Councillor Schrinner said research shows that the best way to prevent young children drowning is through close supervision and to have a pool fence which complies with the laws. If a person does drown, quick CPR offers the best chance of recovery.

“Drowning is a silent killer; children can fall in or quickly be in difficulty whilst swimming and quietly slip under the surface unnoticed,” said Cr Schrinner.

“Almost all swimming pool deaths are preventable.

“This summer I encourage pool owners to closely supervise children, carry out regular maintenance checks of the pool fencing and learn CPR,” he said.  (BCC to offer free CPR course at Carindale Library)

Council has commenced a project called “Improving Water Safety in Brisbane” and is currently preparing a water safety plan and developing an education campaign to raise resident’s awareness of the importance of water safety.

For more information on water safety, please visit Council’ s website at http://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/BCC:BASE::pc=PC_237.

Council has named Brisbane’s top 10 greenest suburbs, revealing which of the city’s neighbourhoods are the most environmentally-conscious.

Lord Mayor Campbell Newman congratulated the top Green Heart suburbs including: Forest Lake, The Gap, Carindale, Sunnybank Hills, Bracken Ridge, Aspley, Eight Mile Plains, Runcorn Calamvale and Kenmore.

The ranking is based on the number of Council’s Green Heart CitySmart environmental rebates allocated over the last 12 months, including rebates for solar hot water, residential rainwater tanks, ClimateSmart Home Service and pool covers.

“Green Heart CitySmart is about helping people increase their sustainability so that we can become Australia’ s greenest city,” said Cr Schrinner.

“I commend local residents for taking full advantage of Council’s rebates and helping to save the environment whilst also reducing their energy and water bills.

“Although Carindale was named in the top 10, I know that residents of many other local suburbs are doing their bit for the environment as well,” he said.

Under the $192 million Green Heart CitySmart program Council is planting 2 million trees by 2012 and restoring the city to a 40 per cent green cover through land partnerships and purchasing at-risk bushland.

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Brisbane City Council’ s Chandler Transfer Station at Tilley Road, Chandler, will be accepting household hazardous waste FREE OF CHARGE on Saturday, 5 December from 8:00am to 3:00pm.

The station will accept:

• Pesticides
• Car batteries
• Acids
• Pool chemicals
• Solvents
• Aerosol products
• Fire extinguishers
• Petrol and oil
• Empty LPG gas bottles
• Paint
• Compact fluorescents
• Electronic waste

For a comprehensive list of all items and quantities that are accepted at transfer stations, visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au or call 3403 8888.

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“ When wild ducks are fed human food (especially bread or crackers) their organs become engorged and fatty, which can cause them to suffer from heart disease, liver problems and other health complications,” said Cr Schrinner.

“In addition to these health problems, feeding creates unnaturally high populations of waterfowl at a pond, and diseases generally not transmissible in the wild will flourish in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions,” he said.

While residents are encouraged to enjoy public parkland and the natural habitat, Cr Schrinner said it’ s important that wild ducks and other birds are left to forage for natural foods that will keep them healthy and strong.

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Councillor Schrinner said Council had partnered with community organisation and local ambulance committee ‘ CPR Awareness’ to deliver this vital service free of charge to people.

Locally, a CPR session will be offered at Carindale Library on Saturday, 23rd January 2010 at 2:00pm.

“Knowledge of CPR can be the difference between life or death,” said Cr Schrinner.

“And when you think 70 per cent of cardiac arrests happen at home and the most likely witness is a spouse or family member, you can see how important it is for people to learn the skill,” he said.

The 90 minute session will be held by a fully qualified CPR Awareness Peer Trainer and will include a complete introduction to CPR and practical training on specifically-designed mannequins.

For more information about a session in your local area or to book your place call Council on 3403 8888.

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Residents are encouraged to pack a picnic and attend this family friendly, alcohol free event for the whole community.

Ranger Stacey and Chrislyn Hamilton from Australian Idol will be present, along with a range of other special guests and community choirs.

Carols begin at 7:00pm and food and drinks from P&F Stalls will be available for purchase on the night.

Cr Schrinner is encouraging residents to support this free community event and those seeking more information can phone 3390 8555. The event will be held on the MBC front oval with entry via Wondall Road, Manly West.

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