Wow what a month September has been and its not even over!! The announcement yesterday of the BHP Mac-edon domestic gas plant going ahead is very exciting for Onslow! The development is the first project to be con-structed at the Ashburton North Strategic Industrial Area—We have a busy couple of years ahead. Many con-struction projects are currently underway with the Multipurpose Centre on track for a December opening, the new public toilets commencing and the tennis courts being resealed. It is wonderful to see Onslow being revitalized and provided with quality infrastructure. I hope many of you have had the opportunity to meet Darlene my won-derful executive assistant, Darlene is settling in well and has bought wonderful skills and knowledge to the job, if you haven't met her please pop in and say Hello. Many of you may have come across Hillary Shoemark, who has been filling in for us at the front desk, Hillary has taken on the job of casual Library Officer and Admin relief—Welcome to the team Hillary! Council meeting was in Onslow this month and it was wonderful to be able to host the Councillors in Onslow and show off many of the initiatives the town has been achieving. They toured the Mul-tipurpose complex and were very pleased to see it on track and on budget!!! School Holidays are approaching so don't forget to check out what we have on offer with the Community development program! It’s a huge edition of the Shire Snippets today so we hope you enjoy!

By Amanda O’Hal loran

Executive Manage r Western Opera tions

SHIRE SNIPPETS

September 2010

It is all getting exciting as we see the final

shape of the internal facilities in the Multipur-

pose facility. The works have reached lock up

stage with all doors, windows and roofing final-

ized.

All the internal walls and ceilings have been

installed together with the timber sheet lining to

walls in the sports hall, which when sealed will

look very spectacular. The tiling has com-

menced and painting internally and externally is

well underway.

The upgrade to the Horizon Power supply and

Water Corporation water supply connections

have also been completed allowing power and

water supply connection once all internal fittings

have been finalized.

Civil external works have commenced with

earthworks and road and car park pavement

construction. Low retaining walls installation will

follow preceding the bitumen surfacing, kerbing

Works remaining and being programmed over October and November include-

CCTV installation and security and emergency systems

Plumbing fittings and hot water services including water wise tap outlets

fitted with timers

Commercial kitchen fit out

Electrical fixtures fit out

Installation of floor coverings including the cushioned sports hall floor

Installation of sporting fixtures in the sports hall

Installation of window treatments

Installation of the solar power system and diesel standby generator system

Construction of the day care play area

Commissioning of all mechanical and electrical features

Any queries about works can be directed to Geoff Shoemark the Shires Project

Coordinator on phone 0439 649 430

Gym Area

Sports Hall

Day Care Facility

SHIRE SNIPPETS

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS — NEWS

ONSLOW TENNIS COURTS

Surface preparation for the Onslow tennis courts has commenced. Both courts are to be resurfaced with a new synthetic turf and will also have new nets. I

t is anticipated courts will be ready for use on the 1st 2010 . New lightening is expected to commence mid October. Once this is completed tokens for the coin operated lightening system can be purchased from the Shire so games can be played in the evenings.

Please contact the Shire during office hours in regards to court hire.

ONSLOW WATER SPRAY PARK

The Onslow water spray park is currently in its design phase. Some great ideas and designs came from the workshop held at the Onslow School last month. We are happy to say that some of these designs and ideas are to be incorporated into the parks theme.

The Shire anticipates construction to commence mid October and should be finished by early December. The option to use salt water was investigated with the towns water supply issues, but unfortunately was not a viable option as the salt water would damage the chlorination equipment and cause the parks plumbing/pumping systems to malfunction. Water wise ini-tiatives are continuing to be explored.

NEW ABLUTION BLOCK – Town Oval

As you may have noticed works are well underway for the construction of the new ablution block on the town oval. The ablution block will consist of Male, Female & disabled stalls each having their own shower facilities. Eventually the public toilets will be closed down at the basketball courts and this ablution block will become the new public toilets for the town and sporting precinct.

Once constructed is complete the new facility will be fitted with CCTV to help in the prevention of any graffiti, vandalism and anti social behavior.

CLOSED CIRCUIT TELEVISION

(CCTV)

Over the past few months additional upgrades have been made to the CCTV at the Onslow basketball courts & play-ground with additional cameras been installed in stages at the Mulit purpose complex, the ablution block and the water spray park (when constructed)

The system is now running better than ever with offenders images easily identified. Any images of graffiti, vandalism or anti social behavior will be handed over to the police and charges laid with some cases the Shire seeking retribution for damages. The Shire‘s CCTV policy does not allow view-ing of footage by the general public; if you have an incident you wish to be viewed you must first report the incident to the police who will then approach the Shire for a copy of the footage.

If you see any incidents please report them immediately to the Shire or Police.

SPORT LIGHTING & POWER UPGRADE AT THE

ONSLOW SPORTING PRECINCT

Construction of the new lighting on the town oval and tennis courts is due to start approximately mid October and finish end of December. The lighting will consist of 6 new lighting systems and poles which will have the capacity for lux levels to reach all areas of the playing field.

The tennis court lighting will consist of 4 new lighting systems with poles which will be situated at each cor-ner of the court. These lights will have the lux capacity to support night games at a club competitive level.

With the new lighting comes new electricity require-ments so included in the lighting upgrade will be a Power upgrade to 500kVA and a new main switchboard which will be moved out of the playground.

The power upgrade in this area is long overdue and will also be benefit the sports club for future electricity requirements

SHIRE SNIPPETS

It is good to see that the number of

dogs wandering in town has reduced

but there still is the odd dog wander-

ing about, for whatever the reason,

and it is unfortunate to see that it is

the same dogs each time. Dog own-

ers who continue to ignore requests

by the Ranger to contain their dog at

their residence will be issued with an

infringement notice. If the dog hap-

pens to be one I am not familiar with

and I cannot identify the owner , the

dog will be impounded and costs will

be incurred with its release.

As mentioned last month it is that

time of the year where I will be look-

ing at residential and industrial

blocks in the community to deter-

mine whether they meet the require-

ments of the Bush Fire Act 1954

under which owners are required to

keep blocks slashed so as to reduce

fire hazards.

It is great to be able to thank some

of our block owners land owners

that have already commenced block

slashing

There is a little while to go until our

cyclone season commences but it

would not hurt to start thinking also

about how you are going to

achieve the tie down or storage of

boats and caravans that are per-

manently staying in town.

If you wish to discuss any of the

above information please give me

a call at the Shire Office on 9184

6001.

On Sunday 12th September Onslow participated in the Great Northern Clean

Up. The site selected was the front beach. It was a great effort with 11 adults

and 6 children participating and working hard to collect well over 25 bags of

rubbish. This included cigarette butts, plastic and glass bottles, clothing and as

the picture shows lots of other unusual rubbish. A big thank you goes to all

those who participated on the day and to those who couldn‘t make it but volun-

teered to collect rubbish before the day. All of the hard work was worth it to

have our beach remain so beautiful and pristine and to also protect the wildlife

from being injured unnecessarily from rubbish making it into our ocean. A sau-

sage sizzle ended the day off nicely! Look forward to seeing everyone next

year!

Special thanks to those who supported the Clean up in their own way at other

sites around town Flic, Valli and Marie-Pierre deserve a special mention!!

but there are some blocks that still

need attention, all land owners are

required to meet the requirements of

slashing or installing firebreaks by Oc-

tober 1, 2010 or an infringement notice

could be issued.

If you are having difficulty in meeting

these requirements by the above date

please give me a call at the Shire Of-

fice.

We all need to keep in mind that we

are fast approaching cy-

clone season. Please be

proactive and safely store

items lying around the yard

so that they do not blow

from your block to another

or down the street should

we get high winds in town

posing a safety risk.

Any cleaning up you do

around the yard now will

obviously save a lot of time

later as we possibly head

into such bad weather con-

ditions

SHIRE SNIPPETS

Two dietetic students, Stephanie and Monica, were one of the four pairs of students assigned to undertake their community

placement in Onslow with a project titled Healthy Lifestyle in Onslow (HLO). As part of this project, the students and their

placement supervisor, Cindy Porter, decided to launch a mini display regarding the WA Health Traffic Light System within

the supermarket. The supermarket owner (Kim Slayter) and manager (Gavin Moore), approved and supported the idea

with open arms.

The WA Health Traffic Light System is a ‗traffic light‘ colour system which categorises foods into three different categories.

Under the traffic light system, food and drinks sold within the Onslow Supermarket will be grouped into Green, Amber, or

Red based on their nutritional value, energy density, saturated fat, added sugar, salt and fibre.

A visual display of the Traffic Light System and examples were

made up by Monica and Stephanie as the

first steps to kick-starting the implementation of this system in

the supermarket. Green, Amber and Red

sticker dots will be seen on the top right-hand corner of price

labels on shelves for each food within the

supermarket. This way, it is hoped that the general consumer

will be able to make healthy choices easy choices while food

shopping.

So why not head on down to the Onslow Supermarket and

check out the Traffic Light System display at the entrance. Start

making healthy choices today!

Onslow Supermarket Takes On Board the Traffic Light System

Kim Slayter, Monica Gordon & Stephanie Aishu Yapp

GREEN SHIRTS AND RED DIRT

The “Healthy Lifestyle in Onslow” Project by Stephanie Aishu Yapp and Monica Gordon, Curtain University

Health is defined as being in a state of physical, social, mental and spiritual wellbeing. In recent weeks, students in green

shirts have arrived from Perth to promote ―healthy lifestyle In Onslow‖. The green shirts are representative of the final

year Postgraduate Dietetic students from Curtin University on the community placement. The Onslow community has

funded and supported the ―healthy Lifestyle in Onslow‖ project.

These include Thalanygi, the Shire of Ashburton, IBN, Onslow Salt,

Pilbara Health Network, HACC, V.Swans and Onslow Primary School.

Additional support and funding has been provided by the Reobourne

Aboriginal Medical Service and Diabetes Australia WA.

The role of these student dietitians is to assist in promoting and

delivering the ―healthy Lifestyle in Onslow‖ project. The major focus is

to provide healthy for life education sessions, supermarket tours, school

recipe book and to work with all age groups for all community members

in healthy food preparation. Furthermore, the students will be working

the local elders in translating the Journey of Living with Diabetes to

local language and bush tucker foods that is meaningful for local people

in Onslow, representing Diabetes WA Thursday night Basketball—Healthy Snacks

By dietetic students from Curtin University in Perth, Western Australia

The September meeting of Council was held in Onslow. It was a

good time for Council to visit with a number of projects well under-

way.

Councillors visited the Multipurpose complex and the Mackerel Re-

sort and had the opportunity to see firsthand the level of develop-

ment under way in Onslow.

Shire President Cr Greg Musgrave continued the tour later in the

day with visits to the Beadon Bay Development, new fish cleaning

table and community garden. Cr Musgrave and Cr White also took

the opportunity to meet with a number of business and tourism op-

erators and discuss development opportunities for Onslow.

The Council Meeting whilst a short one, was packed with development opportunities for Onslow – Key items where –

Planning application – Mixed Use Development – 3 two storey units office/residential, Lot 311 (No 16) Second

Avenue.

Planning application – Proposed Holiday Accommodation (11 Units) Lot 322 (No 17) Second Avenue.

Planning Application – Proposed Holiday Accommodation (9 Units) Lot 308 (No 8) Cnr First Avenue and Simpson

Street.

Council is keen to see further investment of this calibre for Onslow and was excited by the prospects.

SHIRE SNIPPETS

PILBARA REGIONAL PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING IN ONSLOW

On the 9th September the Pilbara Regional

Planning Committee held their meeting in the

Shire Hall in Onslow. 18 committee members

flew into town by Charter. Key issues raised by

Shire CEO Keith Pearson and Executive Man-

ager Amanda O‘Halloran included::

Onslow Town Site Strategy—where to

from here

Planning and Development for popula-

tion growth

Significant constrains on future growth

Projects in progress

Ashburton North strategic industrial area

Water and Power where key discussions and

the Planning committee were very receptive to

the issues in Onslow and the need for prompt

action. The Committee toured the Town and

the Multipurpose Complex and for many it was

the first time visit—so very interesting and

enlightening. Others had visited a number of

years ago and where very complimentary of the

improvements to the Community.

Pilbara Regional Planning Committee arrive in Onslow.

Members included—Gary Prattley (Chairman, Western Australian Planning Commis-

sion) , Harry Hipworth (Karratha Councillor) Stan Martin( Port Hedland Councillor),

Chris Adams (Manager Pilbara Cities), Stephen Webster (Port Headland) Giles Nunis

(Department for State Development), Committee Members and Shire of Ashburton

Representatives (Keith Pearson CEO and Amanda O’Halloran EMWO)

NEWSLETTER TITLE SHIRE SNIPPETS

WWW.ASHBURTON.WA.GOV.AU

The Shire of Ashburton Upgrades Website

It has taken just over three months to create the new improved website, the design has been based on community sug-

gestions requesting easier access and improved navigation. The Shire have endeavoured to provide a more functional

and interactive site. The colour scheme, rotating images and layout of the website showcases the Shire of Ashburton‘s

unique landscape and natural environment.

Cr Greg Musgrave said - ―There are many changes happening in the Shire and the website will enable community to keep

up-to-date with some of these changes. We wanted to provide the community with the option to post their opinions and

find out what they think of the projects we are currently undertaking to modernise the Shire. “

Another exciting change… the Shire now has its own FACEBOOK PAGE that people can sign up to. This is another way

for us to showcase some of the changes that are happening in the Shire and provide community with an outlet to give

feedback, as well as letting them know about Shire run community events. So please go to the website and sign up.

Key Features of the site:

Travel information relating to the Shire and each of its towns.

Keep track of current events

Read latest news items

Download the latest agendas and meeting minutes

Provide feedback to the Shire on a vast range of issues

Find specific details relating to the Councillors and the Executive Managers

Down load information relating to specific revitalization projects

User friendly contact list for Shire staff

Easy access to community or services information

A tenders system for contractors to upload documentation and download tenders.

Road condition reports

A quick link to view flights from Paraburdoo to Perth

Boral is in town this week con-tinuing the Shires an-nual sealing program. A total of 15,000 square me-ters will be resealed.

Streets to be sealed are –

First Street

Second Street

Onslow Road between the Onslow Sun Chalets and Beadon Creek Road

Mc Grath Avenue

Payne Way

St John Ambulance Driveway (donation of Council to support op-erations)

Shire President

Cr Musgrave

Onslow Ward Councillor

Kerry White

WATER ISSUES HIGHLIGHTED IN WEST AUSTRALIAN MEDIA

The Shire and the State Government provided comment to the West Aus-tralian Media over the last week on the water issues in Onslow. Shire President Cr Greg Musgrave re-leased a Media statement with dis-cussed how water shortages are hampering development in Onslow.

Onslow‘s ongoing water issue is having

adverse effects on future develop-ment in the town, after the Shire of Ashburton approved a further three developments in its September Council meeting in Onslow on Wednesday. These developments contribute a further $4m, to recent development approvals of up to $7m and are a mixture of holiday accom-modation and business ventures. However inadequate water supply could further impede future growth and investment in the area, with the projects now stalled for two to five years because building licenses are subject to adequate water supply by the Water Corporation.

The Shire President Cr Greg Musgrave

said Council had worked to provide investment opportunities, through the Onslow Townsite Strategy and Ashburton Visioning initiatives. ―Onslow is on the verge of great

opportunities and to have business development of this magnitude will support the economic and social fabric of the community.‖

Cr Musgrave said he feared investors

would pull out as costs escalated from delays in the projects.

―These Development Applications may

double in their construction price by the time water becomes available, which may ultimately render the pro-jects unviable – negating the invest-ment opportunity and leaving the community of Onslow and the Shire of Ashburton with nothing.‖

Shire of Ashburton Takes Steps to

Become a Waterwise Council The Shire of Ashburton is taking steps

at a micro level to maximise current water usage in Onslow through the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding with the Water Cor-poration. This MOU will see storm-water harvesting and greywater sys-tems established in the town and in the future more services connections set up.

However Shire President Cr Greg Mus-grave has called on the State Gov-ernment to support the Shire and help address the issue and chal-lenged the Water Corporation to publicly provide timeframes and strategies to help rectify the water situation.Shire of Ashburton Media Release 16 September 2010

Opposition Leader Eric Ripper says the

water shortage is having a wide ranging effect on the affordability and prosperity of the town. "Onslow faces massive resources growth, there's a big need for new houses in Onslow, housing prices have risen 81 per cent. New houses can't be built be-cause of a lack of water supply. The Government needs to invest in water supply for Onslow," he said.

ABC NEWS Posted Fri Sep 17, 2010

12:06pm AEST

SHIRE SNIPPETS

Shire of Ashburton Onslow Office is open

Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm.

Phone 91846001 Fax 91846107

email onslow-reception@ashburton.wa.gov.au

Coming Events

28—30 Sept—School Holiday Programs

6—8 October—School Holiday Programs

9 October— Community Gar-den Busy Bee and Friends of the Garden Launch with Josh Byrne

21 October— Public BOM Cy-clone Briefing 6.30pm Shire Hall

8 November—Krakouer! Per-formance

4 December—Carols by

Candlelight