SHADE SAILS FOR RODERICK CRUICE PARK
Some time ago I received requests from the Progress Association and other users of Roderick Cruice Park for some form of shelter over the stage area to provide protection from weather conditions that may be experienced from time to time.  Given the regular use of the park for community events and by the general public I was able to provide funding in the 2010/11 budget to install an impervious shade sail over the stage.  Unfortunately construction will not quite make it for Dayboro Day.
CHEM CLEAR
Agricultural, livestock, industrial and recreational pest and weed control chemical users across our region will receive an excellent opportunity to dispose of their unwanted, inherited or unknown chemicals in June/July this year.  The issue of unwanted or obsolete chemicals sitting in sheds cannot be downplayed.  ChemClear, in association with Council, is organising collection and safe disposal of agricultural and veterinary chemicals and are hoping to eclipse the 22,000 litres of chemical collected throughout the state last time around.   If you fall into one of the above user groups and have old chemicals to dispose of, you will need to register for this collection - so give ChemClear a call on 1800 008 182 or log on to www.chemclear.com.au for more information.
DAYBORO AND SAMFORD CEMETERIES
Over recent years Council has been undertaking a strategic approach to upgrading many of its cemeteries across the Region.  For many of our residents, regular visits to our cemeteries is an important part of their lives, and it has been recognized that some of our cemeteries had been in need of refurbishment.  Significant redevelopment has taken place at Samford and Samsonvale cemeteries and planning is currently underway to make improvements to the Dayboro cemetery and further enhancements at Samford.
COUNTRY SHOWTIME 2011
The country Show has, for many years, been a part of the character of most rural communities and provides new and old residents alike the opportunity to savour a unique experience in the history of rural and semi-rural living. With Dayboro and Samford hosting their 2011 shows on the 8/9/10 and 16/17 July respectively, residents of our region and further afield are fortunate to have these two unique events so close at hand.  In recognition of the importance of the annual Shows to the Region, Council is again providing $5,000.00 to assist each of these Show Societies in staging their events in addition to other in kind and financial assistance.  I have also again arranged for a Council display/information stand to be provided and I look forward to many of you dropping by for a chat over these two weekends.
NEW PROPERTY VALUATIONS
All property owners will be in the process of receiving their 2011 land valuation notices from the Queensland Department of Environment and Resource Management.  Valuations reflect recent (i.e. up to October 2010) market sales and therefore the trend in property values in each locality.  The average increase in residential property valuations across the Moreton Bay Region was approximately 7% but there were considerable variations across the region from decreases of 4 percent to increases of 20 percent.  This is significantly different from the minus 20% to plus 112% recorded last year.  Council has been provided with information that reflects the following average valuation increases of all properties in each of the following selection of districts in Division 11 (rounded to the full %) and may be of interest to readers.  Narangba 16%, Armstrong Creek 0%, Camp Mountain 5%, Cashmere 10%, Cedar Creek 10%, Clear Mountain 0%, Closeburn 14%, Dayboro 4%, Draper 20%,  Highvale 28%,  Jollys Lookout 0%, Mt Glorious 0%, Mt Nebo 0% , Mt Samson 0%, Samford Valley 26%, Samford Village minus-10%, Ocean View 0%, Wights Mountain 5%, Yugar 15%,  Kurwongbah 11%.  Many of the localities recording low increases appeared to have experienced quite large increases in the previous year.  It should be remembered that valuation increases do not mean that rates will increase by a similar amount but the wide variation in valuations will obviously affect property owners across the region quite differently as Council is required to apply the same rate in the dollar to all properties in the same classification (ie residential, commercial etc).  In 2010 Council met its obligation under the amalgamation legislation to equalize its rating policies across the region and is now well advanced in planning the 2011/12 budget.  The huge financial burden brought about by the January floods and the extreme uncertainties faced following the Premiers recent announcement regarding an “offer” to pass the responsibility for water distribution and retailing back to Councils has only made the challenge of balancing the community’s growing needs for services and facilities with the increasingly difficult task of keeping rate increases to as little as possible even more difficult.  More information on the valuations can be found at www.derm.qld.gov.au .
ROAD MAINTENANCE WORKS CONTINUE AT FULL PACE
The impact of the January floods and preceding summer rains on Council’s road network will be felt for some years yet, however, Council crews and external contractors continue to actively respond to the many potholes and other road failures around our vast network.  Some roads in the semi rural area of our region remain closed due to the serious damage and Council staff are continuing to be challenged by the ever emerging potholes.  Many of the repairs can only be undertaken as a temporary measure and some sections of road require more substantial reconstruction in the months/years ahead.  With such a vast road network across the region’s 2,037 sq km Council staff rely heavily on, and appreciate, residents advising the location of potholes that they come across.  This information can be passed on to Council either by phoning 3205 0555 or emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it with a description and location of the damage.
MUSIC IN THE PARK RETURNS TO JOHN SCOTT PARK, SAMFORD
If you love picnics in the park and FREE musical entertainment put 19th June in your diary as I have arranged a return of the previous popular Music in the Park.  We will be entertained by a great swing band to play from 1pm – 3pm.  The band is the Mango Jam Big Band and entertains with big band tunes of years gone by plus a mix of modern hits.  Bring a chair or blanket, a coffee or drink and enjoy an afternoon in the Park.  This concert will also help support local participants in the Rio Tinto Ride to Conquer Cancer which takes place on 20/21 August.
SHAFT – Super Holiday Activities for Teenagers
SHAFT is a program introduced by Moreton Bay Regional Council for students who reside in or attend high school in the Moreton Bay region.  The exciting range of activities is subsidised by Council making them more affordable and accessible for students.  Round 1 opened on 25th May, however Round 2 opens on the 15th June.  Booking request for round 2 can only be made online at www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/schoolholidayfun .  Please check the updated online program to see what activities are available.
DID YOU KNOW?
That you can follow me on twitter: @Crbobmillar and voters in Division 11 can connect with me on Facebook. Social media adds another avenue to engage with residents on a more spontaneous and two-way manner than available through some of the other forms of communication.

Councillor Bob Millar
Independent – Division 11