I’m pleased to share that the following organisations were successful with their minor grant applications: Coolum Men’s Shed Inc to construct an accessibility pathway; Coolum Business and Tourism to commission a consultant to establish advisory committees; and Coastal Community Native Nursery for equipment for use by volunteers at the community nursery.
Minor Grants will open again on September 20, 2021, while Major Grant funding applications are open now and close August 30, 2021. To learn more, visit www.sunsinecoast.qld.gov.au/grants.
Work is due to begin soon on a two-metre wide pathway along the west side of Park Crescent. The pathway will extend from the existing pathway north of Pandanus Avenue to the pathway on Yandina Coolum Road. It has been prioritised as a result of discussions with Coolum State Primary School and parents so it’s safer for the community to access the school when walking and riding.
Earlier this year, residents were asked, if they would use a garden waste or a Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) bin service.
From 7,500 responses, 84 per cent of respondents said council should provide a service to reduce organic waste in landfill and reuse it.
This vital feedback led Council to make the decision to roll out an opt-out garden waste bin service from July 2022.
The expanded garden waste service will divert garden clippings, weeds and leaves from landfill and is the first step to transitioning to a FOGO service, which will prevent one million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions being released into the atmosphere over the next 30-50 years.
This change will mean the current charge will decrease, due to economies of scale. It is likely that the State Levy rebate will be removed in the future, which would have resulted in approximately $60 charge to residents for no new service at all! So, in the long run, there will be financial savings for existing and future users and a big reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Some properties will be exempt, however, the conditions of the exemption are yet to be finalised. Council will keep residents informed of planned changes which won’t start until July 2022.