Cooroora Connect March 2021

Cooroora Connect An Initiative of Pomona & District Community House

March 2021

Go on, do your bit to Clean Up Australia If local organisers of Clean Up Australia Day have their way, hundreds of people will get out in the community on Sunday 7 March to do their bit and collect rubbish from our villages, creeks, parks and roadside verges. The annual event is the biggest community-focussed effort towards gathering and recycling everything from discarded mattresses and old car bodies to straws and cigarette butts wantonly discarded. At Pomona, Belinda Wedlock will coordinate the town clean-up from the War Memorial Rotunda, from 8am to 11 am. Volunteers are welcome, no matter what their ages. The clean-up team will include 20 Emergency Services cadets. Cr Joe Jurisevic will again organise four-wheel drive clubs and volunteers to scour the Yurol State Forest for illegally dumped materials. With introduction of a 10-cent container deposit for every can or bottle that’s recycled, Ms Wedlock said straws and alcohol containers now made up a greater volume of total waste collected on Clean Up Australia Sunday. Ms Wedlock said the volume of waste collected had dropped also since community newspapers had stopped their free print editions. The worst areas for dumping litter were not only within town, but also along entrance roads leading to Pomona. “We can’t let the kids go

Some of last year’s helpers. Back row: Mandy Botterell, Sabine Wedlock and dad Brad Wedlock. Front: Anna Hand and Sarai Wedlock. unsupervised on the road verges, so processed by Noosa Council. we restrict them to the town, but we Those taking part on the day are hope that adults will walk Pioneer asked to wear a hat and gloves, bring Road and Yurol Forest Drive to their own water and wear closed collect rubbish dumped there,” she shoes. said. More information: At the end of the day, all collected www.cleanup.org.au/community or waste is sorted into recyclable and phone Ms Wedlock on 0400 732 694. non-recyclable materials and

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Junior tennis coaching is back on Who knows, among this lot could be another Ash Barty or Raphael Nadal! The Pomona Tennis Club is back in full swing, including junior coaching sessionSat the courts located at the Pomona Showgrounds. Ladies cardio tennis sessions are scheduled every Wednesday at 9am, phone 0431 386 333 for details.

SATURDAY

A different King of the Mountain event in 2021 After being postponed last year due to the Coronavirus restrictions, the King of the Mountain event is back on in 2021, but just not as it has been in past years. Organisers have announced that the main King of the Mountain race and the prince and princess race will take place on Sunday 25 July, but the accompanying festival encompassing entertainers, displays stalls and other activities won’t be happening. Registrations for both races open this month. “A decision was made that managing the race participants, guests, contractors and volunteers during government-enforced COVID restrictions would be made far more practical by focusing solely on the two races,” a Cooroy-Pomona Lions Club spokesperson, Heather Manders, said. “This is likely to be unfortunate news for many of our past loyal stall holders, performers, ride operators, food vans and guests. It is not a decision the organising committee reached lightly,” she said. “The passion that runners have to race up and down Mt Cooroora is matched by the organising committee’s passion to once again provide a safe, enjoyable and rewarding adventure while maintaining social distancing protocols.” While details are still being finalised, it is anticipated that the prince and princess race will be run from the Lions Den and will conclude before the main race at its traditional 2.30pm start time.

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Ready for scone bake-off Better telephone reliability during natural disasters Mobile phone towers across the Wide Bay electorate will be able to keep operating longer if the power goes out during or after natural disasters, thanks to a major new investment by the Australian Government. The Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Llew O’Brien MP, said the government is funding telecommunications companies to extend the battery back-up at nine mobile phone tower sites to provide a minimum of 12 hours of back-up power. Martin Duncan, Sunshine Coast Foodie and organiser of the Great Scone Bake-off competition. It creates intense rivalry location of the major that almost eclipses State beneficiary of this year’s of Origin footy fever. event, the Sunshine Coast We are talking about the Riding for the Disabled property, North Arm. Great Scone Bake-off annual competition that Organiser Martin Duncan (pictured) says it this year will include promises to be the best Country Noosa, Mary afternoon tea all year. Valley Country and Like the scones, ticket Glasshouse Country sales are hot. teams over four categories. It will be held on Sunday 20 June 2021 at the

The bake-off categories are CWA Classic Scone, Savory Scone, Fruit Scone and ‘Rogue Scone’.

AMENITIES BLOCK REFURBISHMENT Work is under way on refurbishment of the large amenities block at Boreen Point campground, funded by the State Government’s Unite and Recover Community Stimulus Package. Renovations will continue until the end of the month, with Easter likely to be the first time users will be able to inspect the refreshed interior. Meanwhile, new toilets for the Pomona Memorial Hall will be ready mid-year. Work will start at the end of March.

The Optus tower at Boreen Point (920 premises served), the Optus tower at Cootharaba Road (734 premises) and the Telstra

tower on the Pomona-Kin Kin Road (serving 428 customers), will all have their back-up power operational capability extended to at least 12 hours following a power outage. “Adequate mobile phone coverage is critically important during natural disasters such as floods or bushfires to ensure people can reach emergency services if needed, so that residents can stay up-todate on the emergency situation and change in conditions, and to stay in touch with loved ones,” Mr O’Brien said. “This funding will help improve safety for thousands of people in Wide Bay.”

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Noosa Hinterland celebrates Harmony Week Harmony Week is an opportunity to celebrate Australian multiculturalism and the successful integration of migrants into our community. Australia is one of the most successful multicultural countries in the world and annual events that celebrate our diversity help to maintain this achievement.

Australians. Orange is the colour used to symbolise Harmony Day, chosen to signify social communication and meaningful conversations. It also relates to the freedom of ideas and encouragement of mutual respect. Supported by Noosa Council, the Community House is celebrating with two events.

Harmony Week Celebrations will be held at the Pomona Country Markets on Saturday 27th March from 8.30am - 12.30pm. While the Pomona Markets are in full swing, short segments of entertainment have been organised to showcase our cultural diversity.

Local band and hosts, ‘4GOOD’ will kick off the event, followed by an Harmony Week is about A Talking Circle at the Lawson Shed official Didgeridoo opening, inclusiveness, respect and belonging on Friday 26th March from 10am welcome to country and an array of for all Australians, regardless of 12.00pm. This will be an opportunity performances from around the cultural or linguistic background, to share stories and knowledge about world. (See flyer for full program.) united by a set of core Australian our cultural heritage, through an As the Dalai Lama puts it: “As an values such as respect, appreciation, object of significance. aspiration, open-heartedness gratitude and empathy. We also ask that each person brings represents a goal we can work Officially celebrated on 21st March toward gradually … In economics, we along their favourite sweet or every year to coincide with the develop five-year and ten-year plans savoury snack to share for morning United Nations International Day for tea. (Covid-19 protocols will be for change and growth ...We need the Elimination of Racial similar plans to cultivate warmfollowed by ensuring individual Discrimination, Harmony Day heartedness and compassion.” serving utensils and plates.) Coffee promotes the principle that and tea will be provided by Pomona (Force for Good -The Dalai Lama's 'everyone belongs' and reinforces the Community House. Vision for our World, p.60-2015 importance of inclusiveness to all Bloomsbury).

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Consumers should be aware of rights when scammed Whether we are buying something that is necessary like food, useful like electrical items and cars or for fun like holidays and movie tickets – we are all consumers. As consumers we have certain rights.

Come and join us at the Lawson Shed traders (bitumen bandits) on Wednesday 17 March for this  What you can do if you are a presentation by the Office of Fair victim of a scam. Trading. The presentation will guide Date: Wednesday 17 March you through some of the following Time: 9.30 am topics: Venue: Lawson Shed, Pomona By understanding exactly what your Consumer Rights Cost: Presentation Free - $3.00 rights are and what you’re entitled  When are you entitled to a donation for morning tea. to, you'll know what to do if a refund? Please note - bookings are product doesn’t live up to your  Consumer guarantees and how to essential. expectations or perform in the way it use them says it should. Call 5485 2427 for more information  Lay-bys and to register. Even though we think we may be  How to lodge a complaint ‘tech savvy’ and know our way  What the Office of Fair Trading Pomona Astronomy Club around a computer or a mobile can do. phone, we are all targets for 4th Wednesday of the month individuals and organisations Scams 7.00pm wanting to defraud and scam us.  What to look out for Cost $3 per person Armed with a little more information  Some common scams Lawson Shed about scams, how they work and  How much money has been lost in what makes us vulnerable we can last few years start to protect ourselves and avoid Cliff 0474 025 215  Why scams work being a victim of cheats and  Any local issues i.e. itinerant swindlers.

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Mayor guest at leaders badge presentation Pomona State School welcomed Noosa Mayor Clare Stewart to the school recently to present student leaders with their official badges. (See left and below.) The Mayor delighted in the task and, who knows, one or two of the participants may be a future councillor .

Noosa Biosphere’s $55,699 surplus The Noosa Biosphere Reserve Trust ended the 2019-20 financial year with an operational surplus of $55,699, its latest financial report states. Income was recorded at $273,195 and expenses at $217,496. Excluding grants provided and other project costs ($153,176), the next biggest outlay was almost $30,000 spent on consultancy and professional fees.

More ways to get your local news CHINESE SPECULATION INCORRECT Social media speculation that Chinese interests recently bought a large tract of rural land at Cooran is incorrect, Cooroora Connect can confirm. The new owners are locals who propose to use the lowlands pastures for animal husbandry and rural pursuits.

Now you can read the Cooroora Connect on-line. Your local community newspaper is available in traditional print format, or you can read it on-line free at the Pomona Community House website. The news you need of your town and district is just a convenient click away. www.pomonacommunityhouse.com.au Pomona & District Community House - Keeping You In Touch With Your Community

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When Harry met Brad in near death experience For paramedic Brad Bischoff, OfficerIn-Charge at the Pomona Ambulance Station, it was a career defining moment when he literally held Harry Greenway’s life in his hands after the Traveston man went into cardiac arrest following a session of working in the garden on 6 January. In the unfolding touch-and-go medical drama to save his life, Harry’s heart stopped three times as four paramedics worked on his limp body and, subsequently, was flown to the Sunshine Coast University Hospital for emergency treatment. “These are my heroes,” 58-year-0ld Harry said in an emotional reunion with his rescuers at the Pomona Ambulance Station last month, among them Jenny Herdman who took the call from Harry’s partner, Chris Stevens, and quickly summarised the situation that saw an ambulance take eight minutes to rush from Pomona to Traveston, later to be met by a Gympie-based ambulance crew that, together, worked for a couple of hours to stabilise his condition, ready for the life-saving flight. Jenny praised Chris for her calmness during the call. “This is really nice to meet Harry. You never get to see the people -- really it’s nice to put a face to the job,” she said. Tears welled in Harry’s eyes as he said ‘thank you’ to paramedics and support staff and hugged Chris, whose quick thinking in calling the ambulance, Brad said, had contributed to saving Harry’s life.

Left to Right: Jenny Herdman, Christine Stevens, Harry Greenways and Brad Bischoff at the reunion held at the Pomona Ambulance Station. life. As we worked on him, Harry kept saying ‘I want to sleep’ and I kept saying ‘Don’t sleep mate, please’.”

Without her guidance and the guys coming as quickly as they did, it would have been a completely different scenario.”

Fortunately for Harry, Brad Bischoff underwent refresher training two weeks before the incident that honed his skills for this type of event, while both ambulances that attended his home were fully equipped with drugs and equipment needed to keep his heart ticking prior to hospital treatment.

Harry, a smoker, said he decided to quit the cigarettes while in hospital and he is watching his health more closely.

While Harry dismissed the slight pain he felt while taking a shower after gardening, thinking he had a simple bout of indigestion, quickthinking partner, Chris, telephoned Triple-0, her call answered by Jenny Herdman.

The message Brad conveyed was a simple one – if you feel unwell, be safe and call an ambulance .

GREEN FINGERS GATHER

Core Industry Training is conducting a Certificate 3 course in Production Horticulture, commencing 11 March and running on Thursdays and Fridays from 9am to 4.30pm until 25 “I’ve been in the ambulance service 15 “She asked me the questions as to June 2021 at the Olive Grove Market years and [this is] hands down where the pain [was] if there was any Garden in Cooran. probably one of the best jobs in my vomiting and whether he was passing For more information, call Steph on career," he said. “It makes me feel I out,” Chris said. “She basically told 0479 063 001. have chosen the right career path in me what to do, lay him on his side.

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.

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Figures disclose our emerging social dilemma A statistical analysis of how and where we live and our needs as we grow older paints a disturbing picture of the crisis we are facing across the district unless drastic measures are taken within the next decade, a report prepared for Noosa Council reveals. The data is confronting:  Of the estimated 152 people homeless in Noosa Shire, 94 shelter in the hinterland.  The Northern Hinterland from Federal to Ringtail Creek and including Pomona and Cooran contains the highest proportion of one-parent families in Noosa Shire.  Of all occupied dwellings in Pomona, Cooran and surrounds – including Ringtail Creek – almost 46 per cent are being purchased with the burden of a mortgage.  Noosa Shire is set to have a shortfall of 87 aged care beds in less than 10 years as our population ages.

households in this area have a sole parent as the head of the family.

By 2036 it is estimated that the percentage of people aged 65 and over in Noosa Shire will have grown to 30.5 per cent, or almost one third of the entire population. Noosa Council has known the situation since 2017 when it endorsed a Noosa Council Housing Needs Assessment conducted by consultants Briggs and Mortar Pty Ltd. The consultants warn that a more flexible Noosa Plan, allowing for ‘granny flats’ and other housing types, may not address the problems fully. The need is greatest in the Northern Hinterland (excluding Cooroy). An estimated 13.4 per cent of

Of all occupied dwellings in Pomona, Cooran and surrounds – including Ringtail Creek – almost 46 per cent are being purchased with a mortgage. Almost a third of all houses in our region are fully owned and only 19.5 per cent are being rented. Rental vacancy is less than one per cent. House prices are rising, putting home ownership beyond the reach of young first home buyers. The shortage in age care beds will grow to 199 places by 2036 unless new purpose-built accommodation is provided. The shortfall is calculated using federal government estimates of the proportion of this cohort requiring intensive assisted living. In 2031, the number of people aged 70 or more living in the shire is estimated to be 13,269.

PROPOSED SPORTS SPEND There won’t be any action until 202627, but Noosa Council’s capital works forward estimates include a sum of $817,560 for ‘Pomona sports park amenities, development and embellishment’. Details of where the money could be spent are not disclosed. Noosa Council has begun preparing its 2021-22 annual budget.

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

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‘Gang of 20’ monitors quarry truck movements Council and community prepare the case for possible legal challenge The State Member for Noosa, Sandy Bolton MP, has written to the Premier and relevant state government departments demanding further action for the safety of residents impacted by the movement of haulage trucks to and from the Kin Kin quarry.

Group, other community representatives, Queensland Police, Ms Bolton, council staff and TMR officers.

“There has been considerable progress since our first meeting last August and the united approach is the most “This issue is a priority for effective route to find all of us and I am awaiting workable solutions,” Ms Sarah Keating of the Save The Noosa Hinterland Group, Ian engineer’s condition Bolton observed. Williams (council liaison officer) and Jann Bonsall, president of the assessments of the haul Kin Kin Community Group, say they are ready for quarry truck legal Meanwhile, the gathering route and timber bridges challenge. of evidence about the by the Department of impacts of quarry truck Transport and Main Roads movements on lifestyle and environment, the nature of issues which relate directly the impact of more than to the quarry’s truck (TMR),” Ms Bolton said safety by a group of 20 200 truck movements daily, movements,” she said. following the latest hinterland residents will dust problems in the area, Kin Kin Community Group roundtable discussions support Noosa Council’s plus it seeks their thoughts president, Jann involving resident and threatened action against on the best way to address Bonsall, welcomed ongoing council representatives Cordwell Resources, community concerns. support from Ms Bolton considering possible legal operators of the Kin Kin and Noosa Council. action against the quarry Mayor Clare Stewart said quarry. over breaches of its the residents’ input would “The proposed legal action To assist in preparing the operational management be pivotal to the success of against the current legal case, the resident plan. any legal challenge. operator warrants the full ‘monitors’ have support of the community. The joint residents-council volunteered to complete a “The residents are best Huge trucks on narrow roundtable meets every six 30-question survey. It asks placed to describe the roads just don’t work,” Ms weeks. It involves members them to detail the current environment, noise of the Kin Kin Community impacts and other amenity Bonsall said.

Forum discusses affordable housing Affordable housing was the key topic at the first Noosa Business Roundtable Forum for 2021.

housing was a state issue, Noosa Council had a role to play in bringing stakeholders together and Key business leaders from assisting the housing industry and other levels of communities across the government create shire flagged a range of potential ideas. The Mayor, affordable accommodation. Cr Clare Stewart, said the The council has begun a feedback was critical to review of council land finding community-based holdings to look for solutions. She said allotments suitable for lowalthough affordable cost housing.

TAI CHI & QIGONG Yuka Olsen 0431 315 639 Mondays 7.30am / Cost $10 Cooroora Creek Park, Pomona Fridays 8am / Cost $12 Pomona Memorial Hall Saturdays 7.30am / Cost $10 Cooroora Creek Park, Pomona

Ian Cameron 0431 340 297 Thursdays 8.45am / Free until end of March Apex Park, Cooroy (near skate park)

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10 Cooroora Connect Advertising/Editorial deadline for the next issue: 12 March 2021 heather@pomonacommunityhouse.com.au

Book kiosk will be installed next to Community House A weatherproof shelter containing a book dispensing kiosk offering a selection of 300 library items 24 hours a day will be located under a new Community Outreach Library Service Model adopted by Noosa Council. The exact location is still to be confirmed. An ‘intuitive and simple’ touchscreen system will guide customers through the borrowing and returns process.

has reached the end of its working life were approved by Noosa councillors at their February round of meetings. The current Mobile Library vehicle will remain operational until the alternate model of service is ready to launch.

“A smaller vehicle with greater manoeuvrability Council hopes the kiosk can access locations a semi will be in place and -trailer cannot. This operating before the end of provides the flexibility to October and, from visit or trial new locations December complemented and offer a booking system by a new, compact, where community campervan-size mobile members/organisations library that will continue can request the service to to make weekly stopovers visit them,” states a report at Pomona, Cooran and to councillors. other local communities. It Public feedback regarding will also make visits by the need for user request to other locations, education around the new including Men’s Sheds, kiosks and the importance retirement villages and day of including early literacy care centres. services has been taken The replacement services in lieu of the large semitrailer mobile library that

into account when finalising the proposed replacement plan.

Work starts on council budget Ratepayers are set to have a greater say in the framing of the 2021-22 Noosa Council budget, which will be brought down in May, Mayor Clare Stewart has revealed. She said community consultation on various expenditure items would start in March.

will be several face-to-face meetings with residents in coming months,” she said.

Through the ‘Your Say’ interactive site Noosa Council will be one of three local authorities in Queensland to have a ‘balancing the budget’ tool for ratepayers to set their spending priorities. A three “Budget deliberations will per cent rate rise is tipped be live-streamed and there this year. Pomona & District Community House - Keeping You In Touch With Your Community

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Council settles communication tower objection An NBN communications tower will be built at 244 Tablelands Road, Cooran, after Noosa Council voted to settle a Planning and Environment Court appeal, subject to conditions applying to the structure and its surroundings. The dispute dates to February 2020 when councillors resolved to refuse an application to construct the tower. It has now decided not to continue ongoing legal proceedings, which were supported by a small group of residents fearing an impact on their health and also the ‘visual intrusion’ into the landscape.

how the tower would appear in the landscape. A report to councillors last month read: “The proposed tower will achieve reduced prominence in, and reasonable integration with, the surrounding landform and landscape due to (various combinations of) the distance to the proposal, vegetation forming part of the backdrop and/or intervening landscape, and the proposal remaining below the tree line and distant skyline.” It is a council stipulation that on-site trees be preserved during construction.

Part of the court-ordered mediation The Planning and Environment included photomontage mock-ups of Committee meeting report went on:

KIN KIN TRANSPORT MODEL INVESTIGATED Noosa Council is investigating ‘demand-response transport models’ for Kin Kin, councillors were informed at their February round of meetings. The modelling is being conducted ahead of the 2021-22 council budget being finalised. The models under active consideration are not known, but the council already subsidises a Flexilink service between Boreen Point and Tewantin. Using a taxi, up to three return trips are possible Monday to Saturday at $2 one-way adult fare.

OPTIONS FOR REGIONAL GALLERY

“The development must not, at any time during the life of the development, result in human exposure to environmental electromagnetic emissions exceeding the regulations, standards and/or recommendations of the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA).” ECONOMIC INDICATORS: In 2019, the household services sector accounted for 44 per cent of employment in Noosa Shire. Tourism remains our biggest dollar generator. Before the pandemic, the shire’s gross regional product index exceeded $3 billion.

Saving Wildlife! 24HR HOTLINE (07) 5441 6200 www.wilvos.org.au

It is the study you have before a formal (public) process, it would seem, but Noosa Council is wrapping up a ‘pre-feasibility study’ into an upgraded or new Regional Gallery. The current gallery is housed in cramped quarters on the ground floor of the council’s Tewantin offices. Options include improving the existing facility or relocating to a greenfields site. Councillors will attend a workshop to decide a way forward, including a gallery on a new site. Former mayor, Tony Wellington, was a driver of the regional gallery improvements.

WE ALL OWE MORE THAN WE THINK Think you have paid off the credit card? Noosa Council’s $22 million debt represents $385 for every person in the shire. Council CEO, Brett de Chastel, revealed the figure at a recent budget briefing to councillors. But we are better off than residents of comparable shires Noosa’s size. On average, each person in those areas owes $732 of their council’s total debt.

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Boreen Point Campground ‘at risk’ from sea level rise Modelling of likely sea level rises to the turn of the century prepared for Noosa Council has identified the Boreen Point Campground as one area that could be affected if counter measures are not planned, costed and implemented ahead of the predicted inundation. A report, prepared by international design engineering risk consultancy BMT, warns that most Hastings Street properties on the foreshore side would be at very high risk from erosion ‘without the application of further mitigation measures’. The entrance to the national park could be cut off by high tides by 2100. Developed with input from scientific experts and the Noosa community, the Coastal Hazards Adaptation Plan (CHAP) will guide the way Noosa Council responds to coastal erosion. It will also guide how inundation risks are managed in areas beside the lower reaches of the Noosa River. In our region, the report warns of high or very high risk from storm tide and/or sea level rise inundation at the Boreen Point Campground and areas of National Park and conservation importance fringing Lake Cootharaba.

The idyllic Boreen Point Campground beside Lake Cootharaba is an area Noosa Council has identified as being ‘at risk’ from future sea water rises due to climate change. Major built infrastructure [designed] to reduce risks to conservation areas rated poorly, including levees and tidal gates, the report said. They were considered impractical and too costly. “At Boreen Point Campground, opportunities to relocate important infrastructure landward ranked higher than implementation of measures such as a seawall, levees and tidal gates.” Recommended mitigation measures included new infrastructure designed to withstand storm and abovenormal high tides, relocation of important infrastructure and land management practices to support ‘habitat migration’. In presenting the report to councillors, Noosa Council’s Climate Change Adaptation Program Coordinator, Grant Hinner, said rising sea levels and coastal hazards such as erosion, inundation and increased storm events were among the biggest environmental challenges

VOULUNTEER GARDENERS NEEDED FOR POMONA COMMUNINTY HOUSE If you love to garden we have just the job for you!

Just one or two days a week would make a big difference If you can help us out please call Ph: 5485 2427

facing the shire. “The Coastal Hazards Adaption Plan will ensure our shire is as resilient as possible to these processes,” Mr Hinner said. Mayor Clare Stewart said the CHAP would help the council make informed decisions about spending, infrastructure planning and design, development, and land use.

Permit required to light any fire in Noosa Shire There has been a large turnover of properties in the past few months, and many have been bought by people from interstate, the city or overseas, where the rules for lighting fires are different from Queensland. In Queensland, fire permits are required at all times – unlike some states where they are required only at declared times of the year. Permits are required for fires that are greater than 2m in any direction. Having a permit means a couple of things:  There is some legal protection if

the fire escapes and causes damage to other people’s property. It means that if a fire is reported, then the Fire Communications Centre can re-assure the caller that it is a permitted burn.  It also means that if something

goes wrong, the brigade knows where to go. Contact your area Rural Fire Brigade for a permit. Fire Warden Finder www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au.

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Local works included in council’s pathway planning Noosa Council has released a draft plan that will govern its maintenance regime for 209km of pathways and boardwalks at 3135 sites across the shire. The plan includes new works for Pomona and Cooroy that may not be completed until the end of the decade according to a proposed schedule put to councillors at a recent general meeting. The suggested Pathways and Boardwalks Asset Management Plan reveals the current replacement value of walkways and bicycle paths at $67.4 million, representing six per cent of the value of the council’s assets.

level of service. Asset failure due to lack of renewal will affect the capacity to deliver future renewals of pathways and boardwalks and, subsequently, the service these assets provide to the community,” the report said. “There is currently an inconsistent approach of demand management applied to monitoring the asset conditions, changes in the service delivery and usage levels. “Increases in patronage and operational changes are key demand drivers on the current and future levels of serviceability for pathways and boardwalks.”

Councillors were informed that major drivers of capital upgrades for pathways and boardwalks would be external funding opportunities designed to improve existing levels of service, risk management (including safety and compliance), changes in usage levels, climate change Capital operational and maintenance adaptation and re-purposing of facilities. expenses for pathways and boardwalks fluctuates around one “Regular pathways and boardwalk per cent and 1.5 per cent of the inspections will act as a trigger for annual capital works program and in any need to improve on preventative 2019-20 a $289,000 pathways capital maintenance activities [or] to works program was approved. preserve the life of the assets,” it said. The submission put to councillors said the plan’s purpose was to define ‘whole of life activities’ associated with operating and maintaining these assets, as well as determining the methodology for funding new works.

“The purpose of developing a renewal “In addition, development of plan is to identify assets that need to programs such as establishing the be replaced to maintain the current guiding principles for upgrading,

new or renewing pathways and boardwalks – and specific strategies such as the cycling and walking strategy and transport strategy – will determine the priority for upgrading assets into the future.” The asset management plan included a table of proposed expenditure over the next 10 years. It includes:  $80,000 for School Road (Pomona) pathway linkage planning and construction in 2022 -23 

$150,000 for Pomona pathways and pedestrian construction (Stage 1) in 2024-25



$877,500 for a Lake Macdonald Drive pathway to the Botanic Gardens at Cooroy in 2028-29.

The council anticipates there will be more upgrades required in its 10-year capital program for the pathways and boardwalk network.

MANAGING GRAFFITI Noosa Council reveals that its policy is to remove obscene, racist and other offensive graffiti within 24 hours of being notified of the wretched work. It sets a target of three days for removing large areas of graffiti or tags in highly visible areas; 14 days for minor incidents of paint vandalism.

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Show ‘no show’ belies otherwise successful work of committee

Charlie Pattison, Noosa Show Society President.

OFFICE BEARERS, 2021-22 President: Charlie Pattison Vic-president: Dean Power Secretary: Cathleen Power Treasurer: Cathy Magick Committee: Dale Boys.

Re-elected to the top job for another term, Charlie Pattison says he probably will be remembered as the Noosa Show Society president who cancelled the show in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but he wants to have another crack at staging the event in September this year to continue a tradition stretching back to 1910.

At times, he said, a topsy-turvy year where the old committee had to adapt to difficult circumstances and change operations accordingly, created the impression of taking one step forward and two steps back. Nonetheless, progress had been made on a number of fronts.

who have given us support and understanding when we had to make the extremely hard decisions to postpone the show and then having to cancel the show totally,” Charlie said.

But the best news, he said, was the sourcing of money to purchase two large grandstands, which are being built currently.

These included renovations to the caretaker’s residence, painting the The show society is the longest toilet, bathroom and laundry serving continuous institution operating in caravan park users, purchasing new Noosa Shire. appliances for the laundry and Charlie will be joined by another four upgrading security doors to the show secretary and caravan park offices. committee members to steer the show preparations during the next “We have secured a grant to provide seven months. They were elected at 50 per cent of funding required to the show society AGM in January. upgrade our lights in the arena and we are hoping to secure further funds “I would like to send sincere thanks to start work on the project,” Charlie to members, volunteers, stewards, said. patrons and members of the public

“The final decision to cancel was an extremely difficult one.”

Audited financial accounts were not available at the AGM and will be distributed at a later date.

Report flags new business venture opportunities The Noosa Rural Enterprise Program (REP) – a collaboration of Country Noosa with the support of the Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation and the University of the Sunshine Coast – has identified bike rental and maintenance services and ‘baggage transport’ as potential new business opportunities for the hinterland. The potential for these ventures is linked to the development of the Noosa Trails, starting this year with two upgrade projects between Pomona and Cooran, estimated to cost $1.6m. “Bike rental and maintenance services could serve a growing

number of interstate and international tourists who are passionate about bicycle touring, especially if the trail network and roads are upgraded over time,” the report said. Bike rental and bike servicing are available only in coastal Noosa, it noted.

The report states that bush-walkers using the Noosa trails overnight and staying in accommodation adjacent to the trail might be interested in having their luggage moved from one accommodation site to the next over a period of days, rather than carry a large pack.

“Considerations for establishing these businesses include skills in bike maintenance and bike rentals; ability to invest in a range of bike sizes and additional equipment such as helmets and safety gear; and the ability to deliver and pick up bikes and bikers who need rescuing.”

HOUSE PRICES CLIMB The annual growth in Pomona’s investment property prices is running at 12.8 per cent a year. Your Investment Property magazine estimates the median price for a house in Pomona at $630,000, although there are properties on the market below that figure.

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Business future looks bright says new Chamber president The towns of Noosa’s Northern Hinterland have a bright future focussed on nature-based adventure tourism and sustainable businesses that honour the environment and preserve the characterful identity of villages, says Phil Moran, president of the newly-formed Pomona and District Chamber of Commerce Inc. (PDCC).

underpinning local identity. And we will encourage innovation and sustainable growth that respects the environment.

The PDCC represents businesses in the towns of Pomona, Cooran, Kin Kin and Boreen Point. Working together, the businesses involved believe they can look to each other for mutual support, promotion and advocacy that strengthens local commerce and job creation.

The Chamber hopes Pomona will be the town Noosa Council chooses to be the subject of a pilot ‘placemaking’ study in 2021. It also wants to open a dialogue with Noosa Council about parking issues, quarry truck impacts on businesses, such as noise and dust, as well as safety, greening of village streets and connected pathways at Cooran and Pomona (so-called active transport solutions).

“A Chamber representing the whole region allows us to become a unified voice when dealing with the council and other levels of government. Sensible growth and development is inevitable, but it must not come at a cost to what we have now. “Keeping our lifestyle, scale and connection to the natural environment are important and should not be compromised,” Mr Moran said. “We want to make a positive difference to the district’s economic and business health by influencing future development consistent with Noosa lifestyle values, through achievable policy solutions

“Residents want a say in what happens and the Chamber will be mindful of that as we seek greater definition around council and government planning for this region to 2031 and beyond.”

Phil Moran, Pomona and District Chamber of Commerce president, says business must respect the Noosa environment. While the ideas were many, Mr Moran said, there was a need to sort priorities, establish goals and explore means to achieve realistic objectives.

“Greener towns are cooler places as we combat the effects of climate “The PDCC hopes to be the catalyst change and the more we encourage for this to occur during the next 12 the take-up of walking and cycling to months,” he said. get about, we make life less congested and more relaxed,” Mr Moran said. “The villages of the Northern Hinterland have a role to play in providing affordable housing options under the new Town Plan – including the possibility of tiny house enclaves.”

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Developing hinterland artists for 20 years

Regenerative female spirit shines

Mark your calendars for Saturday 20 March when the Pomona Railway Station Gallery commemorates 20 years developing and supporting the artistic community across the hinterland. A special event is planned for the Federation Garden within the gallery grounds. They have been refurbished just in time for the big event. Commemorative activities will start at 2pm. Volunteers past and present are encouraged to attend.

A talented trio of female artists—Katrina Lexaic, Beatice Prost and Barbora Tomikova will take visitors to the Butter Factory Art Centre to new heights of visual excitement with their captivated and unique vision of the world around them.

Pomona Railway Station Gallery will be featuring two new exhibitions

'MAKING MY MARKS' TIA CARRINGTON 6 - 31 MARCH CARRIAGE ROOM

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'CELEBRATION OF WOMEN' PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALISON TAYLOR & DEBBIE DODD 27 Feb. - 8 April, BANANA SHED

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20TH ANNIVERSARY COMING UP! Celebrate with us 20 March @ 2:00!

******** Monday - Friday 10am to 4pm Saturday 9am to 2pm Sunday 10am to 2pm 10 STATION ST, POMONA PH: 5485 2950

Exhibiting the themes of hidden histories and abstract dreams, individual solo exhibitions by three women artists are on display at the liquid inks and metallic Butter Factory Arts media. Centre, Cooroy. Through the hands, eyes Hills Spirits is an and mind of Barbora exhibition by Katrina Tomikova, State of Lezaic featuring Emergency is a display photographs of that documents changes landscapes that reveal in the Australian hidden histories in a landscape after the Black morbid luminescence. Summer bushfires of Lezaic explores themes of Queensland. isolation, resilience and Tomikova uses self-sufficiency and draws documentary ties to Australian photography, oral narratives (reminiscent of histories and artefacts Frederick McCubbin’s collected on site. The Lost, 1886). exhibition offers a visual In a second featured exhibition titled I Had Too Much to Dream, Beatrice Prost explores a complex merging of opposites involving day and night, dreams and reality. The exhibition features some large-scale artworks and is a poetic collection that explores the qualities of iridescent

record of the bush slowly coming back and captures the human dimension of the disaster through portraits and personal stories collected in the Peregian Beach and Cooroibah communities. All three exhibitions are available for viewing until 21 March.

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This artist invites us to walk in her footsteps Be quick to catch artist Pam Taylor’s Walk in the Park exhibition at the Pomona Railway Station Gallery before the display closes on 4 March. The intensely personal display is a visual story about Pam’s journey during and after knee surgery to replace both knees almost two years ago. “The recovery was not a walk in the park, but I eventually did walk on the beautiful new boardwalk from Noosa Beach to Noosa National Park, almost, with determination,” Pam said. “This was my aim and what I was working towards. “This same walk I have since taken several times. One evening at sunset, I was entranced by the colour reflections of the trees and shadows cast from the foliage and

architectural structures of the timber and steel handrails. “From my many photographs taken from the new boardwalk and once again visiting Noosa National Park out to the Point, I compiled several artworks into landscapes, some with simple figures, as my eye sees it.” Pam said her paintings usually started with a colour idea, and then evolved into compositions in which colour becomes the primary subject. “Colour alone can be both form and subject, though my works are symbolic of landscape,” she said.

Pam Taylor’s latest exhibition celebrates her joy at visiting the Noosa National Park after knee surgery.

Ridgewood Photo Fair back on We have all missed regular events from the calendar, cancelled as we contend with the COVID-19 pandemic. The Ridgewood community has decided to conduct the Ridgewood Photo Fair again this year after last year’s event was called off. It will be held in June, with the date to be published after checks to ensure the event won’t clash with other scheduled activities.

How does the garden grow?

Thanks to volunteers Jae (gardener) and Mark (Mister Fix-it), the garden pond at the Pomona Railway Gallery has been rebuilt. The pond is a prominent feature of the beautiful gallery gardens. This was a big job and many thanks go to these two. Pomona & District Community House - Keeping You In Touch With Your Community

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Watch powerful expression of women’s steely determination

Jazz music fusion heralds a blissful start to autumn

Celebrating Queensland Women’s Week, The Majestic Theatre presents a Sunshine Coast premiere screening of the powerful movie documentary Women of Steel.

Get ready for next month’s celebration of autumn at The Majestic Theatre, which presents the engaging Shenzo Gregorio Quartet and the group NiZaMi in a world music double bill espousing the inventiveness of improvisation on the violin and joyful original dance music in genres ranging from Latin to Gypsy to funk, with a bit of jazz and swing thrown in.

The movie is set in Wollongong in the 1980s and tells the saga of working class migrant women denied jobs at the steelworks– the city’s main employer – and their refusal to accept discrimination. They began a campaign for the right to work that lasted for 14 years. Their battle against BHP, the country’s richest and most powerful company, took them from factory gate to the highest court in the land and changed the rules for women throughout Australia. Using rare archival footage and speaking directly to camera, these Women of Steel tell their own stories for the first time on film. Don’t miss this powerful documentation of women and the power of unity, screening Saturday 13 March from 7.30pm to 9.30pm. Tickets cost $15.

Shenzo Gregorio has mastered his instrument,

having honed his musical skills from the age of four. The quartet consists of some of the best exponents of the gypsy jazz idiom. The once-only performance hits the stage on Friday 16 April, 7pm to 10pm. Tickets cost $35 ($25 concession). The bar opens from 6pm.

WHATS ON IN MARCH www.themajestictheatre.com.au SILENT FILMS AT THE MAJESTIC THEATRE POMONA PH 5485 2330 FMI EVERY SATURDAY 12 NOON – NO NEED TO BOOK - $15 ADULTS N KIDS FREE

MARCH 6 – 1927 THE CAT & V CANARY

MARCH 13 - 1929 THE WRECKER

MARCH 20 – 1924 PETER PAN

MARCH 27 – 1924 THE RAT

QLD WOMENS WEEK CELEBRATIONS !!! MARCH 13TH ARTiculate An afternoon of conversation

and performance. A rare opportunity to hear a panel of local artists, musicians and writers share their experience of life during the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic. With an invitation for the audience to share their own experience and learnings. Key note speakers, entertainment by Andrea Kirwin. Tickets $25. Incudes afternoon tea. Doors open 2pm. Book online www.themajestictheatre.com.au

Women of Steel Set in Wollongong,

in the 1980s,: denied jobs at the steelworks – working class / migrant women refused to accept discrimination. They began a campaign for the right to work that lasted for 14 years. From factory gate to the highest court. Victorious they changed the rules for women throughout Australia. Doors & bar open 6.30pm. Movie screens 7.30pm. Tickets $15. Book online www.themajestictheatre.com.au

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Floating Land applications closing

Arts centre will reach wider audience using new funding boost The Federal Member for Wide Bay, Llew O’Brien, has announced a $29,947 grant to the Cooroy Butter Factory Arts Centre through the Regional Arts Fund.

An iconic Floating Lands scene – floating kilns on Lake Cootharaba. Expressions of interest applications from artists wishing to exhibit in Australia’s premier arts in the environment event – the Floating Land Biennale – close at midnight on Tuesday 23 March. The event will be presented across two key sites – Lake Cootharaba at Boreen Point and the Park Road Boardwalk (between Little Cove and Noosa National Park) from 9-24 October 2021. The sites have been selected to provide a diversity of environments for artists to work with and respond to the chosen theme, Floating land:

at the edge of ideas. Noosa Regional Gallery will consider EOIs from artists and artist collectives against the selection criteria, as well as the objective of achieving curatorial diversity and cohesion across the 2021 Floating Land program. Ideas for artists to interpret include the question of how far something can be pushed before it becomes something else, or the place where ideas butt up against each other to become a point for discussion, resolution, collaboration and understanding.

The centre will use the money to live-stream workshops, master classes, exhibition openings and artist talks, thereby extending the centre’s outreach to a much larger audience. “It is this kind of innovative thinking that is so important as we move into 2021 and begin our economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mr O’Brien said. The Regional Arts Fund (RAF) is an Australian Government program designed to benefit regional and remote arts practitioners, arts workers, audiences and communities. The fund is provided through Regional Arts Australia and is administered in Queensland by Flying Arts Alliance.

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Photographic display a celebration of women The Pomona Railway Station Gallery Banana Shed is the venue for a photographic exhibition titled Celebration of Women by Alison Taylor and Debbie Dodd, on show until 7 April.

exhibition showcases character studies, women at work and play and in a Just ahead of International variety of roles. The images tell stories of Women’s Day (8 March), similarities and differences Alison and Debbie – and yet, looking at these founders of the LensArt collective – pay tribute to women, we share common emotions: sadness, joy, a women across the world, mother’s love, depicting their stories through photographic art. embarrassment and pride. Combining photo realism, This exhibition highlights the many things that are social documentary and the same the world over. artistic effects, this LensArt’s stories remind exhibition highlights the varied circumstances and us that we are one people, with just one world and a experiences of women shared future. around the world. The

Young Women’s Collective Youth Group Age 12 - 18 Years Tuesday (Fortnightly) 3.30pm to 6.30pm

Young Men’s Collective Youth Group Age 10 - 14 Years Tuesday (Fortnightly) 3.30pm to 6.30pm Lawson Shed next to Pomona Community House Bookings & Information Phone 0432 561 270 or 5485 2427 Youth Group is hosted by Pomona Community House

‘Celebrating Women – stories of culture’ runs from Saturday 27 February-Wednesday 7 April in the Banana Shed at the Pomona Railway Station Art Gallery.

Local artist makes her mark

Making My Marks, a solo exhibition by Tia Carrigan (pictured) displays the diverse creative paths that have led the artist over time. From fashion and textiles, to graphic design, to floristry and to paintings, Tia Carrigan’s work is contemporary, with an emphasis on abstract patterns painted with an embodiment of movement and freedom. A merging and expression of birdlife and flowers

feature in Tia’s This Bird floristry and art studio gallery at Pomona. The paintings are encased in screen printing frames she used to design textile prints in her previous business. Thus, this exhibition is all about celebrating Tia’s past and her present. Making My Marks continues through to the end of March. The official opening is 12 noon, 6 March.

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A little town that re-imagined itself, one bookstore at a time Everyone needs a good book to read during the lazy hazy days of summer between the cricket and barbecues by the beach.

with literature lovers from far and wide. Some traders in town report that they do 30 per cent of their annual trade in just two days.

If you have not checked out the pop-up bookstore that Cooroy-Pomona Lions has established as a fund-raiser in the ground floor rooms of Pomona and District Community house, do yourself a favour and browse its tables and shelves for books of all kinds. At two dollars, each book becomes a perfect companion with a cuppa in COVID-19 cautious times. Now imagine the books spilling out into other spaces throughout Pomona in much the same way as the town has a reputation for opportunity shops and second-hand goods and you have the recipe for success that had the OECD, the Organisation of Economic and Cultural Development, beating a path to one small Victorian town, population 1800, to study the reasons for its economic revival, with artists taking leadership roles to rejuvenate village culture. It’s happening elsewhere too.

Australian Booksellers Association chief executive Joel Becker says the festival gives struggling secondhand booksellers a much-needed lifeline. “I think it’s a terrific idea to take a town that had one to two book shops operating, that was pretty close to a ghost town, to become a thriving bookselling community,” he says. Things kicked off in 2007 when Creative Clunes, an organisation that began with four residents, sought ways to bring life to their dying town. Group coEvery May, except in 2020, founder Graeme Johnstone says Booktown offered an it attracts 20,000 visitors exemplary model of over one weekend to a sustainable rural main street where 55 booksellers assemble stalls, development and tourism authors give talks on their that ‘was definitely needed’. latest tome and budding The OECD agreed, writers hone their craft at featuring Clunes in a report workshops. on tourism and the creative economy published in 2017. Along with author talks and panel discussions, festival-goers can discover POMONA WALKING the largest collection of GROUP rare, out-of-print and collectible books in Monday to Friday Australia, go inside 6.30am heritage buildings, listen to live music, watch street Meeting Point performers, enjoy local Community House 1 Memorial Ave wines and produce while Pomona meeting and interacting

The main street of Clunes, an old gold mining town in Central Victoria that has revitalised its local economy by becoming the ‘goto’ place for rare and secondhand books. The town is packed one weekend every May when thousands flock to Clunes for the Book Festival. sorting facility, but historic Clunes, 36km north of Ballarat in Victoria, is a little more discreet in disclosing what makes it tick.

Step from your car and take a stroll down the main thoroughfare, Fraser Street, past the coffee shops and restaurants, art galleries Where there is and supermarket to a commitment and bookshop, then another determination, a rural town and so on, specialising in revival is under way. all reading genres from Dotted across the land are comics to rare and ancient. small country towns where Clunes is ‘book town.’ It the economic mainstay is has joined the International evident – an untidy sawmill Organisation of Book or a bulky abattoir building Towns and is the only one on the outskirts, a dairy in Australia. processing factory, or fruit

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DEVELOP YOUR INNER CONSCIOUS WARRIOR:

Brotherhood explores the craft of being a man The palpable spiritual presence of nature in our stunning hinterland landscapes is being harnessed in a new movement aimed at men, inviting them to tap the internal personal energy of the ‘gentle warrior’ within to bring greater depth, meaning and order to their lives. The focus is men’s spirituality and on the baggage that men need to eradicate from themselves. Dan Pauro of Doonan – of Maori cultural background – has brought the ‘Conscious Warrior Brotherhood’ philosophy to the region after moving here with his young family from Western Australia 12 months ago. Through meditation, yoga, healing sounds and fireside yarning or walks in nature, he is creating the environment for men to interact and learn from each other. “The Conscious Warrior is about reframing the manner in which men behave, ‘become’ and move through the world, the manner in which we see ourselves and the manner in which we learn to forgive, release and evolve. This model is specifically for men, teaching them how to be ‘real men’; but redefining this concept so that men no longer need to live inside a façade,” Dan explained.

Dan Pauro, sound healer.

He combines this with ‘breathwork’ – an exercise in breathing correctly or with intent. The breathing It is the healing, therapeutic nature of our environment that assists Dan techniques are tools for major transformation and healing. in his work. Recent activities have In the almost six months it has “Breathwork encompasses a broad included a fireside gathering on a operated locally, the Conscious range of whole-being therapeutic local private property and a hike to Warrior Brotherhood has gained practices and exercises used to more than 100 members – growing at the top of Mt Cooroora, where the relieve mental, physical, and/or group met in contemplation 15 a month – from a largely younger accompanied by the sounds of nature emotional tension,” Dan said. cohort not normally attracted to He believes that men face many traditional male support bases, such and Dan’s own music playing. challenges, from dysfunctional as men’s sheds. “It is a powerful hill, sacred with a relationships and confusion about beautiful energy,” he said. “We are attracting younger males, what it means to be 'male' in a Among the tools Dan uses are but we are open to all,” Dan said. postmodern world, to understanding ‘cultural sounds’ and the rhythmic Males aged from 15 can join in the the dark side of the masculine Brotherhood activities and sessions, melody of instruments such as the psyche, as well as how to apply the if accompanied by a guardian, while didgeridoo that resonate with best qualities of 'warrior participants generally are aged up to heartbeat and body energy to bring consciousness' to experience overall calmness and focus. 45, although there is no real upper success and fulfilment in life. limit.

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Wait until next year for tree planting exercise: Council A major planting of street trees and trees in parks and on other public property is planned for Pomona and district next year, Noosa Council has revealed following last October’s big blow and rainstorm which brought down many significant trees across the hinterland.

A Conscious Warrior Brotherhood fireside meeting. “The tendency is for men to life in a flight or fight survival mode twentyfour hours seven. That was fine for our ancestors when they were being chased by a lion. We have that today still and hold it in – and then we explode,” Dan said.

overwork, overindulgence and all the rest of it.”

His message is simple – get in touch with yourself and let go of the negatives.

He is being assisted in his work by six trained leaders. Charges apply to sessions, mostly a nominal fee and some activities are free.

“Living in a polluted world as we do, there is disease, pollution, strife inwardly and outwardly, which weighs down the body, along with bad diet,

The simple methodology he leads, Dan says, provides a direct pathway to revisit the inner child, reconnect, ‘re-love’ and rebirth a new version of ourselves.

Dan Pauro may be contacted on 0406 528 187 or danielpaurosoundjourney@gmail.com.

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Matt Hansen, the council’s Parks and Gardens Coordinator, said the council’s first priority was to deal with the significant backlog of fallen trees and removal of diseased and old trees. The council has a policy to replace any tree on public land that it removes with a plant of the same, or similar, species. “We do intend to replant in many locations. However we need to get through the clean-up first,” Mr Hansen said. “Our tree management is being undertaken via a proactive tree strategy, which involves packaging up works to contractors to achieve cost efficiencies. “We now undertake replanting programs in various suburbs on an annual schedule, of which Pomona is scheduled for 2022. We may consider bringing this forward in light of the storm event. However, our budgets were impacted by COVID-19 and we have had to adjust our tree management program accordingly,” Mr Hansen said.

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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

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Electric vehicle expo on again at Noosa Junction The popular Noosa Electric Vehicle Expo will be held again on Sunday 21 March, but at a new venue this year. The free community event is an introduction to e-vehicles and how they can provide more sustainable travel choices for Noosa locals and visitors. This year the exhibition is relocating to the Noosa Transit Centre car park, right in the heart of the Noosa Junction CBD, with a lively cafe vibe, and great pathway connections for patrons and trial ride opportunities. Attendees will have a chance to speak with exhibitors and check the first-hand experience of electric car owners. Trial rides on bikes and e-scooters will be available.

said she was delighted by the enthusiasm among exhibitors despite the restrictions the COVID pandemic required.

The 2021 event is a partnership between Zero Emissions Noosa, Noosa Council and the Noosa Junction Business Association, all of whom have a deep commitment to more sustainable transport choices.

“The event will open Noosa Council's Climate Week activities, so we are expecting even more interest with the growing awareness of the massive changes occurring in the world of electric transport,” she said.

Event coordinator, Vivien Griffin,

More information: Vivien Griffin 0407 116 105.

Vivien Griffin of Zero Emissions Noosa with an electric bike.

NEW SUPERMARKET OPENS SOON A much-anticipated new grocery shopping experience for the hinterland kicks off at 9am on Wednesday 10 March when the Mayor, Clare Stewart, and Mr Geoff Wimmer officially open the new Shop and Save outlet on the site of the former Wimmers Soft Drink Factory in Garnet, Street Cooroy. The shop will open 8am to 7pm every day of the week.

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

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Call for driverless buses to help solve hinterland connection deficiencies Autonomous, driverless mini-buses powered by solar-generated electricity could be the solution to getting about in Noosa’s low density hinterland villages, where smaller populations make the use of larger fossil-fuel buses marginal, according to Pomona local Brian O’Connor.

per cent a year. “Noosa Council has shown some interest in the Karragarra Island operation, which came about after the Mayor of Redlands, Karen Williams, saw them working in Singapore. Our council needs to get on board and be ‘different by nature’ when it comes to new technology public The idea is not as fartransport,” he said. “That fetched as people might includes surveying and believe says the advocate potentially reserving offfor ‘active transport’ pathways and one of those road routes in the town behind the successful Don’t plan – and diverting money from roads to smart Divide Pomona campaign pathways, such as between that resulted in retention Cooran and Pomona.” and upgrade of the crossMr O’Connor said the town link over the North leading edge autonomous Coast Railway Line. bus technology is known as “These vehicles are the EZ-10 Smart Shuttle. It operating in Switzerland uses sensors and GPS to and Germany and have navigate a programmed carried tens of thousands of route. Currently, the passengers in trials across maximum speed is 15kph 16 American cities – they for trial purposes, but this have even been tested by can be ramped up. The the RACQ on Karragarra buses ‘sense’ obstacles and, Island of all places, more in urban areas, can be relately at Raby Bay, routed around congestion Cleveland. They would be spots and crash sites. In ideal for Noosa, on the early trials, the bus stopped coast and in the hinterland, when a butterfly flew in acting as collector and front. feeder services to trunk transport routes served by “They can work on roads, or on designated routes offconventional buses and trains,” Mr O’Connor said. road. It is easy to see these mini-shuttles operating “Even trains operate at high around hinterland speed without drivers. On communities, through Sydney’s North-West Rail parks and maybe even in Line, 66,000 passengers a the rail corridor between day board autonomous Cooroy and Pomona, but trains and patronage is trains already do that growing exponentially at 20 particular job,” Mr

The RACQ has tested the feasibility of a driverless shuttle bus on Karragarra Island in Moreton Bay as a solution to public transport needs in low density areas. O’Connor said. “Certainly, they could serve as feeders to the No. 632 bus route, which could then operate at higher frequency over a shorter distance. Noosa needs solutions such as this to address social isolation among an ageing population, but also to serve a younger cohort without a driver’s licence.”

areas such as Cooran, Pomona and Cooroy. Noosa Council should think about a trial in one of our hinterland communities, just as has occurred in the Redlands,” Mr O’Connor said.

*At a recent roundtable discussion among seniors initiated by Pomona and District Community House, He said rural and a lack of connected and hinterland bus services coordinated, reliable and typically failed to recover frequent public transport operating costs from fare service was considered by revenue, due to participants to be a major comparative lower issue locally, leading to patronage and longer travel social isolation for many distances. As a result, these elderly living in singleservices often were person households away infrequent, forcing people from town services. This to use cars. reinforces wider community perceptions in similar “Non-polluting driverless surveys conducted by Noosa bus shuttles coordinated with route buses and trains MP Sandy Bolton and Noosa councillor, Brian make perfect sense for Stockwell.

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New plan to protect bushland Fifty-five per cent of Noosa Shire’s terrestrial area contains native vegetation, and approximately onethird of the shire is under some form of protective tenure. These protected areas include national parks, nature refuges, land subject to voluntary conservation agreements and council bushland reserves.

Cooroora Creek Park and the Cooroora Creek Riparian Reserve have been given an ‘enhance’ action designation.

Managing these areas for natural conservation values, weed and pest control and also conserving native fauna habitats is a major undertaking governed by the Noosa Bushland Reserve Strategic Plan 2021-26 that Noosa Council has released as a draft for public comment. There are 178 council bushland reserves covering 3469ha. “To ensure the bushland reserve network is managed to the highest standard possible, it is necessary to prioritise where the finite resources are best allocated to achieve its objectives,” the report says.

Where the Noosa Trail Network passes through bushland reserves, the council proposes they be inspected at least every six months and maintained regularly to prevent erosion and damage. The document commits to developing a bushland reserve recreation guide (printed or digital / online) for reserves that are suitable for nature-based tourism activities.

In the ranking of reserves and the assessment of actions, the Cooroora Creek Bushland Reserve (Songbird),

The same ‘enhance’ status applies to the Kin Kin Entrance Bushland Reserve and the Old Kin Kin Landfill Site, also the Cudgerie Bushland Reserve.

The Noosa Bushland Reserves Strategic Plan will be reviewed in five years’ time to ensure that new information and changing priorities can be incorporated. The action plan will be reviewed annually during development of the council budget.

Different trains, maybe operating more often The familiar ‘ICE’ trains that serve railway stations between Nambour and Gympie North with two return services weekdays will be replaced from April 2022 according to the public transport advocacy group Rail Back On Track. Its website reports that the five-car trains with comfortable seats in a two-one configuration will be replaced by three-car ‘IMU’ trains (Inter-urban Multiple Unit) with four seats across. The trains can seat 217 passengers. There is speculation also that the Gympie North train that runs through to Brisbane will run Nambour-Gympie North instead, as a more frequent shuttle service, connecting at Nambour for trains to and from the capital. Several groups across the hinterland are making representations to Nicklin MP, Robert Skelton, to have the Palaszczuk government improve rail services to their communities. See further story, page 31.

Restorers tackle weed problem across the Noosa Hinterland If you care for our local environment enough to want to kill a few weeds, then the Noosa Landcare Roving Restorers would welcome you with open arms.

developed for the entire Hinterland region. Support offered includes education and direct advice for landholders, assistance with seeking funding for restoration works, coordination of voluntary The group makes regular forays onto land derogated community labour for by excessive weed growth. some works, and input to ecological management of Those taking part appreciate the safe working private and public lands. environment, often in Anyone in the Noosa shady bushland settings region or surrounds who and in the company of would like to join the others. Noosa Landcare Restorers, give Tamara, the project The work is based on a officer, a call on scientific plan for 0428 446 608. connectivity being Pomona & District Community House - Keeping You In Touch With Your Community

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Snap, send, solve to report issues Snap Send Solve is a free app that can be used to alert Noosa Council of issues in the community such as potholes, illegal dumping, overflowing bins, graffiti, anti-social behaviour and any other issues of concern.

A hand-written sign depicting the words ‘poo town’ on an electricity pole in Factory Street, Pomona, draws the attention of passing motorists to something wrong that their nostrils can also detect – a wafting sewer smell on the breeze.

The app is free and available from the Apple Store or Google's Play Store. Simply search for the Snap Send Solve app and follow the prompts to download onto your mobile device. Read the step-by-step guide on how to use it. The screen prompts provide an option for

Sewer smell is under scrutiny

Noosa Council CEO, Brett de Chastel and council staff demonstrate the Snap Send Solve app that ratepayers can use to notify the Council of issues concerning them. adding your details, which is recommended.

should it require more information.

This allows Noosa Council to contact you

www.snapsendsolve.com

The unpleasant smell has been noticed by employees of nearby businesses and is not a ‘good look’ for patrons lining up for a performance or screening at The Majestic Theatre. The sewerage pumping station in Station Street has been identified as the likely source of the offending odour. Noosa Council has been notified of the problem and is investigating.

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Cost blowout halts Lake Macdonald Dam upgrade Seqwater – Queensland’s bulk supply water authority – has asked for the Noosa community’s patience as it abandons original plans to partially drain Lake Macdonald and reconstruct the dam wall after an independent engineering assessment found that the cost has ballooned from the original $127 million estimate to more than $200 million. Current construction of a new bridge to the Noosa Water Treatment Plant is suspended temporarily due to the wet weather forecast.

Seqwater has abandoned plans to upgrade the Lake Macdonald Dam in 2021.

Treatment Plant. These The new bridge is required works will continue for the upgrade but also for independently of the dam access to the Noosa Water upgrade decision and are

POMONA HALL ACTIVITIES Zumba (Mon) 9.30am - 10.30am Contact Cathy Tapper Ph: 042 816 1622 JKA Karate (Mon & Thurs) 6pm - 7pm Contact Kim Vines Ph 0422 373 198 Pilates (Tues) 8.30am - 9.30am Contact Amy Block Ph: 0409 766 634 Kundalini Movement Meditation Yoga Dance (Tues) 10am –11am Contact: Debra McIntosh 0423 761 515 Ko-Ji Martial Arts (Tues) 5.30pm –6.30pm Contact Brett - 0419 740 815 Harmony Dance (Tues) 6.30pm - 9.30pm Contact Pat & Norm Young Ph: 5485 2007 Indoor Bowls (Wed) 9am - 11.30am (arrive 8.30am) Contact Alan Kenzler -5447 6223 Yoga (Wed) 6pm - 7.15pm Amy Sorensen 0432 066 935 Stretch Yoga (Thurs) 9.15am - 10.30am Contact Andy Pike Ph: 0415 734 180 Stretch Classes (Thurs) 11.30am –12.30pm Micheala Shulze 0449 047 746 Tai Chi (Fri) 8.30am - 9.30am Table Tennis (Wed/Fri) Lower Hall 8.30am - 11am Peter 044 888 2600

expected to recommence in specialist consultants. The May 2021. lowering of the lake will not proceed in 2021 as The Lake Macdonald previously anticipated, upgrade was scheduled to start in the first half of 2021. given strict environmental approval conditions that “During the procurement specified the de-watering stage it became evident must occur between March that the project costs and August to avoid the would be significantly wet season and aquatic higher than the approved breeding.” $127 million budget. An independent cost estimate confirmed that the project would potentially be in excess of $200 million,” Seqwater said in a statement.

Seqwater said it recognised that the decision to halt the wall reconstruction may inconvenience those who have been, or were expected to be impacted.

“The potential cost increase is due to a more thorough understanding of the project based on the detailed design of the dam wall structures, the construction complexity and additional risk mitigation activities required to [meet] approval conditions.

“We ask the Noosa community for their patience as we continue to work towards reaching the best outcome for this project,” it said.

“Seqwater has made the prudent decision to reassess the project during the first half of this year. We will be assessing feasible options with

“If there are any substantial changes to the scope of the project we will consult the Noosa community.” The upgrade of Noosa’s Lake Macdonald Dam remains a high priority project under Seqwater’s Dam Improvement Program.

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

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Nathan Glarvey pedals his way into cycling history After being sponsored by the Cooroy -Pomona Lions Club last year to attend the Global Games organised by the International Sports Federation for Persons with Intellectual Disability in Brisbane, Nathan Glarvey travelled to Ballarat recently to compete in the Australian National Road Race Series. This race sees all the best riders in Australia competing together for a title. Nathan was in the Para category AW11, competing in two races – a 12km time trial racing against the Above: Nathan Glarvey takes centre stage clock with other riders, each spaced on the winners’ podium. one minute apart, and a 42km road race. Right: Nathan with some of the medals he He won a gold medal in the first, also won recently at Ballarat. a T-shirt that identifies his champion status for the next 12 months. Gold and another T-shirt was his for the taking in the longer road race. Nathan was the only competitor from Brisbane at Ballarat, all others being from Victoria.

The cycling enthusiast seems to be going from strength to strength. In January he also won the Para National Titles in which he participated indoors in a velodrome – gold in the 300m, silver in the 100m and gold in a multi-event race for points called Omnium.

Free buses to run over Easter Free public buses will operate across Noosa during Easter and will connect park and ride centres if TransLink agrees to a Noosa Council plan to counter expected traffic congestion woes as more Queenslanders holiday close to home due to CIVID-19 restrictions.

route buses and a temporary 065 Go-Noosa loop bus, from 2-18 April. Concurrently, traffic control measures will be implemented in the Hastings Street precinct and surrounding areas to manage vehicle and pedestrian movements.

Councillors voted to implement the same holiday bus measures as applied at Christmas, when people could ride for free on the 628, 629 and 632 (Noosa-Cooran)

The Noosa AFL ground, The J car park and Noosa Junction Transit Centre will operate as temporary parkand-ride locations.

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Christmas opening for adventure playground Children will be scrambling over Cooroy’s new adventure playground by Christmas after Noosa Council awarded a $3.76m contract to Aspect Contractors to build the transformative project at the Lower Mill site adjacent to the Cooroy Library. The all-abilities playground will include a double flying -fox, climbing tower with slide, climbing structures with swings, water play area and picnic shelters. As part of the development, Cooroy will also gain new car parking spaces and new public toilets, which the community asked for. A proposed community art component of the project is not included in the contract. Meanwhile, construction of the parking area forms part of a separate tender process, which will be reported to the council for a decision shortly.

The council met in separate session last month to approve its own Material Change of Use application for the Maple Street site, subject to special conditions that will address flooding concerns, including a flood warning system and fencing. “The contractor can now formalise the concept designs and break ground shortly,” said Mayor Clare Stewart. “We’ll be doing all we can to get the playground completed in December to give local and visiting children a treat in time for the festive season.” Noosa Council’s Acting Infrastructure Services Director, Bryan O’Connor, said Aspect Contractors had significant experience building similar projects.

An artist’s impression of the Cooroy adventure playground. Cr Stewart said that by working with prospective contractors as part of the procurement process, her council was able to keep costs down without compromising on the designs.

“We have stayed true to the original brief which was for an iconic, nature-based, all“They have a strong track abilities playground that record with Council, they are highly capable and well will attract people to Cooroy and cater for locals resourced,” he said. too,” the mayor said.

FOR LEASE A prime multi-purpose space is available in the centre of Pomona with ample parking adjacent. This high-profile location is the ground floor area beneath Pomona Community House. The premises are suitable for a shop or professional offices and include main office/reception/display area, three separate offices, kitchenette and toilet facilities. Contact Heather on 5485 2427 or 041 111 4077.

“Nature-based playgrounds not only offer children obvious exercise benefits but they encourage their social and emotional development, cultivate their imaginations and an appreciation of nature.” Cr Stewart said the council was ‘thrilled’ to have received $2.78m from the State Government toward the cost of delivering what she described as a one-of-akind facility for the community.

Council helps make grave decision Noosa Council offers a service to anyone who wants to select and pay a ‘hold fee’ for a burial plot or cremation ashes niche. The process is simple and straightforward. A council representative can even meet you on site to help you pick your spot at one of its three cemeteries. The site reservation covers the costs associated with reserving and maintaining

the site until the date of use. At the time of interment, additional fees apply, including interment fee and memorialisation fee. An application to reserve a grave or ashes site is available on the council website. The hold fee (only) is $1056 for a grave plot or $581 for an ashes site.

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Do longer trains mean more delays at Cooran, Pomona level crossings? Queensland Rail is halfway through its North Coast Line Capacity Improvement Project that eventually will see trains almost one kilometre long passing through the Cooran and Pomona level crossings – posing the question as to whether this would result in further delays as two trains pass each other at the stations to access the single track beyond. It is not uncommon for a train to

block Reserve Street while it waits for the line ahead to be cleared by a train running in the opposite direction. In future, freight trains could be up to 950m long, as opposed to 650m currently.

efficient and cheaper. This will be achieved by running longer trains.

The choke point on the line is south of Nambour, where freight trains share the line with passenger trains. Because of its location, Pomona is The Queensland Budget reveals that the location where trains often pass four of eight train passing loops have each other, sometimes leading to been extended between extended delays at the Reserve Street Rockhampton and Townsville to level crossing. make freight movement by rail more

Body Art Festival is back

COOROORA SCREENS & BLINDS 19a Factory Street, Pomona P: 5485 1287 / M: 0419 655 901 * Screens & Security Doors * * Shutters * Awnings * * Verticals * Venetians * * Roller & Roman Blinds *

One of the imaginative body art creations from the 2019 festival. The Australian Body Art Festival – postponed last year due to coronavirus restrictions – is back on the agenda, to be held over three days at Cooroy’s Apex Park, 9-11 April. Organisers are hoping that everything will be good for the festival, even while crowd numbers will be limited this year. Spokesperson Danielle Taylor said five ticketed sessions were planned, with each session limited to 500 people. The ‘Time Travel’ theme will be explored through UV painting, brush and sponge, airbrush, face painting and junior face painting. The festival includes wearable art and surfboard painting. Noosa Outback is the festival sponsor.

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