by Cr Bob Millar
CHRISTMAS IS ALMOST UPON US
By the time this edition of the Grapevine is on the streets, we will be within a few weeks of yet another Christmas and I'm sure like me, you all wonder where the past 12 months have gone.

 There is also no doubt that they seem to come around much faster every year.  It has been another year of considerable achievement much of which I have been able to report to you through my regular columns and my Millars Mailbag newsletter.  I look forward to working with you all in 2012 to make our substantial part of the huge Moreton Bay Regional Council an even better place to live.  As this is the last edition of the Grapevine before Christmas, I would like to take the opportunity to wish you and your families a holy, enjoyable and safe festive season and a hope that the New Year is kind to you all.  Despite this busy time of the year, I may see some of you at Swaggies, which I am pleased to continue supporting to help offset the production costs.  Access to Council services continues to be available over the holiday period on 3205 0555 (This number also contacts the Council's Out of Hours Service for emergency matters).
WHO OWNS WHAT ROADS?
Dayboro Road and Mt Mee Road are roads that come under the responsibility of Department of Main Roads (TMR). Other roads and streets around Dayboro district are the responsibility of council.  Information regarding the current damage on Mt Mee Road is available at TMR’s website: www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Projects/Name/M/Mount-Mee-Road-Flood-Damage-Repairs.aspx
MORE FOOTPATHS FOR DAYBORO
Over the last several years I have been able to facilitate the addition of a number of new footpaths around Dayboro village as well as in a number of other communities around my 600 sq km Division.  The latest two projects recently commenced in Dayboro are a 400 metres missing link between No 85 and No 131 McKenzie Street and a footpath along Cruice Street and into Delaney Road to improve pedestrian access to the Dayboro State School.
SADDLEBACK DRIVE TO DAYBORO ROAD PEDESTRIAN REFUGE
Along with a team of expert traffic engineers I met onsite with representatives of the Department of Transport and Main Road (TMR) in one last ditch effort to bring some commonsense to this long outstanding project of a pedestrian refuge on Dayboro Rd east of Terrors Creek.  Council has, over the last few months, prepared a compelling argument as to why approval should be gained for this project, funds for which I have again provided in the current year's budget.  We were given a fair hearing by the TMR officers and hopefully they will be able to seek the appropriate approvals to break this deadlock and enable the project to proceed in the most appropriate location.
STORM SEASON - Are you prepared?
This season we have already had a taste of some storms which may be a prelude of what summer may bring.  Disasters and emergencies can strike anytime and in many forms.  Help minimise the impact of a disaster by undertaking four key steps:
Know the risks;
Be prepared;
Stay Alert;
Take Action.
Council’s website contains information, with links to other relevant emergency agencies, to assist residents in preparing for any storm or fire event:  www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au
MORETON ALERT
Council is leading local authorities with the introduction of a new alerting system for people affected by potential flooding or who are impacted by releases from major dams such as the North Pine.  The system is called "Moreton Alert" and alerts residents about flash flooding incidents.  The new system will complement existing warning mechanisms issued by the Bureau of Meteorology and other alerts distributed by State Government emergency service agencies.  To register for this new system please contact Councils Customer Service Centre on 3205 0555 or visit us in the web at www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/moretonalert
UPGRADE TO WILLIAMS STREET CULVERT
Council has for some time been undertaking flood studies around Dayboro and investigating ways to help reduce the flooding in the main street of Dayboro.  Part of this solution involves the widening of Sugarmill Creek and replacement of the existing bridge which is also reaching the end of its functional life, having been in place for over 70 years.  As a component of the design of the replacement structure, I have requested that to maintain character and help with traffic management, the width of Williams Street at this location not be increased and that the new structure should retain, as far as possible, some visual character and amenity.  The final design varies a little from the picture in the latest Moreton Living in that there will be no bollards and chains on the inside of the footpath on each side and the four posts supporting the bridge railing will extend down the face of the culvert sections into the stream bed to better improve its aesthetics.  The camphor laurel tree close to the southern side of the bridge will also need to be removed to facilitate the works and reduce damage to the adjoining building.  Works on the relocation of water, electricity and telecommunications services is expected to commence early next year and, for those interested, I have left a copy of the plans at Dayboro Cottage for viewing.  Please give me a call if you would like to discuss any aspects of this project.
DID YOU KNOW?  That Council is currently working on establishing a formal signed Heritage Trail around Dayboro Village.  This project is taking place in collaboration with a local working group comprising representatives of the Dayboro Historical Society, and other experienced long time locals.  This project follows a similar one I facilitated in Samford in 2009.

For all your general council enquiries call 3205 0555 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
If I can assist further please contact me.
Councillor Bob Millar
Independent – Division 11.