SOME KIND OF PROGRESS

We have been notified that our application for a grant to Jupiters Casino Community Benefit Fund (JCCBF) was unsuccessful.

Our grant application for $50,000.00 to Sunshine Coast Regional Council (SCRC) is still pending with a response expected at the end of December.  With the possibility of another unsuccessful grant application, the Management Committee has decided to investigate with our builder Murray Pearson, the possibility of commencing in the New Year, the major part of the renovation without the extra grant funding.  Extra funding can be sourced through the next JCCBF grant round commencing in January 2012.

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On 31.08.2011,  an application for a grant of $50,000.00 to fund the rest of the cost of the renovation of the Obi Obi Hall was made by the Association to Sunshine Coast Regional Council (SCRC), this grant application was made in case our grant application with  Jupiters Casino Community Benefit Fund (JCCBF)  is rejected (the outcome of this application expected sometime in September).

Sunshine Coast Regional Council offers help to the community via their Community Grants Program offering both major grants – from $2,000.00 to $50,000.00 twice a year with applications closing at the end of August and February with notification of results three months later, and minor grants – to $2,000.00 four times a year with applications closing at the end of August, November, February and May, results two months later.

The application was made  easier with most of the information required transferred from our JCCBF application, with the tone of this application varying as a result of the differing questions asked; both grant applications were made online with SCRC’s web site proving much more user-friendly, much to the relief of the applicants as memories of the many previous unsuccessful  attempts to upload the JCBF application with only  hours left to the closing deadline still brings back painful flashbacks (each failure to upload meant that all the information required had to be re-entered) .

Our building consultant EBIS has been asked to amend our hall renovation  working drawings to incorporate various structural improvements that resulted from our discussions with builders during the tender process. When these changes are confirmed by EBIS the re-stumping of the hall will go ahead.

PLEASE NOTE

Fire Danger Period Declared

The Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS) has declared a Fire Danger Period resulting in new rules on the lighting of fires.
The Fire Danger Period means Queenslanders will not be allowed to light a fire, regardless of the size, without a permit from midnight Sunday 4 September to midnight on Sunday 1 January 2012.
It is common practice for QFRS to implement a Fire Danger Period during bushfire season as a step towards preventing fire from escaping and potentially putting lives and property at risk.
A Fire Danger Period is not a Fire Ban. It simply means that you may need to receive a Permit to Light Fire for fires where a permit is not usually required, however there are still some types of fires that can be lit without a permit during the Fire Danger Period.
I want to light a fire – what do I do?
1. Contact your local Fire Warden (Obi Obi & Kidaman Creek areas only – phone 54469252) to complete an Application for Permit to Light Fire.
To find your Fire Warden, visit the Fire Warden Finder on the Rural Fire Service website (www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au)
2. Complete the Application for a Permit to Light Fire with your local Fire Warden. You will be granted or denied a Permit depending on the conditions, applicable local laws and your ability to control the fire.
Which fires are exempt from requiring a permit during a Fire Danger Period?
• A fire lit for the purpose of burning the carcass of a beast;
• A fire lit at a sawmill for the purpose of burning sawdust or other residue resulting from the operation of a sawmill;
• A fire lit outdoors for the purpose of cooking and warmth, if enclosed in a fireplace so prepared as to prevent the escape of fire or any burning material.
What is a properly prepared fire place?
A properly prepared fireplace means an area cleared of flammable material around and above the area, so as to prevent the escape of fire or burning material.
Regardless of the type of fireplace, it is the responsibility of the person lighting the fire to ensure all precautions are taken to contain and control the fire.

Is a Fire Danger Period a Fire Ban?
No, however a Fire Ban can still be implemented during a Fire Danger Period.
A Fire Danger Period identifies a time of the year during the fire season when uncontrolled fires can be dangerous.
A Fire Ban would be imposed during this period when conditions are such that fires would be difficult to control and pose a danger to communities.
You should always check if a Fire Ban has been implemented in your area prior to lighting any fires.
Information regarding Fire Bans is available on the Rural Fire Service website, or by calling the Fire Ban Information Line on 1800 020 440.

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After a concerted effort by the Management Committee the following has occurred.

1. A builder has been selected for the renovation, Murray Peterson of Maleny.

2. On 31.05.11,  a grant application asking for $80,000.00 to supplement the renovation was  made to Jupiters Casino Community Benefit Fund. Six expressions of interest and three Sponsor’s letters of support were attached.  It will be 3 to 4 months before a decision is made on our application.  The Management Committee has decided to proceed with the re-stumping of the existing hall separate to the rest of the renovation.

3. Our Association now has 59 members consisting of 39 ordinary, 3 special and 17 associate.

4. There was a relaxation of the footing specifications under the existing hall by our building consultant EBIS. Apart from the perimeter(load bearing) footings, the depth of the internal footings has been reduced to 900mm, this will reduce the work required and the resultant cost – quoted $35,000.00.

5. 22 truck loads of road base (at no cost) delivered to the Obi Obi hall property. This will be used to stabilize the soft areas around the hall, which will enable all weather access for the restoration.

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