CALOUNDRA - WINNER: ERGON ENERGY TIDIEST TOWN IN QUEENSLAND 2008

We live in Caloundra City, one of the most picturesque areas in Australia. Caloundra is within an hour’s drive of the capital city of Brisbane & is the southern gateway to Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.

With its enviable location in Queensland’s south-east corner, Caloundra City has retained the relaxed lifestyle that complements its natural environment which includes some of the most beautiful beaches in Australia & a picturesque hinterland. Residents & visitors are attracted to the geographically diverse nature of the area.

It is the second largest municipality by area (1107 sq. kms) on the Sunshine Coast; it is also one of the fastest growing cities in Australia with an annual growth rate of 4.2%, equating to an increase of 3,470 people in the year ending 20 June 2004. As of 30 June 2005, it is estimated that Caloundra City had a population of 88,500. New Census data collected in October 2006 is set to be released from June 2007 & will make for interesting reading!

Blessed with 10 of Queensland’s most popular patrolled beaches as well as beautiful rainforests & numerous botanical, environmental & national parks, Caloundra City is a very special place. It is also home to attractions including Australia Zoo, The Big Kart Track, Aussie World & the Ettamogah Pub.

According to the SEQ Regional Plan projections, by 2026 Caloundra City will have an estimated resident population of 155,500. These projections also highlight that during the period 2016-2026, Caloundra City will be accommodating a greater proportion of the expected 424,000 people coming to the Sunshine Coast, accommodating 35,000 people to Maroochy's 15,000 and Noosa's 500 people.

To find out more about Caloundra City & its vibrant seaside community, visit the Caloundra City Council website >> www.caloundra.qld.gov.au

ERGON ENERGY TIDY TOWNS STATE AWARD WINNERS 2008

ERGON ENERGY TIDIEST TOWN – CALOUNDRA

The Tidiest Town Award takes into account a community's geographic, environmental, cultural and economic circumstances, and assesses how efficiently and effectively the community uses the resources available to it against a range of criteria, including tidiness and litter abatement, visitor friendliness and hospitality, cultural and natural heritage activities, community interaction, youth activities, resource conservation & waste management, environmental innovation, and local government leadership within a community.

Caloundra presents as a vibrant, caring and very environmentally aware city with lots to offer both locals and tourists. Volunteers play an enormous role in keeping Caloundra alive and thriving. Various caring groups include anti-litter groups, historical groups and environmental groups. Tying all these community action groups together is the eight members Caloundra City Tidy Towns Group which works actively with council to achieve a well co-ordinated positive outcome from all initiatives.

Caloundra is a very popular tourist destination, locally, nationally and internationally. Facilities cater for all people with various interests and abilities with a natural environment second to none which includes beautiful pristine beaches, iconic mountains, theme parks, museums, historical sites, waterways, lakes, forests, wetlands, sporting facilities including water sports and organised team sports, the world famous Australia Zoo, and the Wildlife Warriors who run a sanctuary for keeping animals from extinction.

The coastal walkway, still under construction, consists of a series of walkways along the entire coastline between Bell's Creek at Golden Beach to the lighthouse at the tip of Point Cartwright. Features include wide paths, stunning views, easy, all-ability accessibility, new footbridges and well places aesthetically pleasing signage displaying a map of the area and a 'you are here' pointer.

Five accredited Tourist information Centres serviced over 100 000 visitors last year, giving the right, up to date information and assistance, including a free booking service, ensuring that visitors have the best holiday possible. Excellent signage across the city is updated regularly ensuring ease of travel around the city.

Many new energy efficient and water saving initiatives show Caloundra's commitment tosustainability. Resource Recovery in Caloundra is 'state of the art' with the facility at Beerwah being a showcase for councils all over Australia and even overseas.

Future Leaders is an exciting and innovative program for Caloundra's youth developed by the Sunshine Coast Youth Partnership.

MINT INDIVIDUAL OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

GREG McKEAN

This award recognises an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to their local community, region or Queensland and espouses the principles of Ergon Energy Tidy Towns.

Greg McKean has been involved and instrumental in setting up many charity and environmental associations in Caloundra. He is president of Night Eyes, a group based at Golden Beach who keep the litter almost nonexistent along the foreshore, up and down the waterways and over to Bribie Island.

He is involved in Landcare, Water monitoring, Volunteering Sunshine Coast, Pumistone Passage Committee as well as Sport and Leisure for the handicapped which through his initiative have acquired a boat which has wheelchair access to allow disabled people to enjoy the water and fishing.

Greg has been involved in the community all his adult life, including organising country music festivals, building school ovals, refurbishing local halls, and turning an old railway station into a tourist centre.