Scenic Rim Regional Council and Community Services Industry Alliance (CSIA) are working together to deliver a workshop on planning in times of disaster for local organisations or business. This workshop is part of the broader Building Inclusive Disaster Resilient Communities (BIDRC) project.
When: Thursday 24 August 2023
9.30am – 2.00pm
Where: The Centre Beaudesert (Meeting Room 2)
82 Brisbane Street
Beaudesert
Register for a 45-minute mentoring session to help you find the right person to talk to about challenges and opportunities in your business.
The Queensland Government’s Mentoring for Growth (M4G) program offers free and confidential mentoring sessions where you are matched with business experts to help you understand business processes, talk through a problem in your business or identify business growth opportunities. We have multiple 45-minute sessions available each day.
Experienced M4G mentors can assist you with anything related to your business and you can register for a mentoring session at any time. Once you register your interest, the team will contact you to schedule an available session for your business.
Read more information about this program.
https://www.business.qld.gov.au/running-business/support-assistance/events/events/default/desbt/m4g-26july
The Black Summer bushfires and a series of floods have helped to shape the 2023 Scenic Rim Local Disaster Management Plan.
The updated plan follows a review of the Local Disaster Management Plan from August 2019 and has been developed in consultation with key stakeholders and government agencies.
Scenic Rim Mayor Greg Christensen, who chairs the Local Disaster Management Group, said that the region’s experience since 2019 had contributed to strengthening Council’s disaster management framework and response.
“Whilst we live in what I believe is the greatest place on Earth, living in a beautiful natural environment carries certain risks that we need to consider and prepare for,” he said.
“The Scenic Rim has the potential to be impacted by severe storms, flash flooding and bushfires and, while we cannot eliminate risks and hazards, we can take the necessary steps to ensure we are prepared for a potential emergency.”
The 2023 Scenic Rim Local Disaster Management Plan outlines how to prevent, prepare for, respond to and recover from a disaster or emergency event.
It considers a range of disasters, including those that disrupt essential services or may involve an attack against the state and, through its strategies, aims to reduce the impact of a disaster and assist in the community’s recovery.
The plan has been updated to incorporate experience from the Black Summer bushfires that began in September 2019, as well as a series of extreme weather events which led to the establishment by Council of the Scenic Rim’s Community Disaster Volunteer group.
“The focus of the plan, as required by the Disaster Management Act 2003, is to minimise the effects of significant emergencies and disaster events within the Scenic Rim community by ensuring a coordinated, approach to risk management involving prevention, preparedness, response and recovery strategies at local, state and federal government levels in conjunction with emergency services,” Mayor Christensen said.
“Through effective pre-planning, we can prepare our community and enhance our resilience to the adverse impact of any threat.”
Mayor Christensen encouraged members of the Scenic Rim community to view the plan on Council’s website and also to prepare for the approaching bushfire season coupled with the forecast El Nino weather conditions.
Council’s disaster preparedness publication, Would You Be Ready?, available on Council’s website scenicrim.qld.gov.au/council-services/disaster-management and at Scenic Rim Libraries and Customer Service Centres, has been developed specifically for the community to understand potential natural disasters and how being prepared could minimise the impact of a flood, cyclone or bushfire.
“Given the forecast for drier conditions this year, now is the time to prepare by cleaning up around your property and removing debris and reviewing your ‘what if’ plans ahead of a summer season that is likely to have heightened risks of bushfire,” he said.
“Owners of larger properties should clear fire breaks and reduce fuel loads but it’s important to work with your local rural fire captain before undertaking any controlled burns to avoid sparking a bushfire.”
Boonah SS P&C is hosting a Comedy for a Cause Fundraiser Night on 28/7/2023 at Boonah SHS Hall on Friday 28 July. This event aims to raise funds for educational resources, camps, and excursions for our local school.
Here are the event details:
Date: 28/7/2023
Time: Doors open at 7:00pm, with the show starting at 8:00pm. There will be a bar and light refreshments available on the night.
Location: Boonah SHS assembly hall
Address: 32 Macquarie Street, Boonah, QLD
Why Attend?
Comedy for a Cause – Enjoy a night filled with laughter and entertainment provided by professional comedians from the Melbourne International Comedy Festival all the while supporting the educational needs of our community’s children.
Positive Community Impact: By attending, your business will be making a meaningful contribution to our local school, demonstrating your commitment to education and supporting the growth and development of future generations. Grab a group of workmates and enjoy a wonderful social night out!
Ticket Information:
Tickets for the Comedy Fundraiser Night can be purchased directly through our event website – https://comedyforacause.net/
Winter Harvest Festival is held in Aratula on Saturday 1 July, 10am – 4pm. Entry is $15 per person, children under 12 are free.
The Winter Harvest Festival is the Scenic Rim celebrated in one glorious, flavour-filled day, and everyone is invited!
The signature event of Eat Local Month, our Scenic Rim Food Ambassador Chefs join growers, producers and flavour-makers, in hosting masterclasses and demonstrations, there’s produce stalls to wander, tasting stations to graze and the World Famous Tractor Pull (will the butchers’ take the title again in 2023?).
New this year is the Producer Stage with a focus on the growers and producers of the region sharing their stories and the story behind their produce.
Bring an empty esky (or three!), pack the kids (it’s a fantastic family event), gather the crew, and prepare for the ultimate farm gate, and an absolute overload of country hospitality!
For more information, visit their website.
The latest from Scenic Rim Regional Council:
The Scenic Rim economy continued to power ahead in 2021-2022 with a 9.81 per cent increase in Gross Regional Product for the financial year almost double Queensland’s 4.99 per cent growth statewide.
Tabled at today’s Ordinary Meeting, Council’s Scenic Rim Economic Snapshot highlights the region’s strong economic growth and the role local industries are playing in providing valuable jobs for locals and contributing to the Scenic Rim’s $2.09 billion economy.
Figures for 2021-2022 recently made available by the National Institute of Economic Research highlighted the Scenic Rim’s strong performance in terms of jobs growth, investment as measured through the value of building approvals and Gross Regional Product.
Mayor Greg Christensen said the snapshot reflects the achievements of the Scenic Rim Regional Prosperity Strategy 2020-2025 as a roadmap providing a clear direction for supporting the region’s business community and welcoming new businesses that create employment opportunities.
“Increased investment confidence in the Scenic Rim was highlighted by the $182 million in building approvals in 2021-2022, the highest since the region’s peak in 2016-2017,” Mayor Christensen said.
“Almost 200 new businesses in the Scenic Rim were registered for GST in 2021-2022 period, leading to increased economic growth and the creation of further employment opportunities.
“During the past five years, more than 1700 locals jobs have been created, with an increase of more than 820 net jobs during 2021-2022.
“At 5.4 per cent, the region’s unemployment rate was slightly above Queensland’s overall at 4.5 per cent. However, with strong employment growth in health care and social assistance, education, training and agriculture moving forward, this will decline as seen in the December 2022 figures for unemployment at 4.8 per cent.”
The Scenic Rim’s 9.81 per cent growth in Gross Regional Product has been driven predominantly by the agriculture, construction, professional, scientific and technical services industries, with an increasing number of professionals attracted by the region’s lifestyle.
Division 4 Councillor Michael Enright said he was pleased to see the creation of 827 additional jobs and that the Scenic Rim’s Gross Regional Product is now over two billion dollars.
“It’s also wonderful to see that agriculture has been growing significantly and that agriculture, forestry and fishing are still the strongest industry while healthcare and social assistance provides the most jobs – over 2000.
“There has been some very strong growth which is testament to the businesses in our region and also to the support that is given through Council following on the pillars of the regional prosperity strategy.”
Mayor Christensen said that while supply chain constraints, labour shortages and housing affordability presented challenges, the Scenic Rim presented a wealth of opportunities for future growth and development through the expansion of large-scale industries and major infrastructure projects such as the Beaudesert Enterprise Precinct.
“The Scenic Rim is well placed to take advantage of increased international and domestic tourism and benefits from structural changes in the economy,” he said.
“As trade conditions continue to improve and we see a return to pre-COVID-19 conditions, our region’s $38.9 million in international exports will continue to strengthen.”
For the full detail of the Scenic Rim Regional Council Economic Snapshot 2021 – 2022 visit https://www.scenicrim.qld.gov.au/rps.
Growing the network and knowledge
of drought resilient producers.
Scenic Rim Regional Council is pleased to be offering this FREE
Agricultural workshop to local landholders and producers.
This workshop will provide both a good overview of the changing agtech and
innovation landscape, and specific projects and innovations relevant for the
horticultural and dairy industries.
Owen Williams, Manager of Agtech and Logistics Hub will address critical mega
trends, the questions related to compliance and competition, the rising influence
of traceability and biotech, farm automation and the critical element of digital
connectivity. It is acknowledged tech can’t solve problems if it isn’t applied on
farm. Bridging the gap between challenges and problem solvers in the agricultural
sector is the main focus of the Agtech and Logistics Hub.
Attendees will also hear from Angela Elliot, Head of Commercial and Technical at
Multikraft Probiotic Solutions, who will outline why she is persuaded probiotics
will contribute very significantly to the future of farming and provide some specific
case studies related to horticulture and dairy. Angela has experience across
multiple livestock-focussed agribusinesses in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa,
Canada and China; and is keen to hear about Scenic Rim producer challenges and
the problems to be solved. Additionally, Nick Watts from Innovate AG, SERO-X,
will present this widely acclaimed pesticide based on botanical peptide technology
for which he has lead the research and commercialisation process. Nick has over
20 year’s experience bringing new technology to the agricultural sector and is keen
to engage with producers about the weed problems faced on farm.
RSVP and more information
Contact Council’s Regional Prosperity Team on 07 5540 5111 or
[email protected]
There is no cost to participate but
pre-registration is essential. Participants
will be capped at 30 to ensure your questions
can be answered
Do you provide short-term accommodation for visitors in the Scenic Rim?
Scenic Rim Regional Council is committed to helping local businesses understand what you need to do to become a fully compliant short-term accommodation operator.
These FREE information sessions are designed to provide business owners with the information you require to make an informed decision regarding launching or growing your business.
They will include information required by accommodation providers to gain approvals, the various licences and permits and when they apply, while there will also be the chance to benefit from networking with other operators and industry stakeholders.
Please join us at one of these free information sessions to learn about our local tourism industry, connect with other tourism businesses and learn how to gain the right approvals and ensure your businesses is fully compliant.
BEAUDESERT 27th April – The Centre, Beaudesert, 10am – 11am
BOONAH
TAMBORINE MOUNTAIN 11th May – Thunderbird Park; Tamborine Mountain, 10am – 11am
Scenic Rim Regional Council officers from the Regional Prosperity, Planning and Regulatory Services departments will be on hand to provide advice and support at each session.
RSVP
Please reply to [email protected].
YOUR NAME/S:
SESSION ATTENDING:
PHONE:
Or phone the Regional Prosperity team on 07 5540 5111. Thank you.
Scenic Rim Regional Council is pleased to release its calendar of events for Queensland Small Business Month (QSBM) with events including expos, networking opportunities, grant writing workshops and engagement sessions with the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training (DESBT) and Council officers.
The Small Business Breakfast is to be held on Tuesday, 16 May 2023 at The Centre in Beaudesert, where Michael Campbell, Director of Lucid Economics, will be guest speaker and with a special focus on exporting, investment attraction, market information and opportunities for Scenic Rim businesses.
Some of the regions key exporters – Tamborine Mountain Distillery, The Golden Bone Bakery and Plasvacc, will form a panel, sharing their successes and challenges, insights and future opportunities in the industry and will be hosted by Julie Mark from Trade and Investment Queensland.
The overall theme of this year’s QSBM is ‘love your local’ with celebrations showcasing small businesses that drive our economy, create local jobs, and build strong communities.
For further information, please visit their website or contact Council’s Regional Prosperity team on 07 5540 511 or [email protected]
Locals and visitors alike are being invited to explore the heart of the Scenic Rim during Eat Local Month in June.
As a highlight of the month-long paddock-to-plate celebration of the Scenic Rim’s farmers, growers, producers, artisans, chefs and quality food and beverages, the weekend of 23 to 25 June will showcase the smorgasbord of tastes and experiences at Beaudesert, Allenview, Kerry and Rathdowney.
The weekend opens on Friday 23 June at the sixth-generation Tommerup’s Dairy Farm at Kerry with two all-new events in the Eat Local Month line-up, the Our Bread and Butter – Simple Farmhouse Pleasures Masterclass at 10am followed by Tommerup’s Feast on the Farm on Sunday 25 June with guest chef Scenic Rim Food Ambassador Richard Ousby from 10am to 2pm.
An indulgent Friday Long Lunch at the Two Chefs Restaurant at the Overflow Estate 1895 at Wyaralong will celebrate the perfect pairing of local produce with the vineyard’s own wines.
With a growing interest in home-grown, Oaky Creek Farm near Rathdowney will present a Growing Root Crops Workshop on Saturday 24 June from 10am with a focus on ginger, garlic and turmeric.
An odds-on favourite for the weekend could be the running of the Towri Twilight Woolly Cup at 3pm on Sunday 25 June at Towri Sheep Cheeses, Allenview, where the characterful Awassi sheep will be showing it’s not only horses for courses.
In addition to the showcase events, there is plenty to see and do in the heart of the Scenic Rim.
It is the home of authentic farm stay experiences at Tommerup’s Dairy Farm, Cedar Glen Farmstay at Darlington and Worendo Cottages, set in the Lost World Valley overlooking Lamington National Park’s World Heritage-listed rainforest.
Across the weekend and throughout Eat Local Month from 1 June to 2 July, there will be hearty breakfasts at Teaspoons and Aprons in Beaudesert, which also offers a range of delicious sweet tarts and cakes, and the Harvest Café at Oaky Creek Farm, where free-range eggs accompany Running Creek Beef’s legendary sausages.
There will be wine tastings at The Overflow Estate 1895 and Barney Creek Cottages, and afternoon teas at Rathlogan Olive Grove and Shed Café, which is renowned for its tapenade, jams and relishes.
Towri Sheep Cheeses will host Open Farm days on 3 June and 1 July and a workshop on growing herbal remedies in conjunction with Jasmine Urban Farm on 3 June.
Sample Native Flavours of the Scenic Rim at Teaspoons and Aprons on 13 June and 15 June and linger over lunch at the Two Chefs Restaurant at The Overflow Estate 1895 on Friday 2 June.
Scenic Rim Mayor Greg Christensen said Eat Local Month offered something for every taste and budget, from indulgent long lunches to flavour-filled dinners, farm gate experiences, food walks, tastings, tours, talks, masterclasses and workshops for all ages culminating in the signature event, the Winter Harvest Festival on Saturday 1 July.
“Eat Local Month in winter celebrates the most abundant time of the year for our region, making it the perfect time to enjoy local produce at its finest and connect with those who put food on our tables,” he said.
“This year we will enjoy our greatest ever celebration of authentic paddock-to-plate experiences with a full month of Eat local events.
“Having tasted all our region has to offer during Eat Local Month, I am sure you will be back for seconds!”
The full Eat Local Month 2023 program is available to download from the eatlocalmonth.com.au/ website from Thursday 20 April.Scenic Rim Eat Local Month is proudly presented by Scenic Rim Regional Council, with support from Major Partners Kalfresh Vegetables and Moffatt Fresh Produce, and Supporting Partners Urban Utilities, Community Bank Kalbar & District and Brisbane Economic Development Agency. The event is also supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland and features on the It’s Live! in Queensland events calendar.
