GC Life

Edition 32, January 2010

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Be prepared this storm and fire season

Living in one of the most beautiful parts of the world also brings its hazards. Severe floods, storms, bushfires, cyclones and heatwaves are the kinds of major natural incidents our city faces every year.

Read more »

Surfers Paradise Beachfront - a new horizon

Council's $25 million upgrade of the Surfers Paradise foreshore begins in February 2010.

Read more »

2010 Australia Day Celebrations

Gold Coast's biggest Australia Day event is on at Evandale Parklands and it's free.

Read more »

Tree Giveaway

This month ratepayers can collect trees for free, as part of a program to promote tree plantings throughout the city.

Read more »

Summer patrol hours extended

Gold Coast City Council's Lifeguard service have introduced extended beach patrol hours during the busy summer season.

Read more »

Be prepared this storm and fire season

Living in one of the most beautiful parts of the world also brings its hazards. Severe floods, storms, bushfires, cyclones and heatwaves are the kinds of major natural incidents our city faces every year.

As a community, our strongest buffer is: be informed, be prepared.

There are many steps we can all take now, during, and after a major incident, to reduce and prevent any impact on our families, property and pets.

Simple ideas to prepare include:

• read and keep Council's Disaster Management at Home Guide, now available at Council libraries and offices
• put together an emergency kit and first aid kit
• prepare an emergency plan for your home and family
• keep an easy reference emergency contacts list
• learn what to do in a disaster , including severe floods, storms, bushfires, cyclones and heatwave

For more information visit www.goldcoastcity.com.au/disaster.

Surfers Paradise Beachfront - a new horizon

Council's $25 million upgrade of the Surfers Paradise foreshore begins in February 2010.

The rejuvenated beachfront will reconnect the heart of Surfers Paradise to the beach; protect and enhance the beach environment; improve infrastructure for major events; minimise traffic impact and create a safer place for pedestrians and cyclists.

The upgrade will significantly improve recreational opportunities, making the beachfront a vibrant, functional and enjoyable destination for locals and visitors.

The 18-month project will be split into two stages and all efforts will be made to minimise disruption to local residents, business operators, and tourists.

For more information on the Surfers Paradise foreshore redevelopment visit www.goldcoastcity.com.au/surfersparadise or call 1300 594 761.

2010 Australia Day Celebrations

Gold Coast's biggest Australia Day event is on at Evandale Parklands and it's free.

The Aussie activities include a full scale rodeo, with two sessions at 11am and 2pm, the JJ Richards Woodchopping Championships and the Gold Coast Griffith University Gift Footrace.

Sheep shearing, pig races, duck herding, damper making and whip cracking will feature along Neumann's Bush Track, while carnival rides, face painting, pony rides, and rock climbing will take place in the Dairy Farmers Billy Lids Playground.

Foodies will delight in scents from the Bucking Bull Bar and Grill and Heritage Building Society Big Top entertainment precinct. There will also be an international food court, with cuisine from 15 countries.

After the Australian Citizenship Ceremony, three stages will be filled with entertainment from around the globe.

Council's 2010 Australia Day Celebrations are on Tuesday 26 January from 10am to 5pm at Evandale Parklands, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise. Additional free parking is available at the Gold Coast Turf Club, with free shuttle buses running all day. For more information, call (07) 5581 6877 or visit www.goldcoastcity.com.au for the full program.

Tree Giveaway

This month ratepayers can collect trees for free, as part of a program to promote tree plantings throughout the city.

Council will give away more than 35,000 trees, helping to create a city known as much for its shaded boulevards and avenues as its sun-drenched beaches.

Under the program, only shade trees will be provided between January and May, when traditionally the city receives its highest rainfall.

With the help of residents, the greening of the Gold Coast will take root. You can pick up your free trees at six different locations across the Coast. They include Coombabah, Ormeau, Chevron Island, Mudgeeraba, Miami and Tugun. Simply present your January rates notice.

For more information visit www.gcparks.com.au.

Summer patrol hours extended

Gold Coast City Council's Lifeguard service have introduced extended beach patrol hours for the busy summer season.

Extended beach patrol hours beganon Saturday 12 December 2009 and will continue until late January.

Council Lifeguards patrol 42 ocean beaches throughout the holiday season and this service is complemented by Surf Lifesaving patrols which are conducted across 21 beaches during weekends and holidays.

Council Lifeguards and Surf Life Saving Queensland have a presence from 6am daily at some of our city's busiest beaches in response to beachgoers who swim outside of the advised patrol times.

During the holiday season, Council's professional Lifeguard service and our city's volunteer Surf Lifesavers will offer the most comprehensive beach safety coverage in Australia.

Please remember during the holiday season to stay safe on the beach and that alcohol and the surf do not mix, and to only swim between the flags during patrol hours.

Introducing BPAY View for rates notices

Council rates notices are now available through BPAY View®, the popular service that allows you to receive and view your bills through online banking.

BPAY View offers easy access to pay and track your rates notice and it's kind to the environment by cutting down on paper and reducing our carbon footprint.

All Gold Coast City Council ratepayers who register with BPAY View by 31 March 2010 will be entered into a draw to win $5000 cash.

For more information visit www.goldcoastcity.com.au.

How to register, terms and conditions can be seen at www.bpay.com.au.

BPAY® and BPAY View® are trademarks of BPAY Pty Ltd ABN 69 079 137 518.

Gold Coast City Council, PO Box 5042, Gold Coast MC Queensland 9729