

darren@infocusnews.com.au
WelcometoourAugust2024edition!
Aswemovethroughthefinalstretchofwinter,there’sasense ofanticipationforthearrivalofspring.We'veenjoyedafew warmer,sunnierdays,onlyforthechilltoreturn,reminding usthatwinterstillhasafewtricksupitssleeveforthosewho preferthewarmth
Approximately10,000 copiesofthethree publicationsmonthlyand growing. CIRCULATION WE WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU Info@infocusnews.com.au
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Ifyouhaveastorytoshare orwouldliketoadvertise, wewouldlovetohearfrom you! 0434143850
Thismonth,ourcommunityoffersahostofexcitingevents andactivities.Fromthemuch-lovedCuratedPlateFestival,to ourcharminglocalmarketsincludingthereturnofthe HavanaNightMarket,totheEvaAirSunshineCoastMarathon Festival,there'splentytoenjoyclosetohome.Ifyou'reupfor adriveandabitofadventure,GreazeFest,Ekka,andthe GympieMusicMusterareallhappeninginAugust There's suretobesomethingforeveryone.It'sawonderfultimeto cometogetherandappreciatethevibrantanddiverse communitywearesofortunatetobepartof.
Asalways,we’vepackedthiseditionwiththelatestnews, upcomingevents,andheartwarmingstoriesfromaroundour community.So,grabawarmdrink,settlein,andenjoyall thatourAugustissuehastooffer. HappyReading!
Warmestregards,
DarrenVanDerWesthuizen
DRIVERS ARE URGED TO BE VIGILANT ON THE SUNSHINE MOTORWAY AFTER A FERAL DEER CROSSED THE INTERCHANGE AT MOOLOOLABA, AS CAUGHT ON DASHCAM.
Footage shows the driver braking as the deer crossedthesouthboundoff-rampatthe
Mooloolaba interchange on Tuesday (July 23) about4am.Theanimalthenmovedtowardsthe double-lanemotorway.
SunshineCoastCouncilofficersareinvestigating wherethedeercamefromandwhereitwent.
Council has notified the Queensland Government’s Transport and Main Roads department.
Councilhasnotreceivedpreviousreportsofdeer intheMooloolabaarea.
Reports of deer east of the Bruce Highway are rare,withprevioussightingsatYandinaandwest ofCoolum.
DeerareaninvasiveanimalinAustralia,withred deerandrusadeerspeciesmostcommoninour region
They pose a danger on our roads, impact agriculture, damage habitat and can spread disease.
Council urges motorists to use caution and reportanydeersightinsintheareaon54757272. YoucanlearnmoreaboutferaldeeronCouncil’s website.
By:GarryReynolds
IT’S A TOUGH FAMILY CONVERSATION THAT MANY OF US FACE AS A SENIOR OR THE SON OR DAUGHTER OF ONE WHEN WE REALISE OUR PARENTS AREN’T MANAGING WELL AT HOME.
The telltale signs are hard to ignore although we sense we are in for a fractious series of difficult conversationsandbeingaccusedofnitpicking.
Perhaps the house and garden are looking more chaotic, and Mum or Dad are relying more on snacksthannutritiousmeals.
A sensitive issue arises if the standard of their groomingorhygienehasdeclined.
Maybe they are becoming more socially isolated holed up in their home as a fortress and not gettingouttodothethingstheyusedtoenjoy.
They could be losing weight, have had a fall, mismanagingtheirmedications,andvulnerableto scammers
Anykitesweflyaboutthemconsideringagedcare are shot down with indignant declarations that “I don’tneedhelp–everythingisfine–Iwanttostay here with the +dog not abandon him to go into a damnednursinghome!”
Thewords‘nursinghome‘canproveinflammatory butarenottheonlyoption
Conversations can be progressed through workingtogethertoarrangehelpathome. Government subsidised home care services providefrom1to13hoursofcareaweek. They can get more help if they are a veteran or areabletopayprivately.
MumandDadcanalsotakeadvantageofthings like rehabilitation, fall risk-reduction programs, personalalarms,stoveautomaticswitch-offsand othertechnologyaimedatincreasingsafety.
Getting them to accept paid help can be tricky with issues of strangers intruding on their privacy.
Ideally,agingparentsfeelsupportedratherthan attackedduringtheseconversations.
Every person has a legal right to choose where they live unless they have lost capacity to make that decision which opens up a whole new minefield.
Familiesoftenfeelguiltduringthecaretransition process wanting what’s best for Mum and Dad whilerespectingtheirsovereignty
I’m in a homecare program through Comlink after some animated discussions in my family whenIhadfourstrokes.
Thankfully, it’s turned out well and we’re all good mates while I retain my cherished independence living well with homecare support
I’veincreasedmycircleoffriends,explorednew activities and destinations with subsidised transportservicesasIcannolongerdrive.
But wait there’s more - I’ve acquired new skills andalovelygirlfriendinmyseniorjourney-who wouldhavethoughtduringthosetortuousfamily discussions.
The Australian Government’s Clean Energy Regulatorhasformallyregisteredthenation’sfirst Blue Carbon project in the Sunshine Coast’s Blue Heart, on the lower Maroochy River floodplain, following a rigorous research and application process.
Whatisbluecarbonfarming?
Bluecarboniscarbonstoredinmarineandcoastal ecosystems,suchasseagrasses,tidalmarshesand mangroves.
Rehabilitating and protecting marine and coastal ecosystems on registered sites by following approved methods generates carbon credits calledAustralianCarbonCreditUnits.
Theseareatradablefinancialproductthatcanbe sold to government or private entities to help meetemissionreductioncommitments.
Carbon captured in this trial can also be used to help offset Council’s emissions, progressing its targettobeanet-zeroorganisationby2041. Whathappensnext?
Followingtheregistration,SunshineCoastCouncil willbeginrestoringestuarinewetlandecosystems by introducing tidal waters onto two Councilowned sites (6 land parcels) in the Blue Heart, totalling 165ha. Mayor Rosanna Natoli said this Australianfirstprojectwouldpioneerthefutureof Blue Carbon nationally. “This puts our region at theforefrontofanemergingindustry,andby
generating our carbon credits locally we can enjoy the positive impacts,” Mayor Natoli said.
“This means a healthier Maroochy River with more fish breeding grounds, stronger biodiversity, protected flood storage, opportunities for our Traditional Custodians to care for Country, more tourism opportunities and places for our community to explore and experiencenature.”
Division 9 and Environment and Liveability
Portfolio Councillor Maria Suarez said Council would share learnings on the economic viability of blue carbon farming with other Blue Heart landholders interested in investigating the opportunityfortheirownproperties.
“Cane farming has been a mainstay in the Blue Heart for generations, but with challenging market conditions farmers need new ways to generateincome,”CrSuarezsaid.
“TheBlueCarbonPilotProjectisaboutnurturing opportunities for our landholders, for our local economy, for our community and for our environment, all contributing to a sustainable SunshineCoast.”
Member for Nicklin Rob Skelton said the Miles GovernmentwasproudtopartnerwithSunshine Coast Regional Council and Unitywater on this innovativeproject.
“TheMaroochyRiverfloodplainisacriticalflood storage area which is already experiencing the impactsoftidalinundationasaresultofclimate change,”MrSkeltonsaid.“Thisprojectisleading the way in demonstrating how blue carbon can delivermultiplebenefitstocoastalcommunities, including generating alternative income, protecting vital habitat and threatened species, enhancing water quality and providing for culturalandrecreationaluses.”
WhatistheBlueHeart?
Blue Heart Sunshine Coast is an innovative partnership-based project committed to sustainable and adaptive floodplain managementintheMaroochyRivercatchment. The majority of the Blue Heart project area is privately owned with land uses including cane farming,cattlegrazingandrurallifestyle.
AllowingtidalwatersontopubliclandsintheBlue CarbonPilotProjectwillnotimpactnearbyprivate properties, as confirmed by a detailed hydrologicalreportindependentlyreviewedbythe CSIRO.
TheBlueCarbonPilotProjecthasreceived$2.036 million in funding from the Australian Government’s Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water to deliver blue carbonecosystemrehabilitationonpublicland.
The Queensland Government’s Land Restoration Fund has also contributed $360,000 in funding to support research at the blue carbon project sites, with researchers from four different universities partnering with Council to monitor and understand environmental, social and economic changesandbenefits.BlueHeartpartnersinclude Council, the Queensland Government's Department of Environment, Science and Innovation and Unitywater. The two Blue Carbon Farming Trial sites both adjoin State protected areas,Councilenvironmentreservesand
Unitywater’s Yandina Creek Wetland, strengthening an expansive conservation zone withintheBlueHeart.UnitywaterChiefExecutive OfficerAnnaJacksonsaidshewaspleasedtosee Council restoring more areas to expand the strong outcomes achieved at Yandina Creek Wetland.
“By re-establishing the Yandina Creek Wetland environment through careful water management, we have been able to return vital plants and micro-organisms to the region which removenutrientslikenitrogenandphosphorous fromourwaterways,”MsJacksonsaid
“Thanks to these plants and micro-organisms, we have been able to remove an estimated 5.3 tonnes of total nitrogen and 0.5 tonnes of phosphorousfromourwaterwaysperyear.
“Beyond the environmental benefit, we are saving our community millions of dollars over a 25-year period by making the most of these naturalprocessestogobeyondcomplianceinto environmentalstewardship.” Readmoreoncouncilswebsite.
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SUNSHINE COAST COUNCIL HAS REAFFIRMED ITS COMMITMENT TO THE VIBRANT INDUSTRY FOR WHICH OUR REGION IS FAMOUS ACROSS THE NATION AND THE WORLD.
Tourism injects $25 billion into our economy every year, making the Sunshine Coast the fantasticdestinationitistoday.
Italsocreatesaround16,000jobs,liftstheregion’s profile, and attracts investment, with many who visit often returning or moving here to live, work andplay.
Sunshine Coast Council has helped finance Visit Sunshine Coast since 2012, and at Council’s OrdinaryMeetingonJuly24,Councilre-confirmed thelong-standingpartnership.
MayorRosannaNatolisaidCouncilwascommitted to investing in the tourism industry, which provided so many flow-on effects to the local economy.
Mayor Natoli said there were two main ways Councilhelped.
“Firstly, we do this through the Sunshine Coast Major Events Strategy 2018-2028 which looks to attract visitors and keep businesses humming duringlowtourismperiods,”MayorNatolisaid
“We also allocate funds to the Regional Tourism Organisation, Visit Sunshine Coast, which delivers destination marketing strategies, industry development programs, and support to local business to boost visitor expenditure and visitation.
“We cannot recommend Kerry highly enough. His knowledge of our suburb, engagement throughout the process and honesty has led to a wonderful outcome for us. If you want an honest and thoughtful agent that will support you, Kerry is it!” Seller
“Kerry’s knowledge of the market and expert analysis of our property’s value was exceptional Not only was his advice accurate but proven correct by the sale he achieved for us within 13 days. We cannot recommend Kerry highly enough. An exceptional real estate agent supported by quality, ethical and honest advice.” Seller
“Andkudostothem,VisitSunshineCoastisoneof 13 Regional Tourism Organisations within Queensland, and they are currently ranked in the topthreeintermsofperformancebyTourismand EventsQueensland.
“FundingVisitSunshineCoastisthemainfunction Councilcanperformtosupportanindustrythatis vitalforoureconomicgrowth.”
Visit Sunshine Coast Chief Executive Officer Matt Stoeckel said Visit Sunshine Coast continues to support the tourism industry reach its potential, which wouldn’t be possible without the longrunningpartnershipwithSunshineCoastCouncil
“It helps us create more jobs, support more businessesontheSunshineCoastandstrengthen thelocaleconomy,”MrStoeckelsaid.
“With economic head winds and increasing competition from international destinations it’s more important than ever that we continue to promote the destination and strengthen the Sunshine Coast brand to maintain our market share.”
Plan your Sunshine Coast getaway - Visit SunshineCoast
Your gateway to the Sunshine Coast - Sunshine CoastAirport
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MakeyournextSunshinemoment-Thingstodo
SunshineCoast
Set up at a beachside holiday park - Sunshine CoastHolidayParks
Buyingandsellingpropertyisthebiggestinvestmentmost peoplewillmakeintheirlifetime.
AtStellarConveyancingyouwillfindthemostexperienced ConveyancersinQueensland.
Whetheryouareafirsttimehomebuyeroranexperiencedinvestor, wewillensureyourtransactionrunssmoothlyandisstressfree.
ON WEDNESDAY 14TH AUGUST PEREGIAN FAMILY AND FRIENDS WILL BE HOLDING A MEETING WHERE THE TOPIC OF E VEHICLES WILL BE DISCUSSED. This event is being held in response to a survey conductedbyPeregianFamilyandFriendsinMay 2024 where there was genuine concern regarding the dangers of irresponsible electric bike and scooteruse
SpeakingatthiseventwillbelocalmemberSandy Bolton, Independent Member for Noosa who has been advocating for safety improvements, better enforcement and compliance monitoring of regulations for electric bike and scooter users forsometimenow. Shehashadsomesuccessinhavingsomeamendment smadetotherelevantlegislationin2023. Sgt Joel BryantfromCoolumPoliceandStewartWhitney
EventbroughttoyoubyPeregianFamilyandFriends.
fromEcotrekkwillalsobespeaking. Theeventwillstartat5pmandisbeingheldat thePeregianSurfClub.
Comealongandhearwhattheyhavetosay. Therewillbetimeavailableforquestionsattheendo ftheevening.Everyoneiswelcome,sospreadthe word and invite your neighbours and friends to come along and be part of the solution! RSVPTO:info@peregianfriends.com
Contact details: Cheryl Newsom VP Mobile: 0411211065
OWNERS ARE BEING ENCOURAGED TO ENSURE THEIR DOGS ARE PROPERTY RESTRAINED AND ENCLOSED AFTER A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN ATTACKS ON THE SUNSHINE COAST.
In the 2023-24 financial year, dog attacks in the region were up more than 10 per cent on the previousyear
Atotalof382dogattackswerereported–166on peopleand216onanotheranimal.
Following the rise, Sunshine Coast Council is urging pet owners to follow some fundamental steps to reduce incidents and improve safety of peopleandpets.
This comes as the Queensland Government rolls out tougher dog laws, which become effective on July 31. Service Excellence Portfolio Councillor WinstonJohnstonsaidownersneededtoconsider their responsibilities, including walking dogs on a leash and making sure they were appropriately restrained TougherStateenforceddoglawsfromJuly31
Changesincludeincreasedpenaltiesandevenjail timepossibleforseriousattacks.
The Queensland Government has updated the penaltyfornoteffectivelycontrollingyourdogina public place. An on-the-spot fine will increase to $806 Thisincludeshavingadogoff-leashinanonleasharea.Or,ifthedogisinanoff-leasharea,the ownermustbeabletocontrolthedogusingvoice command.
Whattodoifyouwitnessanattack
Sunshine Coast Council encourages residents to follow the below advice in reporting a dog attack incident:
ContactCounciltoreporttheincidentassoon as possible. Describe the dog and any registration or owner details. Provide adequate details so the matter can be investigated.
AdviseCounciliftheanimalisstillatlargeso council can try to impound it to ensure it doesn’tcausemoreinjuries.
Get treatment from a doctor or vet. Ask the doctor or vet for a statement of attendance thatrecordsyourvisit.
Takephotographsofanyinjuries.
Write a statement of events while the incidentisfreshinyourmind.
Allreporteddogattackincidentsareinvestigated under the Queensland Government Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act and, where appropriate, dogs may be regulated dangerous ormenacing,whichplacesadditionalconditions on owners to ensure their animals are safely managed and the community is protected from thedog’saggressivebehaviourinfuture.
ThereareafewImpactAccessibledevelopment applicationsclosetoPeregianSpringsbeing consideredbyCouncilatthemoment.Allthe informationisavailableforyoutoviewon Development.i.Thebestwaytobeinformedon developmentapplicationsnearyouistosubscribe toreceiveupdatesfromDevelopment.i.Settingan alerttoreceiveaweeklyemailissimpleandeasy todo.Goto developmenti.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au,login withyour‘MyCouncil’account,carryoutasearch andclickthe‘savesearch’,finallyselectthatyou’d liketoreceivealerts.
The2024-25budgethasapprovedbyCouncilon June20whichmeansthereisnowcertaintyof fundingaroundsomeupcomingprojects.
Workwillbegininearly2025tosealMonakand Lakewoodroads.Iknowthecommunityhasbeen waitingalongtimefortheseprojectstohappen–soit’sgreattoseeingworkisscheduledtobegin.
ThejunctionatRidgeviewDriveandHavanaRoad Westwillbeupgraded,with$450,000tobuilda pedestriancrossingonallfourlegsofthejunction
The2024-25budgethasapprovedbyCouncilon June20whichmeansthereisnowcertaintyof fundingaroundsomeupcomingprojects.
Workwillbegininearly2025tosealMonakand Lakewoodroads.Iknowthecommunityhasbeen waitingalongtimefortheseprojectstohappen–soit’sgreattoseeingworkisscheduledtobegin.
ThejunctionatRidgeviewDriveandHavanaRoad Westwillbeupgraded,with$450,000tobuilda pedestriancrossingonallfourlegsofthejunction whichwillmakeitalotsaferforthestudentsfrom thelocalschoolswhoregularlyusethecrossing. Therewillalsobenewstreetlightsinstalledon HavanaRoadWest,will$100,000allocatedto helpmakeitsaferforjoggersandwalkersup earlyinthemorningoroutlateatnight.
PeregianBreezepathwayhasbeenallocated $822,200forthefinalstagesofplanning.I’m speakingtoNoosaCouncillorstotryandprogress thepathwayasquicklyaspossible.
Ashortsectionofpathwaywillbebuiltona highlyusedsectionofDoralDrive.Thank-youto theresidentwhoalertedCounciltothismissing link
LongwoodDrivepathwaywillberenovatedasit’s deterioratingandliftinginsomeplacesandthere willbeafewminorupgradesforNottinghamLane Park.
ItwasanhonourtobepartofStAndrew’s AnglicanCollegeannualFoundationDayService recently Thisisanimportanteventcelebrating thecollegecommunity,andstaffandstudent achievements.Mostnotably,thisyeartheservice recognizedtheincrediblecontributionofPrincipal ChrisIvey, whowillbeleavinglaterthisyearafter 17yearsoffaithfulanddedicatedservice. ReverandIveyhashadanenormousimpactonthe College,successfullyguidingitfromsuccessto successovertheyears,andwhilehewillbesorely missed,wewishhimallthebestforthenextstage ofhiscareer.
Oneofthebiggestconcernsinourcommunityis withoutadoubtcrime.Rarelyadaygoesby withoutsomeonecontactingmeaboutthis escalatingcrisis.Mostarevictimswhoare increasinglyfrustratedbytherevolvingdoorsof theyouthjusticesystem.
Toaddressthis,earlierthismonth,theLNP announceditsAdultCrime,AdultTimepolicy, whichisdesignedtorestoreconsequencesfor actions,andholdyouthoffendersaccountablefor theircrimes. Thistoughoncrimepolicywillform partoftheLNP’sMakingQueenslandSaferLaws,
andfocusonseriouscrimesincluding:
·Murder
·Manslaughter
·Seriousharmlikewounding
·Homeandbusinessbreak-insandrobbery
· Stealing cars and dangerous operation of vehicles
It will work in conjunction with the LNP’s previously announced changes to the Youth JusticeAct,includingremovingdetentionasa last resort, and enshrining in legislation the rightsofvictimsaheadofoffenders.
Other key priorities of the Making our CommunitySaferplaninclude:
· Delivering gold standard intervention programs to divert young people away from livesofcrime
Providingvictimswithautomaticupdatesto their cases, removing the burden on them to seekoutinformationabouttheircases
· The Staying on Track program, which will provideupto12monthsofintensivesupport for youth transitioning back into the communityafterdetention
· Reopening the Children’s Court, removing the provision excluding victims and their familiesandallowinggreatermediascrutiny
· Fixing the broken residential care and child safetysystems,tostopthepipelineintoyouth crime
I welcome your feedback on these important policy announcements, which will be rolled outbeforetheendoftheyeariftheLNPforms government.
CoolumBeachAnglicanChurch-CnrPerrySt& BeachRdCoolumBeach0447002573email ang.coolum@gmail.com Orsee www.anglicanchurchcoolum.com
CoolumBeachBaptistChurch 1912DavidLowWay-call54461957or www.coolumbeachbaptist.com/ CoolumChristianFamilyChurch 2ArcoonaRd(CoolumBeachChristianCollege) http://ccfchurch.org.auorcall 54461295.
CoolumUnitingChurch
CnrElizabethSt&HeathfieldRd,Coolum wwwmaryburnettpresorgauor54461815
C3ChurchNoosa,24SunshineBeachRoad,Noosa Heads,10am,Sundays.
Seewww.c3noosa.org
NoosaAnglicanChurch-includingPeregian Springs54498009& www.anglicanchurchnoosa.org.
SunshineBeach(BicentennialDrv)orPeregian Springs(inStAndrew’s, 40PeregianSpringsDve)
NoosaCoastalUnitingChurch54405433&0421540347
Noosa:6GrasstreeCourt,SunriseBeachat8am Sundays:Tewantin:cnrPoincianaAve&WerinSt. at 10amSundays
StPeter’sCatholicChurch 28-32ElizabethSt,Coolum54433488 www.saintsonwaves.com.au
SalvationArmy,CoolumConnections-relaxed mid-weekworship,monthlyonsecondThursday from9:30am.
3/127GreenoaksDrive,CoolumBeach. Enquiries 53358515.
WaveChurch,TheCavernTheatre.Sunshine BeachStateHigh.Ph:53535152. Weeklyevents foryouth,childrenandadults.wavechurch.com.au
RIDGES SECURITY CONTACT
A&VSecurity:0400196695(nightpatrol) PoliceAssistance-131444 Emergencyassistance:000
COMMUNITY GROUP CONTACTS
PEREGIANBEACHCOMMUNITYASSOCIATION INC-www.pbcai.orgorwww.facebook. com/peregianbeachcommunityassociation orphone0439750145.Bestemailis peregiancommunity@gmail.com
NEIGHBOURHOODWATCHNHW2 NorthPeregian,MarcusBeach,Noosa Di&DougShunWahon54713195oremail d.shunwah@bigpond.com
PEREGIANFAMILY&FRIENDSINC
PeregianFamily&FriendsIncEst2017. Advocatesforandorganisesfamilyfriendly initiativesacrossthePeregianregion. COMMUNITYGROUP wwwfacebookcom/ peregianfamilyandfriends. Web:www.peregianfriends.com Emailinfo@peregianfriends.comfordetails.
ROTARYNOOSADAYBREAKmeetregularlyon ThursdaymorningsforbreakfastatNoosa Springsfrom6.45amforfun,furthering communityprojectsandtohearfromregular interestingspeakers.See wwwnoosadaybreakrotaryorgor@rotarynoosa onFacebook,phone1300791226oremail secretary.noosadaybreak@rotary9660.org QUOTACLUBOFCOOLUMBEACHmeetatthe LionsDen(nexttoFireStation)at15RussellSt, CoolumBeach,at2pmonthesecondTuesdayof themonth.Contact: secretary@quotacoolum.comorSandraVerrall on0457355734.
ThePeregianMarketsareheldonthefirstand thirdSundayofeverymonth.
SUNSHINEBEACHSURFCLUBNIPPERS
Phone54475491orseetheirwebsite www.sunshinebeachslsc.com.au/nippers/ PEREGIANBEACHSURFCLUBNIPPERS
Seewww.peregiansurfclub.com.auoremail nippers@peregiansurfclub.com.au