September Cooroora Connect

Cooroora Connect An Initiative of Pomona & District Community House

Show your love for dad on Father’s Day

September 2020

Calls for safer range road A raft of measures may be deployed to tackle safety issues on the Kin Kin range road caused by the operation of large quarry trucks along the narrow route, including ‘spy cameras’, a joint police-TMR blitz to check for speeding and noncompliance of heavy vehicles and a possible reduction in the speed limit to 40kph along the worst sections. The options were canvassed at a meeting of about 65 concerned residents held in Kin Kin on 20 August, attended by the Member for Noosa, Sandy Bolton MP, and the Mayor of Noosa, Clare Stewart, and called by the Kin Kin Community Group (KKCG).

Enjoying some together time is proud dad, Ryan Kaukiainen and children, Freya (front) and Lincoln. The family will be celebrating Father’s Day on Sunday, 6 September with a lots of surprises for Dad.

EXTREMELY GENEROUS DONATION Pomona and District Community has received an anonymous $2000 donation, which is received with great thanks. The money will be used to continue the important work of PCH, which includes our Young Women’s and Men’s groups, held on Tuesday afternoons. Other work at Community House includes support for community groups and activities that use our facilities.

The pair heard heartfelt stories from members of the audience about the mental anguish of drivers using the range road, concerns for 60 school children on board the daily school bus run and the decision of family members of some Kin Kin residents who refused to drive the route. One business, a counselling service, had relocated to Cooran because clients were afraid to drive over the range to attend appointments, the meeting was told. The KKCG will seek urgent talks with representatives of Cordwell Resources’ Sheppersons Lane quarry amid claims that the company may not have endorsed, or felt not bound by, the Quarry Management Plan deal struck between former owners, Neilsens, and Noosa Shire Council. This governs the quarry hours of operation and the approved haul route. “Does the current owner really know what that management plan actually represents?” said Allan Bonsall. Continued page 10

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Rollover highlights range danger

Councillor backs Pomona for place-making study Cr Amelia Lorentson has revealed her preference for Pomona to be the subject of Noosa Council’s pilot ‘place-making’ study. The council set aside funding for the first study in its 2020-21 Budget, with future placemaking exercises planned in the out years. Place-making involves a multifaceted approach to the planning, design and management of public spaces. It capitalises on a local community’s assets, inspiration and potential to create public spaces that promote health, happiness and wellbeing.

Several ‘near misses’ involving quarry trucks and other vehicles on the Pomona-Kin Kin Road over the range have alarmed locals, causing renewed calls for road widening and other safety measures. The operation of quarry trucks over the range road, including single-lane bridges, has caused serious damage to the road surface, further exacerbating the safety problem.

 See Plod’s column, page 29.

The member for Noosa, Sandy Bolton MP, has raised the matter with the State Government and Noosa Council has received representation from concerned ratepayers. (See stories pages 10-11). Pictured is a recent truck rollover; road damage shown left.

“The council will be completing the administrative process to implement the new town planning scheme prior to starting the place-making project,” Cr Lorentson revealed. “There are many communities interested in being the pilot project and council will make the selection based on a range of criteria. “We will be letting communities know when this process starts,” she said. “I favour Pomona.” The new Noosa Plan on pages 21 and 22.

MENS SHED POMONA Wednesday & Saturdays 8am to midday. www.mensshedpomona.com.au

Trail users endanger lives by ignoring the warning signs Two of the Noosa trails snaking from Pomona to Lake Macdonald and Cooroy have been declared ‘off limits’ temporarily while private timber harvesting operations continue in the Yurol and Ringtail State Forests. Noosa Council’s Principal Environment Officer, Peter Milne, said signs are in place to remind bushwalkers and other forest users to stay clear of the harvesting areas. “Unfortunately, a number of people

have entered these areas, despite the warning signs. It’s putting their safety and that of the forestry workers at risk,” Mr Milne said. “It’s very important that people comply with the warning signs and avoid the areas that are closed for harvesting.”

follows the railway line between Pomona and Cooroy.

Trail 7 snakes through Yurol Forest between Pomona and Lake Macdonald, while Trail 8 generally

In some areas, additional native trees will be planted to assist restoration of the natural vegetation.

Mr Milne said plantation timber had to be removed to allow native vegetation to naturally regenerate. It’s part of the broader Yurol-Ringtail State Forests Conservation Project, he said.

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Seed library to help grow community of keen gardeners Noosa Library Service is set to launch a seed library to help local residents grow their own food. The new initiative is being supported and funded by the Queensland Government and the State Library of Queensland.

supply of seeds, but locally relevant and resilient seeds.” As the program grows, Noosa libraries will host a series of educational workshops to germinate and feed community interest.

Soon Noosa Library customers will be able to take out seeds from the libraries at Noosaville and Cooroy. The initiative has the support “It’s hoped the project will The library seeds will come of the State Government and involves cooperation from the Cooroy cultivate a community of from a seed garden that is a Community Permaculture Gardens and Permaculture Noosa. Local keen gardeners,” said joint initiative with artists are involved also. Emma Haslam, Noosaville Permaculture Noosa and Using the auspice of the Cooroy Butter Factory Art Centre, they Branch Librarian. Local the Cooroy Community have designed the seed packets. residents will have access Permaculture Gardens. to local knowledge and videos the libraries planned said. The project will also help gardening experts to help promote the work of local to produce would provide Ms Haslam said the Noosa them make the most of the artists, whose artwork will inspiration and education. Library Service hoped to seeds. launch the seed library in feature on the seed “We hope to facilitate October, once the ground “As well as enjoying packets, thanks to the deeper social connections work was complete. This produce from the plants, support of the Butter among community will depend upon the we’ll invite our members to Factory Arts Centre in members interested in current COVID-19 complete the cycle by Cooroy. gardening, food and restrictions. Visit the harvesting seeds from the sustainability issues. Ms Haslam said it was library website at: plants they’ve grown and hoped that a series of This might also help to www.libraries.noosa.qld.go return them to the library informational workshops bring together local groups v.au/seedlibrary for more for others to use. This will and a suite of instructional with similar interests,” she information. not only ensure a hearty

Eco retreat latest sign of nature tourism resurgence In a further sign of an adventure and nature-based tourism-focussed market based on the hinterland’s natural assets and trails, the Noosa Eco Retreat on the outskirts of Pomona is about to open and receive its first paying guests. The dream of former Melbourne couple, Nick and Danae Barnes, the six yurt-style accommodation pods, spread across two locations just metres from

the Noosa Trail Network and access to Tuchekoi National Park are built, wherever possible, using recycled materials. Septic waste systems sensitive to the environment and rainwater harvested from carports allow guests to immerse themselves in a rejuvenating woodland setting where they can relax or hike the trails to the top of Mt Cooroora.

Entrance sign to Noosa’s latest accommodation offering – a unique eco-retreat at the foot of Mt Cooroora, on the outskirts of Pomona.  Climbers tackle Mount Cooroora Trail, page 15

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REPRIEVE ON SIGN REGULATIONS If your business has had to put up additional signage, including A-frame signs, to explain operational conditions on your premises during the pandemic, Noosa Council has said it won’t prosecute new local laws adopted in February to limit signs ‘clutter’ across the shire. The council has announced that its relaxed position relating to business signage would continue now until 28 February 2021. The Director of Environment and Sustainable Development, Kim Rawlings, said the local law requirements initially had a six month transition period to give businesses a chance to work towards compliance. “Although the transition period has been extended for existing signage to comply, businesses that are proposing new signage will still need to make an application for any new signage that requires approval under the Local Law,” Ms Rawlings said.

Noosa hinterland business group gains support for local enterprise The impetus driving local desires to see business thrive and more jobs created in the towns across the Northern Hinterland finally has manifested itself in the formation of a business group that hopes to be incorporated by the end of September. The vision is: “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 underpinning local identity”. Emphasis will be on encouraging innovation and sustainable growth that respects the environment. A small steering committee that includes Ms Amy Colley – Pomona’s representative on Noosa Council’s Business Roundtable – was charged with moving forward to incorporation of the new body. The committee is being mentored by

Mr Stephen Tait, a Cooroy resident and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland. An interim constitution and draft action plan will be developed and a paid-up membership sought, ahead of an inaugural general meeting to endorse the strategy and elect office bearers formally. A lack of street parking in Pomona and a need to consider the impacts on the district of nature-based and adventure-based tourism were among issues raised. At a group meeting in July, Noosa Council’s Economic Development Manager, Antony Dow, was a guest speaker. Stephen Tait said his organisation could assist any new start-up group with funding applications and providing advice about initiatives that are available. Several other speakers presented views also.

Singing to encourage multi-cultural diversity

To celebrate the start of Queensland Multicultural Month held each year in August, a number of locals decided to do a 'pop-up' music session just for fun and to spread joy to passers-by in Memorial Ave, Pomona. They played a variety of Irish-Australian, French and Indonesian tunes. It was such a pleasure to see people smile, stop for a while, tap their toes before continuing their busy lives. Pomona & District Community House - Keeping You In Touch With Your Community

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Volunteer drivers needed for hospital bus service Volunteer drivers are being sought for a trial service that will assist our frail and elderly when they need to attend appointments at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital. The new initiative, called Be Connected, involves a trial pilot program in conjunction with Be (formerly Comlink). Volunteer drivers, with or without a car, are required. Full training, authorisations and medical checks are provided to successful applicants. For more information contact the office of Sandy Bolton MP, the Member for Noosa, on 5319 3100.

Sandy Bolton MP with the new ‘Be Connected’ hospital transport service.

Debate over names for school’s sports houses An information post on the Pomona State School Facebook page about the origins of the names for the school’s sports houses has sparked a debate about whether they should be changed to be more inclusive of women. Generations of students at the school have been assigned to three sports houses named for poets Henry Lawson (Blue), Banjo Paterson (Red) and Henry Kendall (Green). However, should there be a Yellow House named for a female lyricist – Judith Wright or Dorothea Mackeller, perhaps? Or is it appropriate that one of the other house names be dropped in favour of a woman?

“What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” – William Shakespeare, Rome0 and Juliet. at Pomona once honoured former principals, such as Dan and Horne.

Mackeller

Dorothea Mackeller was the author of Australia’s poem, I Love a Sunburn Country, while Judith Wright, a Queenslander, was also an environmentalist and Indigenous rights campaigner. She was nominated for the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1967.

Another contender would be Thea Astley, not a Renae Hudson wrote that ‘white men’ like these poet but a novelist and four-times winner of the Miles Franklin Award – Australia’s highest gave their names to sports houses 30 years ago, literary honour – who was a teacher at the when she attended school. “Time to be more Pomona school in the late 1950s. Her second inclusive with the names?” she asked. book, A Descant for Gossips, is based loosely on Judith Muir recalled that the sports house names characters she observed at that time.

2021 SHOW HOLIDAY SET While this year’s Noosa Council Show had to be cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, attention has been switched to planning a bigger and better show in 2021 on 10-11 September. Friday 10 September has been selected for the show holiday in Noosa Shire. At is August round of meetings, Noosa councillors authorised the CEO, Brett de Chastel, to write to the Queensland Office of Industrial Relations, requesting that the date be gazetted.

Wright

Astley

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6 by Brian O’Connor Should Noosa Council agree to a request from the Cooroy Area Residents Association (CARA) for the so-called $5.2m ‘mega playground’ planned for Mill Place to be scaled back and made smaller, money could be freed up to bring forward from next financial year $151,000 notionally allocated for additional exercise equipment the council plans to install in Cooroora Creek Park, Pomona. One suggestion is that the Pomona project be ‘scaled up’ even further to become a ‘seniors playground’, where equipment that specifically addresses the mobility and cognitive skills of older Noosans is made available close to where popular Tai Chi classes are held now. The classes moved from Stan Topper Park because their popularity required a bigger area during coronavirus times. An active seniors ‘hub’ is envisaged in the park, behind the Majestic Theatre. Pomona is one area with an older cohort of residents that helps push Noosa’s median age to 47 – ten years above the state average – making this the local government area with the third highest percentage of people

Calls for re-scoped Cooroy ‘mega’ playground could benefit seniors

Noosa Council plans to install additional exercise equipment worth $151,000 in Cooroora Creek Park in 2021-22, but one proposal is that the project be augmented with special seniors exercise equipment (pictured) and brought forward to this financial year as one means of re-allocating $1m set aside in 2020-21 for a Cooroy ‘mega playground’ that locals say is too big for that town. aged 65 or more in Queensland. By 2036, the over-65’s will account for almost a third of the shire-wide population.

Lorentson have both commented that they like the seniors playground concept, which council staff have now seen also.

“Noosa Shire caters well for the play and stimulatory needs of its children, and even dogs have several and conveniently-located exercise areas, but what of the recreational, fitness and social interaction needs of our seniors – beyond gathering indoors to participate in passive pastimes,” said a report prepared for Pomona and District Community House (PCH) and, with its permission, forwarded to Noosa Council for consideration.

Last month, CARA president, Rod Ritchie, said the organisation regarded the hinterland adventure playground for his town represented ‘overdevelopment’ that would likely further exacerbate traffic congestion and parking problems in Maple Street. The playground would incorporate open green space, nature exploration areas, natural climbing structures, a water play area, as well as picnic shelters, barbecues and toilet amenities.

The idea arose from an age-friendly community workshop conducted by the Department of Communities, Disability Services and Seniors that challenged community representatives present to consider gaps in delivery of local services that could assist elders ‘age in place’. PCH was represented during those deliberations.

Noosa Council set aside $1m in its 2020-21 Budget to progress the Mill Place redevelopment. Tenders for initial works to begin this year this year are being evaluated.

Crs Brian Stockwell and Amelia

A complicating factor is whether any changes to the scale of the Cooroy project would require Noosa Council to hand back all or part of the $2.8m the state government has pledged for the work.

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Think of volunteers before you complain Contributed story

Chief Health Officer Our community is enriched directives, working out by the work of volunteers. how to get things happening in the Quite often these people community again, and are busy with family and safely. Remember, this is work commitments, but still find time to contribute on top of the additional pressures they are to others. experiencing with changes They are the people who to family and work because mow the grass on the footy of COVID. It’s a tough gig. field, scrub the netball The 2016 Census tells us courts, weed the parks, visit and care for the most that 21 per cent of the population in the Noosa vulnerable people, put on Shire are volunteers. That’s events we love to attend almost 9200 people giving and, generally, make the their time to make our things that are important in our community happen. community a great place to Quite often our volunteers live. go unnoticed — until we Unfortunately, people need them. attend events, activities or We’ve all felt the effects of sportsgrounds and complain that things COVID-19, but the weren’t 100 per cent to incredible job that our their liking, without a volunteers have had to do thought for or considering to restart community the hard work involved, activities is nothing short of amazing. Documents up particularly in the current to 40 pages long outlining COVID-19 environment. The pressure on our what they can and cannot volunteers is intense. do, checklists, hand sanitizer stations, cleaning regimes, 1.5m markings on the ground — the list of additional work seems endless. In addition volunteers must now sift through

programs or activities are not able to recommence because indoor spaces are too small, or you may have to stand 1.5m away from others while watching your child play sport and provide your contact details when you arrive on site. If you don’t have the time to volunteer (remember:

many hands make light work) we can at least support our volunteers by agreeing to these requests when asked and with a smile on our face.

Our volunteer organisations can only recommence activities if they abide by a very strict Industry COVID-19 Safe Plan. This may mean that some

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Phone John 0455 916 231 Pomona & District Community House - Keeping You In Touch With Your Community

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Artists expand their mojo after age seventy Local and regional artists over the age of 70 are coming together to showcase their creativity and to express their concept and vision in the art medium of their choosing.

information contact Wendy Catlin 0474324772.

This exhibition promises an experience of viewing amazing and diverse works in various media. The quality of artists is high, with several award-winning participants, as well as established and emerging artists.

Archibald finalists with paintings in the Queensland Art Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery.

On display to 8 September is an exhibition called Maleny Cream, which presents a dynamic group There is a wealth of creativity among exhibition encompassing ceramics, the third age population in our area sculpture, drawing and painting from and this will be exhibited at the nationally acclaimed and highly Butter Factory in Cooroy from respected emerging artists. 11 September to 13 October. David Paulson and Peter Hudson are

Alan Falls - work of show

This exhibition proves that the creative journey does not stop with age. Hopefully, it will inspire others to begin a creative journey of their own. Venue: Butter Factory, 1A Maple St. Cooroy. For more

Acclaimed artist and Churchill Fellow, Shannon Garson, shows refined porcelain forms engaging with nature through drawing and painted imagery. Marvene Ash uses a painterly approach, capturing the vitality of the landscape, while Laura Vecmane shows highly original style.

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Music and art in symphony of creativity

Time to enrol your child in Prep year

Coming up in September at the Pomona Railway Station Gallery is an exhibition by an eclectic group of artists who are sure to please and surprise with their amazing creations.

It may only be September, but it is not too early to enrol your child for the 2021 Prep year at Pomona State School.

MONDRIAN-MUSIC, My Friends and Me features the work of Dan Truscott, Alan Falls, Joc Truscott, Moriarty, Bev Watkin and Phil and Val Willy. Paintings, collage, ceramics, sculptures, drawings and other hand

Phil Rolton with an example of his creativity. made objects will be featured in the Carriage Room from 5 - 30 September.

held on 5 September at 11am. Visitors will be limited to the restrictions of the The official opening will be COVID-19 regulations.

An afternoon tea and tour of the school by prospective Prep year pupils’ parents was scheduled for 2 September, but if you missed that opportunity to look over where your child will start their education, phone the school on 5480 8222. The school in Station Street caters for grades prep to year 6.

WHATS ON IN SEPTEMBER !!! ITS MOVIE MONTH AT THE MAJESTIC THEATRE POMONA PH: 5485 2330 SILENT MOVIES EVERY SATURDAY 12 NOON - NO NEED TO BOOK - $15 ADULTS & KIDS

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NEWS FROM AROUND THE DISTRICT $3.1m roads program will focus on hinterland About 11km of roads will get a makeover in the next 12 months, as part of a $3.1 million reseal program, signed off by Noosa Council. Eightyfive per cent of the work will happen in the hinterland, with Cooran and Cooroy set to see a large slice of the action. The council’s Asset Planning Manager, Bryan O’Connor, said more than 30 projects were on the radar. “This work will restore and improve the safety on some highly used roads in the shire,” he said. “Resealing remains the most economical and effective way to

protect the road network. The main focus would be replacing the deteriorating part of the road and waterproofing the surface to protect the pavement and maintain its life. One of the biggest jobs is asphalt resealing along a large section of Maple St in Cooroy from Overlander Avenue to Mary River Road. Emerald St also gets improvement work as part of the project. Over two kilometres of Junction Road at Cootharaba is on the list too. “We certainly aim to have much of the work completed before the new year,” Mr O’Connor said.

Cooperative looks to re-open Eumundi abattoir Work continues on developing the business plan and securing the necessary funding to reopen the existing Eumundi abattoir facility, which will become a necessary piece of infrastructure to deliver services to the local farming community for mixed species food production across the Sunshine Coast region. Following formation of a Eumundi Abattoir Cooperative, the goal is to

bring about changes in how food production is viewed locally, Country Noosa states on its website. The Co-op’s elected directors and members from a working group have set about attracting the required funding to upgrade the abattoir facilities for operation according to the requirements of Safe Food Queensland.

ATO reveals our regional town incomes The Australian Tax Office has published the median income for postcodes around the nation – their calculations revealing that Pomona wage earners bring home more than Cooran workers and self-employed.

At Cooroy, Black Mountain and Ridgewood, the median wage is $49,533 – or $2000 more than their cousins at Pomona.

Not surprisingly, perhaps, the suburb with the highest median The Pomona, Pinbarren and Federal wage in Noosa Shire is Sunshine median wage is $47,531, while it is Beach, at $64,274. $42,583 at Cooran. The median wage (The median is the midpoint earner at Kin Kin brings in $39,201 between highest and lowest, not the annually. average.)

The deadline for stories and pictures to appear in the next issue of Cooroora Connect is 18 September 2020. Submit text in Word format and pictures in JPEG.

Call for action on condition of the range road  From page 1

Cr Stewart said it was clear the current operator had a responsibility to meet representatives of the local community to address matters of concern, including ‘platooning’ of quarry trucks that regularly swerved out of lane, forcing the drivers of oncoming vehicles to take urgent evasive manoeuvres. Complicating the issue is the fact that the Pomona–Kin Kin Road is the responsibility of the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR). Locals criticised a parsimonious ‘patch’ maintenance program on an unforgiving road with sharp bends, one-lane bridges and no shoulders. Ms Bolton said she would push for resheeting and sub-surface stabilisation of a further two kilometres of road immediately adjacent to a section over the top of the range completed several years ago. She called on people to contact her office with evidence of poor behaviour by truck drivers, including dash cam footage and evidence gathered by cameras in trees at the worst spots, to enable her to present a case to the state government for more funding for roadworks. A state election will be held on 31 October. The meeting was told that haulage of rock and gravel from the Sheppersons Lane quarry had increased 150 per cent recently as Cordwells and contractors met orders for the Bruce Highway upgrade south of Nambour. Cooran residents were warned that the lumbering quarry trucks would be heading their way if Kin Kin rock was used in construction of the Gympie Bypass.

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Mayor listens to concerns about quarry truck safety The controversial issue of the haul route used by large quarry trucks to and from the Cordwells Resources Sheppersons Lane quarry at Kin Kin was discussed passionately at the first round of pop-up meet-thecouncillor sessions that will become a regular monthly feature of the Noosa Council calendar. Mayor Clare Stewart and her deputy, Cr Frank Wilkie, had a birds-eye view of the problem as they sat with a large delegation of locals at Pomona’s Mountain Stop Café as huge quarry trucks travelled through the Memorial Ave/Reserve St intersection regularly every four minutes and proceeding over the narrow Kin Kin range road – a designated school bus route with several single-lane timber bridges. After hearing the arguments being put, Cr Wilkie said the council would investigate having the quarry’s operating conditions altered so that its trucks could access the facility via Dr Pages Road instead of the Pomona-Kin Kin Road. However, subsequent investigation reveals that to move down this path would require an application by Cordwells to council for a material change of use, which would trigger an adverse response from residents of Dr Pages Road. Newly-elected president of the Kin Kin Community Group, Jann Bonsall, said the quarry truck problem had been on-going for a number of years. However, since Cordwells had taken over from Nielsens at the beginning of 2020, the number of trucks operating had risen significantly. The constant damage to the affected roads and danger to the lives of the people travelling them, had been immeasurable. “Pomona-Kin Kin Rd and Kin Kin– Gympie Rd to the Shepppersons Lane turn-off are in need of constant repair and, until the State Government commits to rebuild

Pomona’s Mountain Stop Café became an outdoor office for Noosa Mayor, Clare Stewart (right) and her deputy, Cr Frank Wilkie (fourth from left) when they met locals recently, in the first round of coffee chats that will see all councillors head across the shire regularly, to be informed about grassroots community issues. these sections, there is imminent fear of fatalities on that road,” Ms Bonsall said. “A school bus travels the ‘range’ road every morning from 7.30–8am and again from 4–4.30pm. “A procedure has been put in place for truck drivers to adhere to radio contact from the bus driver, but it was ignored recently and the school bus was forced off the sealed section on a narrow stretch, which obviously upset the children. “Either the trucks have to be redirected or the road must be

upgraded. The KKCG understands the quarry is there and has to operate, but not to engender fear and constant noise pollution to the residents who live here. Cordwells has approval to extract one million tonnes of gravel a year from its quarry for use in quality concrete, asphalt and road building products in the immediate vicinity, to a maximum radius of 70km. It very likely will become a supplier to the contractors building the massive Gympie Bypass, on which work will start soon.

Over 50’s Fitness Uniting Church Maple Street Cooroy Monday 9.15am Beginner’s Pilates 10.30am Chair Exercises Wednesday 10.30am Beginner’s Fitness

Memorial Hall Pomona Tuesday 11.30am Beginner’s Fitness Thursday 11.30am Beginner’s Pilates

Contact Micheala on 0449 047 746 for more info

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12 ADVERTISEMENT

Next time you buy, think where you shop. WHEN YOU USE A LOCAL SMALL BUSINESS, YOU’RE NOT HELPING A CEO BUY A THIRD HOLIDAY HOME. INSTEAD, YOU ARE HELPING A LITTLE GIRL PAY FOR DANCE LESSONS, A BUDDING YOUNG FOOTBALLER HIS FIRST TEAM JERSEY, AND YOU ARE PROVIDING FOOD FOR SOMEONE’S FAMILY TABLE.

When you spend $100 at a local business, on average 58 per cent more of your money stays in your community compared with what would have happened had you spent that $100 at a multinational store. (Source:

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Men of Cooran form group to help support each other At Cooran, a space has been created on a Monday evening for men to gather and share experiences with each other.

“This new group offers opportunity to have a laugh, or a cry, and make a new friend or two. There are many challenges on life’s journey and we shouldn’t have to face them alone.”

The idea is that participants bond and take strength from like-minded Alternatively, Simon said there may company, in a safe, trusting already be men in that space, who environment. would just like to come along and ‘hang out’ with some other guys? It is being driven by Simon Eager, originally from the UK, who moved to Australia in 2003. Simon has had a 30-year law enforcement career in policing and animal welfare. “I’ve seen a lot of tragedy, and I’ve seen a lot of joy on my journey,,” Simon said. “I’ve seen a lot of blokes struggling with their identities, and where they ‘fit’ in this world.

“Either way, it would be great to see each other and explore possibilities.”

“I see a lot of guys out there who are hurting - guys who need to find directions and to connect to their mojo.” He said it was important that men understand the nature of masculinity and their purpose.

Please contact Simon on 0421 602771 or email silverback1595@hotmail.com to book a space (limited due to social distancing requirements)

Details: Commencing Monday 5 October at Human Movement Therapies Studio, 30 King St, Cooran, 6:30pm to 8pm.

A gold coin donation would be welcomed.

MARY VALLEY BRAND MILK LAUNCHED If you are a supporter of local rural products and the farming families that grow and process them, keep an eye out for Kenilworth Dairies’ fresh milk – available in one, two and three litre plastic bottles at select IGA stores in the hinterland and across the Mary Valley. The new product launched during the first week of September. The milk comes from Friesian, Holstein, Brown Swiss and Jersey cattle ‘employed’ on three farms in the Mary Valley.

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Couple live ‘the good life’ while teaching farm self-sufficiency There is no doubt that social management during coronavirus times has caused us to pause, reevaluate and consider what is important to us. Being Noosans, invariably that involves selfreflection on lifestyle and our place within a fragile biosphere that demands respect and action from each of us. Beyond a decision to ‘do something’, what is the way forward? Often it is the little things, at an individual level, where the journey starts. At Kin Kin, Tom and Zaia Kendall have been working passionately and selflessly to inform, educate and impart practical skills in permaculture – the methods of producing food, fibre and animal products without harming land and the natural resources they contain and sustain. More than 350 people have trained on site since their Kendall Farm began operating as a permaculture demonstration and education site in 2012.

Contented couple – Tom and Zaia on their Kin Kin property where they teach permaculture techniques and methods. Mollison, considered to be the grandfather of permaculture practices in Australia. Tom Kendall, a permaculture farmer with extensive broadacre farming experience, is recognised as being able to ‘read’ landscapes to understand their maximum potential for use and conservation. Zaia is a convert to her partner’s passion for the land. She explains that permaculture does not involve simply gardening, but is a way for sustainable living.

Their philosophy and practical Next month, the Kendalls begin the techniques will be taught over 72 hours and five weekends, 3-4, 17-18, latest round of residential sustainable farming courses designed 24-25 and 31 October and 1 and 7-8 November, from 8.30am to 5.30pm, to teach how to farm while with intending participants required preserving several hectares or a to bring their own veggie patch – with a philosophy of pay as you can, or make a donation. snacks and lunches. The The 72-hour practical hands-on course is Permaculture Design Certificate recognised by follows the designer manual of Bill Permaculture

Research Institute Australia. Those taking part will be introduced to farm activities – from holistic animal management to feeding the bio-digester, and from compostmaking to planting and more. Bring gloves because this is a ‘hands-on’ experience. Most daily activities are performed by volunteers who, in turn, teach other volunteers. This allows Kendall Farm to operate on a low budget so that people from all walks of life can witness that things can be achieved regardless of funding. Emphasis is placed on recycling, re-using and re-purposing materials. More information: https:// permeco.org/weekend-pdc-courseover-5-weeks.

MYSTERY NIGHT WALKERS There have been a few more twinkles in the night sky of late – seen by keen observers of Mount Cooroora. Over several weeks, hikers wearing head lamps have been making their way up and down the mountain in the evening gloom and walking about on top, their headlights flashing wherever they look. Pomona & District Community House - Keeping You In Touch With Your Community

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Council moves on mobile library replacement plan

Vineyard owners toast their new wine labels

Noosa Council has obtained updated costings for its mobile library replacement service after earlier deciding to scrap the old prime mover and trailer in favour of book dispensing kiosks and a smaller delivery van.

August Services and Organisation Committee meeting confirmed that a comprehensive communications plan to ‘sell’ the new concept to ratepayers has been prepared, pending confirmation of the library outreach operations Concept plans for the proposed new vehicle have beyond its static locations at Noosaville and Cooroy. been reviewed and finalised and, while it is not yet known where they will be located, possible sites and shelters for potential library kiosks have been scoped. The agenda for the 11

As it finalises the ‘capital (spending) elements’ of the future replacement model, the council is considering a design for the exterior wrap of the proposed new vehicle.

Responsibility for unattributed election comment in this issue of Cooroora Connect is accepted by Brian O’Connor, c/o Pomona & District Community House, 1 Memorial Ave, Pomona

If you are chasing the Dingo Creek local tipple wines in the bottleo, you may have to look more closely for the label. Owners Marg and David Gillespie who have operated the winery at Traveston since the early 1990s, have commissioned new artwork for their wine bottles. The labels feature animals, birds and rural scenes. Why not see them more closely at a cellar door tasting, phone 0438 851 731.

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Hinterland’s growing popularity for nature tourism The breathtaking views from the summit of 349metre high Mt Cooroora for this band of hikers is but a foretaste of what they will see on the Kokoda Track, says Gavin Curtis (pictured foreground).

Our mountain a training ground for Kokoda trek Who would have thought that a trek across Papua-New Guinea’s Owen Stanley Ranges along the infamous Kokoda Track begins at the foot of Mt Cooroora? That is the experience of small groups of people hoping to tackle the 96km adventure of a lifetime through the jungles and difficult terrain of PNG made famous as the location of bitter fighting involving Australian and Japanese troops during WWII. For many present-day Australians, walking the track is a rite-of-passage, up there with a visit to Gallipoli. According to Gavin Curtis, of Brisbane-based trek outfit No Roads, the practice walk gives participants a chance to experience a challenging hike with an experienced Kokoda guide. “This way we can answer any questions they have about their upcoming Kokoda experience, give them tips on training for their trek, how to use their equipment and what clothing to take – all while getting a taste of what it is like to hike up a steep mountain and make their way safely down again,” Gavin said. Since 2006, No Roads has safely taken more than 6000 people across the Kokoda Track. Gavin Curtis has been using Mt Cooroora as his training ground since then. The best way to walk the Kokoda Track is from north to south,” Gavin said. “This is the way Australian soldiers conducted their slow retreat, grinding the Japanese to a halt after 12 weeks. When you walk in this direction you are told the stories of the Kokoda campaign in

chronological order. The story flows well and the trekkers gain a greater understanding of events on the Track,” he said. And what of Mt Cooroora’s role in their preparation? “It is important to have good leg strength, fitness and endurance for the trek. There is not much flat ground on Kokoda, it is either hiking up or hiking down for the majority of the way. Training on Mt Cooroora offers the best form of training to prepare the body and ensure that you are conditioned ready to go.” Gavin said our mountain was ideal as it had a clear track and a constant, steep gradient.

or refreshment. I have lost count of the number of people and guests that I have taken up Mt Cooroora who have become ‘addicted’ to mountain hiking and trekking, and have returned over and over again. “From my own personal point of view, Mt Cooroora and Pomona township have been very good to me and I have trained for some of the most challenging treks and high altitude climbs in the world on this mountain, so I am very grateful to the person who first took me to Mt Cooroora and got me addicted to it.”

“On many of the other mountains, you have to slow down or stop to make your way over rock faces.” “Mt Cooroora is similar to the conditions trekkers will experience in PNG, as it is nice and steep and has a mixture of surfaces, which include rock, mud and slippery areas. And, of course, it is a challenging hike while wearing a pack.” He said the overwhelming feedback he had from clients tackling Mt Cooroora was that it represents a lifetime experience. “They are taken in by the beautiful surroundings and magnificent views, and when they come down we always visit the township for a coffee

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

16 The feasibility of a proposed shared bicycle and pedestrian path between Cooran and Pomona, consistent with Noosa Council’s sustainable transport principles, remains untested while the state government says it awaits a business case and an application for funds to help build it. The entrance to the Caboolture-Wamuran rail trail bike path.

If others can do it, why can’t we? The 10.5km Caboolture to Wamuran rail trail was built using a $7 million joint investment by the Moreton Bay Regional Council and the Queensland Government to deliver cycling and pedestrian facilities to a growing local community.

 ‘entry statements’ at Caboolture

 

and Wamuran including information map, signage, shelters, drinking fountains, seating, lighting and landscaping bridge and culvert crossings and specially designed road crossings interpretative and wayfinding signage seating nodes inclusive of public artwork.

A letter from the Cooran Earth Rights group to Tourism Noosa highlights the confusing position Noosa Council has adopted concerning a key component of the Noosa Trails Masterplan – a ‘loop’ trail that would include the much anticipated bike path between Cooran and Pomona.

In the trails masterplan, launched by Noosa Mayor Clare Stewart amid much media fanfare in June, TRC  Tourism and Recreation – specialist The shared pathway follows the old consultants who completed the Caboolture to Kilcoy railway corridor The Noosa Trails Masterplan, which report – recommended the Cooranthat closed in 1964. It showcases the has been endorsed by Noosa Council, Pomona ‘rail trail’ as an early start history of the railway while providing recommends a similar ‘rail trail’ project in fulfillment of the plan to between Cooran and Pomona a quality path and support facilities make Pomona a ‘hub town’ for parallel to the railway line, and the that attract cyclists and walkers to nature-based recreational tourism. Queensland TMR says it would the area. TRC’s recommendation is for a loop welcome an application from the It has the following features: trail via the existing forest route council for funds to develop this  3 to 3.5-metre wide shared between both towns, returning via section of Queensland’s Principal asphalt and concrete pathway the railway alignment. The rail Bicycle Network. segment remains unplanned and unbuilt. THE SOURCE OF BICYCLE PATH FUNDING The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) is working with local A petition supporting a traffic-free governments to achieve the Queensland Cycle Strategy 2017-2027 vision of cycle route adjacent to the railway ‘more cycling, more often on safe, direct and connected routes’. track between Cooran and Pomona The Cycle Network Local Government Grants Program aims to develop cycling networks and encourage more cycling through delivery of best practice, high quality and safe cycling infrastructure. Local councils that have a published Principal Cycle Network Plan are eligible to apply for available grant funding. Moreton Bay Regional Council residents enjoy their commuter bike and walking track between Caboolture and Wamuran.

was signed by 1400 residents of both towns and handed to the Deputy Mayor, Cr Frank Wilkie on 18 October 2018. A follow-up letter from Cooran Earth Rights to the Department of Transport and Main Roads DirectorGeneral, Neil Scales, seeking state funding to build it highlighted the fact that the proposed ‘rail trail’ is on the Principal Bicycle Network – the connected network of bike paths the state government has said it would fund. Mr Scales replied on 6 June 2019, saying funding is available through the Cycle Network Local Government Grants Program for

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Council criticised for ‘negative’ position on Cooran–Pomona bike path proposal development of Queensland’s Principal Bicycle Network and his department would welcome an application from Noosa Shire Council for money to build a shared pedestrian and bicycle path between Pomona and Cooran, parallel to the North Coast Railway Line. In the ranking that determines the priority order in which bike path projects are funded, the CooranPomona link has a B-rating, meaning it is likely to be funded in 10-15 years, whereas Cooran Earth Rights has requested the council give it an Arating, so its construction timeframe could be brought forward to the next five years. Despite Noosa Council’s endorsement of the trails masterplan and fruitful discussions involving its implementation with Tourism Noosa’s Head of Tourism Sustainability and Program Design, Ms Juanita Terry-Bloomfield, and the council Environmental Services Manager, Craig Doolan, another arm of the council remains sanguine about the rail path plan. In a letter dated 31 October 2019, the council Infrastructure Planning, Design and Delivery Manager, Craig Eldridge, wrote these words to the earth rights group: “As assessment ... for the connection between Cooran and Pomona is likely to result in a score in the lower range for the state government grants program and is at risk of not receiving funding. As a result, the project is not a high priority project and therefore will be incorporated into future works programs as a medium priority, for consideration into future grant applications.” Mr Eldridge heads a taskforce that is finalising an update of the Noosa Cycling and Walking Strategy that will re-establish a vision for cycling

and walking in Noosa for the next 20 years (2020-40), as well as produce a five-year and 10-year capital works program of prioritised projects. Finalisation of the strategy is a prerequisite of Noosa Council being given access to money from the Cycle Network Local Government Grants Program. Mr Eldridge makes clear that he does not see the CooranPomona path as worthy of being in the five-year capital works list. Cooran Earth Rights president, John Esson, has pointed out the council’s compromised position in a letter to Ms Terry-Bloomfield, congratulating Tourism Noosa on preparation of the trails masterplan, which also has the support of the Noosa Council Economic Development Unit and the Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation, as well as Noosa and District Landcare. Mr Esson’s letter to Ms TerryBloomfield described Mr Eldridge’s position as ‘quite negative’, appearing at odds with the masterplan vision for a CooranPomona rail-trail pivotal to the success of the loop route that would kick-start the trails network revival.

the many touring and mountain cyclists that would come to this region and spend money while here. He quoted Bicycle Queensland CEO, Anne Savage, who in a media statement dated 19 June 2019, said this: “With five dollars gained for every dollar spent on bikeways, these [types of] projects are set to deliver great value for money, strong public benefit, improved traffic flow and better public health.” Mr Esson continued: “We look forward to supporting the masterplan and helping its implementation in any way we can.” “Cooran has a school where a sizeable number of pupils is cycling, walking and scooting to attend, and there is a skate park that is busy every day with young cyclists. We have a generation who are happy to cycle. It would be fantastic if there was a safe path to Pomona for teenagers to cycle to school there, to their jobs at the IGA, to their social groups; and it would give their parents peace of mind.

“There are many adults too who would love to ditch the car and cycle into Pomona for work, shopping, Mr Esson said not only would the rail haircuts and visits to their GP; also path benefit locals keen to have this plenty of people in Pomona would ‘safe’ connection, as opposed to love to come to Cooran to sample cycling on a road with an 80kph our shops and cafes and to be active speed limit, but it also would benefit and keep fit.”

The ‘rail trail’ path linking Caboolture with Wamuran, in the Moreton Bay Regional Council.

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Pomona & District Community House 1 Memorial Ave, Pomona

Giant Kookaburra has last laugh on Coronavirus

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

9am to 4pm Mon - Frid    

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

Giant kookaburra replica makes its way up through the towns along the Bruce Highway to Townsville. Photo supplied: Farvardin Daliri. Did you see it making its way up the Bruce Highway – attracting lots of attention in communities along the way?

the festival and was stuck in Brisbane due to the coronavirus restrictions, so made productive use of his time to create the bird The 750kg replica of a kookaburra – sculpture. more than four metres high and He has created other sculptures eight metres from tip of the beak to over the years, including a giant tail – made its way from Brisbane to koala. Townsville recently to become a The kookaburra replica is consistent star attraction at The Townsville with the festival theme for 2020 – Cultural Festival. The creator, laughter. Farvardin Daliri, is the director of

Cooroy Pomona Lions Club

Bookfest All proceeds go to Community Projects

Friday & Saturday 11 & 12 September 8am to 2pm

“Books Galore”

Great Bargains & Prices Located below Pomona Community House 1 Memorial Ave, Pomona For more information Ph: 0434 612149

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Motorcyclists pump dollars into Boreen Point local economy While Noosa Council considers a request for Pomona to become a ‘motorcycle-friendly town’, this already is a reality for Boreen Point, with the local economy benefitting from a visit by enthusiasts from Brisbanebased The Social Club – motorcyclists who venture forth once a month to enjoy each other’s company in a convivial social setting. On Sunday 2 August, the Apollonian Hotel played host to about 50 members of The Social Club – their line-up of motorcycles proving quite an attraction for regulars. (See picture.) The spending power of the group was welcome news for the pub proprietors, who spent up big on renovations while it shut down during the coronavirus restrictions.

What would be our ‘big thing’ to entice tourists? Our region already has an iconic ‘big thing’ that continues to attract increasing numbers of tourists. It is called Mt Cooroora. Motorists veer off the highway to inspect our natural wonder close up, particularly since the route was altered to present the mountain in all its glory whether travelling north or south. Elsewhere around Australia, small communities have been erecting ‘big things’ – large replicas of objects that relate to a particular industry associated with the local area, such as Goulburn’s Big Marino or the Big Gumboot at Tully – to signify that community’s renown for the highest Chinchilla is the latest ‘big thing’ town, having won a competition organised by the Wotif rainfall in Queensland. travel company to present an Australian community with the next big thing, to join icons There are not so big things too, such such as the Big Pineapple at Nambour and Coffs Harbour’s Big Banana. as the Dog on the Tucker Box near Gundagai, NSW and the Yowie statue Runner-up ideas that missed out at Kilcoy. And let’s not forget included a Big Kilt proposed for Glen Kenilworth’s big dunny! Innes, NSW, and a Big Tulip for Mittagong, also in NSW. It seems that Australians can’t get enough of the big stuff, the latest If Pomona was in the running for being a four-tonne slice of such a competition, what would be watermelon that sits on the outskirts our ‘big thing’? A Big Chair, perhaps, of Chinchilla. in recognition of 100 years service by Pages Furniture Factory to the town? The town won a competition conducted by the travel booking Let us know your ideas. company Wotif in 2018 to commemorate that organisation’s 18th Right: A big chair for two, or five perhaps? birthday. Pomona & District Community House - Keeping You In Touch With Your Community

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Research proves sediment damage to lakes and river There has been a 30 to 60 per cent reduction in the species found in the Noosa River waterways system in the past 20 years, causing Noosa and District Landcare to double down on erosion and sediment run-off controls from the primary cause – the hills and farmland around Kin Kin. Kin Kin Creek is a major tributary of the Noosa River. “Fine sediment from upstream, mainly the Kin Kin Catchment, is building up in the river system smothering the lake and river beds and the little seagrass and reefs remaining,” Noosa Landcare says on its website. “Recently it has been identified that this fine sediment covering the benthic layer (floor) and disrupting the natural

ecosystem processes of Lake Cootharaba once originated from the slopes of Kin Kin.” Noosa and District Landcare is making progress on its ‘Keeping It In Kin Kin’ initiative, conducted in partnership with the Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation, Noosa Biosphere, Noosa Council, Country Noosa and the Thomas Foundation, plus a number of other supporting bodies. Past farming practices and the clearing of the Kin Kin scrub are blamed for the problem. The ‘Keeping it in Kin Kin’ program has prioritised the highest risk erosion areas in the Kin Kin catchment and is working with landholders in these areas to resolve current and historic erosion problems. The work will continue for the remainder of the year.

While its town plant nursery is closed for refurbishment, Noosa and District Landcare’s other native plant species nurseries are open and busy. Here, two staff members help pot seedlings for sale and use in regeneration projects. Landcare’s Station Street building and nursery will under go refurbishment to become a colourful addition to the town.

UPGRADE FOR BOREEN POINT TOILETS The popular toilets at Boreen Parade, Boreen Point will be upgraded, together with a number of public amenities across Noosa Shire as part of a $220,000 joint initiative of Noosa Council and the Queensland Government. The project, which began last month, includes new floor tiles, painting, rendering and maintenance to toilet cubicles.

Councillors take familiarity tour of Landcare depot The second biggest employer in Pomona, Noosa and District Landcare (NDLC), hosted Noosa Mayor, Clare Stewart, and five councillors at its depot last month to receive a briefing on Landcare’s activities and to meet staff.

It was an opportunity for NDLC to inform newly-elected councillors about the scope of work and partnerships in which Noosa Landcare is involved.

Landcare’s Business Development manager, Rachel Lyons, outlined The presentation to the mayor and NDLC’s operational business units, five councillors (Wilkie, Finzel, their functions, projects and Lorentson, Jurisevic and Wegener) contracts stretching from Ipswich to followed on from a meeting in June Hervey Bay. One of those is the with Cr Lorentson, who subsequently Keeping it in Kin Kin project, which facilitated the gathering on 8 August. aims to reduce sediment run-off into (Cr Brian Stockwell was unavailable, the iconic Noosa River. as he was in Brisbane gaining NDLC has secured a three-year accreditation as a commercial drone funding deal with the council to operator.)

carry out this project. Recently NDLC added value to this work by securing a $49,000 grant from the Federal Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management, Mr David Littleproud. “It was pleasing to see our new councillors asking pertinent questions and becoming involved in the management of our magnificent hinterland,” said NDLC General Manager, Phil Moran. “Noosa Landcare looks forward to working closely with our council, on the Kin Kin project and others across the Noosa Shire.”

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NEW NOOSA TOWN PLAN

WHAT THE NEW TOWN PLAN SAYS ABOUT OUR HINTERLAND VILLAGES

Museum, the Pomona Hotel, the police station and courthouse, the Pomona Memorial School of Arts Hall and the Post Office.

Any development adjoining these buildings should be sympathetic to the visual amenity and landscaping features of these civic treasures. Future development should respect the role of the traditional town The development that occurs in centre west of the North Coast Pomona in future should not detract Railway Line. Meanwhile the Low from its small country town identity, Impact Industry Zone (along Factory distinct heritage character or Street and up Hill Street) provides a identity, the new town plan says. range of lot sizes catering to low Planned growth will occur. impact businesses.

Pomona

“Pomona maintains its role as a local centre offering a range of convenience goods and services to support a growing village and rural community,” the report says, and adds these specific words: “Some expansion of local businesses, residential and rural residential are as is provided for.” Noosa Council states that business uses in Pomona can expand ‘in a form and extent that maintains a compact town centre, with growth occurring only within the Local Centre Zone’. The town plan notes the setting in which Pomona sits, at the foot of Mt Cooroora, as well as the scenic amenity of Hill and Reserve Streets. “The low-scale heritage character and heritage architecture [should be] retained and enhanced, including the Art Deco shopfronts along Memorial Avenue, and Federation- style influences.” The council reveals it wants to see Reserve Street, Memorial Avenue and Station Street enhanced as attractive and pedestrian-friendly main streets. Socalled ‘active frontages’ to buildings, on-street parking and limited disruption to pedestrian movement via crossing driveways remain planning objectives. The report notes especially the main character buildings of the town – The Majestic Theatre, Noosa Shire

orientation and design.” Given the village’s close proximity to Six Mile Creek, Noosa Council does not want the riparian reserve affected by onsite effluent disposal. (It is not proposed to provide reticulated sewerage to Cooran.)

Kin Kin Development here will support traditional and emerging rural enterprise, hospitality and tourism ventures, as well as environmentally sustainable and creative industries. Development should enhance the open space network.

PCH MEMBERSHIP DUE

Cooran The plan envisages Cooran remaining as a small rural village with an ‘intimate character and identity’ primarily servicing the local community, surrounding rural area and visitors to the area through limited retail, commercial and business needs. “Cooran residents will continue to depend on larger centres to fulfil most of their higher order retail services and business needs.” Noosa Council wants the new plan to preserve, enhance and develop the attractive entry points to the village, as well as buildings that contribute to its character. “Development [should be] sympathetic to the arrangement of buildings and landscape setting. “Important local landmark and heritage character buildings and areas such as the School of Arts Hall and Alfredson’s Joinery are retained. “Development on or adjoining these sites [must be] sympathetic to the existing arrangement of buildings and landscape setting and they should not be overwhelmed by scale,

Here is an opportunity for you to support the Pomona and District Community House by becoming a new member or renewing your existing membership. Community House supports a wide range of activities which include computer lessons, writing group, music lessons, youth groups, social games, information workshops and so much more. The membership renewal applies from 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2021 and costs $5 per person. Call in to Pomona Community House for a membership form or visit our website for more details.

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 0411 114 077

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New town plan protects our special lifestyle Noosa’s new planning scheme aims to foster prosperity and protect the natural assets and lifestyle we all love. This is to be done by:  Focusing population growth around existing business and transport centres  Encouraging smaller dwellings to increase “affordability”  Preserving residential neighbourhoods mainly for permanent residents while allowing all dwellings to host some form of visitor accommodation  Fast-tracking or removing the need for applications on businesses  Ensuring adequate land for local manufacturing  Greater room for retail and office space within industrial premises.  Supporting farming by reducing red tape  Updating fire, flood, natural hazard and koala habitat mapping/protections. Noosa Plan 2020 seeks to accommodate an estimated population of 63,000 by 2041, as required under the State’s ShapingSEQ Plan. Starting or changing the type of businesses will be easier. In 75 cases, the plan has reduced the levels of assessment or need for an application.

Millennials seeking a better lifestyle in Noosa Hinterland

Superseded Planning Scheme to do so. Owners who want to travel and let their properties as STA, can do so for up to 60 days a year without a planning application. And owners who want to let out a couple of rooms of their house for Cr Frank Wilkie, home-hosted stays will be able to do Noosa Council Deputy Mayor so without the need for a town planning application in most zones, It seeks to balance the social and economic impacts, both positive and as long as conditions can be met. Apart from these many examples, negative of Home-Based stays and STA is an inconsistent use in low whole dwelling Short Term density residential neighbourhoods. Accommodation (STA). Home-Based stays are where one or two rooms are let to guests by the on -site property owner, and STA is where whole dwellings are rented to visitors. Every dwelling in the shire will be able to host some form of visitor accommodation, be it whole dwelling or home-hosted. STA will be a consistent land use in Medium Density Residential, High Density Residential, Tourist Accommodation, Rural Residential and Rural Zones.

his is a key measure in helping to ensure long-term housing supply and affordability for permanent rentals and residents. This will help ensure that over the next 20 years, Noosa remains firstly a community, as well as a much loved visitor destination with an abundance of real estate investment opportunities.

Noosa’s approach to STA is similar to that adopted by at least another nine Queensland councils, including Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast and Port Douglas. And a local law, yet to be In the Low Density Residential Zone, implemented will help regulate and those who are already letting their minimise negative impacts for STA. properties as STA may continue to do so as they have existing use rights. Council will also review the scheme’s effect on STA, housing choice and Home owners who aren’t currently affordability and its effectiveness in letting out their property for STA can meeting the changing needs of make an application under the business in industrial precincts and amend the plan where necessary. style locales and so-called ‘connected towns’ such as we have in Noosa.

The report findings challenge the perception that young people in the country are itching to leave for the The migration of millennials – peo- big smoke. It concludes that more ple born between 1981 and 1996 – to regionally-based millennials stayed in the country and moved to other coastal communities and regional A new report by the Regional Ausareas is documented in a new report, regional areas in Australia, rather tralia Institute points to population Big Movers: Population Mobility in than shift to capital cities, during shifts across Australia favouring non Australia, which examined the 2011 the 2011-2016 period. -metropolitan areas that indicate a and 2016 census data for clues about According to the report, regional tilt towards people aged in their why people move about. Queensland drew people from all twenties and thirties moving to lifecapital cities and was the most Pomona & District Community House - Keeping You In Touch With Your Community

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Another 6400 households in Noosa by 2041 The new Noosa Plan outlook to 2041 estimates that Noosa Shire will need 6400 more new dwellings than existed at the 2016 census, requiring a mix of dwelling types through ‘infill’ development of existing residential areas on under-utilised land and within town centres. This includes Pomona, where a medium density housing zoning now applies to large residential blocks close to town. The plan confirms that Noosa’s population will continue to age and will require specific strategic town planning responses to meet the transport, health and well-being needs of elderly residents. By 2041, the proportion of shire residents aged 65 years and over is predicted to exceed 30 per cent, hence a need to focus on all forms of housing suitable for retirees and the elderly. Additional healthcare and community services for this age group are necessary, as is access to good transport, the report states. The importance of elders remaining in or near their community is acknowledged. “The concept of ‘ageing in place’ is supported through the planning scheme by providing for additional housing choice, such as encouraging small dwellings and secondary dwellings, promoting adaptable housing standards and identifying popular regional destination for those moving from Brisbane and Darwin. It was the second most popular destination for people moving from Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Hobart and Canberra. Coastal lifestyle towns attracted the highest average inflow of residents (16.7 per cent) followed by ‘connected towns’ (16.5 per cent), defined as towns within close proximity to regional centres or cities

Home building activity boost the economy. land for retirement and aged care sites,” the new town plan says.

important and encouraged through the planning scheme.”

“Improving the accessibility and usability of housing through universal or adaptable housing principles will allow people to stay in their homes longer, or find new housing suitable to their physical needs.”

While noting that the ‘well-serviced’ hinterland towns of Cooroy and Pomona had ongoing scope for growth, the report emphasised that increasing space for housing in rural or remote parts of the shire was not a sustainable solution, as it lifted the The report notes: “As the population number of people living away from ages and moves out of the workforce, employment, services and facilities and could conflict with rural new residents to Noosa Shire – as production. Added pressure would well as workers from outside the be created on rural roads. shire – are likely to fill employment gaps. An imbalance between Finally, the report says that rapid relatively low-paying employment population growth south of Noosa opportunities, such as in the retail Shire, within a two-hour drive, had and hospitality sectors, [together] potential to greatly increase the with higher housing costs, will cause number of day visitors; the peak specific problems if not addressed. loads created as a consequence contributing to the dilemmas around “Additional housing for key workers traffic flow, car parking, waste in and near the activity centres in collection and the general lifestyle which they work, therefore, is amenity of ratepayer residents. offering good schools, services and retail shopping. The population of the Sunshine Coast sits around 310,000 people. Noosa Shire’s population sits at 55,400. Regions north and south of us have growing populations. However the true picture emerges when people arriving and people leaving an area are compared.

The Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Townsville continued to have the highest number of people moving into the LGA for the periods 20062011 and 2011-2016. Despite the population trends among millennials, 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.

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No school on Kybong fuel site Rumours that the state government has secured an option to purchase the Puma Service Centre at Kybong as the location for a new school have been quashed by the state government. There has been much speculation about the future of the site, with Puma constructing a massive new service centre nearby, at the junction of the Bruce Highway and the Mary Valley Connection Road.

In a statement authorised by the Education Minister, Ms Grace Grace, the Queensland Department of Education said it constantly monitored school capacity and enrolment data, as well as projected school enrolment growth across the short, medium and long-term.

Local firies step up training, ready for all emergencies

“At this time, there is no identified need for a new school in the Gympie area,” the statement read. No, this is not NASA’s mission to Mars being launched from Pomona, but local firies receiving the latest training in handling difficult chemical conflagrations.

TAHUNA SERVICES

After residents pushed for a new, modern Pomona fire station behind a traditional facade in keeping with the town character, the in-built additional capacity has been utilised to train local crews from surrounding brigades using latest fire-fighting knowledge. The training sessions bring extra business to town.

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Minister and mayor correspond about former forestry site

QUEENSLAND VOTES – 31 OCTOBER 2020

ELECTION CONTENDERS STEP UP

The State Minister for the Environment and the Great Barrier Reef, Science and the Arts, Ms Leeanne Enoch, has written formally to the Mayor of Noosa, Cr Clare Stewart, requesting that the council reconsiders its role in management of the Old Forestry Building site at Pomona. The minister has placed a hold on the building’s demolition, pending talks about its future, including with Kabi Kabi first nation representatives. Written advice from Ms Hannah Jackson, chief-of-staff to Ms Enoch states: “The department suggests a focus on securing an alternative tenure for the site is the key to alternate future use and management of the existing buildings.” Previous advice was that the land on which the Old Forestry Building and the Mens Shed Pomona are located be moved administratively outside the boundaries of the Tuchekoi National Park, with the council responsible for the area on a day-to-day basis. Meanwhile, the parks management planning process for the Tewantin area (including Tuchekoi National Park) has been brought forward to the 2019-20 financial year, Ms Jackson said.

RUMMIKUB @ Pomona Community House

Mark Denham – ALP candidate If you have required the services of a local ambulance around Noosa during the past 30 years, chances are you would have encountered professional paramedic Mark Denham, the ALP candidate for the 31 October state election. He is a familiar face to almost everyone else as an unsuccessful candidate for the most recent Noosa Council elections and, in 2015, the ALP candidate who stood against former Noosa MP Glen Elmes, whom Sandy Bolton MP (Ind.) defeated for the seat in 2017. A father and grandfather, he has a child on the autism spectrum and is a passionate backer of the Sunshine Coast Autism Support Group and Variety Australia. He and his wife live at Coorooibah. They have been Noosa residents for 28 years. Similar to his LNP opponent, Mr Denham lists major issues to be tackled in Noosa during the next four years as finding a new use for the empty TAFE College at Tewantin, the upgrade of Beckmans Road and the future of the Noosa Hospital. He has a passion for lifting the standard of local infrastructure.

James Blevin – LNP candidate Successful accountant and young family man, James Blevin moved as a child with his family to Australia in 2003 to escape the then war-torn Zimbabwe. Almost immediately, he fell in love with the Sunshine Coast, where he attended school and university. At work, Mr Blevin is a Senior Audit Manager, where he helps local businesses in corporate governance, strategy, risk and financial matters. His wealth of corporate experience has instilled in him the importance of backing small businesses and helping them create local jobs. He has founded a charity, a tour company and a wedding services business. Mr Blevin is married to wife Sammy. Among his policies, he wants an effective management plan for the Noosa River, a duplicated Beckman’s Road, says he will back regeneration and conservation management initiatives addressing the needs of the Noosa region, and he wants ongoing funding for Noosa Hospital and the services it offers as the local community ages.

P: 1300 881 665

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

E: ecq@ecq.qld.gov.au  

Check your Enrolment Enrol to vote for the first time

Monday to Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm

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The joy of meeting people on the Noosa Country Drive How I enjoyed my roadtrip last weekend via the Noosa Country Drive! Between Kin Kin, Cooran and Pomona, the love and warmth from locals out and about enjoying what we are truly blessed with, offset the rainy weather, and my getting down among the gravel when inspecting the condition of the Range Road — as well as being initiated into disc golf amid walkers, bikers and pooches was very special. Cooroora Creek Park is absolutely beautiful. With restrictions for MPs thankfully easing, I have been able to return to addressing community groups under COVID-19 safe conditions, in addition to my ‘roadies’ and utilising Zoom and other platforms for Q&A sessions and updates. If you would like a visit, or a Zoom session with evenings and weekend spots available, just give my office a call. Following meeting with concerned locals regarding truck movements and road damage, I ask that everyone be on the lookout and report any incidents of unsafe driver behaviour to Policelink on 131 444. It will greatly assist if you can provide registration numbers and the time and date of the incident. Next month, Queensland Police,

Parliament has been extremely busy to say the least. With the upcoming election on 31 October, keep in mind the various voting options. Early voting (pre-poll) is from 19 – 30 October, with additional postal vote capacity and streamlined processes available to avoid difficulties experienced during the local government elections in March.

With Sandy Bolton MP Member for Noosa together with the Department of Transport and Main Roads will be conducting heavy vehicle compliance checks in the area, as truck numbers have been considerable, supplying rock to a large road contract, which thankfully will reduce in number again once completed.

Keep your eye on your letterbox for my annual Connect and Community Survey, as that will also contain the information and a request for postal voting. Alternatively, contact my office, noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au or 5319 3100. After advocating with the Premier for a wage freeze for MPs, I welcomed the announcement this week that our pay would be frozen for the next four years.

As elected representatives, we need to walk the walk and not just be all Works will continue on the Pomona- about the talk. Kin Kin Rd to repair damage. With not enough space to relate all Meanwhile, TMR will investigate efforts underway, either head to funding for bitumen resheeting to be www.sandybolton.com, or check the more suitable for heavier usage. Any regular Facebook updates on ‘Sandy concerns regarding this can be Bolton MP’ and, above all, remember emailed to that I am only a phone call or email noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au away.

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

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We head back to the polling booths on 31 October The 35,163 voters of Noosa head back to the polling booths on 31 October to elect a new state government for a four-year term and to either endorse or reject Independent Sandy Bolton MP as our local Member. So far, she faces three challengers with the recent nomination of a Greens candidate – long-time Noosa resident, Rhonda Prescott. Originally from New Zealand, the accountant lines up with Mark Denham (ALP) and James Blevin (LNP) in opposing Ms Bolton. Nominations have yet to close, however. There were seven names on the ballot paper at the last state election in 2017, when Ms Bolton defeated Glen Elmes (LNP) to represent Noosa.

Rhonda Prescott, Greens candidate Also an accountant, James Blevin is the LNP nominee for Noosa. Mr Blevin was schooled and attended university on the Sunshine Coast. Currently he works as a senior audit manager, where he helps local businesses in areas of corporate governance, strategy, risk and financial matters.

Ms Prescott, a Greens member since Hitting the hustings again for Labor, Mark Denham has served Noosa as a 2001, says protection of the natural environment is her paramount value. paramedic for more than 30 years.

He and his wife live at Cooroibah and have raised four children. As the electioneering heats up, Mr Denham last month paid a complement to the sitting member, saying Ms Bolton was a ‘lovely person’ who would struggle to deliver her promises because she lacked the support of a ‘big party’. Ms Bolton responded: The commitments I have made to our community, and outcomes from these, are very much in the public domain.” In the battle for State Parliament, the ALP holds 48 seats, the LNP 38. Three crossbenchers represent the Katter Australia Party, there is one One Nation member, a sole Greens member, a representative of the North Queensland First Party and Ms Bolton as the lone Independent. Labor has won all but one state election since 1989.

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IMPORTANT ANOUNCEMENT Please be advised that Pomona Courthouse will be temporarily closed for short periods to undertake Training during the coming months. This will allow staff to better provide a broader range of services to this community. Initially the Registry will be closed for two weeks from Tuesday 8 September until Thursday 17 September. During this time urgent matters should be referred to the Police or call 000. Magistrates Court matters should be directed to Noosa Magistrates Court and the Justices of the Peace services will be diverted to the Pomona and District Community House wherever possible.

Cooroora Connect Advertising/Editorial deadline for the next issue 18 September 2020 heather@pomonacommunityhouse.com.au

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.

Enquiries above JP service availability during these closures should be made by calling Community House on 5485 2427.

Free Legal Advice & Referral Phone Appointments Ph: 5443 7827

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Around the woodshed So what’s the skinny, Plod - have we been good? Largely yes, but policing is one of those rare jobs that’s busier due to COVID-19 with about 10 per cent of the Force currently engaged at the border, airports or engaged in compliance monitoring. Traffic wise, we’ve had a marked increase in injury and non-injury traffic crashes, due to wet slippery roads and road conditions. Inattention, illicit substances and a failure to drive to the conditions are among other contributing factors to crashes. We had one a week ago that nearly caused a big stink - a sewage truck rollover on the Kin Kin range, which luckily for Corey leaked just a wee bit!

PLOD’S PAGE

The gasper’s gift (A uniquely Pomona mystery) by Sgt Dan McNamara OIC Pomona Police Station

a head start on deliveries, and the community spirit and knowledge of the locals’ particular needs often goes beyond what’s required to help when not really obliged to. Many times we’ve seen Ronnie and the team go that bit further with assisting people in need, although it makes an already busy day longer. I can’t work out how they legally have that much energy. The postie team is a great support to the community and is appreciated.

We’re also receiving complaints in relation to heavy trucks traversing Pomona Kin-Kin Road, which has and will be addressed through ongoing liaison with the public, Noosa Council, State Government, quarry companies, police patrols and Page Furnishers have been employing proportionately large TMR enforcement operations. numbers of locals for over 100 years Crime-wise, some light fingers are in and are still going strong. It’s a rare operation in the Pomona Division, but good thing in 2020 for a small with several sheds on rural country town to have this level of properties being targeted and a opportunity and support. Harley Davidson bike and other The effect of long-term property stolen. Investigations are unemployment often is a source of ongoing and all information is anxiety, depression, family welcomed to your local plods or breakdowns and, as a result, Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 if domestic violence and even suicide. you prefer to stay anonymous.

Kudos to businesses Several local businesses deserve a mention for continually supporting their community. The Pomona Post Office is notable for a few reasons. The sight of Ken frozen to a postie bike from about 4am onwards to get

Cooran store owner. He and his wife were always there to help the community and were a font of knowledge through floods. They are all-round good folks with a great sense of community ownership. Happy Trails, guys.

Secure work brings stability and hope to a town and Page Furnishers continues to punch well above their weight in this regard. The Page family should be acknowledged for its strong community support. A final shout-out to John the former

Despite having some of the best criminal investigative minds in the community work on it (aka Pomona Monday Meals on Wheels staff), there is an enduring unsolved Pomona mystery I’d like to share. To be clear, there are no offences involved here and this is more of a novel curiosity that’s kept us guessing. For the past year, roughly once a month, someone has been leaving a pack of cigarettes in the mesh fence at Page Furnishers. The pack of Winfield Blue 20’s, is always open and missing just one ciggy. Is this act someone quitting the durries and leaving the rest for Page’s staff to share, or is it a symbolic gesture for an old friend who may no longer be with us one way or another? At over $38 per pack and against all medical advice, it’s a generous, though somewhat moot, point as with the pack being opened, none of the smokers are game enough to smoke the rest! Your thoughts are welcome and if you are the phantom philanthropist, fear not. You can get in touch and put our minds at rest without being in any trouble. I’m sure Page Furnishers would love to know. Until next time, be safe and good to each other.

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LOCAL SPORT

Bendigo Bank Manager Samantha Atholwood joins President Tony McCarthy and players of all ages on the new grandstand.

Take a seat and cheer the mighty Wombats As local sport begins to return to a new normal, there’s been news welcomed by Cooroora United Football Club. A long-time sponsor of the club has delivered on a promise that will transform how local fans can watch the game.

“They’re another small representation of an evolving, longterm plan for the Wombats and our place within the Hinterland community. We simply couldn’t have done this without Bendigo Bank’s wonderful support and we’re The Cooroy and Pomona Community delighted at the backing they continue to show our club. Bank branches of Bendigo Bank added to the decade-long list of They’ll allow a place to sit, relax and projects by helping the club purchase enjoy some football in a family two mobile grandstands to seat the friendly environment,” he said. club faithful at home games. The glue that holds the club together Club president, Tony McCarthy said is the work of so many great the structures are a brilliant asset for volunteers who assist the hardCUFC. working committee in getting many teams out there enjoying their “The season is only a week old and we’re excited to be all together again football. until November. These grandstands are the latest sign of our club’s increasing strength and commitment to improving facilities for our loyal members and visitors alike,” Tony shared.

Joining some of the teams before training last week was Cooroy and Pomona Community Bank branch manager, Samantha Atholwood. She said Bendigo Bank is delighted to be supporting the club in 2020.

“We’ve been proud sponsors for many years - from helping purchase club strips to the free Cooroora United app, and now these great new grandstands. We’re here to support those who support us by choosing to bank with us. It’s something we all love being part of,” Samantha said. “The club is filled with so many great locals and you can feel the family atmosphere every time you come here. We wish all the teams a great season once the green light is given for the games to be played. Go the Wombats!” she concluded. Anyone looking to become involved with Cooroora United can do so by contacting the club through any of the numbers on its website: cufc.org.au.

Send your sports stories for Cooroora Connect to Heather.

heather@pomonacommunityhouse.com.au

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NEWS IN BRIEF PRIME RURAL PROPERTY FOR SALE A large 64ha rural property on the outskirts of Pomona has gone on the market. A great deal of interest is being shown in 160 Summit Road, which offers striking views to Mt Cooroora and Mt Pinbarren. This land has been tightly held since 1901 and this is a rare opportunity to purchase grazing land for horses or cattle. The property boasts gently undulating land, a spring-fed dam, creek and water holes.

For all your local Advertising

Cooroora Connect heather@pomonacommunityhouse.com.au

REGIONAL GALLERY CONCEPTS Noosa Council hopes to complete a pre-feasibility study for an upgraded Regional Gallery by the end of the year. It has engaged Outside the Square Creative Consultants to complete the report, largely for internal consideration. The consultants state that they have the skills to understand local and regional issues in the cultural sector.

COOROORA

SURVEY OF KOALA NUMBERS

SCREENS & BLINDS

Noosa Council will work with research partners to implement a baseline koala survey for the Yurol-Ringtail Forest project, the Director Environment and Sustainable Development, Kim Rawlings, has revealed. In an update to councillors on the operation of her department for the period 1 April to 30 June 2020, Ms Rawlings said the survey would be conducted in the latter part of this year.

DATE CLAIM FOR AGM An eventful and sometimes difficult year for Pomona & District Community House during 2019/2020 will be outlined at its Annual General Meeting to be held on Saturday, 17 October at the Lawson Shed starting at 9.30am. The AGM is an opportunity to celebrate Pomona Community House’s achievements over the past year. The House seeks to build a strong vibrant community by providing a range of activities and services which are available to all. The Committee meets once a month and occasionally when needed. Committee positions are available on the management committee and interested parties are invited to contact our President, Lesley Matthews, via email on admin@pomonacommunityhouse.com.au for further information. All nominations must be in writing at least 14 days prior to the AGM - 2 October 2020. Please RSVP your attendance and due to COVID-19 limited numbers will be required to attend. Please phone 5485 2427.

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You have been there for us during COVID-19 and we appreciate it. Be assured, when you need them in future, the businesses of the Northern Hinterland are here to help sponsor community events and back our sporting clubs, to the extent that we can. When times are tough, like now, continue to support local businesses and the jobs they create. Help make our region strong. Shop locally, buy fresh local produce. SUPPORTING THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY OF POMONA, COORAN, KIN KIN, BOREEN POINT, FEDERAL AND SURROUNDS.

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