Isaac Region

Are you thinking about buying a 3D printer? Maybe you have one and would like to get more out of it?

All digital tinkers, creators, artists and curious individuals in the Isaac region are invited to join the free 3D Printing Workshop events held across the Isaac region, kicking off in Carmila on Saturday, 22 August 2020.

Participants will have the opportunity to learn 3D printer's design and setup, the materials used, and troubleshooting common printing dilemmas.

Local artisan and entrepreneur Royce Bailey of 3DprintCQ.com will demonstrate a variety of theoretical and hands-on skills for participants aged over 13 years.

Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker said the innovative workshops will offer those with a keen interest in the world of 3D printing an opportunity to enhance and learn some new skills.

“Council is proud to be able to offer these workshops across all locations of our region and to have local Royce Bailey share his knowledge and expertise on the topic is extremely exciting,” Mayor Baker said.

“These free workshops are part of building vibrant, resilient and diverse communities across the region and this is our Arts and Cultural Action Plan in full swing.”

This program is funded by Isaac's Regional Arts Development Fund. The Regional Arts Development Fund is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Isaac Regional Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.

Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch said the Palaszczuk Government was proud to continue its RADF partnership with local governments with an investment of $2.08 million, through Arts Queensland, for the 2019-20 fund.

"This investment will support the delivery of hundreds of arts experiences and professional development opportunities across the state," Ms Enoch said.

"Projects funded through RADF provide pathways for learning, contribute to the creation of jobs, foster creativity and boost cultural tourism."

The Isaac 3D Printing Workshops will run on Saturday or Sunday from 22 August – 17 October 2020 at Council halls and centres in Carmila, Dysart, Clermont, Middlemount, Glenden, Nebo and Moranbah. Each class will run between 9.30am to 2.30pm. Participants must bring their own laptop, mouse with scroll wheel and bottled water; and download the Cura program before attending the workshop.

Bookings are essential with limited spots available in order for the workshops to operate in accordance with the Queensland Government’s COVID Safe Event checklist. To register, visit https://speakup.isaac.qld.gov.au , your local library or Council’s Official Facebook Page.

For more details on Council’s upcoming events visit www.isaac.qld.gov.au/library-arts-culture or call Council’s 24/7 Customer Service Centre 1300 ISAACS (1300 472 227).

IMAGE 1: Isaac Regional Council employee Katie Dowd invites locals to free 3D printing workshops across the region.

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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT

Isaac Regional Council Brand, Media and Communications Team on: 4846 3589

The Isaac Regional Council is supporting small and medium businesses by reducing development application fees for 12 months.

This decision – supported unanimously at today’s Isaac Regional Council meeting – is forecast to save the local business community up to $40,000 in total over the coming financial year, based on recent development trends.

“Council wants to support businesses looking to expand and invest during the difficult economic times associated with the COVID-19 pandemic,” Isaac Mayor Anne Baker said after the meeting.

“This fee relief is targeted towards opportunities for new and expanding land uses that have potential job creation and economic diversification benefits.”

Mayor Baker said Council has endorsed a 75 per cent reduction in material change of use development application fees till 30 June 2021 for existing Isaac-based small and medium enterprises (SMEs) seeking to expand or launch new commercial or industrial uses in the Isaac Region.

The same fees would be reduced by 50 per cent for SMEs moving to the Isaac Region.

Also, there would be a temporary waiver of the regulated fee for SMEs and all residential development proposals seeking an extension to the currency period of their existing material change of use, reconfiguring a lot and operational works approvals.

However, these temporary fee reductions and waivers expressly exclude non-resident workers accommodation and extractive industries.

“Small and medium businesses make up 99 per cent of all registered businesses in the Isaac Regio,” Mayor Baker said.

“We all know that business confidence and investment across Australia has slowed due to the broader economic downturn associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Council has received a number of development inquiries from current or prospective SMEs about expanding or establishing operations in the Isaac Region.

“We hope that cutting their costs in this way will encourage businesses to make new investments and further boost jobs and economic activity in the Region.”

Note: Small and medium enterprises are defined as those firms employing fewer than 200 people and with an annual turnover of less than $10 million.

Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker has welcomed funding support for mental health in the Bowen Basin from Mitsubishi Development.

Mitsubishi Development has announced it is funding a $500,000 pilot program to improve mental health services for individuals in the Bowen Basin, particularly relating to the impact of COVID-19.

“This is huge for our region, which takes in so many of the coal-mining operations of the Bowen Basin,” Mayor Baker said.

“Our communities are renowned for their resilience but there are times when we all need help, and at a time of uncertainty like this – with COVID-19 impacting so many aspects of our working and personal lives – mental health is vitally important.

“As Mitsubishi Development’s Chief Executive Officer, Sadahiko Haneji has said, while the resources sector has kept many Australians employed during the COVID-19 pandemic, there are many more in the community suffering job losses in sectors that will not recover quickly.”

Mayor Baker said the Isaac Region community needs to continue to work together to bring mental health out of the shadows.

“As I have said before, even in normal times it is estimated that 45 per cent of Australians will experience some kind of mental health condition in their lifetime.

“It’s vital that we all understand the mental health issues are common and that we all share the message mental health issues are treatable.

“The ground-breaking program being supported by Mitsubishi Development is being run out of Wesley Medical Research’s COVID-19 Rapid Response Research Centre, which aims to deliver immediate improvements to the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and management of COVID-19.

“The research pilot program for mental health will enable the identification of any gaps in terms of service and delivery, which has been really wanted in this region for some time.

“This presents a huge opportunity for the threading of all of the previous work over many years. In short, it will identify the gaps and build a sustainable service specifically tailored to the Bowen Basin

“I acknowledge and thank Mitsubishi Development for their funding support of mental health services, so important in the Bowen Basin and the Isaac Region in particular.”

The Clermont Historical Centre’s new exhibition Reflections of Resilience is re-opening with restrictions from Wednesday, 17 June 2020 in accordance with Queensland Government's directive for the staged resumption of services.

Mayor Baker said she was excited to see the Clermont Historical Centre open again, with visitors able to explore the Reflections of Resilience exhibition, which chronicles the colourful past of medical services and hospitals in Clermont and surrounds.

“The story of the Peak Downs Hospital was fascinating, outlining how the hospital ran and survived.” Mayor Baker said.

Peak Downs Hospital Facing Hoods Lagoon on Lime Street, the original site for the Peak Downs Hospital, is chosen in 1864 by the first hospital committee, elected ‘from amongst the most respected of citizenry’ of the Clermont community.

While the site looks substantially different 156 years later, the birth of the Peak Downs Hospital was a turning point for the health and growth of Clermont.

“The hospital was governed by a committee of community members, and was reliant on subscriptions and donations to operate.

“And the story of the first doctor at Peak Downs Hospital, Dr Spiridion Candiottis, is one of intrigue, with the Doctor’s time in Clermont described as ‘turbulent and unpredictable’.”

Mayor Baker said the exhibition had something for everyone.

“As you enter the exhibition you walk underneath a replica of the iconic triangle façade of the Peak Downs Hospital, immediately stepping you back in time,” she said.

“The exhibition Reflections of Resilience will immerse visitors to a time when doctors, nurses and midwives were the epitome of importance, and when hospitals were kept alive by sheer determination of the community that needed them.

“This is a very timely reminder as we reflect on the modern-day heroes in the medical profession during the current pandemic.”

The exhibition and runs until December 2020, aligning with the World Health Organisation (WHO) International Year of the Nurse and Midwife, in honour of the 200th birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale.

The Clermont Historical Centre is located on the Gregory Highway and is open Wednesdays to Saturdays from 9am to 3pm.

Admission prices are $6 for adults, $4 for pensioners, $3 children under 12 years and $15 per family with two or more children.

For more details visit www.isaac.qld.gov.au or call 1300 ISAACS (1300 47 22 27).

A draft local government infrastructure blueprint that will help energise the region’s future development is now open for consultation for Isaac residents, businesses and commercial industries.

Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker said the draft Isaac Local Government Infrastructure Plan’s purpose is to identify critical trunk infrastructure across the transport, water supply, parks and sewerage networks.

“Its aim is to improve the way infrastructure planning is coordinated and delivered in a timely manner across the region to our communities,” Mayor Baker said.

“This plan is focussed on high level infrastructure that is essential to service future development in the urban and rural sectors. It is about long-term planning and optimising Council’s resources over the next 10 to 15 years. The infrastructure plan is region-wide covering Moranbah, Clermont, Middlemount, Glenden, Nebo, St Lawrence, Dysart and rural and coastal areas.

“Your feedback is critical, and it will help us plan for a sustainable future. The draft plan includes maps that identifies future trunk infrastructure across the Isaac region. This will enable Council to condition and charge for infrastructure contributions for new development that shall underpin our economic growth. This draft plan is a key method through which Council will progressively roll out infrastructure in a coordinated, efficient and sustainable way.”

The draft Local Government infrastructure Plan is set to replace the current Local Government Infrastructure Plans contained in the Belyando, Broadsound and Nebo Planning Schemes. This would also include the current Moranbah Urban Development Area Development Scheme 2011. To review the draft Local Government Infrastructure Plan visit https://www.isaac.qld.gov.au/planning-and-building/planning-schemes. Submissions to the draft Local Government infrastructure Plan in relation can be lodged:

• ONLINE: Make a submission through speakup.isaac.qld.gov.au and click on LGIP consultation
• VIA EMAIL: records@isaac.qld.gov.au with Planning Scheme LGIP Submission in the subject line
• BY POST: Isaac Regional Council, PO Box 97 Moranbah, QLD 4744, addressed to Planning Scheme LGIP Submission
• IN PERSON: Delivered to any Isaac Regional Council library at Clermont, Dysart, Glenden, Middlemount, Moranbah, Nebo, Carmila or St Lawrence.

Council’s draft Local Government Infrastructure Plan consultation is open between Monday, 8 June 2020 to Tuesday, 4 August 2020. Call Council’s Customer Service Centre available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 1300 ISAACS (1300 472 227) for more assistance.

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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Isaac Regional Council Brand, Media and Communications 4846 3333

Isaac Regional Council has now distributed more than $290,000 to 39 businesses, as 12 more Community Chest grants were approved this week as part of Council’s Road to COVID-19 Recovery Stimulus Packages.

Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker said most applicants have been successful in accessing funding.

“Out of 47 applications considered, 39 have been approved, and a further 18 are currently being assessed,” Mayor Baker said.

The successful applicants are widespread across the region and include tourism, food and beverage, accommodation and leisure groups as well as cultural and service providers.

Mayor Baker said Isaac Regional Council will continue to provide financial support for local businesses who genuinely need it until the program’s budget has been fully allocated.

‘Our top priority is assessing applications as they come through the door and distributing funds as quickly as possible.”

Mayor Baker said there are a range of reasons small businesses may need to seek out support.

“You might be adapting to a new way of doing business, preparing for COVID-safe trading, or you may need extra cash flow to tide you through the weeks ahead.”

“It could be that you need to diversify, respond to online opportunities, or upskill staff.”

“Whatever your story, our goal is to help your business withstand and recover from the economic impacts of coronavirus.”

“I encourage small to medium business owners anywhere in the Isaac region to find out if they’re eligible for this one-off grant.”

To find out if your small to medium business, not-for-profit, recreation, sporting or cultural group is eligible head to speakup.isaac.qld.gov.au to apply online or to download a form, or call 1300 ISAACS (1300 47 22 27).

The Isaac Community Chest Fund is proudly supported by its initiating contributors BHP, Anglo American, Aquila Resources/South32 and Civeo to help Isaac Regional Council deliver the local economic response to the Coronavirus.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Isaac Regional Council PR & Media Officer 4846 3550

11th June 2020

Isaac Regional Council is encouraging businesses to join Local Buy as a pre-qualified supplier as the Local Buy forum undertakes a major review and refresh of current supplier arrangements.

Mayor Anne Baker said now is the opportunity for local businesses from a range of industries to register their interest to become a preferred supplier under the Local Buy arrangement.

“Businesses are eager to bid for local government works, and we welcome Local Buy’s timely review of our existing suppliers and the potential to integrate new businesses into the panel,” Mayor Baker said.

Mayor Baker said Isaac Regional Council uses independent procurement partner Local Buy to deliver millions of dollars’ worth of work each year across the region.

“Becoming a pre-qualified supplier under the Local Buy panel arrangement puts local businesses in the running for more projects, saves time and money, and offers a shorter procurement process.”

“We know local government legislation can be complex, and Local Buy takes the guesswork out for many businesses by providing a streamlined tender process.”

Panel arrangement contracts currently under review and closing soon include:

Tranche 1 closes on Tuesday 16 June 2020 and includes:

• BUS262: Engineering & Environmental Consultancy Services
• BUS270: Road, Water, Sewerage & Civil Works
• BUS274: ICT Solutions & Services
• BUS267: Open Spaces, Parks, Play, Sport & Recreation
• BUS265: Planning, Surveying, Design & Architectural Services

Tranche 2 closes on Tuesday 23 June 2020 and includes:

• NPN 2.18: Smart Cities Connected Communities
• BUS271: Corporate Clothing, Workwear & PPE
• BUS276: Tyres, Tubes & Associated Services
• BUS261: Legal Services
• BUS259 (B): Recruitment Services – Permanent Staff

Tranche 3 closes on Tuesday 7 July 2020 and includes:

• BUS258: Office & Stationery:
• NPN 1.18: Telecommunication Services
• BUS277: Chemical Supply
• BUS260: Advertising & Media Services
• BUS233: Motor Vehicles

Tranche 4 closes on Tuesday 21 July 2020 and includes:

• BUS268: Spare Parts & Associated Services
• BUS263: Call Centres & Customer Administration Services
• BUS272: Business, Finance & Organisational Management Services
• BUS278: Human Resources & Employee Relations.
• BUS279: Project Management Services (Civil Infrastructure)

To register your business to become a pre-qualified supplier visit Local Buy at www.localbuy.net.au or call (07) 3000 2115 or email enquiry@localbuy.net.au and submit your application before the closing date.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Isaac Regional Council PR & Media Officer 4846 3550

11th June 2020

Fe, Wi-Fi, Fo, Fum! You can now swap your books for bandwidth by tapping into free Wi-Fi across Isaac’s eight libraries!

Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker said residents and visitors can now download up to 500MB a day on smartphones, tablets, laptops and other wireless devices.

“It’s great to see our communities back in our libraries and now residents can discover so much more than just books,” Mayor Baker said.

“Whether you’re a student, small business owner, traveller or resident, you can now log-on to study, email, browse and read.”

“Accessing Wi-Fi is essential to the way we live, and this is just another way we’re making our regional communities more connected, more modern, and better places to work and play.”

Mayor Baker said you don’t need to be a library member to use the new Wi-Fi service.

“Anyone can use the Wi-Fi, but joining the library is free and gives members access to a wide range of online resources, books, movies, music and more,” Mayor Baker said.

Visitors can access the Wi-Fi between 7am and 7pm, Monday to Friday by simply searching for the network “IRC Libraries” in the Wi-Fi settings.

So what are you waiting for? WinterNET is not just coming, it’s here! Pop down to your local library, escape down the rabbit hole with Alice’s Adventures in Wonder-lan, and be gone with the Wi-Fi!

Isaac Regional Council has libraries in Carmila, Clermont, Dysart, Glenden, Middlemount, Moranbah, Nebo and St Lawrence.

For more information call Council’s Customer Service Centre staff on 1300 ISAACS, that’s 1300 47 22 27.

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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Isaac Regional Council Brand, Media and Communications 4846 3333

2nd June 2020

A number of key changes in response to community feedback has gone back out to community consultation, as Isaac Regional Council looks to finalise its proposed planning scheme.

The proposed Isaac Region Planning Scheme is open to further consultation after being reviewed to incorporate the outcomes of five rounds of community engagement on coastal hazard impacts, and completion of a detailed coastal hazard study in October 2019.

Further changes have been made to the planning scheme to incorporate other matters raised during the July-September 2018 public consultation process relating to zoning in Moranbah, and policy changes regarding density in residential zones.

Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker said the proposed scheme sets out the vision for how Isaac’s 17 unique communities and rural areas should grow over the next 20 years and is Council's key document for determining development applications.

“Framing the Isaac’s key plan for the region’s future development continues to be the priority to meet community needs and expectations,” Mayor Baker said.

“As a result of amalgamation in March 2008 we are presently operating under three Planning Schemes, representative of the three former Shire Council areas.

“Each scheme deals with development differently and has different provisions which are understandably confusing and frustrating for members of our communities.

“To help us move forward together as a region, it’s important to have one planning scheme that reflects the needs and aspirations of Isaac.”

Mayor Baker said the proposed Planning Scheme is an important document that will assist in shaping the Isaac region’s future.

“If you own a property or business in the Isaac Region; If you live, work or holiday here, the draft Planning Scheme shall affect you. The draft Planning Scheme will impact on what you can do with your property and what others around you can do,” Mayor Baker said.

Deputy Mayor Kelly Vea Vea, who is the chair of the Planning, Environment and Community Services standing committee, said she strongly encouraged Isaac residents, businesses and commercial industries to provide their submissions.

“We understand the time and effort people spend on lodging feedback however this scheme demonstrates a high level of community commitment and interest in framing the best policies for our region’s future development,” Cr Vea Vea said.

“I strongly encourage our residents, businesses and commercial industries to provide their submissions.

“This proposed scheme is about having a clear and define strategy for growth along with policies that underpin such a plan.”

Following the first consultation in 2018, Council conducted four rounds of community engagement with coastal communities and committed to prepare a detailed assessment of coastal hazard impacts on the Isaac coast, with the study adopted by Council in November 2019.

Council most recently held community engagement sessions in Carmila and Clairview in October 2019 to present the findings of the Isaac Coastal Hazard Study and discuss next steps for completion of the draft planning scheme.

Following the renotification of the planning scheme, a consolidated submissions report will be prepared for consideration of the Queensland Government in approving the planning scheme for adoption. This report will also be presented to Council once prepared for final endorsement.

The proposed Isaac Region Planning Scheme is set to replace the current Belyando, Broadsound and Nebo Planning Schemes. It is also intended to apply to the area currently included in the Moranbah Priority Development Area Development Scheme, once revoked by the Queensland Government.

To review the proposed scheme visit isaac.qld.gov.au/planning-and-building/planning-schemes. Submissions can be lodged:

• ONLINE: Make a submission through speakup.isaac.qld.gov.au
• VIA EMAIL: records@isaac.qld.gov.au with Planning Scheme Submission in the subject line
• BY POST: Isaac Regional Council, PO Box 97 Moranbah, QLD 4744, addressed to Planning Scheme Submission
• IN PERSON: Delivered to any Isaac Regional Council library at Clermont, Dysart, Glenden, Middlemount, Moranbah, Nebo, Carmila or St Lawrence.

Council’s proposed Isaac Region Planning Scheme consultation is open between Monday, 8 June to Monday, 6 July 2020. Call Council’s Customer Service Centre available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 1300 ISAACS (1300 472 227) for more assistance.

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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Isaac Regional Council Brand, Media and Communications 4846 3333

9th June 2020

A local cash injection in response to the financial hardship small to medium businesses and community groups are facing is set to help stimulate resilience for the Isaac region’s economic future.
Isaac Regional Council is spearheading a local economic response with the Road to COVID-19 Recovery Stimulus Packages.

This program features two funding grants to complement the assistance already provided by the Australian and Queensland governments.

Mayor Anne Baker said Isaac is a diverse and fiercely independent community which has had its fair share of challenging times in recent years.

“We’re now faced with the COVID-19 pandemic and short-term economic instability,” Mayor Baker said.

“The Road to COVID-19 Recovery Stimulus Packages has two parts. The first is the Isaac Region Community Chest Fund with grants up to $10,000 available for our small to medium business owners who genuinely need an extra helping hand right now.

“This grant provides short-term business continuity and longer-term resilience assistance. This could help with getting the professional advice, maybe looking to diversify, those re-establishment costs to get up and running again or paying outgoing costs such as bills and rent.

“The Isaac Community Chest Fund is proudly supported by its initiating contributors BHP, Anglo American and Aquila Resources/South32 to help Isaac Regional Council deliver this local economic response to the Coronavirus.

“We are also working with many other generous supporters to finalise further contributions to the fund.

“This business community chest is an ongoing support mechanism for the community, and I encourage those large enterprises that are willing to help to please contact my office.

“We’d love to have as many on board as possible as this is a community effort.

“We’re very thankful for everyone’s commitment to our region during these trying times.

“For the second part of this local package, we are encouraging our sporting and recreational groups, our not-for-profit organisations, our cultural groups who are doing it tough to apply for up to $5,000 through our Special Emergency Community Grants.

“The social distancing rules and suspension of gatherings has seen the source of revenue to fund recurrent expenses supporting the operations and memberships of organisations take a devastating hit.”

Mayor Baker said Isaac’s resilience and determination will be the region’s greatest assets.

“This is a time we once again embrace change and chart our own course to a sustainable future during these unprecedented times,” Mayor Baker said.

“In addition to supporting the members facing hardship and not-for-profit organisations, we adopted our Pandemic and Tactical Response Framework in March to navigate our way through these troubling waters.

“This is the framework to how we address and manage our own business continuity, our disaster management structure, identifying the community support and our business community support.

“We are responding to the situation and implementing our strategies to work through this challenge, together.”

To find out more if your small to medium business, your not-for-profit, recreation, sporting or cultural group is eligible head to speakup.isaac.qld.gov.au to apply online or to download a form.

Call Council’s Customer Service Centre staff on 1300 ISAACS, that’s 1300 47 22 27 for more assistance.