Post on 16-Oct-2021
ENGINEERING SERVICES HIGHLIGHTS AND SIGNIFICANT ISSUES REPORT
– MONTH ENDING SEPTEMBER 2012
Author: DIRECTOR ENGINEERING SERVICES
Purpose
To review Engineering Services Department highlights and significant issues for the month of September
2012.
Background and Discussion
Highlights and Significant Issues for the period are as follows: -
ENGINEERING SERVICES MANAGEMENT
Coordination of project meetings, briefings and reports on the following projects:
Attended the Dudgeon Point Coal Terminals Project
Met with Queensland Reconstruction Authority to discuss NDRRA
Attended the Mackay Ring Road meeting with Aecom
On-going involvement in the following areas:
Sustainable Futures Advisory Committee, Rural Affairs Advisory Committee, JCC Meeting,
Resilience Steering Group Meeting.
DDMG Meeting
SafePlan, Design and Construct Review Meetings and SES matters
Engineering Services Program Managers meetings
CIVIL PROJECTS
Works have been completed on the following projects:
DAY LABOUR
LATM works various locations
Holts Road at Woodwards Road
Dalrymple Road upgrade west of Eungella
George Street footpath
Collins Court resurfacing
Bold Street culvert upgrade
Gorge Road upgrade
Moohins Road intersection upgrade
Austins Dam Road
Bold Street Drain, Walkerston
CONTRACTS
Medowlands Botanic Garden Sound Shell Construction
Haliday Bay Swimming Enclosure
Branscombe Road Reconstruction Flood 2010
Haliday Bay Swimming Enclosure
Works have been substantially completed on the following projects:
DAY LABOUR
Mackay Harbour Mulherin Drive Parking area
Muller Park parking area
Iluka Park drainage
Simpson Street Drainage
Works have been substantially completed on the following projects:
CONTRACTS
Grasstree Beach Road – 3.95 to 4.2km including Bikeway
The following projects are in progress:
DAY LABOUR
Bannister Street upgrade
Simpson Street drainage
Gorge Road parking upgrade
Tamirand carpark upgrade
Bowen Court footpath
Trevaskis Road
Knobles Road
Bold Street road upgrade
Bold Street drainage upgrade
Place Avenue
Leslie Street
Dawson Street
Jackson Street
Dunrock Boat Ramp
Street lighting installation at various locations
CONTRACTS
Crediton Loop Road Reconstruction
Rosewood Drive Commercial Section (Bucasia Road to J4)
Ridgewood Drive Slope Stability
Connors Road Reconstruction – DMR
Grendon Park Foreshore (Design Stage)
Holts Road Culvert Upgrade – Extension Works, awaiting Ergon relocation before final works can be
completed
2010 & 2011 Flood Saturation Restoration
Hill End Road Reconstruction
Rosewood Drive Construction – Federal Funding
2010 Flood Saturation Package 1001 – additional sites
2010 Flood Saturation Package 1002
Flood Saturation – Fernleigh Avenue Reconstruction completed, Mangrove Road in progress
Flood Saturation – Victoria (Carlyle to End) and Tennyson Street
CCTV City Heart (Design Stage)
Hill End Road Reconstruction
The following projects have been awarded:
CONTRACTS
Leisure Court Carpark Stage 1 – awarded subject to funding
The following projects have been put to tender:
CONTRACTS
MRC 2013-018 Flood Saturation - Glenpark Street, Celeber Dr, Nicklin Dr, Juliet Street, Holland Street
MRC 2013-024 Bridge and Paradise Road Reconstruction
CIVIL OPERATIONS
Heavy Grading Nil
Formation Grading Owen’s Creek Loop Road – Volker’s Road – Perna’s Road – Calen –
Mt. Charlton Road – Chidley Road - Balberra – Campbell’s Ridge –
Abbott’s Road – Keilbach’s Road – Grima’s Road – Connor’s Road –
Hendy’s Road – Bobongie’s Road – Shady Lane – Wood Road –
Barrow Hill.
Shoulder Grading Nil
Patching / Pothole
Repairs
St. Helen’s area – Kuttabul Area – Midge Point area – Fenners Road –
Diesel Drive, Horse and Jockey – East Boundary – Kippen Street –
Clements Street – Evans Street – Seaforth area – River Street Boat
Ramp – Schmidtkes Road – McEwen’s Beach Road – Mackay City
Streets – Clements Street - Gold Street – Mackenzie Street – Holland
Street Beaton Street – George Street – Ulanda Drive – Parker Street –
Absalom Street Margaret Street – Capehillsborough Area – Wood
Street – Marian Hampton – Helen’s Court – Podosky Street – Flight
Street – Mt. Pleasant area – Juliet Street – North Mackay areas – Rock
Creek Bridge – Palmyra area – Walkerston – Homebush Road – Calen
area – Keith Hamilton Street – Stockbridge Street – Yaralla Avenue –
Hampden area.
NDRRA – 2011
Cyclone Tasha &
Anthony (task 1716)
Malin Road – Perry Road – Borgs Road – Thompsons Road – Rands
Road – Tennis Court Road – Larsen’s Lane – Tedlands Road –
Ballykeel Road – Schools Road – Griffin’s road – Berriwerri Cattle
Creek Road – Webster’s Road – Kans Road – Pakula Gap Road –
Geeberga Buthurra Road – McKay’s Road – Starkey’s Road – Calen –
Mt. Charlton Road – Abbots Road – Keilbach’s Road – Bell’s Road –
Grima’s Road – Bussy Road – Plath’s Road – Kenny’s Road –
Garnham – Morrow’s Road – Head – Menkins Road – Adavey’s Road
– Fred George Road – Muscat’s Road – Bobongie's Road – Sangiorgio
Road – Thompson Road - Olletts Road – Habana Warf Road.
NDRRA Submergence
Repairs - 2010
Cyclone Olga/Ului
(1712)
Sleeman’s Road – Wauchope Road – Campbell’s Road – School Road
– Webster’s Road – Andrew’s Road – Muscat’s Road – Sleeman’s
Road – Tedland’s Road – Waughope Road.
Roadside Drainage
Maintenance
McIntyre Street – Mt. Martin – Cathu – O’Connell – Geeburga
Buthurra – Glenella – Richmond Road.
Special Works:
Extensive cleaning of Sarina CBD :-
School entry at Broad Street Sarina
Southern end of Broad Street opposite Town Park
Northern end of Broad Street
Pontoon Repairs at Victor Creek boat ramp at Seaforth – dog-bone connectors have been replaced and
the installation of 3 No. piano hinges are scheduled to be installed in early November in an attempt to
address on-going problems with dog-bone connectors failing.
Footpath repairs: Hoey Street – Broad Street – Morris Street – Collins Street – Victoria Street – Oak Street
– Eaglemount Road.
Culvert, Pipe & Catchpit repairs: Armstrong Beach – Campwin Beach – Diesel Drive – Barries Lane –
Fuller Court – Victoria Street – Fenner’s Road – Holland Street – Barrie Lane – Fenner’s Road – Beach
Road – Olletts Road.
Mowing & Slashing: Mt. Ossa – Seaforth – Yakapari – Oakenden area – Sunnyside area – Munburra area –
Alligator Creek area – Balberra Area – Seaforth area – Habana area.
Line Marking:
Line marking of the Sarina CBD has been completed under night works as per programme. Works are
progressing with re-marks within Sarina area including the beach side suburbs and rural areas in the southern
region.
Rainbow Street - Crest Street – Ocean View Court – Coral Reef Court – North Inneston road – Turnor's
Paddock road – Campbell’s road – Smarts Road – Road – Maple Court – Tara Creek – Venton Road –
Whitakers road – Peterson’s Street – Anzac Street – Beach road – Eversleigh Road – Sarina CBD –
Moonlight Drive – timberland Court – panoramic View – Mountney’s Road – West Plain Creek Road –
Middle Creek Road – McCarthy Street – Myers road – Brandon Street – Leslie Street – Hospital Street –
William Street – Nolan Street – Hill Street – Jackson Street – Innes Street – Mill Street – Lee Street –
Maudsley Street – Utah Street - Penfold Street – Charles Taylor Avenue – Goonyella Avenue – Sichter
Street
Delineation: Kuttabul – Midge Point
Signage: completing the upgrade to Rural Bus Route signage through-out the region.
Tree and Vegetation Control: Ambrym Street, Calen
Traffic Island Maintenance: Matsuura Drive
Special Drainage Maintenance Works:
Open Drainage Maintenance:
Ocean Avenue Drain – David Muir Street Drain – O’Laughlin Street Drain – Sams Road Drain –
Cuttersfield Basin – Fursden Creek Drain – Shoal Point Drain – Blacks Beach Cove Drain – Rae Street
Drain – Lynch Street Drain – Thorning Street Drain – Bridge Road Drain – Elemang Street Drain – Baker’s
Creek Drain – Hamilton Street Drain – Main Street Drain – Toyota Corner Drain – Harney Street Drain –
Creal Street Drain.
Main Roads Road Maintenance Contract (RPMC):
Locality Road Details
Calen Bruce Highway North Pothole Patching
Mackay to O’Connell River Bruce Highway North Tractor Slashing
Calen Calen – Mt. Charlton Formation Grading
Mt. Charlton Mirani – Mt. Ossa Formation Grading
Data available from Delta S - Asset Management system – mapping of open defects of low priority recently
presented to Department of Transport and Main Roads.
NDRRA Restoration Works
Overview
QRA has maintained a constant presence with continuation of the audit program and site visits.
MRC is working closely with QRA in partnership to deliver best outcomes for the NDRRA program
including a recent deputation to Brisbane by the Director of Engineering Services and Manager Civil
Operations to discuss outstanding claim payments, operational issues and assessment outcomes.
The NDRRA team primary focus this month has been focused on finalisation of the 2012 event submissions,
compliance and audit.
Natural Disaster Recovery Project Status:
2010 - reduced cost to complete due to economy of scale savings returned from current market through
competitive tender.
$107,025,397
$62,035,726
$92,888,730
$-
$20,000,000.00
$40,000,000.00
$60,000,000.00
$80,000,000.00
$100,000,000.00
$120,000,000.00
'2010 Event
2010 Event Natural Disaster Recovery Status end September 2012
Budget {Recommended Value}
Expenditure Actuals
Forecasted Final Cost
$84,505,178
$47,477,120
$108,815,605
$-
$20,000,000.00
$40,000,000.00
$60,000,000.00
$80,000,000.00
$100,000,000.00
$120,000,000.00
'2011 Event
2011 Event Natural Disaster Recovery Status end September 2012
Budget {Recommended Value}
Expenditure Actuals
Forecasted Final Cost
2011 - disperity between estimated cost to complete and reccommended value due to outstanding approvals
for submissions MacRC.12.11 to MacRC.15.11 value estimated at $22M not included in these figures.
2012 - no reccommended value due to submission lodgement and approvals outstanding. Once we receive
approvals these figures will be included in the data set.
Total - estimated cost to complete and recommended value will alter once approvals are obtained from the
Authority for balance of 2011 and 2012 submissions.
NDRRA Issues and Actions:
Director of Engineering Services and Manager Civil Operations travelled to Brisbane recently to meet
with QRA CEO discuss the assessment outcomes of submission two (2) 2011, MacRC.12.11 to
MacRC.15.11, outstanding Counter Disaster Operations (CDO) claims and outstanding final claims for
2008 and 2009 NDRRA submissions.
September Quantifying Surveying Audit conducted by Projects for the Authority
2012 submissions for NDRRA funding;
o 2012 emergent works submitted
o 2012 Kochs, Knobbles and Trevaskis Roads – submission scheduled for mid October
$10,594,897
$56,732,992
$-
$10,000,000.00
$20,000,000.00
$30,000,000.00
$40,000,000.00
$50,000,000.00
$60,000,000.00
'2012 Event
2012 Event Natural Disaster Recovery Status end September 2012
Budget {Recommended Value}
Expenditure Actuals
Forecasted Final Cost
$179,883,854
$120,107,742
$258,437,327
Total Natural Disaster Recovery Project Overview end September 2012
Approved Recommended Value Expenditure Actuals
o 2012 Bulk of Restoration Works estimated at $50-60M – submission scheduled for late October
o in total there will be six (6) submission for the 2012 event estimated between $60-$80 Million
Contract MRC2012-025 alliance TMR - MRC
o 108 roads have been completed
o $8.66 m of original $26.6 m
o $3 m value of works added through variation to contract
o Project budget on target
o Forecast completion date March 2013
TECHNICAL SERVICES
Development and design of projects for saturation damage projects throughout the Council area for 2011
& 2012 events.
Initial preparation of projects under the 2012 NDRRA saturation claim.
Development and design of projects within Capital Works Programme.
Consultation and detail design of the HAFF Grant project including Rosewood Drive from Mackay
Bucasia Road to Chenoweth Drive including design development for works associated with Northern
Beaches Central and the Northern Beaches High School.
Discussions with service providers to streamline design and construction processes.
Implementation of TMR specifications and estimates for all Council projects
Survey Issues
o Surveys for 2012/13 CWP projects complete and commenced survey for 2013/14 projects
o Preliminary work on 2012 NDRRA projects requiring survey commenced
o Survey plan for Keeleys Rd PS land acquisition complete
o Survey in progress for various road openings including Bridge/Milton intersection, Easter end Vcitoria
street, East Funnell Creek Road and Slade Pt sewer easements
DCDB
Bloomsbury field work 100% & plotting 20%
Bakers Creek to Alligator Creek DCDB accuracy checks being undertaken by Terex Spatial
Preliminary work on Koumala DCDB rectification commenced for delivery 12/13
AHD
Preliminary works commenced on Geoid model adjustments to improve GPS heights in the
region
Action to protect PSM’s installed by MRC over past decade – internal process drafted, Local
surveyors & contractors informed, DTMR and Surveyor Board contacted.
Design Issues
CWP
o 2 of 214 2008/9 and 2009/10 construction projects to be completed. Malcomson/Greenfields
intersection & Bridge Road footpath adjacent Hospital.
o 110 projects in 2010/11 CWP for Design. 105 complete including those requiring design only input
(96%). 5 remaining
o projects are design only require land acquisitions, valuations, input from service authorities etc
delaying completion. 114 projects in 2011/12 CWP for Design. 109 complete to date (96%)
o 98 projects in 2012/13 CWP for Design. 49 complete to date (50%)
o 88 projects in 2013/14 for design, 8 complete to date (9%)
NDRRA
o Detail design 2010/11 NDRRA 80% complete. Program extended to increase project numbers to 23.
Geotech, Survey complete & design commenced.
o 2012 NDRRA Program assessed and 6 design projects identified. Preliminary survey and geotech
works commenced
MAJOR PROJECTS FOR DELIVERY NEXT MONTH
o Murray Creek Bridge/Causeway construction on Rostirollas Road
o Sugarshed Road NDRRA Rehabilitation Project
Landscape Issues
o Detail Design for Bluewater Trail sections – BWQ to River St Boat Ramp and Boat ramp to Iluka
Park.
o Commencement design on Active Towns Cycleway projects including shared pathways at
Gooseponds ( Hicks Rd and section near Magpies Sports Fields) & Cross City Link (Bridge to
Milton)
o Master Plan Edward Lloyd Park in conjunction with footway extension from Melba House to Kennys
Road
o Design commenced for Pioneer River Link Master Plan (Marian to Mirani) by Hywell Jones
Landscape Architects
o Design completion and issue for construction Canelands lighting completion as part of Active Towns
projects
o Brief preparation DDA Access Audit 12/13 North Mackay and Northern Beaches commercial and
educational precincts
Traffic and Investigation Issues
o LATM Mackay. Traffic Count Survey completed. Consultation Meeting set for 7pm Tuesday 4
December 2012, at the Reception Room. First LATM Mackay Working Group Meeting will be on
Tuesday 11 December 2012, venue to be arranged. Consultation process is likely to be completed
with concept treatment prepared for Council Approval before June 2013.
o Traffic Counters installed for annual report on Edmond Casey Bridge detailing growth and effect on
peripheral road network, particularly its effect and increase in traffic volumes on Horse and Jockey
Road and Lansdowne Road.
o Rotation of 47 traffic counters and maintenance of 28 permanent traffic counter sites. Install 3 new
permanent sites on Milton Street, East Boundary Road and Farleigh Habana Road.
o Assessed the effectiveness of traffic count setup techniques for multiple lanes and develop method of
assessment to determine percentage of error and requirement for lane separation. New method may
reduce the amount of traffic counters traditionally installed, increasing the efficiency of data
collection.
o Assessment of major works for Ergon High Voltage network and approval of service alignments
o Assessment of NBN network and approval of service alignments.
o Flooding and Drainage Investigations for Lazarus Court, Blacks Beach. Currently developing
concept treatment for future Capital Works Program.
o Street Light Audit’s. Ongoing audit of street lighting. Beginning survey of southern beaches.
o Customer Requests. A total of 1217 Customer Requests have been received for the year to date of
which 1125 have been completed within response times, and 67 completed outside of response times.
Currently Traffic and Investigations has a 94.4% completion within response times.
o Traffic and Investigations have completed a minimum of 450 Internal and External enquiries for the
month of July.
o Action to address range of customer based requests including:
Cemetery Requests – 138 – 70 hr processing time
Works on Roads Requests – 38 – 19 hr processing time
Q100 Flood Level requests – 28 – 12 hr processing time
Asset Plan searches and Issue – 117 – 54 hr processing time
Excess Dimension Load Approvals – 108 – 18 hr processing time
Temporary Road Closure Approvals – 18 – 35 hr processing time
3 Heavy Vehicle complaint letters and 88 other response to complaints issued for month
o Participation in provision of briefing to Council in relation to Engineering Departmental activities.
o Report to Council on road form of Evans Avenue following public meetings and discussions as a
forerunner to rehabilitation project
o Attendance at meetings in relation to: Program Managers Meeting, Strategic Planning Internal
Stakeholders, Street lighting audit by Ergon, CCTV installation in the CBD, IT Mobile Computing
project, Grants Review, WRRG Technical Committee, Ring Road Alignment, Capellos Road Bridge
land acquisition, Connors Road South and Stockroute connection road form, Paget Intersections
Traffic Study and Milton / Bridge Airport land acquisition
o Attendance public meeting Walters Avenue, Bucasia reconstruction.
o Lead role in the development of the “Active Towns” strategy.
PARKS AND ENVIRONMENT
Administration –
Parks Customer Requests
0 20 40 60 80
100 120 140 160 180 200
park bookings Bot. Gardens
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
180
200
July
20
08
Se
pte
mb
er 2
00
8
No
vem
ber
20
08
Ja
nu
ary
20
09
M
arch
20
09
M
ay 2
00
9
July
20
09
Se
pte
mb
er 2
00
9
No
vem
ber
20
09
Ja
nu
ary
20
10
M
arch
20
10
M
ay 2
01
0
July
20
10
Se
pte
mb
er 2
01
0
No
vem
ber
20
10
Ja
nu
ary
20
11
M
arch
20
11
M
ay 2
01
1
July
20
11
Se
pte
mb
er 2
01
1
No
vem
ber
20
11
Ja
nu
ary
20
12
M
arch
20
12
M
ay 2
01
2
July
20
12
Se
pte
mb
er 2
01
2
Actioned Requests
Aboriculture Grass Mowing
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
180
200
July
20
08
Se
pte
mb
er 2
00
8
No
vem
ber
20
08
Ja
nu
ary
20
09
M
arch
20
09
M
ay 2
00
9
July
20
09
Se
pte
mb
er 2
00
9
No
vem
ber
20
09
Ja
nu
ary
20
10
M
arch
20
10
M
ay 2
01
0
July
20
10
Se
pte
mb
er 2
01
0
No
vem
ber
20
10
Ja
nu
ary
20
11
M
arch
20
11
M
ay 2
01
1
July
20
11
Se
pte
mb
er 2
01
1
No
vem
ber
20
11
Ja
nu
ary
20
12
M
arch
20
12
M
ay 2
01
2
July
20
12
Se
pte
mb
er 2
01
2
Recieved Requests
Aboriculture Grass Mowing
Tree-Crew – Tree crews completed the following work during the month of September:
Grass Maintenance Activities
Cemeteries
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Parks Maintenance Activities
Grass Mow Snipping Litter Collection Herbicide Poison
0
10
20
30
40
50
Jan
-10
Mar
-10
May
-10
Jul-
10
Sep
-10
No
v-1
0
Jan
-11
Mar
-11
May
-11
Jul-
11
Sep
-11
No
v-1
1
Jan
-12
Mar
-12
May
-12
Jul-
12
Sep
-12
Burials/ Ashes in Mackay Region
Burials Ashes
Total
Trees
Pruned
Council Trees
Removed
Coconut
Trees
Denutted
Trees Planted
in Streetscapes
Sept 2012 513 46 19 1
Natural Environment and Marine Beach Activities
Volunteer and community activities:
Conservation Volunteers Australia
- Worked in Sandfly Creek Environmental Reserve from 3-5th
and 8th
September undertaking weed
control and watering revegetation.
Community activities
- Pioneer Catchment and Landcare group held a weed identification workshop on 5th
Septermber at
Bucasia Nursery to provide the community with an opportunity to bring in weeds for identification
and specialist management advice.
- Sarina Landcare Catchment Management Association held a weed id feeld day on 3rd
Septembe at
FarmHQ
- Pioneer Catchment and Landcare group hosted a Great Norther Clean up event on the north shore of
the Pioneer River on Sunday 16th
September.
- Sarina Landcare Catchment Management Association held a Landcare display at the Sarina markets
on 30th
September.
- Regular weekly sessions were held at the Sarina Nursery where volunteers propogated local native
plants with Sarina Landcare Catchment Management Association and visited local sites to collect
seed.
- Community nursery volunteers and Sarina State High School staff and students attented Landcare
Week celebrations at the Sarina Community Native Gardens and participated in weed control,
pruning and seed collection.
35 bags of rubbish and 20 bags of recyclables were collected from Riverside Drive as part of the Great Northern Clean up
Coasts and Communities activities
- Volunteers cleaned up the beach and surrounding parkland at Shoal Point on Saturday 15th
September
as part of the Great Northern Clean up
- Volunteers watered revegetation and removed weeds at Bucasia beach on Saturday 15th
September
Rubbish was removed from Shoal Point Beach Volunteers handweeded Pink Periwinkle at Bucasia Beach
Natural Environment Plan implementation:
Coastal priority projects
Planning is underway for coastal revegetation projects to be undertaken this financial year.
Waterways priority projects
Planning and on site meetings regarding the installation and monitoring of 6 Ecosol litter nets on key
stormwater outlets.
Plains priority projects
Ranges priority projects
Land for wildlife program delivery contracts are being developed.
Habitat restoration team activities:
- Fencing at Blacks Beach Spit
- Watering of plants at Sandfly Creek Environmental Reserve, Lamberts Beach, Blacks Beach,
Slade Point Reserve
- Weed control at Slade Point Reserve, Janes Creek, Sandfly Creek Environmental Reserve,
Blacks Beach
Marine Beach teams (Sarina and Mackay) activities:
- Repairs to McEwens Beach and Seaforth swimming enclosures
- Watering of revegetation at Finlaysons Point, Bucasia, Shoal Point, Haliday Bay, Half Tide,
Salonika, Grasstree Beach
- Weed control at Sarina, Louisa Creek, Salonika, Plane Creek, Armstrongs Beach, Freshwater
Point and Grasstree Beach
- Fencing at Louisa Creek and Salonika
- Removal of coconut debris (leaves and nuts) from Louisa Creek
- Propogation and nursery maintenance at Sarina Depot Nursery
- Revegetation at Grasstree Beach
Environmental Ranger activities
- Letters sent to Louisa Creek residents regarding up-coming fencing work, illegal structures on the
esplanade and illegal removal of vegetation.
- Letters send to Ball Bay residents regared illegal structures and vehicles on the esplanade and
foreshore.
- Investigation of rubbish dumping and/or illegal clearing of mangroves and other native
vegetation at various sites including at Palm St, Midge Point, Seaforth, Campwin Beach, Cathy
Freeman Park and Andergrove and Illuka Beach.
- Patrols of illegal vehicle hotspots including Ball Bay, Slade Point Reserve and Blacks Beach Spit
- Investigations relating to illegally planted street trees and overhanging branches.
- Regular patrols advise people at Sandfly Creek Environmental Reserve about the seasonal
closure to dogs which commences on 1st October.
Other projects
- Provided input into the community consultation strategy for the proposed upgrades to Grendon
Park.
- Provided input into the Dog of Leash proposal.
- Discussed education, media and enforcement plan for the seasonal closure of Sandfly Creek
Environmental Reserve to dogs starting in October.
- Provided support letters for 3 ‘Everyone’s Environment Grant’ applications.
- Reef Catchments presented the Natural Environemnt Plan to a councillor briefing on 12th
September.
- Conducted interviews for 2 positions within the Natural Environment team (Habitat Restoration
Team leading hand and labourer).
- Undertook site visits with Cr Morgan to look at key coastal sites where beach plan activities are
underway.
- Liaised with Fisheries Queensland staff about maintenance of fishways in the region.
- Planned maintenance and development tasks at the Swayne St Nursery site.
- Planned natural environment revegetation projects for the upcoming wet season.
- Attended Natural Environment Working Group meeting.
Parks Building Services Activities
Traffic Signal Maintenance:
Parks Electrical Work:
Push button maintenance / repairs
6%
Signal re-alignment 6%
Lamp replacement 56%
LED resets / replacement
6%
Emergency attendances
13%
Lantern to LED upgrades
13%
Traffic Signal Maintenance
35%
19%
14%
7%
9%
2% 2%
5%
3%
4%
Parks Electrical Work
Traffic Signal Maintenance Test + Tag Inspections
Park Light Repairs Barbecue Repairs
Amenities Repairs (lights etc.) Street Light Repairs / Installation
Building Light Repairs Vandalism Repairs
Installation of temporary buildings Other
Play Equipment Inspection and Maintenance:
New handrails and Decks Anzac Park Marian Play Replacement Swings Maralyn Wallman Park
Built Asset maintenance:
Public Amenities:
Two vandalised cubicle doors repaired at St Helens Campground.
Sharps containers replaced at Blacks Beach and Jubilee Park amenities.
Hand towel dispenser replaced at Information Centre Amenities Nebo Rd.
Two vandalised locks repaired at Quota Park amenities.
Fire damage to Eimeo amenities cubicle and floor repaired.
Seat in disabled shower cubicle Mulherin Park repaired.
Graffiti cleaned and painted at Wilson Park on two separate occasions.
Graffiti removed from Northview Park amenities.
Facia on amenities at Quota Park were repainted.
During the first week of the school holidays, last week of September, there was a marked increase in minor
graffiti throughout most amenities. Most of this was cleaned off within 24hrs.
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90
Jan
-12
Feb
-12
Mar
-12
Ap
r-1
2
May
-12
Jun
-12
Jul-
12
Au
g-1
2
Sep
-12
Oct
-12
No
v-1
2
Dec
-12
Playground Maintenance and Inspection
Operational Inspections
Visual Inspections
Play Equipment Repairs – Substantial
Play Equipment Repairs - Minor
Park Furniture
Line marking painted on new half basket ball court at Alsatia Park.
Basket ball back board replaced at Campwin Beach.
Two picnic tables painted at Blacks Beach and one at Queens Park.
Shelter at Corella Way Park Blacks Beach received minor repairs and a full repaint.
Park seat at Kidston Av Park, new slats fitted.
Three deteriorated seats were removed from Maralyn Wallman Park, one has been replaced and two more
are on order.
One bench seat at Illuka Park was replaced.
There were 12 repairs to log fencing, bollards and park gates completed during the month.
Two timber picnic tables repaired at Centenary Park Walkerston.
Three old timber picnic tables replaced at Haliday Bay.
There were 10 rubbish bin and locking polee repairs completed.
Corella Way Shelter Repaired and Painted
Other Work completed
City heart, Blue Water Quay and Blue River Trail
10,000 Sqm of concrete and path cleaned with blower.
5,000 Sqm of concrete and path cleaned with high pressure water blaster.
90 rubbish bin empties.
40 rubbish bin cleans.
38 umbrella cleans
Capital Projects Completed This Month
Half Basket Ball Court and Storm Water Drainage to Skate Bowl, Alsatia Park Walkerston
Rubber Soft Fall Installation Tanglewood Park, Before and After Works
Rubber Soft Fall Installation Karwin Dr Park, Before and After Works
Myrtle Rust on
Gold-tipped Bottlebrush Melaleuca polandii
in the Australian Regional Flora Terraces
Mr Syd Cowan and Cr Theresa Morgan Curator Dale Arvidsson, Mr Syd Cowan, Cr Theresa
Morgan, Cr Ross Walker and Cr Kevin Casey at the
launch
Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens
Horticultural works and Myrtle Rust
Staff have focused on standard horticultural works and
over 130 plants were added to irrigated areas of the
Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens (MRBG) Living
Collection.
Native Crepe Ginger Costus potierae plants, surplus to
MRBG requirements, were donated to the Society for
Growing Australian Plant – Mackay Branch (SGAP
Mackay) as part of plant exchange under a memorandum
of understanding. This is a threatened species in the wild
from North Queensland. Each year, SGAP Mackay donate
thousands of dollars worth of plants free to the
MRBG.
With the spread of Myrtle Rust, the MRBG contacted
other Queensland Councils to see what they were undertaking outside of their botanic gardens, to limit the
spread of the disease. Cairns, Townsville, Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast city/regional Councils provided
data that has assisted Mackay Regional Council’s Myrtle Rust Action Group to maintain Council
procedures.
< Myrtle Rust on Powderpuff Lilly-pilly
Syzygium wilsonii subsp. wilsonii
and
Golden Penda Xanthostemon chrysanthus in
the Buffer Forest>
Tamarind Shelter joint project with Mackay West Rotary
Image from “Capturing Light’
Gardens Friends at Cape Hillsborough
A lunchtime BBQ was held on September 25 to officially launch the Tamarind Shelter, picnic setting and
BBQ. A $10,000 donation by the Rotary Club of Mackay West wet
towards the installation of a Landmark Shelter, dual plat BBQ and
aluminium picnic setting adjacent to the botanic themed PlayGarden
“Under The Banyan.” Immediately, the shelter has proved to be
extremely popular with residents. The launch was attended by club
members and Council staff and was officially opened by Parks and
Environment portfolio Councillor Theresa Morgan and club
representative Mr Syd Cowan, who instigated the partnership.
Herbarium Report
Two volunteers from SGAP Mackay attended the Herbarium session on
September 24. Flowering specimens of an undescribed species of
Pandorea (see image right) originally collected from Eungella, were
collected from the MRBG Lagoon Lookout Deck and pressed and
identification labels were affixed to other mounted reference
specimens. The MRBG Herbarium is operated by volunteers from
SGAP Mackay, under a memorandum of understanding and in
conjunction with the Curator.
Visitors Services:
Exhibitions at the Gardens:
“Capturing Light” A Photographic Exhibition by David
Phillips August 29 –September 30. The ‘Capturing
Light’ Exhibition featured stunning photographs from
Mackay, NSW and WA taken by local landscape
photographer David Phillips during the past 12 months.
David is a member of the Australian Institute of
Professional Photographers (AIPP) and also the Creative
Shots Photography Club.
The Free Friday Guided walks have proven to be very
popular during September with participants attending
every Friday. Visitors from Tasmania and Port Macquarie
stating the ‘tour’ was the ‘best ever’. Other visiting groups
have been the Mackay U3A Group and the Slade Point
Seniors, each with approx. 20 participants.
Garden Friends activities:
The MRBG Gardens Friends Guided Walk on Saturday
September 15 was an opportunity to venture north to
explore the beautiful Cape Hillsborough portion of the
Central Queensland Coast Bioregion. Led by John
Atkinson and assisted with information from Gardens
Friends Meryl Ritchie and Curator Dale Arvidsson, the
group of approximately 30 Friends from Mackay and the
Whitsundays discovered plants used by indigenous
peoples and also learnt about the different ecosystems
along the ‘Hidden Valley’ walk.
Friends Committee members Curator Dale Arvidsson,
President and Secretary Bill and Robin McWhinney and Meryl Ritchie commenced the latest phase of updating the
Friends handbook with a discovery walk at the MRBG on Saturday September 22. The Gardens Friends have
purchased Dragon©“NaturallySpeaking” computer software that converts speech to text – a massive saving in time
typing by MRBG staff and the Friends and the amount of information needing to be recorded now and in future.
“Spring Rolls” during school holiday activities
Plant- ed School visitation:
2 St John’s School Prep class totally 31 children came on Thursday September 13 to discover Life cycles,
plant connections and Plant parts i.e. leaves, seeds, flowers, roots, that animals and people use.
Monday September 17 – two prep groups from Walkerston State School (27 and 25 children each) visited the
MRBG to explore water catchments including evaporation, plant adaptations, water creatures and water
pollution.
Tuesday September 18 Whitsunday Anglican School year 1 - 50 children came to the MRBG as a Camp Week
activity. These children learnt about bush tucker, indigenous info, water creatures and participated in paper
bark painting as a creative activity
During the following week, Wednesday September 19, Maya visited St Johns primary school offering
‘Drawing in Nature’ sessions, where the children closely observe leaves and create drawing using pencils and
adding colour to their creations with watercolour pencils.
Thursday September 20 - 20 + children and accompanying adults from Whitsunday Anglican School
Kindergarten viewed creatures( pinned and captured) set up under the mango tree, had a story telling session,
read other books, and went on a walk through the MRBG with clipboards to complete a ‘creature bingo’.
The rest of September has been busy with School
Holiday Activities “Spring into the Gardens”.
Children have been making ‘spring’ flowers after an
energetic exploration of new things Spring has brought
into the MRBG. The two hour session includes physical
activity e.g. playing Bocce and indulging in ‘Spring
Rolls’ races (pictured on right) , Hula hoops, skipping,
and frog jumps as well following clues to find “Spring”
elements hidden in the MRBG.
Other Events, Functions and Promotions
Weddings 5
Reception 1
Meeting Room:
Council Bookings 2
Community groups 6
Corporate groups 2
Restaurant & Cafe at the Lagoons:
Website: www.mackayregionalbotanicgardens.com.au:
3024 3205 3499
3798
2960 3010 3563
3981 4264
Patronage
554 561 569 571 588 596 601
616
656
Botanic Gardens eNewsletter subscribers
1224 1025
1165 1165 1237 1220 1079
1229 1154
Botanic Gardens Website visits
Enewsletter subscribers:
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
BOM Weather / Riveralert Warnings Received
Five (5) BOM Warning Advices were received in the month ending 30/9/2012.
Three (3) No Threat Tsunami Advices.
Nil (0) Severe Weather Alerts.
Nil (0) Severe Thunderstorm Advices.
Two (2) Preseason Test Flood Warnings
Community Education
The Emergency Management Section continues to support and promote community disaster
awareness education, community preparedness and resilience for disaster events.
As a part of the 2012/13 Storm and Cyclone Season Advertising Campaign, and with the assistance
of Corporate Communications, advertising space has been secured on a transit coach for a period of
six months commencing 7th
October 2012. The design has been completed and is currently being
produced and will promote the Emergency Action Guide.
Emergency Management staff have been investigating the purchase of a Mobile Variable Message
Board unit, as a community education tool. This unit would then be utilized to promote community
resilience, emergency preparedness and awareness throughout the region and would be utilized in
events for passing on information and warnings to residents.
The Reusable Emergency Shopping Bags Launch was held at Coningsby State School on 6th
September 2012. A total of 15,000 bags were produced and funded via the Emergency Management
Queensland’s Resilience Project. The project was inspired Coningsby State School students
undertaking “When Things Go Wrong” studies. Approximately 9,000 bags were issued to primary
school students throughout the Region. A number of Shopping Centre Displays have been arranged
for October where residents will be able to obtain preparedness information and a bag.
The 150 years of Resilience – Mackay’s Natural Disasters was launched on the 11th
September 2012
at the City Library. The display will remained at the City Library until 29th
September before being
shifted to the Gordon White Library where it will remain until 2nd
November 2012.
Disaster Coordination Centre
The Disaster Coordination Centre remains in a state of readiness.
Emergency Management Website
The Emergency Management website is currently undergoing a major facelift to allow content to be
more accessible and user friendly.
Significant resources and time has been placed into content review and adding additional information
for this project by the Emergency Management Team.
The project is being completed with the assistance of Website Coordinator, Shane Green and
Resilience Project Officer, Amanda Lavarack.
It is envisaged to have the new web pages will be launched in late October 2012.
Additionally, the Queensland Flood Commission of Inquiry has made recommendations regarding
increasing the available content for residents in relation to flooding, preparations, risks and flood
prone properties etc. Once the Flood Studies and Storm Tide Studies are completed they will be
added to the website.
Review of Queensland Flood Commission of Inquiry Recommendations
The Emergency Management staff have established a process to ensure that recommendations that
require action by either the Mackay Regional Council or the Mackay Local Disaster Management
Group are actioned and the relevant actions are monitored and documented.
Some actions will depend on when legislation is adopted by the State Government and this may not
occur until late 2014.
Mackay Local Disaster Management Group
The Mackay Local Disaster Management Group last met on the 20th
August 2012.
The next scheduled meeting is the 29th
October 2012.
Meetings and Conferences
Attendance at the meeting regarding mobile computing on 3rd
September 2012.
Co-presented with Anthony Lee (EMQ) at the Emergency Liaison Officer Training Day on
4th
September 2012.
Attendance at the launch of the Emergency Shopping Bags on 6th
September 2012.
Attendance at the launch of the 150 years of Natural Disasters in Mackay Resilience Display
on 6th
September 2012.
Attendance at the Mackay Airport Emergency Exercise Planning Meeting on 13th
September
2012.
Attendance at the Cyclone Saturday Planning, Special Needs Register and Resilience
meetings on 17th
September 2012.
Co-presented with Anthony Lee (EMQ) at Disaster Management Planning training for
Councillors on 19th
September 2012.
Attendance at the Transport and Main Roads Pre-cyclone Season Emergency Planning
Seminar and Mackay District Disaster Management Group Meeting on 20th
September 2012.
Attendance at meetings for Safe Plan, 5.1 Budget, Workplace Health and Safety Committee
and review of Grants during the month.
Operations
Nil
Planning
Mackay Local Disaster Management Plan and Operational Plans
The Mackay Local Disaster Management Plan (MLDMP) is currently being reviewed in conjunction
with the results of the audit conducted earlier this year.
Work and revision of a number of Operational Plans continues.
Some Operational Plans will require major changes due to new guidelines being released.
Projects / Mitigation Strategies
A number of Projects and Mitigation Strategies are currently being either assessed or undertaken.
Storm Surge Study
The Final Draft Storm Tide Study Report was released to Council Officers on the 27th
September 2012 and is being currently reviewed by Council Officers.
The study is expected to be released by December 2012.
Pioneer River and Gooseponds Flood Studies
Work continues on finalizing both flood studies.
Rainfall/ River Height Stations
The river heights and rainfall stations sites have been finalised at Marian (Pioneer River),
Sarina (Plane Creek), Rural View (McCready Creek) and Walkerston (Bakers Creek). Land
for three of the four sites has had secured with the final Rural View site currently undergoing
an approval process within Department Transport and Main Roads . Construction will be
undertaken by Council and Pioneer River Improvement Trust staff and is expected to
commence by November for completion by January 2013.
Staff
Long time Emergency Management stalwart and Coordinator Errol Coombs has announced
his plans to retire on 22nd
October 2012. Bruce Chester-Master continues to fill the Acting
Emergency Management Coordinator role until the position can be called and permanently
filled.
Training
On the 4th September 2012, Emergency Liaison Officers were given training in the
Queensland Disaster Management Arrangements, Media Management, Resupply Operations
and Workplace Health and Safety.
On the 19th September 2012 Disaster Management Planning Training was held for
Councillors and Senior Management.
SES Update
Local controller
September saw the completion of operation “Kokoda” which started in August with search for the lost
bushwalker. On Sep 12 two young bush walkers discovered the body of Sean 600 meters from the top of
Dooloomai Falls, a six kilometre round trip from the Finch Hatton gorge car park. QPS activated the MRU
to retrieve his remains. This operation was designated “Kokoda Recovery”.
The terrain was treacherous and the volunteers had to overcome significant obstacles to not only return the
person to his family but to also get every volunteer out safely and with no injuries. The team leader was the
same that led Oscar 1 on a 28km round trip during operation Kokoda and is the current Deputy Controller
for the Mirani area. He was nominated for an SES week award for his efforts and we have just been
informed that he will be receiving recognition at a regional level by EMQ during SES week.
Activations for September
5th
Mt Pellion (south of Mt Ossa)
Activated by QPS, Volunteers from Midge Point, Calen and Mackay attended and conducted emergency
traffic control by diverting light vehicles northbound through Mt Carleton and south bound through Old
Bowen Road. Once the Highway was partially cleared the traffic management plan was altered to allow one
way traffic at intervals. The highway was closed for 15 minute intervals over the duration of the incident to
allow the clearance of vehicles and debris. Volunteers assisted with clean up to expedite the re opening of
the highway.
12th
& 13th
Body Recovery Finch Hatton
30 volunteers worked all night over 14 hours to recover the bushwalker's remains. The first Recovery team
with six members on site (Whisky 1) had to contend with extreme terrain and at times progressed just 100
meters per hour setting up complex rope systems to assist in the recovery and contribute to the safety of the
volunteers.
21st September QPS Weather Station Retrieval
SES was requested to assist in the recovery of the QPS weather station. This station is used by QPS forensics
to determine a person’s approximate time of death using the stations recorded temperature and humidity
readings.
Public Safety/Community Education
16th
Great Northern Clean up
Flood boats were used to transport volunteers to areas from Pioneer River Forgan Bridge to the River
Mouth
PCYC all abilities Retreat
SES was requested to assist in making safe an area of Rowallan Park for kids with disabilities. Barricades
were erected to stop wandering and protect from falls. SES kept a presence on both days in case a child was
to wander into nearby bushland. SES search teams were not required.
Major Training Events
All groups are currently receiving training in the setting up of the unit’s mobile repeater. Demand for its use
has increased
Members from Armstrong Beach Group with mobile repeater
8th
& 9th
Chainsaw course
10 Volunteers were assessed as qualified in Level 1 Chainsaw Operations after completing the two day
course in Mackay and Mirani. This is a timely and valuable addition to the current operators in the lead up to
this storm season
10th
Flood Boat
Night search competency maintenance was held in the Pioneer River with 8 operators meeting the
requirements to maintain competency.
Navigation lights show 4 boats in line completing a man overboard search
QUALITY ASSURANCE Number of Completed Maintenance Requests Surveyed for Customer Satisfaction
Civil Operations - 56
Parks and Environment - 95
Water Services – 177
Number of Construction Projects Surveyed for Customer Satisfaction: 1
Number of Customer Satisfaction Survey Results Finalised: 1
Number of IMS Documents Reviewed and Updated: 15
Number of New IMS Documents Commenced: 3
Number of Work Site Visits: 7
Number of Internal Quality Audits Conducted: 3
Number of Staff Training Sessions Conducted: 3
Customer Survey Results
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
11
1 2
33
0 0
9
56
No
. of
Surv
eys
Se
nt
Request Category
NO. OF CUSTOMER REQUEST SURVEY FORMS BY REQUEST TYPE SEPTEMBER 2012
Engineering Services - Civil Operations
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
15 17
0
63
0
95
No
. of
Surv
eys
Se
nt
Request Category
NO. OF CUSTOMER REQUEST SURVEY FORMS BY REQUEST TYPE SEPTEMBER 2012
Engineering Services - Parks and Environment
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
180
42 3
105
75
21
57
177
No
. of
Surv
eys
Se
nt
Request Category
NO. OF CUSTOMER REQUEST SURVEY FORMS BY REQUEST TYPESEPTEMBER 2012
Conducted for Water and Waste Services
Consultation
There has been consultation with Engineering Services Program Managers.
Resource Implications
Nil.
Conclusion
The real focus over the period has not only been with the physical preparation by Councils Works teams
for the upcoming wet season, but also the preparation of the community. This will be further reinforced
over the next two months to ensure that Councils internal procedures and staff training are up-to-date
and community awareness is reinforced.
Officer’s Recommendation
THAT this report be received.