With a population of just 1,800 Barcaldine Shire in central Queensland has one of Local Government’s lowest rate bases. On top of that the area has been hit badly by drought. Nonetheless Council provides its citizens with all the usual services, such as town water supply, sewerage, health services and road and street provision, as well as some less common ones, including tourist development and funeral services.
Not content with this, while still in the grip of drought, Council has demonstrated a fighting spirit in its determination to provide all the services needed to ensure a high quality of life for members of its small community. Barcaldine has fought hard for State and Federal Government funding to implement and maintain a range of programs.
“Council is anxious to keep the area attractive to live in and overcome the drift to the coast prevalent in the West,” said Peter Burow, Chief Executive Officer.
Everyone from the elderly to the very young are catered for through a comprehensive range of community services taken for granted in bigger municipalities.
For senior citizens, home based assistance is available along with respite and domiciliary care. The 60s and Better program, unique to Queensland, enables people who might otherwise be isolated at home to enjoy organised activities, such as picnics and other social gatherings. This highly successful low cost program sees participants enjoying better health and an improved outlook on life.
For children, Council has established a safety house network, kindergarten programs and family day care. These also assist single parent families in undertaking job skills training or study. Through the CES, JobSkills and new work opportunity programs are available, while a Youth Development Officer works with young people in the Shire. Council itself is the biggest employer in the town.
A program to develop the Barcaldine Aridland Botanic Gardens, in conjunction with the Central West Aboriginal Corporation, tackles the problem of indigenous unemployment. It also helps preserve a unique area of flora and fauna with the additional benefit of developing the area’s tourist potential.
A Rural Family Support Officer works in Barcaldine and two neighbouring Local Government areas to assist with the effects of drought.
For further information on any of these services or programs contact Peter Burow, telephone (076) 511 211.
