Bundaberg budget on hold for a week: The adopting of the Bundaberg Regional Council budget has been delayed by a week. The budget was due to be handed down on Tuesday but the meeting was adjourned after the first vote on its adoption was carried six-five. During the meeting, Cr Jason Bartels said he was concerned about issues like a general rate rise of 8.28 per cent.
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School maintenance backlog: An answer to a parliamentary Question on Notice has revealed the multi-million dollar cost of the maintenance work backlog at public schools in the Callide electorate. The Member for Callide Bryson Head asked Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek about the renewal backlog. Data shows Mundubbera State College has almost $125,000 worth of maintenance waiting to be done. The figures is $50,000 for Gin Gin State School and $46,000 for Bullyard State School. Between $30,000-$40,000 is needed at Monto, Gayndah, Eidsvold and Wallaville State Schools. Coulstoun Lakes and Boynewood State Schools rated 'poor' in average overall condition.
Police operation results: Police have charged 31 people with a combined 94 offences, after a four-day operation targeting property, drug and motor vehicle offending across the South Burnett. Operation Lionrock was conducted across Kingaroy, Blackbutt, Wondai, Murgon and Cherbourg between the 25th and 28th of May. The charges include 24 drug offences, 10 property offences, and 16 traffic-related offences.
Reminder not to smoke around health facilities: The Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service says its security officers may start issuing fines if people smoke near hospital entrances. Chief Operating Officer Ben Ross-Edwards says the hospital often receives complaints about the issue. Fines of more than $330 can apply.
More data on island wildlife: A University of the Sunshine Coast researcher says a new field guide of wildlife on Lady Elliot Island will track changes in the area's biodiversity. Research group Leaf to Reef has been working on the guide for six years, compiling details of 800 species of birds, sharks, rays, fish, mammals and reptiles. Research fellow Asia Armstrong says they expect species from the north will migrate down the coast as the ocean continues to warm.
Bridge to close: A heritage-listed pedestrian bridge in Bundaberg will soon undergo restoration works to improve safety. The Saltwater Creek Pedestrian Bridge provides a link between Bundaberg East and the CBD. The bridge is set to close from July while the work is carried out. The closure will apply to the bridge, the pathway near the Rowers Club and a small section of the Quay Street East footpath.
