Cooroora Connect August 2021

Cooroora Connect August 2021

An Initiative of Pomona & District Community House

TOWNS RACE TO ZERO e d i Ins EMISSIONS TARGET

Residents win campaign to preserve KOOKABURRA CK Pomona wildlife corridor

PAGES 18 - 19

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Get ready for a showstopper!

The anticipation is building.

Noosa Country Show organisers are hoping that people’s nostalgia – fuelled by postponement of last year’s annual event due to the COVID-19 pandemic – will bring the crowds back in droves to the Pomona Showgrounds on 10 and 11 September.

This year the showgrounds will be thrown open to local businesses wanting to set up a trade display or stall, whether it be honey, books, pottery, woodwork, farm and garden supplies, vehicles, camping gear, training programs and events. It promises to be a ‘people’s show’. Spaces are still available.

The interdependence between town and country is a special theme that has show society president, Charlie Pattison, enthusiastic about the show’s re-launch, which will operate under social distancing procedures.

To get your wares before a show audience, visit www.noosashowsociety.org.au /trade-sites or phone the secretary’s office, 5485 2331.

Friday 10 September will be a public holiday across Noosa Shire.

“COVID taught us how much we need each other and Noosa Grant will improve disaster preparedness, page 23. needs its show,” he said.

Traditional woodchopping is always a favourite at the Noosa Country Show.

King Of The Mountain highlights, pages 2 and 3

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Community gathers to see new king crowned Not so much a case of taking on 439m Mt Cooroora and 91 other competitors to become this year’s King of the Mountain champion runner, for Spaniard Jorge Hernaez Navarro it was the pinnacle of his hard training and ambition that was bigger still as he slogged over the 4.2km course, cheered by a 2000strong crowd appreciative of a semblance of normalcy after last year’s event had to be postponed due to COVID-19.

Photo: Raoul Slater

Photo: Raoul Slater

Equally impressive was the feat by Leslie Saunders who was the first female over the line in a time of 33m:04s. It was the third time she has won the race.

This year’s event may have lacked the hoopla of a full festival, but was all the more significant for the simplicity of the run under clear skies, evocative of the pub bet and the race to the top by Bruce Samuels that began the mountain race tradition in 1958.

Jorge’s ballet training must have helped as he scampered over rocks to the mountain summit and back to Stan Topper Park. The young man came to Noosa two years ago, initially for six months, to learn English, but now plans to stay a

King Of The Mountain 2021 Jorge Hernaez Navarro, from Spain and living in Noosa.

Leslie Saunders, local school teacher who also trains the Prince & Princess.

further two years and perhaps defend his title in 2022.

to prove they had taken on the mountain and made it back.

Jorge completed his run in 27m:11s – outside the race record of 22m:43s set by Neil Labinsky in 2009.

Earlier in the day, 59 runners took part in the short course from the Cooroy Pomona Lions Den in the Prince and Princess Race.

Each runner crossed the finish line showing the strain and pain that Mount Cooroora is famous for dishing up. Every runner, exhausted, had a medal hung around their neck

In an exciting close finish, there was only one second between first and second - Oliver Pratt from Beau Mullins. Oliver came home in 17m:26s.

Continue next page

A new generation of mountain runners took to the track when 69 competitors participated in the Zinc 96.1 Prince and Princess Race.

Outright winner and champion ‘Prince’ was Oliver Pratt, who completed the course in 17m:26s. The champion Princess runner was Charlotte Reed (above right) who recorded the time of 19m:04s.

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Good response to antique fair Mountain run Organisers revives footrace of the Pomona Antiques and Collectatraditions bles Fair, Jane and Clive Ford (pictured) were delighted at the turn -out for this year’s event.

From previous page The Princess champion runner for 2021 was Charlotte Reed, cruising over the finish line in a time of 19m:04s to claim the Princess title ahead of Lily Small whose time was 20m:50s.

The support from the community has seen this race grow every year and for the first time it was held on the same day as the main race, adding even more buzz to the air.

Shortly after the last runner crossed the finish line, everyone gathered in Stan Topper Park for the presentations. It was fitting to see the Prince and Princess runners-up on the podium accepting their medals and trophies in front of so many onlookers and much applause, and how proud were they standing up there.

The main race runners were up next and it gave the Prince and Princess runners a chance to look up and imagine being there in the future, and that is what we all hope for.

Adults inspiring children, and children inspiring adults, and on Sunday, the town of Pomona provided the opportunity for that type of passion to flourish. Is it any wonder people are drawn back to the King of the Mountain year after year.

THANK YOU Cooroy Pomona Lions Club and the King Of The Mountain team would like to thank our funding partner and sponsors: Noosa Council, Bendigo Bank Pomona, Pomona True Value Hardware, Zinc 96.1, Cooroy Rag , Page Furnishing, Pomona Community House and local businesses.

Despite smaller numbers attending a scaled-back King of the Mountain Race this year, the associated Antiques and Collectables Fair in the Pomona Memorial Hall drew one of the largest crowds in the 15year history of the event, according to organiser Clive Ford.

interest on the Saturday, which is always our busiest day.”

Twenty exhibitors took part, displaying a wide variety of items – from jewellery and military memorabilia to antique furniture.

The bargain hunters filed through in steady numbers on the Sunday too.

Catering to the antique fair attendees were volunteers from the Gheerulla Hall and Recreation Association Inc., which is hoping to raise $50,000 towards a new kitchen fit-out. Association president, David Mockeridge, said the group had been heartened by the support.

“Activities such as this tend to be stand-alone events in their own right,” Mr Ford said. “People are collecting all sorts of things these days and we certainly got a lot of

Mr Mockeridge said a refurbished hall kitchen would allow for more and varied activities to take place at the hall. “We will be able to broaden our appeal and market,” he said.

Mary Poppins replica car goes on show A replica of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang – the iconic flying car from the hit family movie Mary Poppins – was among the vintage and unusual vehicles on display at the King of the Mountain race when members of the Combined Coastal Car Club of Cooroy and the Pomona-based Good Times Car Club displayed their pride and joy collector cars.

Chitty is owned by Brett and Barbara Haddow, of Pomona, who helped organise the display amid Coronavirus restrictions. The Good Times group meets every two or three months, usually on car runs to surrounding areas.

COOROY MOUNTAIN FESTIVAL THIS MONTH Subject to prevailing COVID-19 restrictions, the Cooroy Rotary Club has been granted permission to hold the Cooroy Mountain Spring Festival at 314 Cooroy Mountain Road, Cooroy, on Sunday 22 August 2021.

camp at 1pm.

As usual, there will be food stalls, entertainment and an observation trail through the rain forest to make the day suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

Cars may be parked on site for a gold This is the once-a-year opportunity to coin donation. Entry to the festival is climb Cooroy Mountain, with the first $10, children aged under 12 may enter for walkers able to start their climb at 6.30 free. Closed walking shoes are required. am and the last walkers leaving the base

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Council flicks flood problem to landowners

Kids, big and small, come out to play

Noosa Council has rejected suggestions that it should plan and help fund a solution to solving the flooding issue that develops at the rear of shops along Memorial Avenue, Pomona whenever it rains.

The council says it is up to private landowners to address the problem by working collectively and contributing to a joint fund, ironically called a ‘sinking fund’.

Noosa Council’s Asset Planning Manager, Bryan O’Connor, stated the council position at a recent meeting of the Pomona and District Chamber of Commerce, where some members expressed disappointment at a lack of support from the council, saying its attitude continued the stalemate that had existed for years.

“You have to get on board to fund a solution through a sinking fund, hire the services of a drainage engineer or a licensed certified plumber to devise a plan and make an operational works application to council,” Mr O’Connor said. This was required to link to the wider stormwater drainage system.

Mr O’Connor said there might have been historical issues associated with inadequate drainage, going back to the 1930s, but they were not the council’s to fix. To advance debate, one landowner undertook to explore possible costs.

PANDEMIC HITS TOURISM The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Noosa’s tourism industry has been quantified, and it is not a pretty picture. Tourism Research Australia figures reveal that for the year ending March 2021, total visitation to Noosa Shire (domestic overnight and day trippers) was down 25 per cent to 1.73 million.

Visitor spending totalled $778 million – a 28.5 per cent reduction.

Parents and children of the Pomona Uniting Church Playgroup meet every Tuesday in the school term. This lovely group of parents provides support and friendship to one another.

Almost every week for the past 12 years, parents and their children have gathered at the Uniting Church hall, Pomona, to participate in various activities designed to stimulate inquiring minds, develop a sense of play and grow social interaction among the young ones – and even adults too.

Activities include inside and outside play, a craft exercise and storytelling. The church provides morning tea for parents.

Megan Blears said her daughter Georgie, aged two, was an only child and rather shy, but had grown her social skills while attending playgroup. “Now I see her talking The one constant over that time has and looking forward to coming every week. It has been good for me been Uniting Church Playgroup as well, as I have made friends with coordinator, Sue Mulcahy. Just as other mums,” she said. the youngsters from birth to age five, but a couple of older children Dads are welcome. Among the two also, get to socialise and learn regular fathers is Scott Hillard, shared playing skills, Sue said she formerly of Cooran, who continues enjoyed the interaction at all levels. to bring his daughter Isla, three, to “The playgroup started as a way for maintain the strong bonds she has formed. Scott said he appreciated the Pomona Uniting Church to contribute to the community and to the swapping of ideas among provide a safe place for kids to play,” parents about what worked and didn’t work when bringing up she said. Sessions cost $3 per child, children. or $5 per family and parents must attend every Tuesday while playgroup is held, 9am to 11am.

Sue Mulcahy may be contacted on 0403 052 123.

Stimulus package for minor works

Noosa Council will use $30,000 from a $4 million allocation from the state government’s South-East Queensland Community Stimulus Package to remove asbestos from the Cooran Hall and ‘freshen up’ the Noosa Shire Museum and the Kin Kin Community Centre.

Across the shire, projects will proceed over three years, Mayor Clare Stewart said. “The projects will help support our community’s well-being and create jobs,” the Mayor said.

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FILL OUT THE CENSUS FORM For the sake of your community, make sure you fill out the Census form on Tuesday 10 August. The Census is a massive undertaking, the largest peacetime logistical effort in Australia. This year it will include around 10 million households and 25 million people. The Census asks questions such as your age, country of birth, the language you use at home, the work you do, level of education and whether you are renting or own your own home. You will be able to complete your Census online, on your mobile device, on paper, or with help from Census staff.

COLD CHARITY: With winter here, our homeless youth are feeling lonely and neglected.

They are also vulnerable.

There will be new questions in the 2021 Census – the first significant changes to questions collected in the Census since 2006.

Noosa’s youth homelessness on the rise With winter chills biting, our hearts should not turn cold to the plight of homeless youth who, increasingly, are finding temporary shelter in bushland camps around hinterland towns or who sleep in a different bed every night – ‘couch surfing’ through the generosity of friends.

Quantifying the problem remains difficult, with Noosa Council and local youth support group Youturn (formerly United Synergies) considering how the upcoming census data collection process could be used to measure the incidence of homelessness locally. Because homeless people don’t have a permanent place of residence, their data is difficult to capture on Census night, 10 August.

Youturn’s manager of Homeless Services, Haig Deere, said his organisation had contacted the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) to consider practical ways that a better measure of homelessness could be obtained.

“We have homeless clients who attend our Tewantin premises and we think we will advise them of the Census and perhaps even sit with them, if necessary, and help them so we get a better understanding of this

issue,” Mr Deere said.

While homelessness itself is not a characteristic that is directly collected in the Census, estimates of the homeless population may be derived using analytical techniques based on both the characteristics observed in the Census and assumptions about the way people may respond to Census questions.

one of the worst in Australia.

Through its Big Hearts for Tiny Homes project, Youturn has received donations to purchase two tiny houses for crisis accommodation.

Youturn is a not-for-profit group that works substantially with young people and those who support them.

Chamber website promotes district

To assist in providing services to homeless people, Noosa Council has granted $11,344 to Youturn in 2021-22. Towns and villages of the Northern Hinterland are being promoted to In the March quarter last year, 249 the world via a new website young people presented to Noosamanaged by the Pomona and Sunshine Coast homelessness District Chamber of Commerce. services. The ABS estimates the Check it out at https:// homeless rate is 50 people for every 10,000, and rising. More than half of www.pomonadistrictchamber.com.au young people under the age of 25 receiving support from homeless services slept rough at least once before turning 18.

The business chamber used a $20,000 Tourism Noosa grant to construct the site, enlisting the professional services of marketing and event management company The most common form of homelessness among young people is Firefly Solutions for technical ‘couch surfing’. More than one in six support. young people across Australia (17 per Chamber members have a free listing cent) report having an experience of on the business directory. homelessness. It is linked to housing The same information is reproduced affordability. on a touch-screen tourist The Noosa-Sunshine Coast housing information kiosk located outside cost-to-average income ratio (9:3) is the Pomona IGA.

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Pomona & District Community House 1 Memorial Ave, Pomona Ph: 5485 2427 Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm Referral & Information Internet & Computer Access Copying, Printing & Scanning Emailing & Faxing Laminating & Binding Venue & Room Hire Justice Of Peace Service

Centrelink / Medicare Access Point

Pomona Community House 1 Memorial Ave Pomona

Fun and fitness for over 40’s

FLAMENCO SLOW FLOW WEDNESDAYS 4.30pm to 5.30pm

AUGUST CLASSES FREE ($10 after August)

The Lawson Shed, Station St, Pomona Learn the graceful moves of Flamenco in slow-motion, with music of Nuevo Flamenco & Flamenco Chill. Gabriela is a qualified and experienced instructor. The workshop provides a gentle, structured way of delivering easy phrases that people over 40 years, of any level of fitness, can enjoy, modify and develop to suit their unique, creative style.

Wear comfy, warm clothes, socks/slippers.

Bookings Required: 5485 2427 Proudly supported by Noosa Shire Council & Pomona Community House

9am to 4pm Mon - Fri    

Self Service Phone/Computer Printer/Scanning/Fax Identify documents

One-on-One Computer Lessons Tuesday - by appointment Donation $5 per visit Booking Essential Ph: 5485 2427

Pomona & District Community House acknowledges funding from Department of Communities Noosa Council

Join Danielle and enjoy THE WAY OF THE HOOP Hula hooping is a fun, energetic way of connecting to your body through movement, based on your own inner rhythms. In these classes for all ages, we explore how to hoop on the waist, as well as learn simple on and off body techniques that not only increase wellness but bring you in touch with your own inner rhythms.

With music on, in an all inclusive environment of joy and laughter, we play and learn techniques. There is something for everyone in learning the way of the hoop.

POMONA MEMORIAL HALL Time: 10 - 11 am Free Classes Friday 6, 20, 27 August Friday 3 September Bookings Required: 5485 24527 Proudly supported by Noosa Shire Council & Pomona Community House

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Grant refusal means showground upgrade plans are on hold Noosa Council says it remains committed to working constructively with the Noosa Show Society on a master plan for future development and use of the Pomona Showgrounds in a pre-determined timeframe to 2023, but this does not prevent the society taking the lead on the initiative before then.

Reaffirmation to carry out the 2018 Sport and Active Recreation Strategy recommendation to conduct a master plan for a number of several multi-use and large sporting precincts, including the Pomona

Showgrounds, follows council refusal of a grant application seeking $30,000 for show ring lighting – part of a larger $250,000 planned upgrade of the site.

Pomona Showgrounds, we are committed to the three- to five year timeframe for a master plan over this site. The showgrounds are on freehold land and will require an The council’s knockback of the show effective working partnership with society request was on the basis that the Noosa Show Society Committee, the sporting and community groups its grant application failed to adequately demonstrate the need for on site and council. the lighting or the benefits to the “It will also require sufficient community from its installation. resourcing and commitment by the “Master plans are resource-intensive council and the show committee to if led by council,” said Noosa Council undertake the plan,” she said. “There Community Development Manager, is nothing stopping the show society taking the lead on the master plan”.

Alison Hamblin. “In terms of the

Meals on Wheels needs some more volunteers For the past 15 months Pomona Meals on Wheels has been delivering meals subject to Queensland Health COVID19 rules, involving frozen meal deliveries one day a week. However, the organisation is confident it can start serving its clients hot meals Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 20 September.

The presence of the pandemic has resulted in a 35 per cent increase in client numbers.

Consequently, volunteers are needed to deliver meals in the area from Eumundi to Cooran, Boreen Point to Black Mountain. For some clients, you will be the only person they will see from day to day, and they look forward to a chat.

So, if you can spare between two and three hours a week delivering for Pomona Meals on Wheels, call 5485 1777.

Those who act as drivers receive a contribution towards fuel costs.

Meals on Wheels supports those supported by NDIS and Home Care Packages, as well as Home Support Packages. Various dietary requirements can be catered for.

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Community halls get council funds for their upkeep Community halls and community facilities across the hinterland will receive a total of $68,700 from Noosa Council for their maintenance and upkeep in 2021-22, council minutes reveal.

The money is allocated under the council’s Community Grants Program.

The largest single grant is $18,424 to Pomona and District Community House.

Pomona Memorial School of Arts Hall Inc. receives $13,178. This is in addition to a one-off grant last financial year for a major upgrade of the hall toilets.

The Federal Memorial Hall receives $5306, while the Kin Kin Community Group gets $6435 for its hall.

A further $4624 goes to the Ridgewood Community Hall Association.

The Cooran Memorial School of Arts Inc. receives $7756 and the Cooroy Memorial Hall a further $12,967 this financial year.

Historian chases story of white cross A 20-year quest to complete the history of the RSL at Cooroy and Pomona is coming to an end for Betty and Ron Sutton, who hope to launch their work in book form at the end of the year.

However, there is one piece of the jigsaw that they are seeking further information about and the call has gone out to Cooroora Connect readers to help solve the puzzle.

This white cross commemorates the Pomona Memorial Forestry Plot, which honours World War II war dead. It is located along the Ron said he was involved Kin Kin Road, on the site of the former Pinbarren State School. in erecting a memorial explanatory plaque at the forestry plot on land rededication of the plot on oaks and kauri evident occupied by the former the golden jubilee of the today. After October 1944 Pinbarren State School.

Pomona State School the site was renamed the The forestry plot is Secondary Department.

Pomona Memorial Forestry dedicated to the sacrifice The Cooroy-Pomona Sub- Plot. of service personnel of branch of the RSL was The Cooroy-Noosa World War II. involved, but Ron said it Genealogical and It is the white cross on the obviously has been Historical Research Group site that interests the restored recently. “It would has supported the Suttons Suttons. “I visited the site be good to know by in their endeavour. recently and found that it whom,” he said.

The book compiling the is well-kept and cared for, The first planting of Pinus information and telling the but I would like to get to taeda was made at the Cooroy Pomona RSL subthe bottom of the white ‘Pinbarren Victory Plot’ on branch story will run to cross with some more 20 July 1939. More were 200 pages or more. information,” he said. added in 1941, 1942 and Anyone knowing the Another plaque at the base 1943. In total, some 1382 history of the Pinbarren of the cross dates from seedlings were planted, white cross can contact 1995 and states that it creating the magnificent Ron Sutton on 5447 6370. commemorates a stand of hoop pines, silky

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New investment supports planned village transformation

High stakes put Kin Kin on the map The Country Life Hotel at Kin Kin is in the process of being sold, a source close to the new buyers has confirmed, although it is not the prospective unnamed purchaser the Cooroora Connect reported in the April issue. That sale fell through.

The latest purchase deal is subject to a confidentiality clause until after liquor licensing arrangements are finalised.

Together with other pending and completed property sales in town involving the same interests, speculation is rife that it means Kin Kin can look to a makeover – but especially the pub – off the back of public investment in the Noosa Trails network. As was the case previously, the plans are for the hotel to become a ‘destination pub’ involving a more varied accommodation offering and fine food fare.

As a result, Kin Kin will be less of a ‘drive through’ village to become more of a ‘must do’ happening place.

The associated sales include an historic house in the main street.

Two long-connected business partners are believed to be involved – one an Australian living overseas and

Cooroora Connect Cooroora Connect is an initiative of the Pomona & District Community House Inc. The material published in Cooroora Connect may be reproduced only with appropriate authorisation and acknowledgment.

The views expressed in Cooroora Connect are not necessarily the views of the editor, publisher or Pomona & District Community House. Inc. Claims in advertisements are those of the advertisers and not the publisher. Our aim is to produce and distribute Cooroora Connect in a timely manner to ensure we meet all deadlines. However, due to unforeseen circumstances that are beyond our control, we take all care but no responsibility if circumstances arise.

PUB SOLD: The Country Life Hotel, Kin Kin has been sold to new owners who plan a sensitive renovation of the historic building. with strong family connections to Kin Kin; the other a Noosa resident and entrepreneur with hospitality experience.

There will also be an attempt to make the historic venue more ‘family friendly’, with plans to open up the garden area backing onto the “When the sale is completed the new oval. It’s also understood that the owners want to meet with the planned renovations include four community as quickly as new deluxe guest bedrooms on the possible. The buyers believe the upper floor. hotel could attract more local The pending new owners also wish to patronage in future and are keen to consult with the community ‘in an hear opinions on how they might inclusive way’, recognising the achieve that,” the Kin Kin Kinnections importance of the pub and the village newsletter reports. atmosphere to local residents.

“The’ve already been talking to some local producers - including brewers and distillers - and have been working with a well-established local hospitality business operator with a view to expanding and upgrading the hotel’s entire food and beverage offering.”

The pending sale of the Country Life Hotel follows de-consecration of St Lukes Anglican Church and Hall which will become commercial or community space.

-Additional reporting, Nick Thompson.

PCH MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS DUE Here is an opportunity for you to join in activities that support the community by becoming a member of Pomona and District Community House or renewing an existing membership.

Community House activities include computer lessons, youth groups, social games, Cuppa Cake and Conversation morning, information workshops and more. The membership renewal applies from 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2022 and costs $5 per person. Call in to Pomona Community House for a membership form or visit our website.

Support community activities that support your community

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LET’S START PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE, COMMUNITY LEADERS SAY

Budget must be foundation for the future Jann Bonsall Phil Moran Local hinterland business and at Kin Kin and the Tablelands Road community representatives are Bridge at Cooran – and the book calling for greater focus on planning kiosk and mobile library facilities to for the future following adoption by be installed at Pomona before the the state government and Noosa end of the year,” said PDCC BUDGET 2021-22 Council of separate ‘recovery and president, Phil Moran. stimulus’ budgets aimed at “And the council must be applauded rejuvenating the economy and Moran, and Kin Kin Community for stepping up to the mark in the strengthening community resilience. Group (KKCG) president, Jann area of bushfire resilience, imposing At $153 million, Noosa Council’s 2021- Bonsall, welcomed the annual spend a new bushfire and emergency levy, during difficult times, but signalled 22 budget includes a record $47 appointing a dedicated fire they wanted more long-term million for capital works, while management officer, supporting planning to support future grant keeping the rate rise for most rural fire units and increasing fire ratepayers below CPI, with the state applications to state and federal reduction burns in bushland governments, as had occurred in government funding major reserves.” funding the Noosa Trails Masterplan. improvements at the NDSHS Mr Moran said the budget was not Pomona campus and on natureBoth see an opportunity for a just about dollars and spending, but based tourism initiatives. The Six ‘hinterland vision’ to be spelled out equally about operational planning Mile Creek bridge on the Kin Kin in Noosa Council’s upcoming Local aimed at supporting communities Road gets $5.9 million to begin Economic Strategy review. and making them more resilient in construction of a replacement “Some positive things are happening, future. “The PDCC welcomes the structure. Cooran School Life Skills such as the Cooran-Pomona trails signing of a new four-year area will be refurbished at a cost of upgrade in conjunction with the partnership between the council and $200,000. state and federal governments, much the Noosa Biosphere Reserve Pomona and District Chamber of anticipated bridge replacements – Foundation and ongoing funding Commerce (PDCC) President, Phil including the Wahpunga Lane Bridge

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ENGAGE YOUR SERVICES Introductory offer Second hour free!

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Garden Maintenance Rubbish Removal Contact Justin 0402 642 320

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11 for Tourism Noosa, although that is a matter for further discussion. The hinterland had benefitted from Tourism Noosa grants for information kiosks at Pomona and Kin Kin. “I want to flag also the Chamber’s keenness to partner with Noosa Council on development of a new Local Economy Strategic Plan. We will be working with other business chambers, the Kin Kin Community Group and organisations such as Country Noosa to get their views.”

Sustainable industries, agribusiness and even food processing based on the region’s burgeoning horticultural and edible crop sectors needed to be fostered, together with nature-based tourism, he said.

Jann Bonsall also appreciated funding for some much-needed projects such as the Kin Kin Recreation Centre refurbishment.

“And we are grateful to Noosa Council for its advocacy on the quarry truck issue,” she said. “Let’s hope that matter is resolved by mediation or court action.

STATE GOVERNMENT BUDGET INITIATIVES

NOOSA COUNCIL 2021-22 CAPITAL WORKS PLAN

The vast bulk of state funding for our region is being spent on the Sunshine Coast, the railway line south of Nambour and on the 26km Bruce Highway bypass of Gympie to our north.

Noosa Council has adopted a record $47 million capital works program for 2021-22.

Here’s what is planned for the hinterland: Road resurfacing – School Street, Pottery Street and part of Pioneer Road at Pomona; 500m section of Pender Creek Road, Kin Kin, and Camphor Road at Pinbarren.

Bridges renewal – Lawnville Road Bridge ($1.47m); Cooroy-Belli Creek Road Bridge ($900,000); at Cooran, Tablelands Road Bridge B ($654,576); at Kin Kin, Wahpunga Lane Bridge ($1.36m). These projects are part funded by the federal government.

Noosa Trails – Pomona to Cooran Trail 5 upgrade and construction of trailhead facilities ($1.44m). Funding from state and federal governments.

Pedestrian access – At Cooroy, Gumtree Drive pedestrian bridge ($130,000); at Pomona, Stan Topper Park path extension, ($12,000).

Sports and recreation – Cooroy hinterland playground ($4.8m), part funded by the state government; Cooroy Sports Complex plan implementation ($50,000); Kin Kin Recreation Centre renewal (no figure).

Mobile Library replacement – $350,000 overall, including book dispensing kiosk at Pomona.

The Six-Mile Creek bridge replacement will cost $18 million – $5.9 million in 2021-22.

Minor works are planned at the Cooran State School.

At Pomona, the local campus of the Noosa District High School will get a new hall valued at $6.4 million, with $714,000 of that to be spent in 2021-22. A further $321,000 goes towards converting an undercroft space into administrative offices, freeing up that space for additional science classrooms.

The state government has also allocated $667,000 in 2021-22 towards a total $2.2 million contribution to provide eco-cabin accommodation along the Cooloola Great Walk between Noosa and Rainbow Beach.

The budget also confirmed $2 million in 2021-22 towards the $2.8 million state government contribution towards the total cost of the Cooroy Hinterland Adventure Playground.

“New private investment is coming to town that will require us to talk with the council about complementary public facilities, landscaping, paths and signage associated with the Noosa Trails Network and, of course, our new tourist information booth. We also need to think about possible future uses for the former St Luke’s Church.

“Ideally, these things should be coordinated and funded over a number of years following discussions with the community.

The mood is right for us to consider the ‘look and feel’ of the town – how we want to see Kin Kin in 10years' time.”

Noosa councillors and strategic planning staff are scheduled to meet on Thursday 5 August when they are likely to discuss progress on place-making initiatives for the shire.

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Keep the goose that lays tourism golden egg If you ask visitors what attracts them to Noosa, they may give you their version of that famous line from the movie, The Castle: ‘It’s just the vibe of the thing’.

OUR TOURISM FUTURE

We need to make long-term plan for sustainable tourism that helps the whole community prosper – a kind of tourism that still protects the beautiful environment we live in. If we want this kind of planning, we Cr Brian Stockwell need to improve. We can’t stumble blindly towards the ‘vibe’. We must we need to define the Noosa define it, build a path, and measure Experience before we can truly our progress. defend it?’.

In 2019 Noosa hit a peak in demand The fundamental argument put was as a tourist destination. Fracture that, rather than loving Noosa to lines began to open around the impacts of tourism, with many locals death, we need to understand the carrying capacity of our natural starting to ask ‘how much is attractions – our river, our beaches, enough’? our parks and our trails. Then we can This is not a pro- or anti-tourism take a planned and measured issue. This is about defending the approach to their management. attributes of Noosa that make it There was a good deal of consensus attractive to residents and visitors about the need for action and a alike. As a community, we need to define a point where the experience governance framework around destination management. This built of living in and visiting Noosa is momentum for a $100,000 allocation diminished by the influx of people in the 2021-22 Noosa Council budget and cars. Space, atmosphere and to begin the task. The Noosa brand is natural values are what brought distinctive, world renowned and many here in the first place. based on nature. This was Last year I consulted with key demonstrated clearly when last year community and industry the Enter the Biosphere campaign stakeholders and work-shopped was heralded as the most successful concepts with fellow councillors in Tourism Noosa’s around a discussion paper I had history. Ongoing success relies on written that asked the question: ‘Do

leadership and consensus on how to manage the shire’s great experiences.

Yet, we have the Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation championing projects that enhance diversity, conservation and sustainable living.

Local community and environment groups advocate on behalf of residents.

We have Tourism Noosa with broad responsibilities for destination marketing and industry development, and a range of business associations who have many members who directly or indirectly benefit from tourism. Although all have a shared interest in the longterm sustainability and protection of our UNESCO-recognised Biosphere Reserve, debates surrounding shortterm accommodation, signage and congestion on our roads can sometimes see these groups pull in different directions.

The pandemic has shown that when government, community and industry co-operate we can rise to meet significant challenges.

If we get it right, Noosa will emerge stronger and prepared for the decades ahead. Now is the perfect time to define the Noosa tourism experience so we can enhance it.

One of the most direct pathways is to gain accreditation as an internationally recognised sustainable destination.

GARDENS SHELTER A STEP CLOSER Plans to erect a shelter at the Cooroy Community Permaculture Gardens maintained by Permaculture Noosa received a huge boost in the annual distribution of Noosa Council grants funding to community organisations, with $30,000 allocated.

The money is ‘subject to evidence of secured additional funding from other sources’, the council says.

The Cooroy gardens were improved recently with the addition of seating, courtesy of the Noosa Community Training Centre and a generous donation.

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13

Call for entries in Lyn McCrea Memorial Drawing competition Noosa Regional Gallery has called for Last year, with the gallery closed due entries in this year’s Lyn McCrea to COVID-19, the prize shifted Memorial Drawing Prize. exclusively online. This year, as in The competition started in 2016 and past years, the prize will include an exhibition of finalist works on typically attracts entries from display in Noosa Regional Gallery. emerging and established artists Australia-wide.

The gallery established the annual prize with John McCrea, in memory of Sunshine Coast art educator and art collector, Lyn McCrea, to promote excellence in drawing.

“John McCrea has been very generous to donate money to ensure this prize continues Lyn’s legacy here in Noosa. Drawing is something that Lyn was very passionate about,” Noosa Regional Gallery Director, Michael Brennan said.

“The Lyn McCrea Memorial Drawing Prize continues to attract such an impressive range of artists. We’re confident that by again providing opportunities for Australian artists during these times of uncertainty, it will result in a repeat of last year’s high standard of entry,” Mr Brennan said.

The Lyn McCrea Memorial Drawing Prize will be accepting entries until Sunday, 15 August. Entry is $30 (inc.

GST) per work entered. Visit:

Michael Brennan, Noosa Regional Gallery Director. www.noosaregionalgallery.com.au for more information.

The winner receives $5000 prize money. The People’s Choice Award is worth $1000.

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14

New exhibitions at Pomona Railway Station Gallery There will be lots of whimsy and colour on display at the Pomona Railway Station Gallery this month.

In the Carriage Room, where new exhibitions are shown, April Greer presents her exhibition, Nature’s Beauties – A Whimsical Refuge.

April’s style is described as a ‘joyous blend of realism from the natural world with vibrant abstract-ism’, resulting in alluring textures and gentle, subtle symbolism.

April describes her motivation and work thus: “Each painting begins with a thought, an inspiration born out of the beauty of everyday life.

From here I embark on a journey,

paint brush in hand, music flowing, layers building.

By way of contrast, Tia Carrigan’s art collection – titled Colour Your World – may be found in the Banana Shed.

“I hope that every painting tells a story, destined to enrich and nourish Tia’s work is contemporary, with an the observer’s mind.” emphasis on abstract patterns painted with an embodiment of She believes art has the power to movement and freedom. Her provide relief and be capable of transforming the mind into positive exhibition references diverse and creative paths that have led the artist ways of being. “I aspire to offer the from fashion and textiles, to graphic viewer a refuge, a moment of happiness in this ever-changing and design, to floristry and to painting. somewhat challenging world. I hope my art brightens people’s days, their minds and their lives.”

This exhibition runs until 2 September.

It is a merging and expression of the birdlife and flowers that feature in Tia’s florist and art studio gallery in Pomona. Tia’s exhibition runs until 25 August.

APRIL GREER’S “NATURE’S BEAUTIES, A WHIMSICAL REFUGE” EXHIBITION CARRIAGE ROOM 7 AUGUST – 2 SEPTEMBER

**** TIA CARRIGAN’S “COLOUR YOUR WORLD” BANANA SHED 31 JULY – 25 AUGUST

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April Greer (pictured above) with one of her colourful artwork which will be on display at the Pomona Railway Station Gallery.

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15

ART THAT EXPANDS, CHALLENGES AND INSPIRES

Image 1: Carley Bourne, Image 2: Odessa Mahony-deVries, Image 3: Manuel Bugallo This August three solo exhibitions are on display at the Butter Factory Arts Centre in Cooroy.

abstract artworks, draped from the ceiling, together with videos and images revealing the artist’s (public and private) process of They are the Creamery exhibition, Flora Collective, ‘making’. by contemporary painter Whether it be locked in a Carley Bourne, the Butterbox exhibition, Trial jail cell with four No. 8. by emerging abstract instructions or tip-toeing along scaffolding, the artist Odessa Mahonyperformative and laborious deVries, and the Foyer act of painting is exhibition, Legends Of fundamental.

Objects Of Desire, by sculpture and assemblage The third solo show artist Manuel Bugallo. features French-born artist Highly sought after for her Manuel Bugallo. Manuel's unique style, Carley Bourne art practice includes artwork is heavily inspired collecting discarded spare parts and forsaken scraps of by the natural world. Her exhibition represents plant history and transforming into a new life. These life present in a particular objects, once undesirable, region or time. It focuses become desirable again. on shape and movement.

Odessa Mahony-deVries’ exhibition features huge

Exhibition details Date: Until 29 August Where: 11A Maple Street Cooroy Cost: Free Book online: https://www.trybooking.com/BSWJR

Tickets are free but booking is essential via the website.

Cooroora Connect Deadline for September issue is 20 August heather@pomonacommunityhouse Pomona & District Community House - Keeping You In Touch With Your Community

16

Kin Kin hall records historic milestone

One of the earliest photographs of the hall, supplied by the Noosa Shire Museum.

In the evolution of our hinterland villages and communities, we are reaching a point where we commemorate some of the earliest achievements of European history.

We have already celebrated 100 years of The Majestic Theatre’s completion and opening, but Kin Kin can claim a more significant milestone – construction of the Kin Kin School of Arts Hall 110 years ago.

Today, as then, it lies at the heart of village life.

The Kin Kin hall dates from 1911 – in the early days of formation of Noosa Shire Council.

Community life has taken place within its walls – from regular dances, boxing bouts, school lessons, debutante balls, passionate public meetings, plays and

movies, fitness classes and wedding receptions.

It has had a few extensions over time, but remains essentially as planned and constructed.

Kin Kin formed a School of Arts Committee in June 1909 and secured an acre of land from Queensland’s Department of Public Lands just two months later on 8 August. The official opening by Queensland Parliamentarian Harry Walker took place on 15 July 1911.

Mother Nature has tried her best to undo the community’s handiwork.

On February 17, 1924 a severe storm caused substantial damage to the School of Arts Hall, which was reconstructed by July.

Another violent tempest removed most of the roof in 1985.

PIONEER ROAD WORKS: Have you seen the white marks along Pioneer Road identifying failed sections of roadway? These sections will be replaced soon under the supervision of Noosa Council.

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NEWS IN BRIEF NOOSA ULTRA TRAIL EVENT PLANNED When the Persian army invaded Greece and landed at Marathon in 490BC, the besieged Athenians sent Phidippides, their best runner, to alert the other Greeks of the attack. The feat gave the name Marathon to the revival modern-day Olympic race over 42.19km.

Noosa’s new commemoration of racing endurance will be launched at the Pomona Distillery at 11am on Wednesday 1 September before an audience of invited guests, when organisers will unveil details of the Noosa Ultra Trail race. And while the race winner won’t be called Phidippides, he or she will be legend as the latest manifestation of adventure and nature-based tourism developing around the Noosa Trail Network, for which Pomona is the designated trails hub. More news next issue.

ASPHALT SEAL FOR POMONA DEPOT Noosa Council has replaced the gravel surface at the Pomona Works Depot with a permanent seal. Asphalt was applied to around 2500sqm of the site, including the front carpark facing School Street. Contractors performed the work, which took a day to complete.

Acting Infrastructure Services Director, Bryan O’Connor, said the new surface would help reduce the impact of dust generated from trucks and other vehicles coming and going from the site, and improve site safety.

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Starts August Pomona Day Class Wed 11 Noosa Evening Class Thur 12 Highly Qualified Teacher Albertina Banks P: 0429 329 743 E: albertinabanks699@gmail.com Facts: Indonesia is a democratic, secular nation of 270 million people. It officially recognises 6 religions – Islam Protestant Catholicism Hinduism Buddhism Confucianism.

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TAI CHI & QI GONG Yuka Olsen 0431 315 639 Gentle Tai Chi & Qi Gong For Beginners Mondays 8am / Cost $10 Stan Topper Park, Pomona Tai Chi Wednesday 8am / Cost $10 Stan Topper Park, Pomona Tai Chi & QI Gong Fridays 8am / Cost $12 Pomona Memorial Hall Gentle Tai Chi & QI Gong Saturdays 8am / Cost $10 Cooroora Creek Park, Pomona

Pomona Astronomy Club 4th Wednesday of the month 7.00pm Cost $3 per person Lawson Shed Cliff 0474 025 215

BOOMERANG BAGS POMONA Come & Sew A Reusable Bag Share Conversation & Friendship Monday - 9.30am to 3.30pm @ Lawson Shed, All Items Supplied

Towns enter friendly rivalry for solar energy supremacy Pomona is being considered as a site for a community renewable energy storage battery, supported by Zero Emissions Noosa (ZEN), as friendly rivalry builds between Pomona and neighbouring Cooran to become the first town in the shire to generate 100 per cent of its electricity needs from sustainable energy sources.

organisation or business to switch to solar power, paying $11,000 for panels at the Rural Futures Centre, Pomona.

Andrews A-grade Mechanical is another business that has converted to power from the sun. Recently, Pomona and District Meals on Wheels sought to cut its considerable electricity costs by installing solar panels atop the community hall, assisted by the Pomona Memorial Hall Committee.

Noosa Landcare is the latest

is one proposed site.

An enthusiastic supporter of renewables, Cr Brian Stockwell estimates that more than half of all houses in Pomona have solar panels mounted on rooftops and about one So far, Cooran is in the lead and quarter of all businesses. Impressive looks set to reach the target by 2026. as this seems, he says that only 12 per Forty-six per cent of Cooran’s energy cent of the town’s available roof needs are being met by rooftop solar space is being used in this way. So arrays. (Fifty-six per cent of Cooran there is considerable capacity to homes have rooftop solar and 42 per utilise rooftops for further ‘feed-in’ cent of businesses.) Pomona is sustainable energy generation. running a close second, drawing 41 Greater take-up and storage of solar per cent of energy needs from the power is being promoted by ZEN. sun. Much of the heavy lifting is “We propose that Noosa Council and being met by Pages Furniture ZEN partner in a pre-feasibility study Factory, which operates the largest on the costs and benefits of one or industrial solar power installation in more community batteries within Noosa Shire. It is capable of the shire,” the group said in a recent producing 200kW of electricity. submission to the council. Pomona ZEN calculates that within the 4568 postcode some 5000 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually is being averted that otherwise would have been emitted from coal-fired power stations. However, the momentum of conversion to solar power is being hampered by its success.

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19 If that sounds counter-intuitive, consider that the ‘poles and wires’ distribution network is designed for one-way flows of electricity from fossil fuel power stations into homes.

The industry wants greater regulation and control of the backflow.

Can we emulate Yackandandah in renewables power challenge?

ZEN is concerned about a recent proposal from the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) for an ‘export tax’ on those households that feed rooftop solar power back ‘the other way’, into the grid.

“Without some response, it is likely that export capacity would be restricted and/or very expensive upgrades to the system would be required. A clear alternative would be to encourage battery storage, either at the grid (‘big battery’) level, individual household and business level, or at community level,” it said in a discussion paper presented to the recently-formed Pomona Community Battery Working Group.

The group has the backing of Noosa Council and the Pomona and District Chamber of Commerce.

Essentially, a community battery is a large shared battery installed in a neighbourhood, enabling local solar power system owners to store their surplus electricity for use when their solar panels aren’t meeting household energy demand; and reusing that stored power at night.

Sharing the costs of a universal storage battery may be cheaper than households and businesses installing individual stand-alone storage units.

Yackandandah, population 1850, in North-East Victoria, installed a town community storage battery recently at a total cost of $400,000.

The Chair of ZEN, Vivien Griffin, told the working group that possible funding for a Pomona community storage battery might be available from the Australian Government’s Regional and Remote Reliability Fund, the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) and Regional Development Australia.

Members of the Totally Renewable Yackandandah group that wants to take the Victorian town ‘off the grid’. More information: www.totallyrenewableyack.org.au Small town innovation and ingenuity is on display in country Victoria and maybe soon in the Noosa Hinterland too if plans for a community solar power storage battery are realised here.

Yackandandah, near the border cities of Albury–Wodonga, has moved one step closer to reaching its 100 per cent renewable energy target after 10 public buildings in the historic Victoria village (pop.

1820) flicked the switch to solar, adding a combined 74kW of clean power to the town’s renewable capacity.

‘Yack’s’ 100 per cent renewable

As a starting point, Ms Griffin said: “It will be important to find the ‘right’ person in Energex/Energy Queensland who could advise their assessment of Noosa Shire actual and predicted barriers to exporting solar power to the grid, both for business and for households.”

Ahead of that happening, ZEN will explore the Yackandandah

energy target by 2022 is being driven by a community energy group called Totally Renewable Yackandandah, and has garnered the support of the local grid operator Ausnet, which is interested in how to manage the shift to distributed energy.

Ausnet and its offshoot, Mondo, recently won a Clean Energy Council innovation award for the work at Yackandandah, and the Victoria Government has contributed $104,000 from its Renewable Communities Program for the latest installations. A further $84,000 was raised locally.

experience and costs and seek feedback from companies Tritium and RedEarth.

RedEarth, founded at Brisbane in 2013, produces battery storage systems across a range of scales, including residential battery storage systems through to containerised systems for commercial and industrial uses.

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20

Council sets rules for display of public murals Noosa Council has responded to the interest being shown in displaying large murals across the hinterland and elsewhere in the shire by producing a ‘public art checklist’ against which the designs and worth of each proposed artwork will be assessed.

It has signalled that the checklist is an interim measure only. “Many local government areas are guided by public art policies that are specific to their identities, values, communities, and natural and built environments.

“Noosa Council has recognised the need to develop a Public Art Policy that reflects these factors and plans to engage in a future process that will include community consultation to help inform this guiding document,” the council said in a statement.

jumps through all of the hoops now in place, the council cautions that it has set the bar high for works of art installed on public buildings or public land.

“For each project in a public place, the council requires a description of the proposed public art work, including size, weight, materials, colour, form, shape, surface and proposed physical relationship to the surrounding environment.

“It should not be assumed that the provision of this information will automatically result in approval for the proposed public art work to be installed on public land,” the council cautions.

In South Australia, country towns have banded together to produce the ‘silo art trail’; this example at Waikerie painted by artists Jimmy D’Vate and Gary Duncan. Picture: A. Green. prior to the contracting of an artist so that the council can provide feedback on its visual and conceptual aspects to ensure they are appropriate for public display.

“Where a proposed public artwork makes visual or conceptual reference to First Nations art, culture, history or identity, [the “Noosa Council encourages instigator must] provide discussion of developing evidence that the artist public art projects, identifies as a First Nations including possible person and is proposing locations, with Noosa work about their personal Regional Gallery Director, identity and/or life Meanwhile, the council has Michael Brennan, early in experience; or the artist adopted a cautious the development process.” identifies as a First Nations approach to the murals person and has the Wherever possible, the initiative, putting in place a information the council appropriate permission step-by-step blueprint for from the Kabi Kabi needs should be provided proponents to follow.

Aboriginal Peoples before contracting an Corporation to reference The main requirement is artist, the purchase of the that the artist and project artwork or the securing of and represent aspects of initiator produce evidence funds to locate an artwork Kabi Kabi art, culture, history or identity broader of a $20 million public on public land. than their personal liability insurance policy “Where projects are experience.” and must be able to proposed to be publicly demonstrate that the An association or visible yet installed proposed public artwork community group exclusively on private conforms with the Noosa supporting the murals property, Noosa Council Design Principles. A scaled requests that project initiative must mock-up of the work is demonstrate to the initiators provide council required. council’s satisfaction with indicative images of general community And even if a proponent the proposed artwork(s) support for the concept.

This would need to be accompanied by a ‘risk assessment’ of the proposed artwork and a maintenance plan for the mural over its anticipated lifespan.

Recent mural installations at Tewantin were funded using grants funding and were positioned on the walls of privately-owned buildings with the owner’s permission. *While it won’t actively manage the Murals for Pomona project, Pomona Community House can be a contact point for artists who wish to get involved and property owners who wish to register a site or find out more.

ALL THE BETTER TO HEAR YOU The echoes around the main room at the Lawson Shed, Pomona, will be a thing of the past after Noosa Council granted Pomona and District Community House $3000 for acoustic attenuation measures, including curtains and sound absorption panels.

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Quarry legal advice ready this month Legal advice that will determine whether Noosa Council proceeds with a Planning and Environment Court challenge to the Kin Kin Quarry traffic management operational plan is being finalised, ready to be presented to a quarry stakeholder reference group meeting on Thursday 12 August.

Project coordinator with Noosa Council, Ian Williams, said there had been a short delay in preparing the material due to other matters before the court that involved the council’s legal team and also the volume of evidence gathered against traffic and other alleged infringements

by Cordwell Resources, the quarry operator.

will use this time to add more recent incidents and correspondence before they complete their written advice to council,” Mr Williams said. “Our collective commitment to presenting the strongest evidence possible hasn’t changed and [we] continue to work on the many aspects of this case daily.”

Noosa Council had been fining Cordwells for infringement of its traffic management plan, especially the distance between trucks as they leave the quarry gates, Mr Williams said.

“Infringement notices have ceased since boom gates were installed, creating a five-minute gap between departures. This doesn’t “The size of our ongoing abrogate Cordwells from their submissions means the legal team continued responsibilities.”

Trails remain shut while plantation harvest occurs Trails 7 and eight of the Noosa Trail Network remain temporarily closed to allow for plantation harvesting. Noosa Council’s Principal Environment Officer, Peter Milne, said. The reminder comes after a number of bushwalkers wandered into the harvesting operation areas.

“Signs are in place to remind bushwalkers and other Yurol-Ringtail Forest users to avoid entering the harvesting areas,” Mr Milne said.

“Entering areas where machinery is operating and plantation timbers are being felled is putting their safety and that of the forestry workers at risk,” Mr Milne said.

Mr Milne said the plantation timber had to be removed so native vegetation could naturally regenerate under the broader, long-term Yurol-Ringtail State Forests Conservation Project.

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Available all day – lunch or dinner.

Now at the Shell Servo, Pomona, corner Factory and Hill Streets Phone through your order: 5485 1106 Pomona & District Community House - Keeping You In Touch With Your Community

22

Men’s Shed joins Landcare to restore habitat homes The 2019 Noosa bushfires forced many people from their homes temporarily, but for our animal friends the disruption was more permanent. Birds and native species for whom a tree hollow is a shelter and nesting place lost their natural home for good when the fires came through, consuming many ‘old man’ trees in the flames.

To their rescue has come Noosa and District Landcare and local men’s sheds who, together, have constructed and installed 75 nesting boxes across the fire zone to replicate what was lost. The partnership extended to Hollow Log Homes and Bushland Conservation Management.

These boxes are new homes for animals and birds displaced from their tree hollows by bushfire.

has been due to habitat clearing, so during the past year, replacing the bushfire damage was particularly nesting and roosting hollows for devastating.

Greater Gliders, Yellow-bellied Installation was undertaken by the Gliders, Glossy Black Cockatoos, intrepid climbers at @QLD Wildlife During fires, old hollow trees are Tree-creepers, Sugar and Squirrel susceptible to burning, often acting and Ecological Services and Gliders, parrots, microbats and as chimneys and burning for weeks Biodiverse Environmental.

Antechinus (among others). All were Nesting hollows and old habitat trees after. “Hollow-bearing trees need to impacted in 2019. Landcare be hundreds of years old to have a are critically important to the acknowledges funding support from space big enough for a large survival of over 300 vertebrate WIRES. “Thanks must go to the marsupial such as a possum,” a animal species in Australia. A supportive staff at Queensland Parks dramatic decline in the abundance of Landcare spokesperson said. “We and Wildlife Service and Noosa can’t speed up the natural tree hollows in South-East Queensland ageing process, but Council for assisting in this we can do the next endeavour and helping to select the Appointments best thing, which is right locations for the boxes within Available Now to provide nesting their estates,” the spokesperson said.

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hollow substitutes.” “Monitoring of the boxes will be The nesting boxes occurring and we hope lots of little furry and feathered friends in the (pictured) have Noosa area now have a new place to been placed call home.” throughout bushland areas The wildlife habitat boxes were placed at suitable natural locations around Noosa Shire in areas devastated by the 2019 fires. They will be monitored to check usage and to judge the success of the program.

5 Factory Street, Pomona Pomona & District Community House - Keeping You In Touch With Your Community

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District better prepared for next major emergency When fire, flood or other emergency next impact the people of the Northern Hinterland, the immediate needs of evacuees will be catered for more effectively, thanks to a $78,000 federal-state Bushfire Recovery Grant to the Noosa Show Society.

Following the staging of the Noosa Country Show next month, the show committee will set to upgrading the Iris Maher Food Hall at the Pomona Showgrounds, affectionately known as ‘the donga’. Its main purpose is to act as a cafe and rest centre for judges and volunteers, as well as some food sales, but its functions will be beefed-up to meet the food preparation and distribution needs of those displaced by natural disasters, such as the 2019 Noosa bushfires.

time,” Mr Pattison said.

The Iris Maher Food Hall was partially renovated in 2017 using grants funding from the Queensland Government Gambling Community Benefit Fund and the Community Sustainability Action Grants. The show society also contributed money.

This was the scene that greeted Pomona residents in 2014 when Mt That work included new Cooroora – the volcanic plug dominating the town – caught fire. flooring, painting, windows replacement, lighting and animals during the 2019 deficiencies in catering to some furniture. A new bushfires, when the Lions the food needs of those kitchen was partially Club came to the rescue fleeing the fire and with their food van and identified the showgrounds installed, but additional features proposed at the businesses around town as a prime location for time where never donated bread, pies and emergency crews to be completed, due to other items,” said Charlie based and fed. insufficient funds. The Pattison, show society With assistance from latest grant finances the president.

Pomona and District original vision.

Animals were housed Community House, the The Noosa Show Society is temporarily in pens and case was made for grant in discussion with a local cages, while the Pony Club money to be applied to building on the improvements to the food couple exploring the possibility of basing their showgrounds site became hall, including its jams, pickles and preserves an emergency evacuation upgrading to full manufacturing business at centre. commercial kitchen the showgrounds, using the standard with additional “We were caught short A post-fires Local Area food hall facilities several cool room capacity and when people suddenly Disaster Management days a month. outdoor seating.

“We will started turning up with Committee assessment of be better prepared next their horses, pets and other the response revealed

Levy will raise extra $600,000 for fighting fires A new Bushfire Resiliency and Emergency Levy that Noosa Council will include in its 2021-22 rates demand will raise an estimated $600,000 for mitigating the effects of wild fires in bushland reserves or threatening homes close by natural areas.

increase our bushland reserve hazard In 2021-22, the council will clear an reduction burn program,” Mayor additional two kilometres of fire Clare Stewart said. trails and widen a further 1.7km of “Currently the Queensland Fire and existing trails. More planned burns Emergency Service (QFES) jointly would help reduce the threat to funds the rural fire service units, homes, while appointment of a new including necessary money for fire Bushland Reserve Fire Management fighting vehicles and equipment, but Officer would allow the council to The minimum charge payable by all some of the levy funding could be initiate its own control burns, the properties is $10, with a separate rate used to purchase other equipment Mayor said. in the dollar applied to land values to and cover operational costs not The additional fire mitigation determine the total amount payable funded by QFES,” she said. measures are detailed in a new by each property owner. “This allows Upgrades and maintenance of fire Bushfire Reserve Strategic Fire us to double our current funding access trails will be a focus of the levy Management Plan. towards bushfire resilience and funding.

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GET READY - PREPARING FOR DISASTERS Pomona Community House, in partnership with Noosa Council, has been looking at ways to better support our hinterland with bushfire and disaster preparedness.

Gabriela Amavand is the dedicated Resilience Officer, working with the community so we can all be better prepared and informed.

Preparedness means being familiar with what you need to do in case of a crisis and doing it. Disaster recovery outcomes are better when people walk through their drills at home, work or school on a regular basis.

Studies also show that connecting with community support services during postdisaster periods can help individuals, families, organisations and communities to overcome many difficulties.

staff and receive a free Lions BBQ and drink token. Children can enjoy the free jumping castle and face-painting.

TUESDAY 7 SEPTEMBER Cooran Hall 5.30—8pm

ACT: Practice your drills and have your

Bushfire Information night hosted by Queensland Fire and Biodiversity Consortium, in conjunction with QFES and Noosa Council, for hinterland residents (light supper provided.) Please book with Pomona Community House: 5485 2427

‘go bags’ ready.

SATURDAY 18 SEPTEMBER

For the latest information and warnings on fires in or around your area, visit the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services website at www.qfes.qld.gov.au.

Pomona IGA 9am –2pm Pick up your ACTION GUIDE from SES volunteers.

FRIDAY 24 SEPTEMBER The Lawson Shed 9.30-11.30am

SATURDAY 14 AUGUST

Children can enjoy face painting and jumping castle. Refreshments for those receiving the GET READY KIT and attending the QFES presentation.

Pomona Country Markets 9am-11.30am

FRIDAY 1 OCTOBER

BE PREPARED:

Residents pick up your ACTION GUIDE and chat with local emergency service

well as enjoying morning tea.

Children can enjoy a fun climbing wall by BASE ZERO, jumping castle and face painting.

Ridgewood Hall 10am- 1pm Meet with QFES personnel from Rural Fire Service, Fire & Rescue and SES, as

Go to the Noosa Council website Disaster Dashboard for information on emergency news, road conditions, power outages, weather warnings in your area.

Pick up a copy of the Emergency Action Guide specific to the Noosa region.

RECOVER: Know your services that provide relief : food, shelter, and mental health support. Studies show that crisis situations can have long-lasting effects on the physical and mental health of people of all ages and all walks of life.

Proudly supported by the Australian Government Category C Resilience/ Recovery Program, Noosa Council and Pomona Community House.

Pomona & District Community House - Keeping You In Touch With Your Community

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Get your property ready for the coming fire season Noosa Hinterland residents Have gravel pathways, are being encouraged to use fire resistant use the colder period and plantings in garden the extra time at home to beds, trim lower start preparing for the branches and cut grass upcoming bushfire season, to less than 10cm; which starts officially this  clean up fallen or month. hanging bark and any The need to prepare flammable materials applies equally to urban under trees. and rural properties.

Remember, if you are Winter is also a quieter planning a burn-off of dead time in the garden when wood and dead leaves in a chores usually include rural setting, fires must not pruning, trimming back be more than two metres bushes, and generally wide or high, and it is best tidying up yards and to obtain a fire permit surrounding bush areas. (especially for larger fires) Consequently, it is the so that your neighbours ideal time to assess a don’t report smoke. property and do the necessary work to prepare The burn-off will be logged, thus reducing the for the hot dry weather. chances of an unnecessary There are many simple call-out by the local things that can be done volunteer brigade. around the house to reduce fire risk. Suggestions to get An application for a ‘Permit to Light Fire’ is made started with fire hazard through your local fire reduction work include: warden. Contact details for  clear any branches fire wardens are available overhanging your house through the Fire Warden or decking. Where Finder. possible, keep tree Following receipt of your branches and shrubs application, the fire warden more than 10 metres may impose conditions on from buildings, a permit to reduce particularly next to or unwanted risk or nuisance under windows; to other people, property  break up the fuel load. or to the environment.

DISASTER GUIDE AVAILABLE August is the official start of the bushfire season, so now is the time to be prepared and check out Noosa Shire’s first Emergency Action Guide.

Produced by the council and the Noosa Disaster Management Group, the 55-page guide has everything you need to know to prepare, respond and recover from disaster events. The guide focuses on all types of natural disasters, with the safety of you, your family and property as the fundamental priority. Head to the council’s website to download your copy today.

There are simple steps you can take to protect your home against bushfire attack, such as cleaning the gutters.

Remember, if you are planning to do a hazard reduction burn on your property, you require a fire permit for any fire greater than two metres wide by two metres high.

You also need to notify all your adjoining neighbours and QFES Firecom North Coast on 1800 354 621, before lighting.

INFORMATION EVENING

Noosa Shire Council, Queensland Fire and Biodiversity Consortium, the QFES and more, present an informative evening on Bushfire and Disaster Preparedness for Noosa Shire Hinterland residents.

Cooran Hall Tuesday 7 September 5.30 - 8pm Bookings required / Limited places Pomona Community House: 5485 2427 Free refreshments

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CELEBRATING MULTICULTURAL QUEENSLAND MONTH

Our diversity makes us stronger together

by Abertina Banks Every August, Queensland celebrates its vibrant multicultural heritage, which today boasts nearly all the nations (194) of the world! Framed in the Queensland Government's Multicultural Act 2016 is a Charter that sets out a vision of being inclusive, harmonious and united.

Supreme Court, as well as public buildings in Toowoomba and Maryborough, are impressive examples of Scottish architecture and building construction.

Today, pipe bands continue to exist throughout the State. The Queensland Police Pipe Band is still an important vehicle for overseas recruitment of pipers whose heritage remains an important part of public life.

Logan Reserve, Darling Downs, Ipswich and upper reaches of the Brisbane River. Irish engineer Fitzgibbon was responsible for design and construction of the first railway lines.

In commercial enterprise, shops and factories were established, as well as department stores such as Finneys and McDonnell & East in Brisbane, Gympie The Charter begins with a and Rockhampton. The preamble that honours Irish were active in Queensland’s first nations shipping, social welfare and people, and acknowledges were some of the very first the long history of funeral directors. In migration and its diverse Development of coal heritage comprising three mining drew large numbers education the earliest organised public system significant waves of of Welsh immigrants to immigrants. our State, resulting in one was based on the Irish National School model, of the greatest In the first wave, our while the first Catholic manifestations of Welsh pioneer ancestors, the Bishop from Dublin, James culture, the Eisteddfod English founded modern Quinn, supported female choir, first established in Queensland's legal, education, evidenced by parliamentary and medical Gympie in March 1885. As the Sisters of Mercy school systems, while free settlers we know, this tradition has in Charlotte Street, from the mid-1800s began continued to influence Brisbane and All Hallows high standards for choirs agricultural industries, Convent. across Australia. business, technical, Another prominent person engineering and scientific Equally significant is the was Anthony St. Ledger ventures, as well as the 600 year-old Bardic who campaigned for the caring professions. Equally tradition in which Welsh significant were the poetry is recited and sung establishment of high schools and a local Scottish settlers who made in special form known as university. He was also the contributions in education, 'poetry to a tune', to fit in founding secretary of health, exploration and with a melody played on Queensland Teachers’ primary industries. the harp, the national Union in 1889.

In politics, Andrew Fisher, instrument of Wales. federal member for Wide The Irish who made up 40 Irish music, still very popular today, is an Bay in 1901 in the newly per cent of arrivals to formed Federal Parliament, Queensland between 1861- example of the very strong became Australia's first 65, largely due to the Irish links the Irish people have Labor Prime Minister. He Potato Famine of 1845-1852, with their ancestry. served three, one-year made an important Equally important to terms in 1908, 1910 and contribution to rural acknowledge in this first 1914. Brisbane's heritage development. This was wave of pioneer settlement, buildings such as encouraged by are the significant Parliament House, the government grants to contributions of General Post Office and the purchase land on the Queensland's Indigenous

people who worked very very hard as domestic servants in rural homesteads and as cattle drovers in pastoral industries; as well as the many non-British people who were brought over as indentured labour from China, India, Fiji, Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands, crucial in infrastructure building and agriculture; and camel drivers from Afghanistan.

Australia's first Muslim community was also brought over. They were needed in exploration of outback regional Queensland by Burke and Wills.

The second wave of immigrant settlers, 19461972, were predominately the 'Ten Pound Poms' who were initially part of the Chiffley Government's ‘Populate or Perish' campaign. They were granted an assistance passage scheme via boat from England and made important contributions in trades and industry all over Queensland.

A significant number of southern and eastern Europeans were also invited; needed for essential infrastructure building, such as the Snowy Mountains HydroElectric Scheme, built between 1949 and 1974.

This was one of the world's most complex engineering projects that involved more than 100,000 people over a period of 25 years.

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During this post World War 2 period, many families also came from exEuropean colonies in Asia and Africa, attracted by Australia's social stability and emerging economic opportunities. Importantly in 1967, an overwhelming majority of Australians voted in a Referendum that year which sought amendment to the Constitution, granting the Commonwealth Government the power to make laws in relation to the Australian Indigenous people. This also paved the way in 1971 for Neville Bonner, Australia's first Indigenous Senator, to sit in the Commonwealth Parliament.

Finally, the third wave of immigrants began in 1973 when the Whitlam Labor Government dismantled the Immigration Restriction Act (1901-1972), also known as the 'White Australian Policy'. This opened our country/ Queensland to immigrants from Asia, Africa and the Middle East through schemes such as Professional and Skilled, Family Reunion and Humanitarian Programs.

Dom and Spencer from Cooran, Thai-South African/English ancestry.

Myles from Cooroy, Chilean-American ancestry.

Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and the 1967 protocol which 'defines a refugee as a Jake from Carters person who has a wellfounded fear of persecution Ridge, WelshScottish ancestry. for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion'.)

Consequently, many Vietnam war refugees settled in Brisbane after being granted asylum in the mid-1970s. Their contribution towards enhancing and enriching the Australian cuisine was enormous. Cottage market garden ideas and a host of related industries increased employment opportunities for everyone, adding value to our economy.

The latter enabled refugees Similarly, in health, science and asylum seekers to and technology, the apply for residency. innovative contributions from Middle Eastern and (Australia became a African refugees have been signatory State to the outstanding.

United Nations 1951

Melissa from Eumundi, Australian Indigenous/ScottishEnglish ancestry.

Donald from Cooroy, WelshScottish ancestry.

come to Australia/Queensland is because of the opportunity to resettle in a politically stable country and start a whole new way of life that is based on values of democracy and the egalitarian ethos of a 'fair go'. This has ensured a Kirstie from Cooroy, New secure prosperous future Zealand/Maori-Anglo/ for their families. Of European ancestry. significance and more exciting now, in the 21st Essentially, Australia/ Century, is how the fusion Queensland's immigration of ideas from so many history highlights how people from so many people have had to move different backgrounds is from their home country contributing to all aspects because of political, of our society.

(Source -Multicultural economic, social Queensland, 2001: 100 years circumstances and 100 communities – A Century of religious persecution.

Contributions- Department of Why people have chosen to Premier and Cabinet.)

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Help celebrate the 21st Daphne recalls early Cooroy Fusion Festival days of her life White of hair and bright of eye, 88-year-old Daphne Doran remembers as a child when her family owned a strip of land running from Pottery Street to the present-day IGA Supermarket – the old ‘bullocky paddock’ that became the focus of debate recently about preservation of a small waterway and its surrounds as an important wildlife corridor serving Pomona.

The Cooroy Fusion Festival has called applications for stallholders wishing to take part.

The annual Cooroy Fusion Festival – to be held this year at Apex Park on Saturday 4 September – celebrates the talent, expertise, creativity, innovation and products of the local area. Community organisations are being invited to participate with a stall or display.

adjacent Cooroy Butter Factory Art Centre. In cooperation with Plastic Free Noosa and Unity Water, the Fusion Festival will be a waste-free activity.

What began in 2010 as an event to mark the opening of the Cooroy Library now attracts more than 10,000 people annually and features a range of live entertainment, market stalls, food trucks, children’s activities and art workshops.

To book a spot, contact the organisers, fusionfestival@cooroyfuturegrou p.com.au Intending stallholders are requested to adopt the Target Zero waste reduction strategy by eliminating soft plastics and plastic wrapping and using recyclable packaging and utensils (if food is involved).

The festival is hosted by the Cooroy Future Group and is supported by Noosa Council, local businesses and community groups. Best of all, it is free!

Not-for-profit community groups are invited to take part in this fusion of all that we love about the hinterland.

In addition, stallholders must provide their own shade, tables This year, the lower end of the and chairs and have public Cooroy town centre will become liability insurance for $20 million the festival ‘happening place’, and comply with health and incorporating not only Apex Park, safety standards. but the library rooftop and the

RUMMIKUB @

Pomona Community House

Wednesday 1pm - 3.30pm Donation $3 includes tea/coffee

In what is known unofficially as ‘Kookaburra Creek’, Daphne regularly caught mountain perch and freshwater lobsters, while her daughter, Diane, one of nine children, used to swim there when younger.

In May, locals scurried to inform Noosa councillors of the importance of the corridor to aquatic life and the migration of animals between Mt Cooroora and Cooroora Creek Park, ahead of a council decision to have part of the land developed into four lots with an associated ‘drainage reserve’.

In considering the matter at the May general meeting, councillors acknowledged the ecological significance of the small watercourse and its ability to mitigate against local flooding. They weighed a staff recommendation that would have allowed the land to be developed under the provisions of the old planning scheme – a legitimate option. Instead, they voted for the project to be assessed under the new Noosa Plan approved last year.

The new plan requires that no development occur within 10 metres of a waterway and land either side must be rehabilitated to a width of 10 metres. No new lots can back directly onto a riparian buffer area.

Led by Cr Brian Stockwell, councillors resolved that the area identified as a drainage reserve be a ‘reserve for environment purposes’ to link to the upstream areas zoned for this activity. As a consequence, its retention and restoration will need to be a higher standard than had assessment gone ahead under the old scheme.

Cr Stockwell acknowledged that the proposed development had concerned residents and natural resource management groups of the local area.

“While this is an intermittent first order and second order stream, vulnerable and threatened frogs have been identified reasonably close to this site. We have identified in the new scheme that the area immediately upstream has been zoned for environmental conservation and management,” he said.

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Councillors preserve creek as wildlife corridor “I believe the community, and I think council, would like to see this area rehabilitated, and we’re in a strong position to achieve that under the new scheme."

Development Assessment Manager at Noosa Council, Kerri Coyle, told councillors that if they felt strongly that the creekside land was of such environmental significance, it could be designated as public open space under either the former or current planning scheme.

“It doesn’t identify as biodiversity. However, if the values were there, Council could argue for it and that would be around connectivity with other properties, and whether that was worthwhile for Council to take it on and own the land rather than have it in drainage reserves,” she said.

Committee Chair, Cr Frank Wilkie, thanked staff for Eighty-eight year old Daphne Doran has lived all her life in Pomona and bringing the matter to the attention of councillors fondly remembers her childhood and early years when she use to catch fish and fresh water lobsters from ‘Kookaburra Creek’, which runs at the and said broad community concerns needed to be heard and acted upon. back of her Red Street residence.

Noosa tops the list for migration from capital cities Whether driven by a desire for an easier life in regional Australia or motivated to escape the COVID-19 lockdowns, more people are fleeing the capital cities, with Noosa and the Sunshine Coast being among the most popular choices for Sydneysiders and Melburnians seeking a new bolthole.

The number of people shifting from the nation’s capitals to the regions is at its highest level since 2018, rising seven per cent in the March quarter of 2021 from the figure recorded a year earlier.

flags emerging hotspots, which may need fresh thinking on housing and infrastructure,” Ms Ritchie said.

The index shows the Gold Coast was the most popular destination among metro-movers during the March quarter, attracting 11 per cent of all people who moved to a regional area from a capital. The Sunshine Coast, Greater Geelong, Wollongong and Newcastle were next in line.

“But it was the Queensland municipalities of Noosa and Southern Downs which saw the largest quarterly growth in migration The data has been captured in the new Regional Movers Index compiled from capital cities compared with a year earlier, recording increases of 49 by the Regional Australia Institute per cent and 44 per cent (RAI) in partnership with respectively,” Ms Ritchie said.

Commonwealth Bank.

“Port Macquarie-Hastings in New RAI CEO Liz Ritchie said South Wales, Launceston in the Regional Movers Index gives Tasmania and Queensland’s Fraser decision-makers, including Coast rounded out the top five,” Ms government, additional data intelligence to plan for the country’s Ritchie said. growth. “It enables the early identification of growth trends and

Together, Sydney and Melbourne accounted for nearly all (95.9 per

cent) of the net outflows of people from capital cities in the March 2021 quarter. By and large, people living in regional Australia have been staying put.

Ms Ritchie said the COVID-19 pandemic was on display in the index findings. “Movement out of capital cities declined by 11 per cent in the June 2020 quarter, reflecting the height of domestic restrictions across the country at that time. Since then the trend has been a growing outflow of people from capital cities to regional areas.”

The largest numbers of capital city dwellers who are moving to regional Australia are heading for the high population coastal centres proximate to capital cities.

TALL TREES FUNDING This year’s Tall Trees Arts Exhibition at Cooran has received a $2000 grant from Noosa Council ‘subject to evidence of additional funding from other sources’.

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Report finds Six-Mile Creek system in good health The Six-Mile Creek system and the network of bushland reserves along its banks are in fine condition, a Noosa Council report has confirmed, ‘exhibiting resilience and representing a good example of intact riparian rainforest and wet sclerophyll tall open forest’.

“Bushland reserves play an important role in protecting biodiversity, acting as wildlife corridors between large core areas of native vegetation, contributing to good water quality and providing residents and visitors with a range of nature-based recreational opportunities”, the report said.

A diversity of recreational opportunities exists within the bushland network.

Councillors recently considered a new Noosa

Bushland Reserves Strategic Management Plan for 2021-26, governing actions required to maintain the reserves and their environmental integrity.

The council supervises the Six-Mile Creek reserves network, including the Yellow Belly Hole at Cooran. This network has been managed for invasive weeds (mainly Small-leaved Privet, Camphor Laurel, and Cats Claw Vine) since 1998 in partnership with Noosa Landcare.

The progress report read: “Six-Mile Creek is a significant stronghold for the endangered Mary River Cod, due to the presence of intact riparian vegetation, deep pools containing large woody debris, and good water quality. The system is

Recent rain may have muddied Six-Mile Creek temporarily, but the waterway is in good health overall, a new report has found. also habitat for listed frog species such as the

endangered Giant Barred Frog.”

FUNDING FOR ROVING RESTORERS Noosa Council will fund a further year of activity engaging local communities in restoring bushland areas across the shire. The program provides valuable support to hinterland restoration projects and contributes directly to the outcomes of the Noosa Environment Strategy.

Under the plan, volunteers assist private and public landholders with environmental weed control, revegetation and reconnection of habitat. Hinterland Bush Links Inc., which conducts the program, plans to spend $38,825, with $23,620 coming from the council.

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Stations get new travel card readers

Simple method for calculating work from home expenses to reduce tax

Noosa hinterland railway stations have been included in a trial rollout of new electronic ticket readers capable of processing Go-card tapon and tap-off payment functions, but which will be extended eventually to allow travellers to use pay-wave, Smartwatch, Fitbits and even credit cards to get about by train.

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has extended to the 2020-21 financial year temporary arrangements it put in place during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic for people to claim exemptions on tax for legitimate work from home expenses.

The colourful electronic ticket readers were installed recently at Pomona and Cooran. They include a bigger, brighter electronic display. A large white tick with green lights and a positive sound means a tap was accepted.

The take-up of new pay options is expected to lead to an estimated 70 per cent of current Go-card holders ditching the plastic and magnetic strip Go-card in favour of new ways of paying.

However, TransLink general manager, Martin Bradshaw, said it was not the end of the Go-card just yet. “There will definitely be a card option in the future," he said.

"Whether or not it is called the Gocard, there are still decisions to be made around that.”

The trial of mobile phones, credit cards and watches for payments will be rolled out progressively on the Sunshine Coast Line and then to the rest of the network.

A significant number of soleemployee businesses work from home, but the ‘shortcut method’ for calculating expenses incurred at home while working came about as thousands of salaried workers were forced to conduct their jobs from spare bedrooms, the kitchen table or some other work space.

The operator of a home-based business may be able to claim a deduction for expenses incurred as they relate directly to work, such as ‘occupancy expenses’ (electricity, phone, a portion of rent or council rates) and ‘running expenses’, including electricity, phone bills and equipment.

per week.

The working from home shortcut method allows claims to be made at an all-inclusive rate of 80 cents per hour, rather than needing to do complex calculations for specific items and keeping records and receipts.

“The shortcut method is straightforward. Just multiply the hours worked at home by 80 cents,” Mr Loh said.

“The only proof you need is a record of the number of hours you’ve worked from home, such as a timesheet.”

The temporary shortcut method could be claimed by multiple people living under the same roof and, unlike existing methods, does not Workers forced home while working require a dedicated work area. may also claim certain expenses and However, it is all-inclusive. You for them the ATO has devised the can’t claim the shortcut and then temporary shortcut method for ease claim for individual expenses, such of calculation. as telephone and internet costs and ATO Assistant Commissioner, Tim Loh, said that even with people going back to the office, many Australians had opted to continue working from home at least one day

the depreciation in the value of new office furniture or a laptop computer used for work. Free Tax Help is available at Pomona Community House.

Free Tax Help available at the Pomona Community House Tuesday 17 & 31 August BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL Phone 5485 2427 For people earning under $60,000 *Must have a My Gov Account* Translink staff with one of the new smart ticketing devices appearing at SEQ railway stations.

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Ridgewood Photo Fair attracts 140 entries

Ian Whisker of Cooroy was the winner of best photo in the annual Ridgewood Photo Fair with this outstanding photo of a camel train.

STRONG DEMAND FOR PROPERTY The realestate.com.au website reveals 2555 visits to every Cooran property it has listed for sale and 1755 visits for each Pomona property. The average for Queensland is 859 visits per property.

The Ridgewood Photo Fair attracted 140 entries from people drawn from Gympie to Maroochydore, with the majority from the Ridgewood, Cooroy, Pomona and Nambour areas. This year the fair was promoted to 19 local retirement villages and they provided not only a lot of entries, but also the best photo of the fair.

The most supported category was Macro where there were almost 50 photos of insects and plants in amazing close-up. The other categories of Portrait, Black and White, Culture and Community, and Rural Landscape also attracted good support, but it was the ever-popular Reflections which produced the overall winner.

Ian Whisker, from the Palm Lake retirement village in Cooroy, was the winner of this category, and was then awarded best photo of the fair with a beautiful photo of a camel train on the beach at Broome. The Wednesday after the fair, Ian was admitted to Noosa Hospital and spent six days in hospital with pneumonia. He has since recovered.

The judge, professional photographer Rick Sherwin, said he really enjoyed the quality of the entries, and the benefits of being able to compare a number of photos side by side in a ‘hard print’ competition, rather than the online competitions where he usually judges digital images.

CHEWING THE FAT AT RIDGEWOOD Ridgewood residents are licking their lips at the thought of the community barbecue returning to the Ridgewood Hall on the last Friday of the month.

The 27 August event is well anticipated because it brings people together while chewing the fat, literally. In COVID -19 times, it is a case of b-y-o everything. The cook-up starts at 6pm.

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Plastic items banned soon

Ask Minnie Myze Minnie invites you our readers to send in your questions on ‘Reduce, Reuse, Recycle’ and feedback on questions or answers.

Drop us a note at Pomona Community House or email upcyclingpomona@gmail.com Find Q&As scattered throughout future editions of Cooroora Connect

The Queensland Government has announced it will ban single-use plastic and polystyrene take-away items from 1 September 2021.

Dear Minnie, are there any simple things I can do to reduce my carbon footprint?

Cheers Albert Dear Albert, a very good question, I think one of the simplest things we can do is minimize our travel and the transport of goods we buy. You simultaneously reduce demand for fossil fuels, cut vehicle emissions and buoy your local community.

The ban extends to single-use plastic straws, stirrers, cutlery, plates and expanded polystyrene products. Exemptions apply for use by people with a disability, those in aged care, schools and the health sector.

To help businesses prepare, the Queensland Government has appointed Boomerang Alliance to present a free one-hour session where questions can be answered and information disseminated. The meeting will be held on Monday 9 August, 5.30pm to 6.30pm, at The J Upper Foyer, Noosa Heads. More information: 0407 877 462.

Cooroy Pomona Lions Club

Bookshop Friday 8am - 1pm Saturday 8am - 12pm

“Books Galore” Great Bargains & Prices Cooroy Pomona Lions Den Mountain Street Pomona Donations of books welcomed Ph: 0434 612 149 Pomona & District Community House - Keeping You In Touch With Your Community

34 A series of forums, industry roundtable discussions, pop-up stalls and interviews with key community leaders about proposals for a series of eco-friendly cabins to be installed along the Cooloola Great Walk between Noosa and Rainbow Beach has concluded as part of a formal assessment process required to give the concept the official green light.

Australia’s next ‘great walk’ will be on Noosa’s doorstep

It is a requirement of the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act that detailed examination be undertaken to identify and mitigate any potential impacts on the historic and Aboriginal cultural heritage ecology, hydrology and wildlife in this culturally and ecologically important region. The results will be made An example of the type of mobile cabin proposed to be installed along the Cooloola Great available publicly.

Walk.

The proposed project involves smallscale low-impact nature-based ecopromotion of their unique cultural Warner, said a good rapport had tourist accommodation within the heritage. been established with CABN, the Cooloola National Park, The cabins will be manufactured on South Australian based company complementing ongoing public use specialising in eco cabins. the Sunshine Coast from materials and preservation of the natural and sourced locally, creating employment “We want to offer an authentic ecocultural values of the areas. In opportunities for Indigenous tourism product for local and February 2020, ecotourism workers. international travellers to experience accommodation provider CABN one of Queensland’s most secured a Queensland Government State Member for Noosa, Sandy environmentally significant and tender to develop the concept to Bolton, said it had been heartening popular tourist areas,” he said. “At reality. to see the project consultation the same time we want a minimal progress.

The 15 June state budget allocated impact on the habitat that fosters $667,000 in 2021-22 towards a total “We need more projects in our cultural understanding, appreciation $2.2 million contribution so that community that will create jobs for and conservation of the work can proceed. locals, enhance, protect and educate, environment.” as well as promote the sharing of In acknowledgement of the First CABN CEO, Michael Lamprell, said: space that has that special ethos of Nations Kabi Kabi People’s deep “We are looking to connect people connection with Country, all aspects leaving no trace. The Cooloola Great back to nature, build off-grid firstof the project are being progressed in Walk can be a leading example, and class facilities and create a positive it has been fabulous to have support close engagement with them. The impact on the well-being of all who objective is to maximise benefits for from government in understanding experience the Cooloola Great Walk.” how important this is for Noosa,” the Kabi Kabi, including If all goes to plan, the special cabins Ms Bolton said. employment, training, business serving walkers will be installed next opportunities and presentation and Kabi Kabi representative, Brian year.

MORE INFORMATION

Free Legal Advice & Referral Appointments Ph: 5443 7827

The Cooloola Great Walk in Great Sandy National Park, the traditional lands and waters of the Kabi Kabi people, offers a 102km walking and camping experience that links Noosa North Shore with Rainbow Beach. The great walk ecotourism project is a state government initiative – part of its Queensland Ecotourism Trails Program.

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Successful year for Lions despite Coronavirus At the Cooroy-Pomona Lions Club changeover dinner, incoming president, Ashley Stephenson, thanked the outgoing committee for a successful year, the COVID -19 pandemic notwithstanding, and forecast a gradual return to normal, including the King of the Mountain race, just completed, and the Pomona in the Park celebration towards the end of this year.

He gave a special mention to outgoing president,

Terie Wakeham, who moves to the office of treasurer. Barry Stewart (vice-president), and Heather Manders (secretary) as the new executive team 2021/22.

Ashley foreshadowed a membership drive and made special mention of Lions’ support for the Youth In Search Program.

Terie Wakeham said she was grateful to her committee for the support received. She outlined the work of the club, including

VOLUNTEER TREASURER Position Available At Pomona Community House

Job requirements include but not limited to:  Financial Governance  Accounting Software Knowledge  Bookkeeping Knowledge Job Role Supported by Coordinator/Bookkeeper

Phone Heather 041 111 4077 to chat.

construction of a three-bay shed that has become the home of the Lions Book Exchange. “It was a wonderful achievement by club members Coral and Robin Salmon in obtaining a grant and organising the supplier,” she said.

Our club has donated to various projects which includes Lifeflight Rescue, Pomona Community House Xmas Lunch, Camp Kanga, Lions Eye Health, Drug Awareness, Cancer Research, and so much more.

Terie Wakeman

POMONA True Value Hardware PH: 5485 1351 10 Reserve St Pomona HARDWARE, TIMBER, GARDEN, PAINT, LP GAS, RURAL & PRODUCE NEEDS

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Walking and cycling strategy fails to confirm Cooran-Pomona path Noosa Council has finalised its Cycling and Walking Strategy and Implementation Plan for 2020-24, with no satisfaction given to hinterland residents wanting a shared walking and cycling path following the railway line between Cooran and Pomona.

currently underway,” the report stated.

It explained a concentration of spending on coastal parts of the shire with these words: “Many of the higher-scoring projects are located in areas where population densities are higher and there are more Furthermore, while the strategy lists destinations such as activity centres, 453 projects over the next 10 years at schools and sports and recreation a combined cost estimated at $22.68 facilities.” It also noted that 40 per million, only four hinterland urban cent of the shire population is in the projects will be constructed in the hinterland and village lifestyle was prioritises projects, the capital works first five years, including a short path very conducive to the take-up of plan as proposed is based on extension in Stan Topper Park, walking and cycling as a means of historical expenditure patterns by Pomona, and a $89,000 path along connecting and getting about. the council. It is our intention to Lake Flat Road, Boreen Point.

The council received more than 250 review this expenditure as part of Cooroy’s Maple Street will receive submissions to its draft strategy. our annual budget review, with the two path treatments worth a As a result of a submission from aim of finding more money to spend combined $426,000.

Pomona and District Chamber of in this area.”

The council considers the planned Commerce, two projects were added upgrade of the Noosa Trails to the initial list: Do you qualify for Network, already announced, as part  An extension of the footpath national health card? of the strategy, at a cost of $1.44 along Reserve Street to Pioneer National Seniors Australia says million in 2020.

Road, and hundreds of thousands of older The trails masterplan recommended  A new path between Hill Street Australians now qualify for a a loop be developed through the and Whistler Way, Songbird Commonwealth Seniors Health Card bush between Cooran and Pomona Estate, connecting to Gerrygone (CSHC), and probably don’t realise with a return leg more directly via Place and Friarbird Place. it. the railway line. The council revealed Improved pedestrian access to the National Seniors Chief Advocate, Ian it had received two petitions about the railway track proposal – one for showgrounds along Exhibition Street Henschke, said the reason so many did not make the final plan. more seniors would qualify is and one against.

Mayor Clare Stewart welcomed the because of the recent cuts to the “Connections between Cooran and report. “Our goal is to make riding a deeming rates, the assumed rate of Pomona and Pomona and Cooroy bike and walking so convenient and interest the government applies to were identified. These projects safe that it is the preferred mode of savings when determining eligibility scored low in the prioritisation transport for residents and visitors,” for benefits. process, but will be investigated Cr Stewart said.

“Lower deeming rates mean more further as part of the detailed trail retirees fall below the income test masterplan and implementation plan “While the strategy defines and threshold for the card,” Mr Henschke said. The Commonwealth Seniors The Cooroora Connect Health Card provides a range of gets your message to a concessions, under a Medicare well-informed Northern safety net and associated savings via Hinterland readership. the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.

Our rates are competitive, The income test to qualify is $55,808 so give Heather a call on for singles and $89,290 for couples.

5485 2427.

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Cooran School benefits from Seeds for Change Cooran State School has many things to be grateful for this year, with all the fantastic projects going on – including the Living Classroom Project, which teaches students the practices of permaculture, paddock to plate food production, zero emissions and sustainability.

Each week students from Year 2 and Year 4 work to build, grow and develop what is to become a magnificent school garden for generations to come.

The students were highly involved with the design of the garden and where it should be situated within the school grounds to ensure successful production of crops.

Picture: Sandy Bolton MP, Aaron and Vanessa (the Living Classroom Project), Polly Back, Mia Hacker, and Year 4 students of the Cooran State School.

Pay up quickly for rates discount

The School bought new equipment for it garden using a Seeds for Change grant, which was spent locally at Pomona True Value Hardware.

Noosa ratepayers have until the end of August to pay their rates bill and claim the five per cent discount on the general rates component. The due-by date is printed on each rates notice and is 30 days after issue.

“This really is what these grants are all about -- planting little seeds of change to yield positive, healthy Noosa MP Sandy Bolton says she futures for our children and recognises the importance of this type of learning. Recently she handed grandchildren. Their knowledge on to the school a $500 Seeds for Change swales and medicinal benefits of plants was incredible.”

Grant, which has allowed the purchase of all the implements The grant funding was spent at local needed for the kitchen garden family business Pomona True Value project.

Hardware, who are fantastic supporters of the school and local “I am thrilled that we could assist community. The school was able to with this wonderful project as the purchase four wheelbarrows, two school expands its permaculture program to include food tree groves shovels, six mulch forks and two garden forks at a discount. and a new kitchen/tuckshop to prepare fabulous lunches from what The Cooran School new purposethe students nurture,” Ms Bolton built kitchen and tuckshop will come said. to fruition in late 2021.

“We have maintained our discount for eligible pensioners and scrapped the three-year wait for new property owners to qualify for the pensioner discount,” Mayor Clare Stewart said.

The average ratepayer will pay an extra 85 cents a week in rates, or $44 a year.

The council is forecasting a surplus of $309,000 – a year earlier than predicted – as part of its four-year COVID-19 Recovery Plan.

Cr Stewart said the past twelve months had been challenging, but the council had continued to respond in an appropriate and financially responsible way.

All Earthworks       

Shed / Houses Sites Trees / Stumps Cleared Lantana / Scrub Cleared 12 Tonne Machine 4 In 1 Bucket / Ripper On Board Laser Steep Slopes

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Hinterland will be mecca for endurance cyclists The tradition of the Noosa Hinterland and the Mary Valley being the setting for classic endurance bike riding will be strengthened this month when cyclists from across Australia participate in three races of varying difficulty through local villages over the weekend of 14-15 August.

It follows the Noosa Enduro weekend, just past, where mountain bike enthusiasts revived the off-road cycling event in a foretaste of what we might see when the Noosa Trail Network is upgraded between Pomona and Cooran to cater to the needs of this growing endurance sport.

Our hinterland trails network will be put to the test when scores of riders take part in a classic cycling enduro.

race event is known as a ‘gran fondo’, popular in Europe and spreading in popularity around the world.

All courses have been designed for riders to enjoy the best of the beautiful Noosa Hinterland. They are of varying distances – the 160km Event central is Read Park, Tewantin, Maxi Classic, the 120km Challenge Classic, and the 65km Rouleurs where sign-in will take place on the Classic.

Saturday afternoon and where the three races will finish. The following Brand-new for 2021, the Rouleurs day, Sunday, the pop-up village will Classic offers riders the hinterland be alive with activity, featuring experience of a ride that includes a locally produced food, coffee, beer climb up Black Mountain. and wine, live music, stalls, cycling Afterwards, riders will head to merchandise, children’s Pomona for a chance to refuel before entertainment and first aid. taking the home stretch back to Read Park.

In cycling parlance, the combined The next ‘big day out’ for cyclists is the Noosa Classic – a road cycling event extending from Tewantin to Cooroy, Imbil, Kandanga, Cooran, Kin Kin, Cootharaba and Boreen Point.

Riders on the 160km and 120km courses will start between 6.30am and 7.30am and will head west on the Cooroy–Noosa Road, then Gyndler Drive. They will then proceed to Tinbeerwah and Cooroy.

Riders on the 120km course will divert north along KenilworthSkyring Creek Road to Carters Ridge, while 160km riders will continue on to Brooloo, Imbil and Kandanga.

The courses will merge again near Tuchekoi and continue to Pinbarren, Cooran, Kin Kin and Cootharaba.

Riders will return to Tewantin via McKinnon Drive, finishing at Read Park between 10.30am and 4pm on the Sunday.

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These shoes were made for walking

Call for respect of netball courts following repairs Cooroora Netball Club officials are dismayed that two weeks after repairing and resurfacing their Cooran courts at a cost of $41,000 using grant funding, the court surfaces are becoming marked due to skateboards, scooters and bicycles being ridden over them.

The message to users other than netballers is this: stay away!

If the Pomona Walking Group had a theme song, a contender would be the earworm tune I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) by The Pretenders, with Nancy Sinatra’s These Boots Were Made For Walking possibly coming a close second.

Each weekday, the walkers set off from outside Pomona Community House, Memorial Avenue.

Start time is 7am in winter and 6.30am in summer.

(Pictured).

The walk lasts about an hour and can involve a

course through town streets, parks and nearby bush trails. The daily route chosen can depend on weather and the whim of those taking part.

Monthly ‘away’ walks involve a brisk stroll along lakes, beaches, through national parks and along the watercourses of Noosa, with coffee or a meal afterwards.

A spokesperson said the courts had been installed

a decade ago after five years of applying for grants and lobbying Noosa Council.

Commenting on the recent damage, she said: “It’s a bit disappointing, as our club worked hard to have [this] sport in our community, only to have it abused. We want others to respect what we have done. Perhaps parents of the cyclists and skateboard riders could apply for grants of their own”.

TREES FOR STAN TOPPER PARK Noosa Council planted four street trees along Hill Street, Pomona, recently and is talking with organisers of the Pomona Markets about additional trees for Stan Topper Park, the market venue. “This will get done, hopefully, before the end of the year,” said Matt Hansen, the Parks and Gardens Coordinator. “A proactive tree replacement program is scheduled for the hinterland, including Pomona, in 2022-23,” he said.

The group is a great way to experience our worldrecognised Biosphere in convivial company – and keep fit at the same time.

MONEY FOR SPORTS GROUNDS The Eagles will soar higher and the Cutters will chop deeper into their opponents following Noosa Council’s allocation of sporting grants for 2020-21.

In the annual grants process, the Pomona, Cooroy and District Australian Football Club Inc. receives $9179 for upkeep of its picturesque ground, while the PomonaCooran Amateur Rugby League Football Club will have $15,298 for improvements to its field at Cooran.

POMONA WALKING GROUP Monday to Friday 7am Meeting Point Community House, Memorial Ave, Pomona Pomona & District Community House - Keeping You In Touch With Your Community

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Noosa Country Show "where town meets country" 10 & 11 September 2021 IMPORTANT ANOUNCEMENT To comply with COVID requirements, all tickets must be pre-purchased online.

No cash at the gate entry.

HEAD TO THE WEBSITE www.noosashowsociety.org.au SUPPORT YOUR SHOW BUY TICKETS ENTERTAINMENT SECTION SCHEDULES TRADE SITES & STALL BECOME A SPONOR SPONSORS THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

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