Mount Isa News April 2022
Latest Mount Isa News for April 2022
Water Conservation Push
Mount Isa City Council has launched its new Water Conservation Campaign, with the launch coinciding with World Water Day.
World Water Day is held on March 22 every year. It focuses on the importance of water and taking action to tackle the global water crisis.
Clean, fresh drinking water is one of life’s inescapable necessities, but 97.5% of the world’s water is locked in seas and oceans, too salty for human use, while most of the remaining 2.5% is in the ice caps. Surface freshwater only represents around 1% of total global water.
The importance of water is undeniable and there is only a limited amount of fresh water available. The Water Conservation Campaign will demonstrate the simple actions that everyone can practice, and to establish conservation habits at home.
Education on conserving water is essential universally as it ensures water supplies are utilised wisely and responsibly. The reduced rainfall and the impacts of climate change demonstrate the need to act.
Council invites the community to rethink their water use and be reminded about the importance of minimising water use in day-to-day activities. More information about water conservation and specific recommendations for saving water at home is available on Council’s website.
Mayor Danielle Slade
It’s hard to believe that Easter is now upon us and it’s great that the cooler weather has arrived.
lt’s budget time at Council, and again this year, Council will be doing public consultation, both online and in person. We are hoping to kick this off in May. I definitely encourage you to participate, as it’s a fantastic opportunity for the community to give us feedback and ask questions about the budget.
Anzac Day is nearly here. Council is proud to assist the Mount Isa RSL Sub-branch in holding Anzac Day services for the community each year.
It will begin with the Dawn Service at the Cenotaph on the front lawns of the Civic Centre at 6-am on Monday, April 25, followed by a Gunfire Breakfast for veterans in the Civic Centre auditorium from 7-am, and the Anzac Day March and Morning Service at 10-am at the Cenotaph.
I look forward to seeing a big turnout of community members at these services as we gather to recognise and pay our respects to the more than 1.5 million service men and women who have served our country in all conflicts, wars and peacekeeping operations, and to remember the more than 102,000 Australians who sacrificed their lives in our country’s name.
The community will be very impressed with the latest initiatives of the Council’s Environmental Services team.
First up is the launch of the Environmental Grants Program, which will provide local environment-focused projects with up to $5000 each in funding. This is a fantastic initiative and will go a long way to support activities and projects that protect and support the local environment. There is also the recently launched Water Conservation Program, and its accompanying colouring-in and story competition for local primary school students.
There is no doubt that what’s happening in Ukraine has been extremely distressing to the people of Mount Isa. We stand by Ukrainians around the world and we are united in our grief. We pray for a peaceful resolution to this conflict. And to the members of our local Ukrainian community, your families are in our thoughts. Please stay safe on the roads over Easter and enjoy your well-earned break.
Latest Mount Isa News Information
– Council has launched its Water Conservation Campaign Colouring-In Competition and Story Competition for primary schools, with students in Year 1 to Year 6 students given the opportunity to demonstrate their artistic talents. The winners will receive a prize package. Drawings and stories selected will be published on Council’s website and displayed at the Mount Isa City Library.
-Due to the unsafe operation of motorcycles, quad bikes and other motor vehicles causing disruption to the residents of Healy Heights and the risk of accident or injury, the non-gazetted access between Duchess Road to Copelin Street, across the Gliderport reserve, has been closed as of March 28. There is gated access for Council and Emergency vehicles only. The entry of all other motorised vehicles is prohibited.
City Council Updates
New Trainees
Recently, Council CEO David Keenan, Corporate and Community Services Director Chileya Luangala, and Infrastructure Services Director Renee Wallace welcomed the eight new trainees who have started work at Mount Isa City Council. The trainees will be working in various roles across the organisation and they are looking forward to their forthcoming experiences.
The trainees are:
– Jayde Clark (Executive Services/MICCOE)
– Melina Lafaele (Economic and Community Development)
– Joseph Kumsing (Major Projects)
– Chris De Leon (Finance l Support Officer)
– Rochelle Cremer (Finance Support Officer)
– Chavez Hegarty (Parks and r Gardens)
– Utu Ane (Safety)
– Roydon Age (Construction)
This year’s trainee intake represents the single largest number Council has ever employed.
Historically, many trainees at Council have become fulltime employees and progressed through the organisation.
Environmental Grants Program
Applications for Round 1 of the Council’s first Environmental Grants Program opened on Tuesday 22 March and will close on Friday 22 April 2022.
This program provides funding from the Council of up to $5000 per grant to support the Mount Isa and Camooweal communities in creating local environmental and sustainable outcomes that benefit the region.
The program seeks to support proposals focusing on:
– Environmental enhancement: Revegetation, habitat improvement, landcare and bushcare initiatives.
– Environmental initiatives/sustainable ideas: Community gardens, worm farms, recycling systems, composting systems.
– Environmental management/conservation: Flora and fauna protection, native fish restocking, riverine area improvements.
– Environmental education/community capacity building: Workshops, networking events, training and skills development, the establishment of environmental groups, development of capacity-building material, development of strategic plans, land management for community groups.
Local community groups and organisations with eligible projects that demonstrate benefit to the environment and the quality of life in the local government area of Mount Isa are encouraged to apply for funding assistance.
Visit Council’s first Environmental Grants Program for guidelines, application forms and further information.
Applications should be received in full and a decision will be made by elected members of the Council.
Pop-Up At Townview State School
Council was pleased to support the pop-up vaccination afternoon at Townview State School’s Prep area recently. The afternoon, organised by the North West Hospital and Health Service, featured a free sausage sizzle, kids’ packs, T-shirts, and giveaways.
Latest Mount Isa News Information
– Council has launched its Water Conservation Campaign Colouring-In Competition and Story Competition for primary schools, with students in Year 1 to Year 6 students given the opportunity to demonstrate their artistic talents. The winners will receive a prize package. Drawings and stories selected will be published on Council’s website and displayed at the Mount Isa City Library.
-Due to the unsafe operation of motorcycles, quad bikes and other motor vehicles causing disruption to the residents of Healy Heights and the risk of accident or injury, the non-gazetted access between Duchess Road to Copelin Street, across the Gliderport reserve, has been closed as of March 28. There is gated access for Council and Emergency vehicles only. The entry of all other motorised vehicles is prohibited.
Mount Isa Events
*25 April – ANZAC Day Service – Civic Centre
*30 April – ‘Shack’ in the Park – Outback at Isa
Mount Isa News Update April 22, 2022
Pick New Fossil Emblem
Mount Isa News – Riversleigh’s own giant platypus, Obdurodon dicksoni, is up for contention to become one of Queensland’s State fossil emblems – and members of the public get to decide which fossil will make the final cut.
Twelve fossils have been shortlisted:
1. Diamantinasaurus matildae – Heavily-built titanosaur
2. Kronosaurus queenslandicus – Super-predator of the Cretaceous seas
3. Muttaburrasaurus langdoni – Bignosed ornithopod
4. Isisfordia duncani – Oldest-known crocodile
5. Eromangasaurus australis – Longnecked elasmosaur
6. Rhoetosaurus brownie – Jurassicaged sauropod
7. Australotitan Cooperensis – Large titanosaur
8. Richmond polycotylid – Longsnouted plesiosaur
9. Obdurodon dicksoni – Ancient platypus with teeth
10. Lovellea wintonensis – Oldestknown permineralised fossil flower
11. Siderops kehli – Giant Jurassic amphibian
12. Ridersia watsonae – Early sea lily-like animal
To pick which fossil you would like to see become the State’s fossil emblem, go to www.qld.gov.au/fossilemblem
You can also see a life-sized model of the Obdurodon dicksoni at the Riversleigh Fossil Discovery Centre at Outback At Isa.
“From land-based dinosaurs and sea predators to crocodiles and ancient fauna and flora, we’re now asking Queenslanders to have their say on the fossil that best represents the State’s prehistoric age,” Queensland Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said.
Queenslanders have previously chosen nine State emblems, including the koala, Cooktown orchid, the brolga, sapphire gem, Great Barrier Reef Anemone fish, and even an official colour – maroon. The State fossil emblem public consultation period will run until Sunday, July 10, 2022.
Deputy Mayor Phil Barwick
The North West Motor Sports Park committee recently had its inaugural meeting and discussed the need to have a feasibility study completed.
The good news I can now report is that Council has received State Government funding to undertake the feasibility study. To support the study, Council is looking forward to engaging with the community through a survey, which will be released shortly. So I would ask anyone with an interest in motor sports to complete the survey, as it will inform the development and design of the proposed facility.
New historic laser art has been installed on the Markham Valley Road median as Council continues to improve the liveability of the city through the addition of artwork and landscaping around the city.
The walking trail now runs the full length of Markham Valley Road and has a number of well-appointed rest points, with artwork and bench seating installed. The Gallipoli Park pump track continues to have great support from young people and their families, with fabulous levels of use being seen. It is proving to be an exciting place for young people and has really helped to activate this wonderful Soldiers Hill park.
Council 2022/23 budget preparations are now well underway. Sadly, Mount Isa is not immune to the high increases in living costs that are being witnessed across the country in many sectors, including fuel, retail, and many service sectors. Council members have been working with our key administrative staff to reduce our expenditure and improve our efficiency as much as we can without any reduction in services to the community.
It is a tough and tight 2022/23 budget that we have had to draft, and increases will be inevitable to meet rising costs of supplies, equipment, and staff. Council will be looking for feedback from the community before the final budget is put to Council. The draft budget will go out for community consultation in May so we can provide expenditure information to, and seek contributions from, the community that may assist us to prepare the best possible budget for the year ahead.
Latest Mount Isa News Information
• Travel show “Our Town” will soon be showcasing Mount Isa and this year’s Isa Rodeo as part of an episode to be broadcast later this year. It’s anticipated the production team will be in town during the Mount Isa Mines Rodeo in mid-August, to not only film footage at the rodeo, but also the Isa Street Festival and local businesses, as well as leisure, lifestyle and recreational activities around Mount Isa, including at Lake Moondarra. The upcoming 100 Years Celebrations in 2023 will also be promoted.
• Council is inviting anyone interested in having a food stall at its Great Australian Bites event in May to lodge their expression of interest. Expressions of interest can be completed at www. surveymonkey.com/r/ GJ2BMQJ. The Great Australian Bites will be held on Saturday, May 14, 2022, from 4pm to 9pm on the Civic Centre front lawns.
Ongoing Council Projects
• Family Fun Precinct Redevelopment Project $5.1 million project (jointly funded by Council and the Queensland Government). Includes installation of new shade structures over the amphitheatre, Skate Park and Splashez; replacement of boundary fencing throughout the precinct; replacing and upgrading damaged park equipment, including existing play equipment, water bubblers and bins; and installation of a new exercise equipment area. Underway.
• Skate Bowl Replacement $395,266 project (part of Stage 2 of the Family Fun Precinct Development Project). Involves the replacement of the previous skate bowl with above-ground ramps. Infill work on the bowl completed in January. Work to install the new ramps began in February and is set to be completed by the end of April.
• Smart Water Meters rollout $2.95 million project (jointly funded by Council and the Queensland Government) – will entail replacing existing ageing analogue water meters at residential properties across Mount Isa; another 1500 Smart Water Meters will soon be installed.
City Council Updates
Tip Tour
Earlier this month, Councillors Phil Barwick, Mick Tully, Peta MacRae, George Fortune, and Paul Stretton – as well as members of the Council’s Executive Management Team – visited the Waste Management Facility and were updated on its current operations and upcoming works.
The group inspected the recently completed Waste Transfer Station, found out about how the facility has been able to reduce the amount of waste it sends to landfill, traffic management at the site, and saw where the future Materials Recovery Facility – which will introduce citywide recycling to Mount Isa for the first time – is set to be constructed.
Markham Valley Road
Deputy Mayor Phil Barwick recently visited the Markham Valley Road nature strip to take a look at the historic photo and art installations that can now be found in the seating areas at several of the road’s intersections.
The photos – from the Mount Isa Mines photographic collection and supplied by local history buff Barry Merrick – include aerial shots and maps of the Soldiers Hill area, as well as former attractions such as the drivethrough movie theatre.
There are also photos of local prospectors, First Nations people, and sort of house commonly found in Mount Isa back in the day.
Easter At Library
Easter fun and the Easter Bunny were front and centre at the Mount Isa City Library on Thursday, April 14.
There was an Easterthemed storytime, singalongs, dancing, a chance for kids to colour in their very own Easter hat, and a visit from the Easter Bunny, with chocolate eggs given out to the kids.
Kids also got the opportunity to have their photo taken with the Easter Bunny. Thank you to everyone who came along to this special Easter Storytime morning.
