IN THIS EDITION: » MAYOR'S CHRISTMAS TREE APPEAL » NEW PLANNING FOR BUSINESS » DISASTER PREPARATION

Welcome to 'From the Mayor'. This is an opportunity for me to provide updates on the direction of our city and the business of council.

MAYOR'S CHRISTMAS TREE APPEAL

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Last week I was delighted to launch the 2012 Mayor's Christmas Tree Appeal. Most of you will be familiar with the annual appeal that raises donations for local people doing it tough over the festive season.

We are hoping to reach $100,000 in donations this year to distribute to local charities. I encourage local businesses to get behind the appeal again this year as many of you have over the past two decades.

I would also like to take this opportunity to invite you to purchase a ticket to our "Legends Lunch" for the corporate launch of the Appeal on Friday 9 November at Jupiters. This is a new addition to the Appeal and a great opportunity to meet some inspirational people including Olympian Nathan Burgers, Major General Jim Molan and Cowboys coach Neil Henry. We will also have some fabulous auction items up for grabs. I hope many of you can join us for this celebration and I look forward to seeing you there.

NEW PLANNING FOR BUSINESS

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Last month council along with the Council of Mayors (SEQ) and the Local Government Association of Queensland launched the Development Assessment Process Reform - Operational Works and Large Subdivisions (DAPR-OWLS) project.

The project streamlines the residential development assessment process to slash council decision timeframes by a minimum of 25 per cent resulting in savings of more than $17 million per annum to Queensland’s struggling property and construction sector and stimulating the state economy.

Within council we have undertaken steps to reduce red tape and waiting times on development applications and our staff are working more closely with developers to identify and resolve issues at the outset. This is a more cost effective use of council resources making the project a win-win for industry, council and the community.

DISASTER PREPARATION

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Earlier this month I participated in a disaster exercise as the Chair of the Townsville Local Disaster Management Group. The simulation was of a serious weather event which provided us the opportunity to put our disaster plans and procedures to the test. With the cyclone season only a few weeks away, now is the time to be preparing homes and businesses.

Preparing your business is an important step in disaster preparedness. Business owners should have a cyclone emergency plan and evacuation plan in place. It is important to ensure business records are stored in watertight containers in a safe location. Ensure stock, plant and machinery are raised where possible and that adequate shelter and resources are available for staff required to stay on site. Consider staff in the event of a cyclone and provide them adequate time to prepare their homes and families, get to shelter safely and recover after an event.

While I hope we don't face an active cyclone season this year the threat is always real and being prepared is the best way to keep our community safe and get back to usual operation quickly after an event.

Click here for more information on preparing your business for cyclone season.

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