Boost for Digital Hub's FireTech program
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The Peregian Digital Hub is at the cutting edge of developing technological solutions to fighting fires.
In the wake of last year’s horrific bushfires across Noosa, the Hub’s FireTech Connect program is gaining momentum involving nearly 30 leading tech companies.
Federal Emergency Management Minister David Littleproud has inspected the program’s innovative efforts to build commercial capability into the fire technology.
“This is about investing in the human capital that is the best in the world to find solutions for us to ensure our firefighters get real-time information," Mr Littleproud said.
“I think the Hub could become a centre of excellence and open up new export opportunities for Australia.”
The Federal Government has provided over $700,000 in funding to further develop the new technologies.
FireTech program manager Leigh Kelson said the funding is crucial to the program’s ongoing success.
“We are hoping to see some of this technology adopted and this funding will help accelerate companies into commercialisation,” he said.
So impressed with the work, Mr Littleproud said further investment is possible, once recommendations are released from the Bushfire Royal Commission.
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Rates by email
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More than 30% of property owners now enjoy the convenience of receiving their rate notices electronically – by email or direct to their online banking platform via BPay View. To switch to electronic delivery, visit Council’s website to register, or visit your online banking platform to register for BPay View.
Register for email delivery
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At the Gallery
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Noosa Regional Gallery has three exhibitions on show. Check out eight-time Archibald Finalist Ian Smith’s exhibition Flesh and Bone. Also on show is Extracts, by Sunshine Coast ceramicist Rowley Drysdale, plus Penance and Repentance - an installation by French-born Australian artist Beatrice Prost.
Visit the Gallery's website
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Time to connect
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Council will launch Connecting Noosa on October 15. It's an initiative to bring people together after a tough year with bushfires and COVID-19. Free activities will include yoga, heritage walks, sewing workshops and tech talks. The program will run until the end of March. Watch this space!
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Follow us
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Did you know we’re on Instagram? It's in addition to Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn. To keep up-to-date with Council on Instagram, search for, and follow, @noosa_council. Check out all of our social media pages to ensure you never miss an update about Council projects, programs and decisions.
Follow us on Instagram
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Probing for a solution
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We’re working with schools and community gardens to test a new invention from an Australian start-up that promises to make composting easier and more successful.
Cooroy Permaculture Gardens, Veggie Village, Pomona State School and Kin Kin State School are involved in the trial.
If it goes well, it could help other schools, community groups, and residents compost organic waste and spare it from landfill – fulfilling a goal of Council’s waste strategy. Read more.
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Feedback received
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Maintaining infrastructure and improving Parks and Gardens have been identified as key areas for residents should Council have any additional funds during its next budget review.
With the Council budget framed around a number of assumptions and the uncertainty of COVID-19, the survey was an opportunity for residents to help shape the second quarter budget review.
We received 156 responses to our survey which is now being collated to form part of a report to go before Council.
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Oyster project begins
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An independent scientific review has given Council’s oyster ecosystem restoration project a thumbs-up, suggesting only minor improvements to monitoring and evaluation methods.
Deputy Mayor Frank Wilkie said the review added further assurance as to the rigour of the project run by The Nature Conservancy (TNC).
“The peer review assessed The Nature Conservancy’s approach as robust, comprehensive and reflective of their experience in restoring oyster ecosystems around Australia and the world,” Cr Wilkie said. Read more.
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Library flexes solar muscle
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e-Arche lightweight flexible solar panels - among the first installed on a curved roof in Australia - are making a difference to Noosaville Library's electricity consumption from the grid. In September 2019, Noosaville Library used 9319 kWhr of electricity from the grid.
“Yet in September 2020, the library consumed 2026 kWhr of electricity from the grid, which is equivalent to a 78% reduction,” Council’s Carbon Reduction Project Officer Annie Nolan said.
The system includes 250 eArche solar panels that follow the curved roof.
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