Media Reponses (April)

Gympie Today: 5 April – Widgee Development

QUESTION:

I've been contacted this morning by four different residents in Widgee concerned about the clearing currently taking place on private property behind the Widgee refuse centre in Cole Rd.

The developer, has been approached by the residents who have implored [Developer] to leave the older trees, however [Developer] has refused these requests.

Residents also requested [Developer], employ the use of a wildlife spotter before his bulldozer operator clears the older trees, but he again refused this request.

Legally, we believe [Developer] is within his rights to clear his land as he sees fit in the eyes of the Council, however the land on which he is doing it has had numerous koala sightings and ANARRA have done several rescues of sick koalas from these properties, indicating that there is a koala population utilising it.

What, if anything, can residents or council do to halt the progress of this strip clearing?

Does the fact that koalas as a species are now listed as endangered make any difference to clearing requirements?

Although not officially recognised as koala habitat, there is ample evidence to support there are several individuals living in the area.

Does council have any plans to stop the gap left by the repeal of the TPLIs in December of 2020 to stop clearing of habitat which most likely contains koalas by land holders?

What requirements, if any, are on developers to employ wildlife spotters or seek an assessment of potential habitats before clearing?

 ANSWER:

Gympie Regional Council will be investigating reports of significant vegetation clearing in Widgee.

Council will work closely with the state government and will be taking action as required.

Landowners seeking to clear their land must comply with both local and state government legislation.

The Queensland Government’s Nature Conservation Act and Nature Conservation (Koala) Conservation Plan 2017, sets clear requirements that must be adhered prior to and during the clearing of land where koalas are present. This includes using a fauna catcher/spotter during clearing activities.

Furthermore, late last week, council received confirmation from the state government that its revised Temporary Local Planning Instructure (TLPI) for the protection of biodiversity values is acceptable. The TLPI is designed to ensure the protection of threatened species and the appropriate management of significantly constrained land within the Gympie region.

The TLPI will now proceed to Council for formal resolution, which is expected at its April 2022 Ordinary Meeting. Once endorsed, the TLPI will be retrospective to 23 February 2022. Any unlawful clearing that has occurred since this time will be managed accordingly which may include enforcement action and or prosecution.

Council encourages members of the community to report any clearing of suspected threatened species habitat as soon as possible, so it can take immediate action. 

Adrian Burns, Directory, Community Sustainability

Gympie Times: 20 April – ADF help, Gympie Flood.

QUESTION:

I'm chasing any and all facts and figures which the council has as to the efforts of the ADF as part of the Gympie flood cleanup in March? 

Particularly interested in any detail we can get about manpower, hours they were engaged, how many areas they were sent to, etc. I understand it was a remarkable effort on the ADF's behalf and Ideally we'd like to be able to quantify it.

ANSWER:

ADF arrived approximately 1st March, stayed at pavilion, left the morning of 12th March

Approximately 100 Infantry, Pioneers and Engineers with vehicles and machinery. Worked approximately 8 hrs a day 7 days a week for the duration they were here.

They did return on the 15th March different unit with about 60 men and women. They stayed until 21st march and cleared 69 houses

STATS WE PUBLISHED ON FACEBOOK in MARCH:

• Removed flood debris from 80 houses and 10 businesses.
• Cleared flood debris and trees from the River to Rail Trail.
• Cleaned three parks.
• Removed four tonnes of debris to clear access to Exhibition Road and Kidd Bridge.
• Restabilised, laid bedrock, installed culvert piping and reinforced Ray Myers Road with sandbags to create temporary access for flood-affected residents.

Gympie Times: 22 April – ADF help, Gympie Flood.

QUESTION:

Chasing a quote from the Mayor regarding the ADF help during the floods?

ANSWER:

Having ADF members involved in our flood recovery was a massive help. I would like to thank them, our council staff and all of the community who assisted in the clean-up. The ADF are always a pleasure to deal with. They are professional, motivated and I think it was reassuring for our community to have their presence in the region after what was a truly challenging event.

Mayor Glen Hartwig

Gympie Times: 29 April – Council vacancies

QUESTION:

Is this number correct? Given the council traditionally reports almost 500 workers, this suggests almost a quarter of its workforce is missing. Is that accurate?

ANSWER:

Yes, noting 14 of these positions are newly created positions.

QUESTION:

Why have these jobs been left unfilled? Is it to save the council money? How many are currently being advertised right now?

ANSWER:

We (council) have experienced significant change over the past 12 to 18 months, including a full restructure which has resulted in a higher than average turnover while the structure was put into place. The process unfortunately took longer than we would have liked, as the recruitment of some positions were held (paused) during this time. We currently have 23 positions advertised and will continue to recruit in a staged approached. We have also had some issues in recruiting specialised staff – it is important that we find the right candidate for the organisation and for the community.

Due to the vacancies, staff have stepped in to ensure our service to community is not impacted and we acknowledge this has had an effect and we continue to manage fatigue.

We are very proud of our staff who, through this time, including 2 flood events, continue to deliver for our community.

David Lewis, CEO Gympie Regional Council (Acting)