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SPORT ON THE BARCOO

Blackall residents get into social sports


Blackall is getting active with new social sports program being run at the Blackall State School. Social basketball is being played on a Monday night, while a social sports program being run on Wednesday evening will see netball, flag football and soccer played on a rotational basis. The free sessions will be held from 5:30-6:30pm at the Blackall State School and are open to anyone over the age of 13. The programs aim to get people active with flexible rules and players of all skill levels welcome. This week marked the first week of the social sports program with Wednesday night netball, while Monday night basketball started a month ago. Program coordinator Pete Ossipow said the basketball was originally going to operate on a similar rotational basis to the other sports, but high levels of interest meant they will have weekly games. Weve got enough players for three teams now, with a good mix of adults and students, he said. If we get enough for four teams wed like to split it up into a students hour earlier in the afternoon and an adults hour. Mr Ossipow said there was the possibility that social netball could also become a weekly event if there was enough interest. Next week at 5:30-6:30pm on Wednesday, a social game Jack Politch takes a shot with Matt Spencer and of flag football will be played at Blackall State School. Harrison May on defence at Monday night basketball.

Clintons world championship shooting success


Local shooter Clinton Sondergeld has returned from the World Rimfire and Air Rifle Benchrest Championships in the United States of America with two bronze medals to show for his efforts. Clinton competed in the championships held in Charleston, South Carolina to from July 30- August 7, which are only the second to be held in this discipline. He received an individual bronze medal for the Rimfire Light Rifle 25M as well as a team bronze medal for the Rimfire Sporter 50M. During the competition, Clinton used an American rifle borrowed from an American competitor. Clinton said the scores at the championships were very strong, with a high quality of competitors. Weather conditions

were tough, which brought out the better shooters, Clinton said. Not only did you have to have a good rifle, you had to be able to read the conditions. Clinton said he was proud of his results and he owed his success to the mentorship of fellow Blackall shooter Ashley Adams. My success is due to Ashley Adams teaching me how to read the wind when I first began, he said. The trip wasnt all competition, with Clinton finding time to explore the sights of Charleston, the oldest town in South Carolina, as well as getting a sampling of American popular culture in the form of Walmart and Clinton Sondergeld received two bronze medals International House of at the recent World Rimfire and Air Rifle Benchrest Championships held in the USA. Pancakes.

Page 16 - The Barcoo Independent, Friday, August 19, 2011

INDEPENDENT
THE BARCOO
ISSN 1832-6129 RRP $2.00

Blackalls own community newspaper

Taxi service for Blackall


Blackalls new taxi hit the streets late last week with John Spencer employed as the driver for the taxi service. Blackall Tambo Taxi is being run by the Blackall Tambo Regional Council with taxi ranks set to be installed in Shamrock Street in front of the library and at the Blackall airport, with the possibility of another rank at the Blackall Woolscour. The decision was made to employ a driver at the July council meeting after a failure to attract any tenders from individuals wishing to run it as a private business. John has taken on the role in addition to current business J and L Cleaning Services and said he was positive about the taxi services prospects. It might be slow at first but

August 19 2011

Contact: barcooindependent@gmail.com

I reckon its going to be good, especially on weekends, John said. Once local people get to know about it and tourists get to know about it, I think its going to be a good little business. The taxi service will operate from 9am-5pm during the week, and on Friday and Saturday nights from 5pm- midnight. The taxis fares will comply with Queensland standards with standard charges including a $2.90 flagfall, and a $3.50 per kilometre tariff, with an addition $1.10 booking fee. The taxi was put into action on Thursday morning, with the first booking made that afternoon for Saturday night. Anyone wanting to book the taxi can call 0417 120 717.

Blackall Tambo Taxi and its driver John Spencer have hit the streets of Blackall and are ready for business.

Coal exploration is increasing in the Blackall district with Coalbank Limited making a presentation at last weeks council meeting ahead of commencing drilling on the Ravensbourne Road early next week. At the meeting general manager of Coalbank Limited Bruce Patrick said the company would drill around 80 holes that were 50-300 metres deep along the road reserve, with the holes to be refilled after exploration. Council is currently negotiating an agreement with the company for land access. Mayor Jan Ross said she felt that Coalbank Limited had done the right thing by making a presentation to council and that it didnt sit well with her when mining companies commenced exploration without council consultation. I understand there is now a tendency for some mining companies to actually come and see the local authority, Cr Ross said. We are actively promoting that through the LGAQ and other bodies, she said. International Coal is also set to commence an extensive exploration and drilling program on their South Blackall project this week. The project is located in the Blackall Tambo Region, 80km north east of Quilpie and is part of the Eromanga and Galilee Sedimentary Basins. Geological and exploration consultants, the Moultrie Group will manage the exploration program for International Coal which will consist of drilling over areas identified as being highly prospective.

Coal exploration starts in Blackall

In brief....

--by Victoria Nugent

From the Editor have The sky around Blackall has There
been filled with striking colours recently with the Blackall fire brigade conducting backburning on Monday evenings to reduce the fire risk, which is quite high already and only set to increase as we head towards summer.

been a significant number of grassfires across the Blackall and Tambo districts lately, but luckily the damage from these has been minimal, thanks to the quick working town and rural brigades. We need to be aware of the

risks that come from having an increased body of ground fuel and take all the precautions we can to prevent fires. Bonfires should be put out properly, people using heavy machinery should be aware of sparks and property owners can create firebreaks and backburn.

Advertising Rates 2011


1/8 1/6 1/4 1/3 1/2 page: page: page: page: page: $16.50 $27.50 $34.65 $47.85 $68.75

Contact
Please direct enquiries, suggestions, stories and letters to the editor: Victoria Nugent barcooindependent@gmail.com or post or call at Blackall Visitor Information Centre, 108a Shamrock St, Blackall Phone/ fax: 07 4657 6966

Full pg/Insert:

Save the Blackall Powerhouse


It has come to my attention that the Blackall Powerhouse building is to be demolished. I must have missed notice of this in Council briefs, newsletters and minutes but feel that I have to raise this matter publicly and urge some consideration of alternatives to demolition. Council has recently taken over the management of Ram Park which is a collection of moved buildings relating to the Blackall and Yalleroi district. Council has thus demonstrated a great willingness to care for elements of the history of Blackall and surrounding district. This rationale could also be applied to the Blackall Powerhouse building. Its value as one of the few remaining icons in Blackalls social and economic history and a twentieth century industrial building with extent motors is actually higher as it is not a moved building. Although our

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR


electric power now comes from many kilometres away, the supply of locally generated electricity to Blackall was one of the most important steps in the development of the town in the early 1920s. The most effective way of maintaining buildings such as the Powerhouse is to give them a new use. It would be hoped that this building could be saved by reutilising it. Just as public consideration is being given to a new and future use for the nineteenth century Bushmans Arms building, it would be great to develop an alternative use for the Powerhouse building and then make it part of a walking trail that links Ram Park, the Powerhouse and the Bushmans building to tell important stories about Blackalls history.

Classifieds: $5 for 3 lines and $1.25 per extra line. Contact Victoria Nugent for colour advertising rates

$137.50

--Christine Campbell, Concerned Citizen.

The Anglican Flower Show is on September 3 and I was asked, Are you willing to judge the Produce section again? It was hard to refuse as I have been the judge for many years. Last year I was pleasantly surprised at the number of entries and also the quality of the produce. I have felt like the blooms there should be a first and second place. For those who like Cos lettuce, you can often pick a few leaves when newly grown. Remember to keep an eye on the bower birds as they like tomatoes. I am looking forward to some excellent entries This year I hope the juniors can beat Mum and Dad with their entries.

Flower show produce section

-- Harry Kitching M.M.

1st Sunday of month Sunday Night Live 1ststSunday of month 1 Sunday of month Sunday Night Live Sunday Night Live rd 3rd Sunday of month 3 rdSunday of month FunFun Social Event Social Event 3 Sunday of month Fun Social Event

Worship services Sundays 9am PLUS...... Worship services Sundays 9am PLUS......
6pm 6pm 6pm 6pm 6pm 6pm

BBAACKAL LUNNIITINGCHHURCH BLservices AL L 9amNIIT ING CCURCH Ballment LLCK ALL UU PLUS...... ACKSundays T NG HURCH Contact: Rev Scott Worship
Contact: Rev Scott Ballment Contact: Rev Scott Ballment Ph Ph 07 46512662 Ph07 46512662 07 46512662 Local contacts: 46574740; Local contacts: 46574740; Local contacts: 46574740; 46574546; 46574884 46574546; 46574884 46574546; 46574884

Kids Club Monday 3:30 5pm. Kids Club Monday 3:30 5pm. All All welcome. Kids Club Monday 3:30 5pm. Allwelcome. welcome.

Page 2 - The Barcoo Independent, Friday, August 19 2011

The Blackall Magpies suffered a big defeat last weekend, going down to the Barcaldine Sand Goannas 102-6. In other rugby league games in the Central West district the Ilfracombe Scorpions defeated the Longreach Thomson Tigers 29-18. The final points tally for the competition is Winton 22, Barcaldine 14, Ilfracombe 14, Blackall 6 and Longreach 4. This weekend the Blackall Magpies will take on the Ilfracombe Scorpions in the semi final.

Magpies defeated by Sand Goannas

SPORT ON THE BARCOO


Following months of lessons and practice under the guidance of Birrali Schefe from Roma with assistance also from Naomi Dolinski, three Blackall girls completed their Grade 4 Royal Academy of Dance Ballet Exams in Roma. Aside from lessons in Blackall, Jemma Mobbs, Cassy Flynn and Pagen Arnold spent some of their winter school holidays in Roma having lessons with Mrs Schefes mother Edrine Keegan and joined with students from Roma, St George, Mitchell and Charters Towers last week for the exams. I might want to be a dance teacher when I leave school, so its a good idea for me to get properly qualified while Im doing ballet

Blackall girls complete ballet exams

Water aerobics at Blackall bootcamp


Blackalls bootcamp program is mixing it up a bit with the addition of water aerobics classes. Sergeant Bruce Trickett started running the free bootcamp program earlier this year, with the water aerobics the latest program expansion. The aerobics sessions will be run by Catherine Parfitt from 6:157am on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. The classes are free, however general pool entry fees apply. Other bootcamp sessions will continue as normal at the Blackall showground from 6-7am on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday.

with Bib, said student Jemma Mobbs. I did a lot of smiling so that the examiner would look at my smile and not my feet! All three students are members of Dance Blackall which is run as a subgroup of Blackall State School P and C, with students from Longreach SDE, St Josephs School, Blackall Kindy, Blackall State School and young adults from the community attending lessons. Ballet and other styles of dance learnt at Dance Blackall will be displayed at the annual concert being held on November 12 which has an Alice in Wonderland Theme.

Jemma Mobbs, Cassy Flynn and Pagen Arnold were excited to have finished their ballet exam.

BLACKALL KINDERGARTEN AND LIMITED HOURS DAYCARE


Blackall Kindergarten Association is inviting applications for a Kindergarten teacher to join our organisation. This is a part time position for 14 hours per week, 11 hours contact time and 3 hours preparation time from Tuesday to Wednesday. This 6 - 12 month temporary maternity leave position will commence October 4th 2011. Relevant qualifications required: * Bachelor in Early Childhood Education (3 or 4 year) * Current Blue Card * First Aid Certificate Please forward your written application and resume by WEDNESDAY 31st AUGUST 2011 to PO Box 54, Blackall Qld 4472 or email to blackallkindy1@bigpond.com For more information please contact the Centre on 46574832

Blackall Kindergarten Association is inviting applications for a Kindergarten The Barcoo Independent, Friday, August 19 2011 - Page 15 teacher to join our organisation.

Edition 26

To the Communities of Blackall & Tambo:


Council is hosting a Halloween Trick or Treat for the children of Blackall and Tambo on Saturday 5 November, 2011. If you would like to register your kids to be a trick or treater, or register as a Halloween house. Please contact the Council Office on 4621 6600 or visit the Blackall or Tambo Office. Registration Closes on October 21. Elvis Presley Tribute show will be playing at the Blackall Cultural Centre on Saturday 15 October. Tickets will be available SOON from the Blackall and Tambo Council Offices. Prices to be advised.

FIRE BREAK BURNING As of Monday the 8th of August the Blackall Auxiliary Fire-fighters will be burning off the surrounds of Blackall and certain parts of the District (weather permitting) This is to reduce the risk of fire encroaching on The town before the summer heat. We apologise to everyone for any inconvenience this may cause, however it is necessary. If you have any concerns please contact:Captain Matthew Richardson of the Blackall Auxiliary Fire Brigade on 0488574169

BLACKALL GARDEN COMPETITION

19.08.2011

To the Community of Tambo Digital TV Conversion Meeting Tambo Shire Hall Thursday 18th of August 7:00pm RSVP to Carroll Nugent by Wednesday the 17th August
Council will be meeting with the Multipurpose Sports Complex Representatives on Thursday 18thth August 2011. Representatives have been contacted. Please RSVP to Carroll in Tambo by Wednesday 17th August. Council will be meeting with the Race Course Management Committee on Friday 19th August 2011. The Management Committee representatives have been contacted. Please RSVP to Carroll in Tambo by Thursday 18th August.

COMMUNITY MEETINGS

The Blackall Garden Competition is now open! Nomination forms and details are available from the Blackall Council office during business hours (8:30am to 4:45pm). Nomination close on Monday, 15 August. The prize winner for each category will be announced at the Anglican Flower Show, which is to be held at the Blackall Cultural Centre on Saturday, 3 September. Competition Categories Include: - Champion Town Garden + Jessie Bauer Memorial Prize $300.00 - Champion Country Garden Prize $300.00 - Best Flower Garden Prize $200.00 - Best Landscaped Garden Prize $200.00 - Best Native Garden Prize $200.00 - Best Edible Garden Prize $200.00 - Best Water Wise Garden Prize $200.00 - Best Senior Citizen Garden (over 65 years) Prize $200.00 - Best Non-Domestic Garden (Business etc. Prize $200.00 - Neatest yard by any Group (Clubs, Schools, Social & Sporting) Prize $200.00 Fire breaks have been graded and burning off TAMBO GARDEN COMPETITION will commence in the next few weeks in an effort to The Tambo Garden Competition is now open! protect Tambo from the Nomination forms and details are available from hazard of bushfires. the Tambo Council office during business hours Firefighters w ill be (8:30am to 4:45pm). Nomination close on burning off the surrounds Thursday 29th September. of Tambo and certain Competition Categories Include: parts of the District - Champion Town Garden Prize $300.00 (weather permitting) to - Champion Country Garden Prize $300.00 reduce the risk of fire - Best Flower Garden Prize $200.00 encroaching on the town. - Best Landscaped Garden Prize $200.00 We apologise to everyone - Best Native Garden Prize $200.00 for any inconvenience - Best Edible Garden Prize $200.00 this may cause, however - Best Water Wise Garden Prize $200.00 it is necessary. Please - Best Senior Citizen Garden (over 65 years) ensure that you stay Prize $200.00 indoors when the fires are - Best Non-Domestic Garden (Business etc. about if you have any Prize $200.00 respiratory problems. - Neatest yard by any Group (Clubs, Schools, If you have any concerns Social & Sporting) Prize $200.00 in either Blackall or Tambo please contact: Unconfirmed minutes are available for perusal 10 days after the Council Meeting date (Local Government Act Ken Timms CEO of the 2009) at both offices and on the Council website. Blackall Tambo Regional Adopted policies are on website. Council on 4621 6600 or Next Council Meeting 14th September 2011 Blackall. in the case of an emergency p l e a s e Ken Timms Chief Executive Officer contact 000.

Page 14- The Barcoo Independent, Friday, August 14 2011

Barron Agencies decision delayed again


Last weeks council meeting brought more complications to the debate surrounding local business Barron Agencies, after a resolution to the discussion was repealed when a councillor lodged a motion to rescind the decision after the meeting. With councillor Peter Skewes leaving the meeting after declaring an interest, and councillor Sally Cripps absent, only councillors Grahame Schluter and Graham Jarvis were available to move and second the decision. During the meeting, council had discussed an application by Barron Agencies to conduct an irregular sale on Tuesday September 20, with a decision made to allow the business to operate the sale on an alternative date. September 20 was rejected as a suitable date because it was deemed that a sale on that date would have an adverse effect on other council business at the saleyard in the week, including a regular weaner sale in September, spelling of travelling stock and private weighing. In discussions it was decided that due to the larger numbers likely to be yarded for the September 22 weaner sale, the saleyards did not have the capacity for an irregular Tuesday sale during that week. Manager of Business Enterprises said a sale on Tuesday September 20 would place unnecessary stress on the saleyards as it would be difficult to clear the cattle in time for the weaner sale. The issue is not so much the day of the Tuesday sale as the days before and after, Mr Hilton said. It was decided that although September 20 wouldnt be a suitable date, approval could be issued if requested for a sale on October 4 subject to a number of conditions. These conditions included curfews for delivery of cattle, upfront payment of councils annual fee of $3500 before the sale, provision of presentation and drafting staff by Barron Agencies, that cattle be delivered in lines

where possible to avoid redrafting and that every attempt would be made to clear cattle from the saleyards by Wednesday evening. Coucillor Grahame Schluter said he was in favour of allowing Barron Agencies to conduct an irregular sale as a way of trialling how the saleyards would operate with more than one sale a week. There has always been an issue with conducting Tuesday sales because the stock is never going to be cleared in time, Cr Schluter said. We are going to review these things next year. I think we should give them a go on a Tuesday to try it out and see how it works, when we have a smaller sale week or no sale. The decision to allow an October 4 sale if it was requested was then moved by Councillor Schluter and carried, but was repealed after the meeting by the motion to rescind. The matter will be tabled again at the next council meeting on September 14.

-- by Victoria Nugent

Monday 22nd to Wednesday 24th August at Outdoor Sculpture Studio in the Basketball Courts behind Memorial Hall, come & get creative with mud, grass and found materials and help generate ideas and shapes for another pubic artwork. Wednesday 24th August Evening at the Memorial Hall, Meet & Greet Get Together. Thursday 25th August at the Memorial Hall, Symposium Sessions with the returning artists Natalie Billings, Robert Bridgewater, William Eicholtz, Bodo Muche & Fred White, Representatives from Arts Queensland Art + Place, Artsupport Australia Symposium Dinner & Arts Tour of the Woolscour. Friday 26th August, Symposium Sessions in the Memorial Hall With Three Public Art Talks in and around Memorial Park in the afternoon. Saturday 27th August Morning down on the Barcoo River, Three Public Art Talks Followed by Symposium Sessions in Memorial Hall focussing on great regional art projects. Saturday Evening down on the River, a Free Community Art Party for all. Come paint the Community Canvas, participate and see the Grandfather Remembers Performance, & buy your dinner from the Red Truck & Year 11s to raise funds for the Blackall State School. Contact Robyn Adams on 46510939 or stratford01@bigpond.com

The Barcoo Independent, Friday, August 19 2011- Page 3

WHATS ON in 2011
AUGUST 19 Convoy of No Confidence stopover 20 MG Classic Cars Display at Woolscour 20 Tambo Golf Fun Day 20 Jericho Drive In Movies 23 Office Meltdown Workshop 23 Tambo Multipurpose Centre Open House Community Service Day 24 Woolscour Tour & Corned Beef Dinner 25-27 Symposium on Public Art in the Non-Urban Context 30 SDE Blackall Sports Skills Day 31 Woolscour Tour & Bush Dinner 31 Woolscour Mid-Week Market Day SEPTEMBER 1 Wool Wagon Trek Departs Woolscour
3 Annual Flower Show 3 Saturday Night Tour & Woolscour Bush Dinner 6 Wool Wagon Trek Arrives Slygo 9 Blackall State School Arts Evening 12-15 Creative Pathways Workshops 13-14 WesTech Barcaldine 14 Shockwave Community Debrief 16-18 Back to Blackall Weekend 16- 19 Tambo Teddy Bears Picnic Festival 17 Community Markets 23 Blue Light Disco OCTOBER 8 Community Markets 8 Blackall Hospital Auxiliary Springtime Festival 14 Blue Light Disco

Students at Career Expo

Blackall State School students were provided with the opportunity to learn about career and education opportunities when they attended the Central Western Careers Expo in Longreach earlier this week. Secondary students travelled to Longreach to attend the exhibition held on Tuesday which featured exhibits from universities, TAFE, trades, businesses and government departments. Some exhibitors on the day included Central Queensland Institute of TAFE, Central Queensland University, Golden West Employment Solutions, Longreach Regional Council, the Queensland Police Service and the Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM). Principal Jason Smith said it was a wonderful opportunity for the students to be exposed to such a diverse range of trades, businesses, government departments and tertiary educators. Its fantastic that they now have the opportunity to get exposure to such wonderful exhibitors and businesses that they might only otherwise get to access online, Mr Smith said. Tradies will also have their tools on hand for our students to experience real-life practical tasks with the professionals as mentors, he said. The exhibition was run by Employment, Education, Training Advisory Network (ETAN) in partnership with the Longreach Regional Council, Capricornia Training Company - Youth

Two weeks to Flower Show

15 Blackall Races 15 Elvis Presley Tribute Show 28 Anglican Ladies Guild Street Stall 29 Outback Tourism QLD Awards NOVEMBER 4-5 Gallery Day 5 Halloween Trick or Treat 5 Halloween Blue Light Disco 7-8 SDE Blackall Swim Camp 12 Dance Blackall Annual Concert 26 Blackall Races 26 St Patricks Christmas Fete 27 Christmas Tree Festival DECEMBER 16 Blackall Memorial and Sports Club Members Xmas Party 24 Christmas Eve Mardi Gras, Blackall 24 Christmas in the Park, Tambo 31 Blackall Memorial and Sports Club New Years Eve Costume Party
Page 4 - The Barcoo Independent, Friday, August 19 2011

With warmer weather causing gardens to burst into colour and produce, Blackall residents are encouraged to pick flowers for arrangements, do some cooking and take floral photographs for the upcoming Anglican Flower Show on September 3. With the show now only two weeks away, schedules are available at several locations throughout Blackall. Anyone having difficulty finding a copy is asked to contact Trethella Smith, with the organisers keen to receive lots of entries for another successful flower show with a great showing of Blackall gardens. Several changes have been made to the schedules with the childrens and students sections now combined to become a juvenile section for 14 years and under. The flower show will feature the usual well stocked stalls of goodies, a cent sale and displays with a lavish afternoon tea available. Visitors to the flower show will be entertained with music, song and dance by the students of local schools plus other items. The Florifoto competition is again being sponsored by Desert Channels Longreach with people encouraged to enter as a way to be involved with the flower show even if theyre not a keen gardener.

-- Trethella Smith

Our capital works budget has grown to over $13.5 million of which this year, the majority of this money will be used to maintain, repair and upgrade our existing infrastructure. A copy of the full budget can be accessed on Councils website www.btrc.qld.gov.au however I have endeavoured to give you a broad overview on funds allocated that may be of interest. $10,000,000 plus $2,300,000 $400,000 $300,000 $350,000 $140,000 $80,000 $100,000 $50,000 $40,000 Council controlled roads, flood damage repairs, regular maintenance, new sealing works and reseals Plant replacement Grant to upgrade the water and sewerage mains in Blackall Mandatory upgrade of the Blackall Terminal to comply with the Department of Aviation for security and comfort of passengers Upgrade of the catering facilities at the Blackall Race Course Tambo MPC Courtyard upgrade $60,000 grant Digital TV Reception in Tambo Multi Sport and Recreation Association Grants to community organisations Aides to Society In kind community assistance Restumping of Tambo Child Care Centre EE Parr Park Complete Skate Park

Ongoing projects have been carried forward into this financial year. Improvements to the Blackall Saleyards Including additional yards, new truck wash and general improvements $424,500 Community Care Services in Blackall and Tambo including Aged Care $339,000 Library Operations in both Tambo and Blackall as a community service $320,000 Swimming Pools maintenance, upkeep and management $319,000 Tourism Promotion to increase tourism in the region $313,000 Recreation, Sport and Youth Activities This includes the employment of a Sport & Recreation Officer, and a Youth Officer to assist sporting organisations and the youth. $138,500 Economic Development to stimulate economic growth in the area $104,000 Grasslands Building Operation and Maintenance $801,000 Blackall to Jericho (Dismal Creek) $50,000 Blackall State School and St Josephs Catholic School footpaths $205,000 Tumbar Road Floodway Upgrade (Paradise Creek) $50,000 Blackall township Over dimension vehicle route Widen and seal shoulders $124,000 Construct and seal area across from BP in Blackall to assist with parking of heavy vehicles $1,500,000 Construction on Emmet Road $723,000 Blackall Industrial Estate Water and sewerage works and road works $280,000 Wild Dog Control $94,000 Council Housing upgrades $266,000 Child care services in Blackall and Tambo We have achieved unprecedented efficiency gains over the past two years, thanks to the hard work of our staff. This year, we hoped we would have a reprieve, however the economic circumstances mean that we need to continue cutting our costs, finding better ways of doing business and getting more for our money. Councillors and staff at all levels are committed to working diligently to ensure that the desired outcomes of this budget are achieved. Jan Ross $1,481,000

Mayor
The Barcoo Independent, Friday, August 19- Page 13

BLACKALL TAMBO REGIONAL COUNCIL DELIVERS A RESPONSIBLE BUDGET It is very heartening for me as the Mayor of the Blackall Tambo Regional Council to have received advice from the Director General of the Department of Local Government and Planning advising us that The Blackall Tambo Regional Council is in a strong financial position. This advice was received prior to the adoption of the current budget and is indicative of the focus and commitment of Council and staff in ensuring this Regional Council is sustainable for future generations. The Blackall Tambo Regional Council adopted a $32 million budget Councils largest ever at a budget meeting held in Blackall on Wednesday 3 August 2011. The budget was presented by the Mayor, Cr Jan Ross who stated that, Council is conscious of the requirement to plan into the future and implement decisions to ensure the long term financial sustainability of this Council. With the development of this budget, it has been foremost in Councillors minds the pressures faced by ratepayers in the areas of rising costs and their capacity to pay. This is a responsible budget with a focus on both relieving the pressure on our communities, and ensuring we are in a strong position to build the infrastructure we will need when we re enter the phase of growth. We have started to see some signs of recovery in the regional economy; however families, the rural industry and small businesses are still doing it tough. As such, we have made the decision this year to significantly reduce our expenditure and attempt to keep our rates and charges as low as possible. The challenge has been to establish a strong foundation for developing the Regions long term sustainability with an appropriate and yet modest 5% increase in general rates. The following considerations were factors impacting on the budgets formulation: Community expectations with regard to service provisions Continued employment of a full workforce in Blackall and Tambo Reduction in government funding The flood damage works required on councils road infrastructure systems affected by the 2011 floods Construction and maintenance costs of local government infrastructure have increased as a result of the States summer of floods and cyclones. Costs have been pushed up to around 7.5% in the Local Government Cost Index, well beyond CPI; Increased environmental requirements in relation to water, sewerage and waste management operations State Government changes to the Local Government Act, with greater emphasis on financial sustainability and asset management Large increases in energy costs
Page 12- The Barcoo Independent, Friday, August 19 2011

Random acts of kindness by Blackall CWA

Coastal students to visit central west


Blackall will be one of the first destinations to be visited under the Outback Education Tour Subsidy scheme through Queensland Tourism which subsidies school trips to rural Queensland when the Emu Park State School Year Seven camp visits next week. The Outback Education Tour Subsidy Scheme was developed to encourage schools to take Year Six and Seven Queensland students to visit Queenslands outback regions, in north west, central west and south and far west Queensland. The Emu Park State School Year Seven Camp is the first trip to be approved under the scheme and will see 23 Year Seven students visit Blackall, Barcaldine and Longreach from August 22-26. The group will spend a morning in Blackall where they will visit the Woolscour and take a self-guided tour of the town. Teacher Ellie Fisher wrote the submission after the school received correspondence from MP Paul Hoolihan encouraging schools to participate in the scheme. The school was successful in their application for the subsidy, which has reduced the cost of the camp by $100 per student, with premier Anna Bligh visiting the class last week to mark the first implementation of the scheme. Ms Fisher said the students were very excited about the trip and the furthest west any of them had visited was Emerald. Its really important to us to take the kids somewhere they might

People in Shamrock Street last Thursday may have been lucky enough to receive a small gift from the Blackall CWA when they handed out free packages of biscuits, slices and fudge as random acts of kindness to mark QCWA day. CWA members cooked and donated slices and biscuits for the event, which were then handed out in downtown Blackall on Thursday morning on August 11. The group had been asked by the Queensland CWA to do something to mark the day, and they chose to distribute baked goods as random acts of kindness, handing out over 50 small packages to locals and tourists. CWA member Alison Mobbs said the people they approached were surprised and pleased by the gesture. The first person that we gave one too said it was just what they needed to brighten their Abigail Parry, Trethella Smith, Rebecca Parry and Alison Mobbs handed out random acts of kindness for QCWA Day. day, Alison said.

Blackall singers to attend national workshop


A group of six Blackall choir members will travel to Sydney to attend this years Sing Australia National Gathering later this month. Alison Mobbs, Marie Messer, Lyn Schluter, Grace Pocknee, Glenda Tierney and Melit Furneaux will attend the annual gathering, being held on August 31.

not visit again in their lifetime, Ms Fisher said. After they come back theyre just mindblown and have a million stories. Principal Wayne McMurtrie said the scheme allowed more parents to afford to send their children on camp as well as encouraging trips to rural areas. It enables more kids to be able to actually go on the camp, and gives them a chance to head out west, where they havent been, Mr McMurtrie said. Our camps used to be Brisbane based but theyve been heading out west for the last couple of years.

The gathering will give the to expand their repertoire, the singers the chance to participate workshop would give them the in professional development experience of singing in a large workshops and network with Sing choir. Australia choir members from Singing as part of a large group across Australia, as well as time to is a fantastic experience, Alison partake in some leisure activities said. including a dinner cruise. We dont get to hear it very Alison Mobbs said in addition to helping the Blackall choir much out here. The Barcoo Independent, Friday, August 19 2011 - Page 5

The Blackall Fire Brigade has been conducting backburning on Monday evenings in the wake of the recent spate of grassfires around the Blackall district. A higher level of ground fuel this year has resulted in an increased fire risk with the start of warmer weather. Photo courtesy Robyn Adams.

Do you know of something you think

Florifoto Photographic Competition


Florifoto Categories
Categories 1-4 awarded for the best depiction. 1. What a gorgeous flower! Best depiction of a single bloom or group of blooms. Prize $25 voucher. 2. What a great produce garden! Best depiction of a vegetable, fruit or herb garden. Prize $25 voucher. 3. What a beautiful garden! Best depiction of a garden. Prize $25 voucher. 4. What a lovely native flora! Best depiction of Australian natives- foliage or flowering. Prize $25 voucher. Categories 5-6 prizes awarded for photographic excellence and are selected from the above categories. 5. The junior grand florifoto. The best photograph entered by a student (up to Grade 12) Prize $40. 6. The grand florifoto. The best photograph from all entries in the competition. Prize $70.
Entries close 5pm Wednesday 31 August 2011 at: Blackall- Blackall Vistitor Information Centre Barcaldine- Smith Bros Hardware Longreach- Desert Channels Group Office, 92 Galah Street Tambo- Fanny Maes

The Barcoo Independent should cover? Contact Victoria Nugent. (07) 4657 6966 barcooindependent@gmail.com

NO ENTRY FEE

Blackall-Tambo Education Group AGM Saturday, September 3 10 am, Blackall Club


Come along and hear how we are supporting our young people to achieve their goals after completing formal schooling and find out how you can help them too.

Held in conjunction with the Anglican Flower Show 3rd Sepember 2011 For enquiries, please call 46574574
Page 6 - The Barcoo Independent, Friday, August 19 2011

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THE BARCOO INDEPENDENT


OUTWEST Soil Tests. Prompt and

Grandfathers remember at art party


The community is gearing up for Grandfathers Remember, a celebration of our history and culture through public performance which will form part of the culminating event of the Blackall Public Art Symposium. Visitors from across Australia will be entertained by a group of grandfathers sitting around the campfire remembering yarns from the good old days. Each grandfather will share memories from the early settlers of the region to experiencing drought breaking rain with members of the community singing, dancing, acting with costumed animal puppets, playing instruments and riding horses, bikes or a sulky to give an aural and visual interpretation of the memory. Coordinator of the Community Art Party performance, Alison Mobbs is looking forward to the

Blackall Campdraft Association AGM Blackall Campdraft Association Inc Annual General Meeting will be held on Monday 19th September 6.30pm at the Blackall Memorial and Sports Club. Those interested in attending are welcome. Queries phone 07 46 576 031

Tender noTice
ST. JOSEPHS SCHOOL, BLACKALL EXTENSION TO ADMINISTRATION Building Contractors wishing to tender for the above project are required to register their interest. The works involve refurbishment and extensions to the existing Administration building. The selection of Tenderers will be at the sole discretion of the proprietor - The Roman Catholic Trust Corporation for the Diocese of Rockhampton. Forward registration to the office of the Architects before 4pm Friday, 26th August, 2011. Architects: TONY MADDEN ARCHITECTS & INTERIORS PTY. LTD. FAX NO: 07 49278815 E-MAIL: info@tmarchitects.com.au

reaction of symposium attendees to the performance. It is great to engage city visitors with the culture of our community through performance, Alison said. It allows them to better appreciate and understand our way of life and the history of the area. The song written by the community with Paul Costa for the Heartland Festival, Lighting Up the West will also feature as part of the performance. Everyone from the community is invited to the Community Arts Party with food available for purchase as well as interactive opportunities with art throughout the evening. Due to lighting considerations the performance will start promptly at 6pm.

affordable and effective advertising. There are a range of sizes available as well as classifieds, insert options and scheduled colour advertising. Next colour edition on September 9. Advertising packages are also available. Contact Victoria Nugent on 46 576 966 or by email at barcooindependent@gmail.com to discuss advertising options for your business.
Do you have results or information to contribute to the sports section? Contact Victoria Nugent. (07) 4657 6966 barcooindependent@gmail.com

Interested in advertising in the Barcoo Independent? We offer

Bob Harvey and Bob Wilson discussing their roles as Grandfathers for the Community Performance at the Public Art Symposium.

The Barcoo Independent, Friday, August 19 2011 - Page 11

Barcoo Plumbing is looking to appoint an enthusiastic and motivated individual for a plumbing apprenticeship. The term of the apprenticeship is for a period of four years during which the apprentice will acquire on-the-job experience and TAFE training.
Your local taxation specialist will be attending their Blackall Office in Woods Arcade on Monday 22 & Tuesday 23 August 2011.
For all your Accountancy & Taxation needs contact Prue Button on 07 4657 4144 or email admin@rbca.com.au

Candidates must have completed Year 10 with satisfactory passes in Maths and English. For any enquiries call Ian Hardie on 0427445555 or email barcooplumbing@bigpond.com

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DONT FORGET FATHERS DAY SUNDAY 4TH SEPT CALL IN A CHECK OUT OUR HUGE RANGE OF STOCK FOR DAD ENGEL HAS A PROMO ON RECEIVE $300 WORTH OF PRODUCTS FREE WHEN YOU PURCHASE ANY PLATINUM SERIES FRIDGE SEE IN STORE FOR DETAILS
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Page 10 - The Barcoo Independent, Friday, August 19, 2011

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Delivering Results

TENDER FOR THE SUPPLY OF SUB-CONTRACTOR PLANT AND EQUIPMENT SERVICES


SUPPLY OF SUB-CONTRACTORS PLANT AND EQUIPMENT SERVICES FOR FLOOD DAMAGE REPAIR WORKS & PANEL OF PREQUALIFIED CONTRACTORS FOR THE SUPPLY OF CONTRACT WET AND DRY HIRE PLANT ARRANGEMENTS BTRCW02 2011/2012
Tenders are invited for the supply of sub-contractor heavy plant and equipment services and panel of prequalified contractors for the supply of contract wet and dry hire plant arrangements to deliver flood damage repair works within the Blackall-Tambo Regional Council boundaries between September 2011 and June 2013. This arrangement will complement the Blackall-Tambo Regional Council workforce and heavy plant fleet. The work items of plant include but are not limited to; Scrapers Dozers Excavators Loaders Graders Compaction Equipment Transport combinations suitable for haulage operations from 40km -200km/ round The successful tenderers will form a panel of prequalified contractors for the supply of contract wet and dry hire plant on an as required basis. The duration of the panel arrangement shall be from September 2011 to the 30 June 2013. Tender documents can be obtained by contacting, Mrs Donna Richardson, Commercial Services Officer on (07) 46216600. For further information on anticipated works and requirements of this arrangement please contact Mr Les Edmistone, Manager of Works on (07) 46216600 Suitably endorsed expressions of interest addressed to the Chief Executive Officer and clearly labelled Supply of Sub-Contractors No BTRCW02 2011/2012 and must be received by 12.00pm Monday 5 September 2011 at PO Box 21, Blackall Q 4472. The lowest or any tender may not necessarily be accepted. Selection onto the panel arrangement will not guarantee that the tendered items will be hired.

PO Box 21 BLACKALL Q 4472 Fax (07) 4657 8855

KL Timms Chief Executive Officer Phone: (07) 4621 6600


The Barcoo Independent, Friday, August 19, 2011 - Page 7

Roo works get boost with Korean workers

The Game Meat Processing kangaroo processing plant has had an increase in workers with the arrival of seven Korean workers last week. The group has been contracted to work at the plant for six months through a Brisbane company, with another group of workers set to arrive after they leave. One of the workers, Eddy said that life in Blackall was a major adjustment as all the workers were originally from the city but he thought the lack of traffic jams was a positive aspect of small town life. In Korea, 80 percent of people live in the same city so its very different, he said. The workers previously worked at a beef processing plant in Adelaide for sixteen months and are new to the kangaroo industry. Game Meat Processing plant manager Allan Brady said the workers were acquiring skills quickly and doubled their numbers within five days. Every day theyre getting much better at Korean workers Evan, Eddy, Sun, Reed, Judy, Eva and Peter (absent) are enjoying their jobs at Game Meat Processing. what theyre doing, Allan said.

Live export ban reaches into rural education debate


A floor motion calling for the Isolated Childrens Parents Association to lobby for emergency assistance so families in northern Australia affected by the live export ban can continue to educate their children was supported by delegates at the 40th annual conference held in Darwin last week. Delegates from across the Top End provided conference attendees with firsthand stories of families taking their children out of school or leaving their properties because of financial hardship. This is not just affecting the Northern Territory, its across the nation, shops are losing business everywhere, said Queensland councillor and Mt Isa branch representative Wendy Hick. People are bringing their kids home or leaving the land. Tina MacFarlane from Katherine branch said that schools were unable to support the avalanche of requests for fee leniency. They just cant do this for everyone, she said. But we just have no income and wont get an opportunity again until next March or April. The motion asked for emergency financial assistance for families that are eligible for the Centrelinkadministered Live Export Assistance Package. The package consisted of a $5000 upfront payment plus an additional $20 000 for operating expenses once receipts are sighted, and it is not restricted to primary producers. An earlier motion by the Northern Territory state council asking for the federal government to maintain or reinstate Assistance for Isolated Children additional boarding allowances supplements and distance education supplements to assist families wasnt supported on the conference floor. Page 8 - The Barcoo Independent, Friday, August 19 2011 This assistance was a measure put in place to assist rural Australia with ongoing drought conditions, and concluded this year. A number of delegates opposing the motion spoke about the roller coaster of primary production caused by droughts, floods, cyclones and government decisions such as importing apples and that effect on the Tasmanian economy. In asking for conference support for the later motion, a speaker from Katherine urged delegates not to attack their own. We have to send a message to the government that their actions are having unforeseen consequences to peoples lives, she said.

--Sally Cripps

Former federal ICPA councillor and Pedals editor and a 40 year ICPA member, Jan Gall shared memories of conferences past with her daughters Janine Hawkes, Yaraka-Isisford and Sally Cripps, Blackall when they attended the 40th anniversary ICPA conference in Darwin last week.

Blackall brushes up computer skills

A group of around ten people turned up to 60s and Better on Monday for an introductory computer workshop which is part of a program being run to help Blackall residents develop more confidence using computers. The session was run by Alison Mobbs and offered a basic introduction to using computers, with Google Earth used as one example of Internet uses. Alison said the computer courses would cover a vast range of topics for people of all skills levels. Anyone from the community can come down to the sessions to develop their skills right from the basics of how to use a mouse, left clicking and right clicking, to writing and sending e-mails and using Facebook, Alison said. After the introductory session, separate sessions will be run for different groups wanting to learn different skills with times and locations yet to be decided. The program is being sponsored by the Blackall Tambo Regional Council and the Queensland Department of Beris Harrison, Marie Messer, Sheryl Browning and Joyce Carter attended the computer workshop. Communities.

Alison Mobbs was leading the computer workshop at 60s and Ken Dent and Bob Sutton were having a chat before Better on Monday morning. the start of the computer workshop.

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The Barcoo Independent, Friday, August 19 2011 - Page 9

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