Updates from Cr Maurie Soars | Politician
Updates from Cr Maurie Soars
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25.01.2022 How to defend your dog from parvovirus this summer Keep your dog safe from parvovirus this summer by making sure it gets its vaccinations on time. Townsville City Council is urging all dog owners to take the steps needed to help prevent parvovirus before it’s too late.... Community Health, Safety and Environmental Sustainability Committee chairperson Margie Ryder said parvovirus cases tended to increase in Townsville during the summertime. Parvovirus, which many people just call ‘parvo’, is a highly contagious infectious disease, Cr Ryder said. Puppies and young adult dogs are the most susceptible to contracting parvo, but no dog can be considered safe from the virus. It causes severe stomach flu which destroys the lining of the small intestine and causes vomiting, lethargy, dehydration, severe stomach pain and a bloody diarrhoea. It is fatal without treatment.
25.01.2022 Get Healthy & Active Update https://mailchi.mp/town/march-active-healthy-update-981402
24.01.2022 New community event to celebrate Our Townsville Townsville City Council will host a new community expo in June to showcase the city’s past, present, and future and is calling on stallholders to help ensure the event goes off with a bang. The Our Townsville event will combine all of the fun of Eco Fiesta, Heritage Day, and Disaster Ready Day with the Get Active, Pet, and Mentally Healthy expos in one mega-event at Anderson Gardens on June 6.... Our Townsville is being produced with joint funding from the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) Category C Flexible Funding Grants Program. Mayor Jenny Hill said the event was a way to celebrate the best of Townsville. Our Townsville will bring the community together to celebrate our diverse community and the values, freedoms and lifestyle that we are lucky enough to enjoy living here, Cr Greaney said. We have an incredibly resilient community, and that strength is something that we deserve to celebrate. It’s been a tough few years, with the 2019 monsoon event and COVID-19, but we’re still standing strong together. Community and Cultural Development Committee chairperson Ann-Maree Greaney said the expo would cover a broad range of interests. This is a one-stop-shop for locals to check out what’s new in sustainability, to start getting disaster-ready, to brush up on their mental health knowledge, to sign up for a new way to stay active and healthy, and to get the latest tips and tricks for responsible pet ownership, Cr Greaney said. We want there to be something for everyone, so if you are a stallholder make sure you get your applications in. We’re also keen to hear from entertainers and food trucks. For more information about getting involved, head to What’s On Townsville. The DRFA flexible funding grants are being delivered under the Category C Community Development Program established after the 2019 monsoon trough floods. https://whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au/events/our-townsville
23.01.2022 Recycle Right Keep out soft plastics Townsville City Council is urging residents to keep soft plastics out of their recycling bins in order to protect the environment and keep the city’s recycling processing facility working effectively and efficiently. Council’s Water and Waste Committee chairperson Russ Cook said residents should put all soft plastics in their red-lid bins or take it to REDcycle collection bins at Coles or Woolworths.... The yellow-topped recycling bin is not the place for any soft plastics including chip packets, plastic wrapping or bread bags, Cr Cook said. There is a potential for soft plastics to wrap around rotating machinery parts and that causes damage and delays at the Materials Recovery Facility. Cr Cook said soft plastics were found in too many kerbside recycling bins. Soft plastics contaminate yellow-topped bins across the city, they make up more than 10% of each recycling bin, Cr Cook said. People shouldn’t wrap recyclables in shopping bags any bagged waste received at the facility will be diverted to a landfill site. All degradable or biodegradable plastic should be disposed of in red lid bins. Residents can make a big difference if they sort through their waste carefully. Soft plastics, hazardous and small items should not be placed in recycling bins. I’m urging people to help us cut contamination and Recycle Right, Cr Cook said.https://www.redcycle.net.au/where-to-redcycle/
23.01.2022 The countdown to National Water Week is on! This October, Take the Pledge to create more water wise habits Everyone who pledges is entered into a draw to win*:... 1 x $600 voucher to a local water smart business 6 x $150 voucher to a local water smart business Pledge today https://www.townsville.qld.gov.au/ttp #mauriesoarsdiv8 #townsvilleshines
22.01.2022 Did You Know Council adopted supporting the Plastic Free Townsville initiative in November 2019 Plastic Free Townsville launched during COVID-19 which has brought its challenges, however from the start of March to the 31st August with just 13 businesses on board they have already been able to eliminate 68,056 pieces of single use plastic by assisting business to switch to reusable and compostable alternatives Be sure to ask your favourite local to become a member o...f Plastic Free Townsville! https://www.plasticfreetownsville.org/ #MaurieSoarsDiv8 #mayorjennyhill #townsvilleshines
20.01.2022 Castle Hill Triandra track closed 17th May - 28th May.
20.01.2022 One of the many NAFA presentations being held in October. This is a free concert, however, registration is required due to Covid-19 guidelines.
19.01.2022 #townsvilleshines #division8
16.01.2022 More than 80 environmental monitoring devices to be installed across city - Townsville City Council will install more than 80 new environmental monitoring devices across the city over the next 12 months to further bolster the city’s ability to prepare and respond to natural disasters. The $605,000 project is jointly funded by the Commonwealth and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).... Townsville Local Disaster Management Group chairperson and Mayor Jenny Hill said this project would include the installation of 27 flood monitoring sites, 45 sewer height sensors and six cameras across the region. The key component of this project and installing more flood monitoring infrastructure is so the community can receive more near real-time information that will live on our disaster dashboard, Cr Hill said. This was one of the recommendations that came out of the IGEM review and with this confirmation of funding from the DRFA we can now get this project underway. This will ensure that in any future natural disaster, we have as much information as possible in the areas that we identified we needed more information for. Infrastructure Committee chairperson Mark Molachino said the new flood monitoring sensors and cameras would help provide more data across the city in another natural disaster. Having a larger network of sensors and cameras gives frontline agencies and staff more data and a greater capacity to respond in a natural disaster, Cr Molachino said. This is important for protecting natural and residential areas downstream and monitoring overflows of our stormwater and sewage networks.http://disaster.townsville.qld.gov.au/ #MaurieSoarsDiv8 #townsvilleshines #mayorjennyhill
15.01.2022 Recovery taskforce focuses on Indigenous issues A successful program helping at-risk Indigenous youth get a drivers licence to assist them to find employment sh...ould be extended to help North Queensland recover from the COVID-19 global pandemic, TaskforceNQ announced today. Townsville Mayor and TaskforceNQ steering committee chairperson Jenny Hill said the lack of a drivers licence had been identified as a barrier to obtaining employment. In the last census Indigenous unemployment was 17.2 per cent and modelling indicates that it is likely to double to more than 30 per cent as a result of the COVID-19 global pandemic, Cr Hill said. As well as calling for funding for projects to create jobs in our region, TaskforceNQ has worked to identify other barriers to employment that, with the help of state and federal governments, we can tear down. The ‘PCYC Braking the Cycle’ program helps disadvantaged young people aged 16-25 by providing free access to vehicles, road safety induction and mentor drivers. Around 70 per cent of those who participate in the program take on further education or employment opportunities within six months of completion. All PCYC program initiatives proposed will collaborate to ensure young people are being referred between programs to support their personal development.
13.01.2022 Resurfacing our Roads - Punari Street
12.01.2022 #supportlocaltownsville #townsvilleshines
12.01.2022 Nominate your local hero today for a chance to WIN 1 of 3 signed Cowboy Jerseys! Townsville’s Australia Day Awards recognise people who go above and beyond to create a community worth living in Nominations close 30 November. For more information or to nominate visit Council’s website - http://bit.ly/2NH6YYd... #MaurieSoarsDiv8 #townsvilleshines #mayorjennyhill
11.01.2022 For the latest information don't forget to check our Emergency Management Dashboard Keep up to date with: Emergency news Weather warnings... Road conditions Power outages & more! Visit - http://disaster.townsville.qld.gov.au/
11.01.2022 The Mount Louisa Bush Walking Track is now officially open! The track is more than 3.5km and 1,700 steps which extends from the end of Bayswater Road t...o the landmark’s new lookout If you're heading down to the new Mount Louisa walking track this weekend remember to Slip, Slop & Slap and follow social distancing appropriately
10.01.2022 A not-so-little flock of birds will be spreading a message of hope and joy when they land in Townsville this July as part of the Messengers of Townsville public art installation. The captivating artwork will include six Gouldian finches created by internationally renowned visual artist Florentijn Hofman. The larger-than-life sculptures will be arriving in Townsville for the North Australian Festival of Arts (NAFA) on 2 July and will be spread across iconic landmarks in Townsv...Continue reading
10.01.2022 Townsville turns blue and orange for World Cancer Day Iconic Townsville landmarks will light up orange and blue to mark World Cancer Day next Thursday, February 4. World Cancer Day is led by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) to raise awareness of and improve education about cancer.... Deputy Mayor Mark Molachino said shining a light on cancer could help remind residents to conduct self-checks and to see their doctor about any concerns. Unfortunately cancer is a disease that can strike anyone, which is why it’s essential to take preventative measures and see your doctor if you have any concerns, Cr Molachino said. Hopefully by lighting our assets up for World Cancer Day, Council will be able to inspire residents to do self-checks, have conversations about cancer with loved ones, do some research at home or to book in with their doctor for a check-up. Landmarks that will be lit up for World Cancer Day include Victoria Bridge, the Palmer St lighthouse, the Townsville sign and the Civic Theatre. For more information about World Cancer Day, visit https://www.worldcancerday.org/
10.01.2022 Townsville tell us what’s important to you and you could win a $100 voucher! We all have something to say about our area, so be part of our survey to help shape your ideal place. Have your say about what you value and what would make it a better place to live, work and shop. Your input will help guide investment over the next three years. Take the survey now https://bit.ly/3hjB16u... #MaurieSoarsDiv8 #townsvilleshines #mayorjennyhill
10.01.2022 Have Your Say Townsville We want YOU to participate and have your say on a range of projects and initiatives in our community. Your feedback will contribute t...o shaping our city, and guide Council on decision making and planning for the future. Currently engagements we would love your feedback on include: Annual Pathway Construction Program Are Your Disaster Ready? Annual Bus Stop Upgrade Program Northview Lagoon Community Consultation If you would like to have your say, visit https://haveyoursay.townsville.qld.gov.au/
09.01.2022 Currajong will receive the Illuka Street Roadworks renewal program commencing 18th May. Road work projects may include kerb and channel (gutters), driveways, footpaths, pavement, bitumen, and asphalt treatments. These works prolong the life of the infrastructure and improve road safety. The Illuka Street road works will be conducted within the boundaries of Bayswater Road, through to Maroong Street and are scheduled to commence on Tuesday, 18 May 2021 and are expected to t...ake three (3) weeks to complete (weather and conditions permitting). Pedestrian and vehicle access to properties will be maintained for most of the project; however minor restrictions will be required during the works. If your business or residence is affected, Council will provide 24 hours’ notice before any restrictions. Works may involve: traffic management including traffic control and some road closures closure of the footpath and some parking bays safety fencing installed for pedestrian and vehicles flashing lights and noise Normal work hours are 6am to 4pm Monday to Friday and 6am to 2pm on Saturday. In exceptional cases, work may be required outside these hours.
08.01.2022 Temporary discoloration of water Council is aware that residents in Douglas and surrounding suburbs are turning on their taps and seeing discoloured water, Mayor Jenny Hill said today. This is less than ideal, and I apologise for any inconvenience or concern. However, I can assure residents that the water is perfectly safe to drink.... Townsville’s drinking water supply is rigorously tested to ensure it meets all health standards, which are passed on to the Department of Health. The cause of the discolouration is temporary and is a result of a reconfiguration of the city’s water network in response to an increase of blue-green algae in the Ross River Dam. Blue-green algal blooms are a common issue and are caused by an excess of nutrients being washed into the dam due to the onset of the wet season, Cr Hill said.
07.01.2022 Garden provides dry tropics education Townsville City Council has officially opened a water demonstration garden in Anderson Gardens today. The garden was des...igned to demonstrate water efficiency in the dry tropics, and focusses on using the correct types of soil, hydro zoning, low to medium water use native plants, drought tolerant grasses and targeted, water efficient irrigation. Mayor Jenny Hill said the garden would work as an educational tool for residents looking to incorporate water smart methods into their own gardens. Townsville is a dry tropics city and educating residents to understand what that means in terms of our water supply and consumption is an important piece of work that Council continues to undertake, Cr Hill said. The idea of having this demonstration garden in a public space is to provide inspiration and education to residents who are wanting a thriving garden of their own in the dry tropics. Townsville residents use a significant amount of water on their gardens and we can reduce this significantly by choosing the right plants, soils, turf and irrigation we’re using. I look forward to seeing residents creating similar gardens at home as we all work together to become a water wise city. The Anderson Gardens demonstration garden is part of the Water Smart Package funded by the State Government’s $225 million 3-point water security solution. https://www.townsville.qld.gov.au//parks-t/botanic-gardens
04.01.2022 Venue registrations now open for the Northern Fringe Festival 2021! We are calling all venues pubs, bars, clubs and more to register your venue. By doing... so, you’ll have your venue available for Fringe performers to contact you to hire your space for their act. Register here https://bitly.com/33dzafQ For more information visit www.northernfringe.com.au
04.01.2022 Dr Prins Ralston appointed CEO of Townsville City Council Townsville City Council today announced the appointment of experienced senior executive Dr Prins Ralston as its Chief Executive Officer. Dr Ralston has more than 30 years’ experience across the community, health and employment services, finance and legal sectors.... He has been a senior executive with national companies and organisations including Advanced Personnel Management (APM), Nous Group, Employment Services Holdings (ESH) and Mission Australia. He will start in the role on 7 December. Mayor Jenny Hill said Dr Ralston had a long involvement with Townsville and was uniquely aware of the issues facing Northern Australia. Dr Ralston has an impressive track record of leading large teams and transforming public and private organisations to deliver improved customer service and boosting financial sustainability, Cr Hill said. He has extensive experience in boardrooms across Australia and the United Kingdom but most importantly he knows and understands Townsville’s challenges and opportunities. Dr Ralston is currently the independent head of TaskforceNQ. In this role he has played a critical role in our region’s social and economic recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 global pandemic. He has a deep knowledge of Townsville City Council’s operations and has played a key advisory role in reforming the organisation over recent years to secure better value for ratepayers and improve front line services for residents and businesses. His appointment to the Townsville City Council role is a coup for our community. Cr Hill said Dr Ralston was the standout candidate for the role after a national search and rigorous selection and appointment process. Dr Ralston said he was looking forward to working with Councillors and the council team in enhancing Townsville’s reputation as the capital of Northern Australia. Townsville has had a rough couple of years with the unprecedented monsoon of 2019 and the COVID-19 global pandemic, but the future is looking bright for the city and its residents and I am excited to be joining the team, Dr Ralston said. I know that every single employee at Council is passionate about serving the people of Townsville and I look forward to joining them. My focus will be to work as a team to continue building Townsville as a city of opportunity and great lifestyle for families, business, residents and visitors.
04.01.2022 Take the Pledge for National Water Week! As Townsville’s population grows, more stress is put on our water resources. Join us in reimagining our water future and take the pledge to create lifelong water saving habits and WIN! HOW TO WIN?... From 1 25 October head to Council’s website and tell us how you are pledging to conserve water. It can be as simple as: Taking a shower for the length of your favourite song For more information including T&C's and to take the pledge, visit https://www.townsville.qld.gov.au/ttp #MaurieSoarsDiv8 #townsvilleshines
03.01.2022 Great to see the Anderson Garden water smart idea officially open , bonus was the unveiling of a chair organised by Straw No More ! Great work Scott and the Townsville City Council team !! Every little bit helps our environment sometimes I need the young generation to remind me !
02.01.2022 27 young people start work at Council Townsville City Council is continuing to invest in the region’s future by welcoming 27 young people to its ranks as entry level and continuing apprentices, trainees and graduate engineers. Mayor Jenny Hill said the group would be working and learning across a wide range of disciplines including business, engineering, supply chain operations, library and information services, laboratory skills and conservation and land management.... Council’s apprentice and traineeship program is an investment in the future of our city and region, Cr Hill said. Welcoming this cohort will bring the total number of apprentices and trainees working across our organisation to 90. By taking on apprentices, trainees and graduates, Council is ensuring these young people can develop the skills, knowledge and on-the-job experience they need in their chosen area. Once they complete their training, they will be ready for full-time jobs either with Council, other employers or perhaps even starting their own business. Cr Hill said she was particularly pleased to see nine women among the group, including Abi Winter who recently completed a fitting and turning apprenticeship and will now complete a Certificate IV in Engineering. Abi was an exceptional apprentice who was awarded the Townsville TAFE Excellence engineering apprentice of the year award late last year, Cr Hill said. We also have female apprentices in conservation and land management, parks and gardens. I am proud to welcome all of our new apprentices, trainees and graduate engineers to Council and wish them all the very best for their training.
02.01.2022 Townsville’s puppy love for man’s best friend Townsville’s most dog-friendly suburbs and favourite breeds of dogs have been revealed. There are more than 30,000 registered dogs across the city with Kirwan, Kelso and Mount Louisa having the highest number of dogs.... The most popular breed of dog in Townsville is the Staffordshire Bull Terrier or Staffy with more than 3,700 of the breed registered in the city. Environmental Health, Safety and Environmental Sustainability Chair Margie Ryder said the number of registered dogs across the city demonstrates the need for residents to be responsible pet owners. Townsville is the perfect place to own a dog and we are a very pet-friendly population, but this means it is important that our pet owners are doing the right thing, Cr Ryder said. With more than 30,000 registered dogs across the city, keeping dogs leashed and enclosed in yards properly will help keep our community safe and minimise any potential for dog attacks and injuries. I’d also urge anyone who has a dog that isn’t microchipped and registered to do so, it makes it much easier for us to reunite you with a missing pet. Townsville is also home to some unique breeds of dogs with only one of the following breeds registered in the city; Xoloitzcuintli, Glen of Imaal Terrier, Otterhound, and Chesapeake Bay Retriever. Top 5 dog-friendly suburbs: Kirwan 4517 Kelso 2914 Mt Louisa 2000 Annandale 1618 Bushland Beach 1546 Top 5 dog breeds: Staffordshire Bull Terrier/Cross 3709 Maltese Terrier Cross 1927 Border Collie 1599 Cattle Dog- 1544 Bull Arab Cross 1273
01.01.2022 #supportlocaltownsville #division8
01.01.2022 Illich Park upgrade opened today! Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill, Member for Herbert Phillip Thompson and local councillor Maurie Soars officially opened Illich Park in Aitkenvale today following a $6 million upgrade. The upgrade to the much-loved park includes new outdoor fitness equipment, a basketball half court, additional lighting, new picnic shelters, seating, electric barbecues and drinking fountains which will encourage people to stay fit and active.... A 65 megalitre detention basin has also been created within the park to help improve drainage in the surrounding suburb. Cr Hill said the new and improved facilities were already a hit with the community. Playgrounds and parks, like Illich Park, are a fantastic way to get kids outside and encourage them to play and stay active, Cr Hill said. Mr Thompson said he was thrilled to see the playground opened for the community. It’s fantastic to see the Community Development Grants Programme providing funding to build and improve critical infrastructure and amenities, Mr Thompson said. Cr Soars said the revitalised park would cater for a growing sporting base. To accommodate for the increased uses, 32 new parking bays have also been put in along Elizabeth Street, Cr Soars said. #townsvilleshines #mauriesoarsdiv8 #mayorjennyhill
01.01.2022 Opening of the new Mt Louisa Walking Track #mayorjennyhill #townsvilleshines #townsvilledivision8
01.01.2022 Council is conducting road work along Thompson Street in Mundingburra from Monday 23 November. Work is taking place between Ross River Road and Burt Street, n...ear The Cathedral School. This is expected to be completed by early January 2021. Traffic management may be in place throughout these works. This project is funded by the Australian Government Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program. For more information http://bit.ly/35B4G5n
