagoons Gallery. The BOTANICA Calendar launch was very successful, even though small numbers in attendance. The calendar was available for purchase on the night and sales totalled nearly 50. The Garden's Shop (in the Botanic Gardens Administration) now sells the calendars for $15.00. Thanks were forwarded to the Gardens Friends committee for their diligent work behind the scenes in text production and proofing for each of the plants represented in the calendar, to the individual artists for their glorious works and to Maya Harrison for presenting the "calendar creation story" on the night, supported with a display.

Plant-ed Education Program/School Holiday Activities/Small Explorers

August 8 – “Who or What is for Dinner?” was the title of the educational work sheet for 49 year 7 children from Beaconsfield school visiting the MRBG. The session included looking at food webs - plants being primary producers (photosynthesis), leaf litter providing nutrients for plants (decomposers), including fungi and bacteria, animals being consumers (herbivores, carnivores and omnivores like us) and the interconnections that were created as each ate. Ecosystems, especially wetlands, were also included as specialty food webs from the smallest macro- invertebrates to bird life on the Lagoon and also indigenous people use of wetlands.

Diversity in Nature Walk Artanema fimbriatum


Plant-ed Education Program

August 19 - "Make a 'B' Line was held at 9.30. Maya Harrison took one small boy to special areas of the MRBG to explore all things starting with the letter "B". We saw bugs and beetles, touched Banksia seeds and leaves and the family took photos of butterflies and lots of blooms.

The same day 12 students who are home schooled visited to study leaves, including photosynthesis, simple or compound leaves, venation, leaf litter, leaf shapes, names of leaf shapes ( eg, cordate, cuneate linear etc,.) and there was also fun in the activities with leaf rubbings and a leaf hunt.

August 9 - Diversity in Nature: Special Plants of Mackay Whitsunday Exhibition overflowed from the Lagoons Gallery with the plants featured in the exhibition being explored more fully growing in the MRBG. The walk started with a viewing of the exhibition and then a glorious stroll to see each of the 12 plants.

Artanema fimbriatum was only seen in the wild in the Mackay area during a very brief window in time although there are a few records for the Whitsunday area. In 1987, it was collected from near the top of Mount Blackwood from within a strip that was newly cleared of rainforest. This clearing had been done to accommodate the supporting guide ‘ropes’ for another tower. Once the rainforest regenerated, the growing conditions for this sun-loving herbaceous plant were again lost and it has not been seen since. Fortunately, progeny of the original collection has been provided to the Botanic Gardens and is now growing in the demonstration gardens at the entrance from the car-park. The MRBG is playing an important preservation role by keeping this local form growing.

Botanical Art Interest Group Special Workshop

August 10-11 the Botanical Art Interest Group members had a specialist workshop to develop their skills through the use of journals. Julie McEmery, who is an artist in residence with the Cairns Botanic Gardens, was the tutor. The workshop focused on pencil drawing, sketching and even a detour into gestural drawing to 'free' the artistic hand and focus on features and shapes of the object being drawn.


Botanic Gardens Website

Comments

Web traffic saw 1444 unique visits to the site. Most popular pages viewed were:

1. /lagoons_cafe 2. /lagoons_cafe/menu 3. /lagoons_cafe/opening_hours 4. /functionsbookings/weddings 5. /lagoons_cafe/bookings 6. /photo_gallery 7. /contact_us 8. /functionsbookings/lagoons_gallery_and_cafe 9. /events/events 10. /what_can_i_see/maps

eNewsletter Subscribers

Comments

An increase was seen in the eNewsletter subscribers for August with 767 people subscribing.

10781332 1379 1319 1208 1312 1444

February March April May June July August

Botanic Gardens Website visits

681 689

720740 749 758 767

February March April May June July August

Botanic Gardens eNewsletter Subscribers


EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Overview

BOM Weather / River Alert Warnings Received

Three (3) BOM Warning Advices were received in the month ending 31/8/2013.

Four (3) No Threat Tsunami Advices.

Nil (0) Severe Weather/Thunderstorm Warnings.

Nil (0) Flood Warnings

One (1) advice was received outside Council’s normal business hours but received immediate action by the Emergency Management team.

Year to date figures:

Total Year 2013 to Date - One hundred and fifty five (158) BOM Warning Advices received.

Total Previous Year to July 12 - Two hundred and sixteen (216) BOM Warning Advices received.

Total Advices received 2012 - Two hundred and sixty four (264) BOM Warning Advices received.

Nil (0) Rainfall / River Height SMS Alerts were issued in the month ending 31/8/2013.

Total Year to Date - Sixteen (16) alerts related to rainfall above 50mm within an hour.

Total Year to Date - Eighteen (18) alerts related to river heights.

Total Year to Date - Thirty one (31) were received outside Council’s normal business hours but received immediate action by the Emergency Management team.

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

Number of BoM Warnings Issued

Tsunami Severe Weather Flood Total Warnings


0

5

10

15

20

25

Jan‐13 Feb‐13 Mar‐13 Apr‐13 May‐13 Jun‐13 Jul‐13 Aug‐13

Number of Riveralert SMS Warnings Issued

Rainfall >50mm/hr River Heights

Received outside of business hours Total SMS Warnings

Community Education

The Emergency Management Team continues to support and promote community disaster awareness education, community preparedness and resilience. Discussions took place regarding the State Government's grant which will provide funding assistance to Council's to promote "Get Ready Week" (14-20 October) and "Get Ready Day" (20 October) . These promotional events put emphasis on the community to think about their resilience to natural disasters.

Disaster Co-ordination Centre

The Disaster Coordination Centre remains in a state of readiness and can be activated on short notice as per the standard operating procedures.

Emergency Management Website

The website continues to be updated and maintained by the Emergency Management staff.

Review of Queensland Flood Commission of Inquiry Recommendations

Work continues on adopting the Queensland Flood Commission Interim and Final Recommendations.

Mackay Local Disaster Management Group

The Mackay Local Disaster Management Group met on the 12th August 2013.

The next scheduled meeting is the 14th October 2013.

Operations

Red Witchweed

An update on Red Witchweed was received from the Department Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry on 23rd August and included the following advice:

Industry and government representatives recently met to discuss a range of solutions to enable business continuity for cane growers affected by red witchweed in Mackay.

A number of options for harvesting and planting were presented to the Industry Control Group for endorsement.

Biosecurity Queensland has notified affected property owners of the potential options. Biosecurity Queensland is now developing individual risk assessments and property plans in

conjunction with industry and the property owners. Each property has different requirements, and as a result, plans will be tailor-made to meet the

producers’ needs.


Planning - Mackay Local Disaster Management Plan and Operational Plans

The Emergency Management team continues to work to finalise its internal plans for the Northern Beaches Public Cyclone Shelter (NBPCS).

Mandatory Cyclone Shelter training for the Cyclone Shelter Management Team (CSMT) and other agency personnel was scheduled for September. Council officers are continuing to negotiate an agreement with the Department of Education, Training and Employment in relation to the use of the Public Cyclone Shelter and Places of Refuge.

Work on an Interim Evacuation Operational Plan continues.

The SunWater Emergency Action Plans (EAP's) for Kinchant, Eungella and Teemburra Dams were

received by Council on 12th August. The 2013 EAP's were reviewed by Council within 7 business days and feedback was provided on the three plans. Council also received the Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal EAP in August.

Projects / Mitigation Strategies

A number of Projects and Mitigation Strategies are currently being either assessed or undertaken. Guardian Upgrade: Council's disaster management system "Guardian" was upgraded to version 5.2. Guardian training for Council staff has been arranged for November. Emergency Backup Generator Projects: The following progress was made on the generator projects:

Installation of the Gordon White Library backup generator is scheduled for commencement in 2013/14.

Installation of the Eungella Community Development Hall backup generator is scheduled for commencement in 2013/14.

The provision of emergency backup power to these facilities will assist in disaster response, recovery and enhance the business continuity capability of Council.

The projects are being funded out of the Disaster Response Levy.

Emergency Liaison Officers meeting:

Emergency Liaison Officers (ELO's) met with Council officers and EMQ staff during the month to discuss the fire and wet seasons. Topics covered included communication options between ELO's and Council, an update on how each ELO has been progressing with disaster resilience within their community and a discussion with Queensland Rural Fire and Rescue Service officers on the fire season. The next meeting will be held on 8th November 2013.

SES Facility Upgrades

As part of the upgrading of SES Facilities throughout the region, regular meetings of Council and SES Officers is being undertaken, the last meeting was held on 27th August 2013.


Ness Street SES Facility A working party to discuss design and preliminary works has been established to enable construction of Stage 1 to commence in 2013/14. A staged concept plan and building replacement program is being developed to enable business continuity during the demolition and reconstruction stages of the facility. Internal discussions are still occurring as to when this project will be started. Sarina SES Facility The contract for plumbing of this project has been accepted. Plumbing approval for the site has been received and other trade contracts have been arranged. Under slab drainage, pouring of the concrete and erection of the shed is scheduled for September.

Finch Hatton SES Upgrade The shed extension has now been erected and the internal fit out works commenced this month. Power to the site was also reconnected. The project should be completed by the end of September.

Training

Queensland Disaster Management Arrangements (QDMA)Training:

QDMA training was offered to Councillors, permanent and advisory members and deputies/proxies of the Mackay LDMG, which under legislation they are required to have as part of an LDMG. Further training is scheduled for September which includes Evacuation modules 1-2, Recovery modules 1-3 and Disaster Management Planning module 1.


COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Civil Projects

Shakespeare Street project continues to progress with stage 1 works wrapping up and stage 2 works beginning. Letter drops, one-to-one visits and project updates are being distributed in an effort to communicate and inform stakeholders impacted by the project. The engagement process seems to be working well with stakeholders happy and thankful to be kept in the loop on the numerous stages occurring.

Evans Avenue community consultation begun with the announcement of a successful tender being awarded in August. A project team was developed to meet with businesses to discuss the project, access requirements and the scope of works which will be undertaken as part of the 17 week construction program.

CCTV installation works were completed in the City Centre on Victoria Street between Wood and Gregory streets. Businesses were informed through one-to-one visits with the contractor informing of the works as well as detailed information on the project including work hours and the types of activities to occur. Engagement was carried out, before and during the works to keep businesses in the loop.

Technical Services

The Rural Affairs Advisory Committee raised that difficulties were being experienced by pedestrians when attempting to access the Seaforth Caravan Park Reserve along Poinciana Avenue. An on-site meeting was held on Sunday, 4 August 2013 with residents to discuss this issue further.

Parks & Environment

Community consultation occurred at the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens on 28 August 2013 with Gardens staff, Community Development and members of the Torres Strait Islander Community. The meeting was to discuss the gardens’ plans and design and the different cultural precincts within the garden. They discussed in particular the progress of the Torres Strait Garden precinct.


CUSTOMER SERVICE

Departmental Customer Requests vs. Council Average

Comments

Engineering Services is tracking closely to the Council average and in most months has exceeded the Council average.

In August the Department responded to 80% of customer enquires within target timeframes, 2% above Council's average for the month.

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Percentage

2012/2013

Council Benchmark Target (85%)

Percentage completed within timeframe for the month

Council Average for the month


QUALITY ASSURANCE

Quality Assurance at a Glance

2013 Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

No. of Completed Customer Requests Surveyed for Satisfaction Levels*

327 376 345 419 311 460 329

No. of Completed Construction Projects Surveyed for Satisfaction Levels

4 0 0 0 0 0 2

No. of Customer Satisfaction Survey Results Finalised

4 3 3 0 3 0 0

No. of IMS Documents Reviewed and Updated

2 15 130 50 20 10 15

No. of New IMS Documents Commenced

1 1 3 2 2 0 0

No. of Work Site Visits 12 16 20 22 15 13 15

No. of Internal Quality Audits Conducted

0 1 2 5 2 0 2

No. of Staff Training Sessions Conducted

Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil

*includes surveys undertaken for Water and Waste Services

Comments

Kerry Bull's Construction crew working on a drain project off Bold Street Walkerston.

Photos by Melissa Hoffmann