Our Region, Our Council
Background
The North Burnett Regional Council is established as a body corporate under the Local Government Act 2009
The Council came into existence on the 15 March, 2008 following the Queensland local government reform process which resulted in the amalgamation of 6 Shires – Monto, Eidsvold, Mundubbera, Gayndah, Perry and Biggenden , into the new North Burnett Regional Council.
The elected Council is the law making body and consists of the Mayor and 6 Councillors. The administration of Council is headed by the Chief Executive Officer.
To assist with the delivery of services provided by Council, the administrative operations are divided into two Departments and five areas, each specialising in specific areas of responsibility. Details can be found in Council’s adopted organisational structure and in the Section 6 of the Plan – Delivering our Services.
Lifestyle
The North Burnett region takes its name from the Burnett River that flows through the area. The region has a picturesque environmental beauty and an abundance of natural resources that support the diverse agricultural industries and a healthy country lifestyle.
The North Burnett Region covers 19,708 square kilometres with the topography of the region being diverse from fertile farmland to rugged geographical formations.
History
Europeans first explored the Burnett district in 1847 when the Assistant Government Surveyor of the time, James Burnett reported that the area was “open country with the finest sheep pasturage I have seen on this journey”. Settlement of the region began in 1848 with the establishment of several sheep stations throughout the area. Sheep were later replaced by cattle grazing, agriculture and horticulture.
North Burnett Regional Council acknowledges the contribution that the pioneers have made to the region and its development.
Society
North Burnett is home to an estimated population of 10,580. The region has a strong connection with its rural background and promotes a safe and friendly atmosphere supported by a healthy country lifestyle. The North Burnett Regional Council is formed from a number of smaller communities that band together to support one another. Each of our communities is proud of our heritage and strongly supports the sustainable development of the region.
Environment
North Burnett region has an abundance of natural resources that include: water, rural farmland, mineral deposits, forests, geographical landscapes and National Parkland. Points of significant environmental interest include: Auburn, Boyne, Burnett and Nogo Rivers; Cania, Paradise and Wuruma Dam; and Auburn River, Coalstoun and Mt Walsh National Parks.
The region is described as being sub-tropical and sub-humid, with the predominate rain falling between the months of October to March. The annual rainfall for the area ranges from between 704mm in Mundubbera to 916mm in the Mount Perry area.
Main temperatures range from an average of 5 degrees minimum to 32 degrees maximum. However, temperatures of 40 degrees can be experienced over short periods during the summer months and sub-zero temperatures also occur during the winter months.