Isaac Region

Residents across the Isaac region will honour and remember the sacrifices made during at-home vigils this ANZAC Day.

Take the pledge to light up the dawn with RSL Queensland who are encouraging residents to stand in their driveway, the balcony or in the living room from 6am this Saturday 25 April.

Public commemorations, including marches and dawn services will not be proceeding this year in accordance with state and federal governments directives relating to social gatherings.

Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker said the five qualities of the ANZAC spirit are courage, endurance, humour, ingenuity and mateship.

“The sobering reality for everyone on Anzac Day comes when we pause to remember the ultimate sacrifice made by so many to keep Australia safe,” Mayor Baker said.

“Even though marches and ceremonies across Australia are cancelled, we can still commemorate together at home with our loved ones, reflecting on the sacrifices made by so many brave men and women.

“We praise RSL Queensland for this beautiful and genuine concept by asking people to gather at the end of their driveway, their balcony or window and in place of going to a dawn or march service.

“Don’t forget to share your photos and videos with the hashtags #ANZACspirit #lightupthedawn #ourisaac #lestweforget so we can record this unprecedented moment in Isaac together.

“When you pause this ANZAC Day at home with your family, remember not only the brave souls who made the ultimate sacrifice but reflect upon the families and loved ones left behind during times of war and conflict.

Visit rslqld.org/en/news/latest-news/light-up-the-dawn to make the pledge and to find a full list of participating stations, who will be broadcasting commemorative services, closer to Anzac Day.

Isaac Regional Council has elected Division 5 representative Cr Kelly Vea Vea for a second time as Deputy Mayor at yesterday’s Post-Election Meeting.

Cr Vea Vea was elected unopposed, entering into her third year holding the second highest civic post at Council, following her appointment to Deputy Mayor in 2018 when Cr Geoff Bethel stepped down from the role.

Cr Vea Vea said she was appreciative of the support from her fellow Councillors to continue working in the role.

“I would like to thank my fellow Councillors for this opportunity. We are living in a turbulent time and I’m appreciative to work with a team of supportive and hard-working elected members who are continuing to tackle challenges with transparency and experience,” Vea Vea said.

“I am looking forward to continuing representing the Isaac region as a Councillor and supporting the Council and the community in a higher capacity as Deputy Mayor.

“I’m proud of our region, what we do and the role we play through agriculture, mining and our emerging renewable sector. Our region is fuelled by pure people power, and it has been an honour to meet more of the everyday people doing extraordinary things across Isaac in my capacity as Deputy Mayor.”

Mayor Anne Baker congratulated Cr Vea Vea on her appointment as Deputy, saying it was a testament to the strength of the Council that Cr Vea Vea was elected unopposed.

“Cr Vea Vea has been a strong advocate for her division and the wider Isaac region since being elected to Council in 2012,” she said.

“She is passionate about campaigning for a better deal for our communities, and making sure they benefit from the massive industries they host.

“Her advocacy and drive is a great asset to Isaac, and I am excited about what can be achieved with such strong leadership.”

The role of Deputy Mayor provides an opportunity for the incumbent to undertake higher civic duties and play an important role in supporting the Mayor.

The Isaac region’s newly elected Council have taken their oath in 21st century style from their homes on the coast to the bush through digital airwaves.

Yesterday’s non-conventional special ceremony was conducted by Isaac Regional Council CEO Gary Stevenson PSM who swore in Councillors via video conference to their elected positions.

The ceremony kept with best practice for social distancing and reduced the amount of non-essential travel.

Mayor Anne Baker, Division 1 Councillor Greg Austen, Division 3 Councillor Gina Lacey, Division 4 Councillor Simon West, Division 5 Councillor Kelly Vea Vea, Division 6 Councillor Lyn Jones and Division 7 Councillor Jane Pickels were elected unopposed.

Two newly elected members will take their position on Council, Division 2 Councillor Sandy Moffat and Division 8 Councillor Viv Coleman, following success at local polls.

The Council will appoint the Deputy Mayor at its post-election meeting which is scheduled for 21 April 2020.

Mayor Anne Baker said she was looking forward to another four-year term of Isaac helping to energise the world.

“We are a great Council, made better by the drive and passion of Councillors I am proud to call my colleagues,” Mayor Baker said.

“I am grateful to the community who put their trust in this Council to deliver for them.”

Mr Stevenson welcomed the Councillors as they took their Declaration of Office over the phone or by video.

“While the regulation adopted by Governor in Council has allowed me to swear in our Councillors via technology, I am most looking forward to the collaboration of this new Council, which will happen regardless of them being in or out of the Council Chambers,” Mr Stevenson said.

Mayor Baker acknowledged the contributions of outgoing Councillors Geoff Bethel and Nick Wheeler.

“Thank you to Nick and Geoff for your hard work and dedication with your decades of experience on Council collectively.

“I would also like to thank all the candidates who nominated in the local government elections. We know better than anyone you do it because you love and care for your community.”

Securing the Isaac region’s access to water remains at the forefront for local and state counterparts as residents relished the opportunity to tour the $7.1 million Nebo water supply project yesterday.

The game-changing four-stage Nebo Water Supply Project boasts a new water treatment plant and a two-megalitre reservoir for the historic town’s residents, significantly while improving firefighting capability in town.

Isaac Regional Council matched the $3.55 million it received through the Queensland Government’s successful $365 million Building our Regions program to address critical water infrastructure needs in Nebo, enhancing water security, quality and reliability.

Mayor Anne Baker said Council held tours to show residents how the project collaboration with the Queensland Government was managed effectively.

“Our regional and rural communities are doing it incredibly tough during these dry conditions and that’s why we’re making this massive investment through our partnership with the Queensland Government,” Mayor Baker said.

“Water infrastructure is an important part of the mix when it comes to increasing supply and reliability so that the Isaac region’s water supply is more resilient.

“This will reduce the risk of acute water shortages in the region and help to enhance liveability, business confidence, and the potential for employment and investment in our Isaac.

“This is another fantastic milestone for Isaac Regional Council working in partnership with the Queensland Government. Thank you to everyone involved.”

Minister for State Development Cameron Dick said this is another great community outcome from a regional program working for Queensland.

“Water security is paramount for communities like Nebo, and our government is pleased to have partnered with council to deliver this project for the town,” Mr Dick said.

“As well as addressing water supply shortages and poor-quality bore water, this project has supported around 21 of the 2400-plus construction jobs supported through the Building our Regions program right across the state.”

Council and its contractors commissioned the new water treatment plant, reservoir and bores with connecting pipework from the bore field.

The connection of two additional bores to the network will enable six bores to supply the town, improve water security in case of equipment failure, and distribute water over a larger area of the aquifer.

The Nebo Water Supply Project opening follows the successful $10.59 million reservoir and other works at Moranbah Water Treatment Plant and the $9.56 million Dysart Water Treatment Plant upgrade, also supported by BHP Billiton-Mitsubishi Alliance.