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CountryJournal Week commencing 22nd November 2021

An Aussie Wonka

Southern Downs food producers may want to take notice of a new (but yet very old) ‘cash crop on our doorsteps. The University of Queensland’s Agri-Food Innovation Alliance should see a ‘new’ range of more delicious and premium Australian food in fridges across the globe, using local, extremely Australian ingredients--stuff that is native to Australia. The soon-to-be-established group is part of a two year pilot program, connecting UQ’s research and education in agri-food science with Queensland’s agri-food businesses thanks to $2.5 million in funding from the Australian Government’s Strategic University Reform Fund. Page 3...

We live and die Leave good by our soil land alone...

A study to be released next year has looked into the activity of wild bees in apple orchards on the Granite Belt, and how wild bee activity can be predicted by the presence of particular kinds of natural or cropland near orchards. The study shows that the kind of country AROUND a crop is as important as the kind of crop (07) 46 619 835 E warwick@rfsteelbuildings.com.au under trees, when it comes to bees. Page 5.

Gerard Walsh’s Face to Face this week is a man who, one way or another, is an important part of our lives in the Southern Downs shire region. Dave Burges holds the job of CEO of the Shire, and has surprisingly strong roots to the region, having gone to school in Stanthorpe--and taken a journey around the stage before heading ‘home’ for his most recent local government post. Servicing Warwick, Stanthorpe and Beyond Made from Bluescope Australian Steel FULL SERVICE - SLAB, ERECTION & COUNCIL

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COUNTRYJOURNAL

Orchard walk in Thulimbah Apple and Pear Australia’s Queensland orchard walk took place Friday, 19 November at the Fonlea Orchard, Thulimbah. The virutal national orchard talk featured Matt Johnson, Crop Scan TEch, who presented and demonstrated Green Atlas crop scanning technology.

Call for abstracts The call for abstracts campaign is now open for the 2022 National Landcare Conference and will close on 27 February 2022. The theme is “The Power of Landcare | Shaping Our Future”. The conference will be a hybrid event for both in person and online delegates. click on nationallandcareconference.org.au/2022

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What do we do now? COP26 webinar As the dust settles on the two-week Cop 26 summit, what pledges have been made and by whom? From deforestation and methane to fridge doors and food waste, this retrospective on both the deals made in Glasgow as well as the accompanying supermarket pledges will offer context on the key takehomes for the food and drink industry, the opportunities it can bring, and looks forward to future commitments that Cop 27 needs to tackle next year. Free webinar, December 1, 11 am, one-hour duration. Register on onlinexperiences.com

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COUNTRYJOURNAL

A bonzer Aussie Wonka factory

EA SY

NG KI

Southern Downs food producers may want to take notice of a new project on our doorsteps. Expect more delicious and premium Australian food in fridges across the globe, with the creation of The University of Queensland’s Agri-Food Innovation Alliance. The soon-to-be-established group is part of a two year pilot program, connecting UQ’s research and education in agri-food science with Queensland’s agri-food businesses thanks to $2.5 million in funding from the Australian Government’s Strategic University Reform Fund. Deputy Associate Dean for Research Partnerships for UQ’s Faculty of Science, Professor Melissa Fitzgerald, said the pilot would lower barriers for industry An example of native food confectionery creations from past UQ students, including collaboration, build strong links between medicinal lozenges flavoured with lemon myrtle, a bunya and boppal brittle, a quandong academics, students and local industry and improve commercialisation of and burdekin plum sherbet, desert lime jubes and sour lollies from Davidson plums. research. tional companies to the region, so it’s really “The UQ Agri-Food Innovation Alliance will research translation facilities planned at AgriFood Connect AATLIS precinct, an investment that will continue to underpin work hand-in-hand with local agri-food businesses, transforming ideas into sustain- Toowoomba, where UQ researchers and stu- the local economy and its development.” dents will work able production methods, delicious new with induscommercially viable foods and cybersecure try-based infraIENDLY BAN supply chains,” Professor Fitzgerald said. FR structure and “Expect new Aussie foods to be lighting up tastebuds in both domestic and international pilot equipment. WARWICK “UQ is well CREDIT UNION markets. positioned to val“The project will bring together cutue-add to these ting-edge science, education and entreprebusinesses, givneurship – it’ll be South-East Queensland’s Wonka factory for new-andemerging Aussie food and beverages. “UQ has a strong history of fostering food inventions – from probiotic-rich juices, to 3D-printed chocolate, to native Australian sweets – so we’re thrilled to be investing in the development of a whole host of new collaborative creations along with job-ready graduates.” The project will see UQ working with food producers of all sizes and building relationships Professor Melissa within the sector. Fitzgerald, UQ. “We’re particularly excited to Photo supplied. be working with small businesses, and we have kick-starter grants ing Aussie busiready to go,” Professor Fitzgerald said. nesses the exper“These range from new animal feed suptise and support plements to new food product development they need to from camel milk, new processing methods reach new or for gelatine, sustainable packaging and more distant developing a digital twin for Australian agri- markets. food supply chains. “And we aim to “These businesses will also have access to attract multina-

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COUNTRYJOURNAL

Getting the farm certified as ‘fair’

Fair Farms with industry to support growers and promote awareness and education of ethical employAre you running a fair ment practices across farm in the Southern the fresh produce secDowns? You might think tor in Australia. about becoming "Fair By participating in Farm" certified, showing the program, growers the world how your farm can confidently impledoes it right. ment Australian workOther growers nearby, place relations, laws including a leafy green and industry stansupplier in the Darling dards while doing Downs, now have the cerwhat they do best tification. grow top-notch food Minister for Agriculture for Australians. and Northern Australia Yalara Hydrogardens David Littleproud said a located north of Federal government grant Warwick grows leafy of $3.2 million to greens and recently Growcom will help more became Fair Farms horticulture producers get certified. on board with the proYalara Hydrogardens' gram. Janice Cowie said the "The Fair Farms program Fair Farms program is there to help horticulThe Cowie family of Yalara Hydrogardens. Photo: Facebook. confirmed the ethical ture business do the right practices they already thing, both for their employees and had in place. "Fair Farms was put together by their businesses," Minister Littleproud "If you feel that you are already an ethiGrowcom to support all members of the said. cal grower, the Fair Farms program will "We know that most farmers want to do Australian horticulture supply chain with confirm and support what you already the tools, information and training they the right thing by their workers but navihave in place," Ms Cowie said. gating employment and work health and need to be a compliant and ethical "The initial thought of another set of employer. safety regulations can be a struggle. rules to abide by within our farming Littleproud says the business - which we have run since 1994 program is a relatively incident-free - was not somegame-changer for the thing I was excited about. horticulture industry Published, Printed, Designed, Owned, Administered....here "But once getting into the Fair Farms and funding will also Not London. Not New York. program, most of the guidelines and help Growcom look at rules were common practice to our farm Main phone number: expanding it to other anyway." relevant agricultural 07-4641 7953 sectors at a later stage. For more information visit fairfarms. com.au Growcom developed Head office: 69 Dragon St Warwick

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A little bit of legals

COUNTRYJOURNAL

Open grasslands near orchards sweet spot for bees When we think ‘bee’ we tend to think the classic golden bumble bee or even the introduced European bee, yet Australia is home to over 1600 species of native bees--critical to the pollination of fruit, nut and seed crops. Of the insect pollinators that skip between flower and flower, the introduced European honey bees (Apis mellifera) are probably the most widely utilised of the species, but in fact, beetles, flies, butterflies and moths all play their role. And wild bees..

Large scale analyses to date have shown that “crop visitation by wild pollinators increases with the amount of natural or semi-natural vegetation in the surrounding landscape”...and by surrounding, previous research shows this means around 200 metres from the orchard. This study took a more systematic approach analysising different kinds of landscape in the Yarra Valley region of Victoria, the Adelaide Hills and the Granite Belt.

then systematically counting bee numbers in a defined area over a period of months, during two consecutive seasons, 2017 and 2018, was painstaking. The results showed that the wild bees still play a significant role in apple pollination, in 2017 A study to be released next representing 5% of visitings and year has looked into the activity 2018, 9% of visits. The Granite of wild bees in apple orchards Belt had a more exotic split on the Granite Belt, and how of native bee types, including wild bee activity can be predictThe process of identifying a megachile bee, a bee that ed by the presence of particular orchards that had an interesting doesn’t work in hives at all. kinds of natural or cropland mix of different vegetations There was little statistical signifnear orchards. within the 200 metre zone, and icance between types of country

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near orchards, although open grassy areas were (at least in 2017) a positive (with the authors, lead by Dr Julian Brown from the Australian National University, as well as researchers from the University of New England and University of Adelaide) speculating that this is because the majority of wild bees are soil nesters). The number of wild bee ‘visitors’ to orchards increased with the amount of ‘open grassy area’ and ‘natural vegetation’ within 200 metres.

COUNTRYJOURNAL

FACE TO FACE with gerard walsh

After going to school in Stanthorpe, Dave Burges headed to Brisbane after year 12 and studied civil engineering part-time at the Queensland University of Technology. He did an engineering cadetship with GHD and graduated from university during the five years he was working for the company. Dave then worked for a range of companies in Brisbane before joining Moreton Shire Council as an engineer. The State Government then amalgamated Moreton Shire Council and Ipswich City Council which meant that he had to move if he wanted to secure a more senior engineering role in local government. He went to Bulloo Shire Council at Thargomindah as a project engineer and was then appointed shire engineer. It was at Thargomindah where he met his wife Nina after she moved west into a role in local government governance. Their next move was to Innisfail where their first child was born. Nina was then diagnosed with breast cancer but the family supported each other during a difficult time and she is now well. While Dave was at Moreton Shire when Queensland had its first wave of local government amalgamations, he was involved again when the State Government decided to amalgamate Waggamba shire, Goondiwindi town and Inglewood shire into the Goondiwindi Regional Council. He was initially attracted to the border region after his CEO from Bulloo moved to Waggamba and Dave became the director of engineering and planning, In 2011, the Burges family headed west again when he was appointed CEO of Quilpie shire. After another nine years in the west, they were keen to move closer to their children and extended family and the Southern Downs CEO role appointment was a great place to move to as well as a career progression. Gerard Walsh. What has your first 14 months been like in SDRC? Dave Burges: It’s been very hectic. It was a great chance to reconnect with some people I remembered from growing up in Stanthorpe, people who knew my parents and to connect with people in the business community across the same region. GW: Can we back track a little to your school years at Stanthorpe? DB: I went to St Joseph’ s to year 10 and then Stanthorpe State High School for years 11-12. GW: What was it like growing up on the Granite Belt? DB: Stanthorpe is a nice friendly town and a safe environment in which to grow

Dave Burges up, I was one of six children, four boys and two girls, and we rode our bikes to school from a young age. My sister Mary has stayed in Stanthorpe all her life, the only sibling still on the Granite Belt. We bought a home in Warwick soon after we arrived in town as we hope this is where we’ll stay for quite some time. GW: What about sport at school? DB: I enjoyed swimming and played football (soccer) and then school rugby league for St Joseph’s and Stanthorpe High. GW: Did you play rugby league in Brisbane? DB: I played for St Joseph’s and then St Brendan’s at second row and lock and won one premiership with St Joseph’s. We played on suburban grounds like Davies Park. GW: What is your primary role as CEO at Southern Downs? DB: The principle role is to manage the organisation at two tiers, one at the political interface level and the second the organisational level itself. I have the responsibility to deliver what the council (councillors) decide at a policy level. GW: Conflict of interest is a controversial issue, what is your take on it? DB: It is a challenge right across local government in Queensland. There is a parliamentary inquiry going on right now into the Office of the Independent Assessor, the body where all complaints about elected members go. I hope the legislation can be changed to make it simpler and clearer so matters can be dealt with in a timely and appropriate manner. GW: What is your community involvement? DB: I don’t get involved at an official level

but support a lot of organisations and go to a lot of events. GW: What is the biggest project you have been involved in? DB: It was the $10 million for 10kms of sealed road across Cooper Creek near

Dave and Nina Burges. Photo supplied. Thargomindah. The new road connected both sides of the flood plain and made it safer for traffic, The water still can block traffic but not as much as in the past. GW: What are some of the biggest issues facing Southern Downs Regional Council? DB: Finanically we have good cash reserves but have a huge backlog of infrastructure work on water and sewerage across the regional council area. We need to spend $30 million alone on our sewerage assets in the next five years. The Council will be trying to get some government subsidies. We need to be fiscally cautious over the next five years because of the infrastructure backlog. GW: What are some of the other issues? DB: Waste is a major issue moving forward, it is a growth industry.

COUNTRYJOURNAL GW: What about Emu Swamp Dam near Stanthorpe? DB: It is a work in progress between Granite Belt Water and the State Government. The Council is still very supportive of the project and looks forward to being a participant. GW: The Warwick Saleyards creates a lot of feeling in the community, where are we at? DB: The saleyards are an important part of the fabric of the community. The Council is proceeding with the re-development of the existing site. We have applied for $4.5million funding from the Federal Government and if successful Southern Downs Regional Council will pay the $3 million balance. GW: What about the 2032 Olympics in Brisbane? DB: I don’t think we will get a physical benefit during the games but need to leverage against the games to get economic growth for several years prior to the games and then the first five years afterwards. GW: Have you been to an Olympics? DB: We like to travel overseas but not for an Olympics, I did go to the 1982 Commonwealth Games in Brisbane. GW: Are you in to sport yourself now. DB: I walk or jog most days down near

the Condamine River using some of the start a family. He works in construction on same course as the parkrunners. The walk the south side of Brisbane. and jog helps me de-stress. Our youngest son Ben lives at home and GW: Do you follow major sport? works in Warwick. DB: Yes, I follow rugby league and have GW: What about holidays? been to State of Origin and international DB: We had one memorable holiday at games but not since we returned to the Margaret River in Western Australia, we area, I like tennis and follow cricket but had our trip of a lifetime booked for early am not an avid cricket follower. 2020, six weeks in Italy and Greece, but it GW: Do you and Nina like to get out on a was cancelled due to the pandemic but we weekend? hope to re-book when overseas travel starts again. DB: We like to get out to places like Killarney, Girraween National Park and Goomburra, we often go for day trips on a Sunday and love the terrain and scenery of all parts of the region. Open 7 Days GW Where are Members’ Price - $10 your children now? Permanent Membership Available - $5 DB: Emily the oldest is a stay Nightly Specials at home Mum Sunday to Thursday with three children, son Zach 133 Palmerin St, Warwick - 4661 1922 is married and www.condaminesportsclub.com.au Follow us he and his wife SUPPORTING SPORTS IN OUR COMMUNITY are planning to on Facebook

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COUNTRYJOURNAL

Pork numbers on the rise CONTRIBUTED BY: ROSS ELLIS MCDOUGALLS AND SONS

Agents saw a lift in numbers after the rain with a yarding of 901head for the weekly sale. There was a very good yarding of trade and export cattle ,which was well supported by the local and export purchasers. The back to the paddock buyers and replacement buyers were not left in the lurch. Vealer steers averaged 649.3c/kg to a top of 746.2c/kg or $1649.22 av to a top of $2194.33. Vealer heifers average 535.2c/kg to a top of 656.2c/kg or $1382.71 av to a top of $2032.00. Feeder steers averaged 524.9c/kg to a top of 623.2c/kg or $2265.43 av to a top of $2852.77 Feeder heifers averaged 450.7c/kg to a top of 500c/kg or $1762.63 av to a top of $2569.84 Yearling steers averaged 605.2c/ kg to a top of 800.2c/kg or $1894.86 av to a top of $2635.29 Yearling heifers averaged 504.1c/kg to a top of 624.2c/kg or $1622.02 av to a top of $2029.96 Steers averaged 502.6c/kg to a top of 598.2c/kg or $2198.25 av to a top of $3375.00 Heifers averaged 439.4c/kg to a top of 516.2c/kg

or $2134.11 av to a top of $3226.25 Manufacturing steers averaged 414.3c/kg to a top of 432.2c/kg or $2766.20 av to a top of $3543.10. Cows averaged 397.5c/kg to a top of 434.2c/kg or $2255.68 av to a top of $3554.25 Bulls averaged 375.1c/kg to a top of 540.2c/kg or $2439.40 av to a top of $3681.50 Sheep and Lamb numbers fell but were still consistent with previous sales. Lambs topped at $240 to average $183.92 down $7/head av on last sale Hoggets topped at $240 to average $171.96 a rise of $17/head on previous sale. Ewes topped at $200 to average $118.59 down by $33/head on previous sale. Wethers topped at $170 to average $141.10 a drop of $13/head on previous sale. Lamb rams topped at $223 to average $159.83 a rise of $16/head on previous sale Total sale average was $176.47/head a drop of $2/ head over previous sale.

Pork numbers rose with quite a few store pigs coming on the market. Sows sold to $400, Boars sold to $190, Baconers sold to $265, Stores sold from $62 to $194 Pork should start to increase in price and numbers as we move into the Festive season. Poultry numbers continue to fill the pens across the spectrum Hens & chicks selling to $60, Chicks to $15.50, Pullets to $10,

COUNTRYJOURNAL

Another pipeline of dreams? Queensland farmers have embarked on an ambitious project to pipe water from the underutilized Burdekin Falls Dam to the Bowen-Gumlu horticulture district, a mini version of the fabled ‘Bradfield Scheme’ (picture) that never matched reality. A detailed business study for the 93-kilometre pipeline has been funded with $5 million in federal government money for a detailed case to be completed by mid-2023. According to a report by the ABC, the BowenGumlu region is Australia's major winter horticulture region and grows $500 million in produce annually, a figure proponents say could nearly double to $900 million with 100,000 megalitres of piped water added. Despite a failed 2009 Sunwater proposal and

Aeration cooling

Southern Downs sorghum and cereal growers, take note: with substantial yields expected across much of the Australian grain growing area and wet weather hampering harvesting efforts, growers are being encouraged to consider how they will manage on-farm storage to preserve grain quality. Storing cereals and pulses with an average moisture content above 12.5% can cause a range of issues, including mould and insect outbreaks in storage facilities.

GRDC National Grain Storage Extension Project Coordinator Chris Warrick said aeration cooling could play a critical role in successful on-farm storage this season. “Aeration cooling allows grain that was harvested slightly over moisture to be stored for up to three to four weeks before it is dried or blended with dry other schemes dating back to 1983, Gumlu farmer Laurie Land said this latest attempt has loads,” he said. the best shot at success. "It's privately-funded, Grain that has been harvested, dried or that's the way it's going to go, and it's got a blended below 12.5% moisture content better chance of getting off the ground this can be managed with a three-step cooling time," he said. "Water's worth more than land. process. Cooling fans should be run conYou can't grow much without water." tinuously from as soon as the aeration ducts are covered until three to five days after the silo is filled.

Stanthorpe

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COUNTRYJOURNAL

International polocrosse will return to Morgan Park on May 6-8 next year when six Tests are played in Warwick between Australia and New Zealand at open level. Warwick last hosted international polocrosse at the 2019 World Cup. There hasn’t been any internationals since due to COVID-19 although Warwick was able to play the Rose Bowl club carnival in August. Morgan Park is the best polocrosse facility in Australia and has hosted world cups in 2003, 2007 and 2019 with Australia winning all three at home. My guess is the Australian teams or at least squads will be selected well before the start of the next Queensland season. The nationals are at Ballarat on March 28-April 3. One Warwick player currently in the national squad is Russell Owens who will be hoping this could be his best chance to play at international level. he Test polocrosse games for men and women will be on the Friday and Saturday nights at Morgan Park with the final Tests on the Sunday. The Barastoc Interstate Series and Shell Cup club competition will also be played on the three days in May. It is a little while since Australia last played men and women series against New Zealand at the same time. There will be two pools of men’s horses and two pools of women’s horses of equal ability and the teams will draw for the pools of horses. More rain I am a little apprehensive talking about the rain as I know many graingrowers are hoping for fine weather to get the crop off. My little square metre of wheat in the back yard has also started to fall over due to the weight of the plant and thickness of the wheat after 100mmrain for the week.

The Long Paddock with Gerard Walsh

If you drive along the highway, it is hard to decide which is the best crop, there are so many good ones. As I have written previously, we grew one crop of grain, barley, in our house paddock at Greymare and my neighbour Geoff Thornton harvested it. We put the grain in bags as it was in the early 1970s when the beef slump was on. Remember buying good quality Angus weaner steers for $12, now they are worth $1200 or in some cases much more. That was an era when we ran a beast to five acres on our Greymare property. This season, we would be able to carry that many cattle again but I have learnt over the years not to overstock as we don’t seem to get good season after good season. Had some comments in the last week from my Face To Face with David Cory about his suggestion that the world is changed over time due to evolution and not all global warming. A fair few agree with David.

Sports short

Nobby cricketer Chris Gillam scored 46 in one of the Darling Downs wins in the Schaeffer Shield last weekend. The shield is the battle for South Queensland cricket supremacy and Chris has been a fixture in a Darling Downs team of predominately Toowoomba players. They have to beat the best from Gold and Sunshine coasts and Ipswich to win the shield. Chris has been a regular in Queensland Country teams down the years. His father Ashley is now playing masters cricket in the Lockyer Valley, he has played senior cricket for more than 55 years, what an outstanding performance.

Women’s clinics in December Darling Downs Health mobile women’s health nurses are on the road, travelling to our rural locations to provide free and confidential health clinics. The mobile women’s health nurses, Barbara Milne, Kathy Anning and Marcia Hunt, offer a range of services include cervical screening tests, breast awareness, sexual health testing and advice for issues such as continence, menopause, family planning, contraception and general wellbeing. Ms Barbara Milne, who travels west from Dalby, to Taroom in the north, and to Texas in the south, said women are often prioritising the health of others resulting in their own health being sidelined. Upcoming clinics will be held at the following locations: • 2 December, Stanthorpe Hospital, phone 4683 3460 • 8 December, Warwick Hospital, phone 4660 3900 • 13 December, Southern Cross Care Allora, phone 4666 3171 • 16 December, Killarney Medical Centre, phone 4664 1488

Farm labour shortage We’re not the only ones relying on foreign labour down o nthe farm. With American farmers increasingly relying on foreign agricultural laborers, the Labor Department approved 317,619 seasonal guestworkers during the fiscal year that ended on Sept. 30, up 15% from a year earlier, a farmworker advocacy group said on Tuesday. It was the highest number of jobs ever approved for H-2A guestworker visas, said Farmworker Justice.

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$ 385,000 • 3 bay powered shed + carports • Rain water tanks on shed • 1626m² fenced yard • 6 .2KVA solar system • Air-con 3 large built-in bedrooms + 4th bedroom/study/gym, 2 bathrooms • Large kitchen adjacent dining room • Lounge, wood burning fire + air-con • Main bedroom - Walk-in robe, ensuite + sitting area/retreat opens through French doors to study nook/ library

L SO

$ 80,000 “ROSALIND” - A GRAND LADY

$ 375,000

L SO

• Lot 203 -1897m² & Lot 208 - 1922 m² • Bitumen road frontage • Power & telephone available

50 FITZROY STREET, WARWICK • Heritage Listed on the SDRC Local Heritage, not on the Queensland Heritage Register • Zoning is “Mixed Use” which permits – Residential, Low Impact Industry, Commercial Office, Childcare • Flood Immunity – SDRC requires all new building

• Fenced on 3 sides • Hendon is 6K to Allora • 20K to Warwick

INVESTOR ON BIG BLOCK

work above Q100 flood level • General Development Requirements please contact our office • Land size is 3360m² - home has 13 rooms in total Here’s an opportunity for lovers of grand old homes with original features!!

$ 265,000 ORIGINAL FEATURES

INVESTORS: Renting at $275 per week

STOP URGENT!! WE NEED RENTAL PROPERTY IN GOOD REPAIR

COMMERCIAL PREMISES

WE HAVE NO VACANCIES!! PLEASE CONTACT US IMMEDIATELY IF YOU HAVE A RENTAL AVAILABLE

$ 585,000

Currently running Angus cattle • 100 .7 ha fenced to paddocks • Infratructure - igloos used for piggery 10 yrs ago • Site office - 2 bed, shower, open-plan, air-con, woodfire • Electric kitchen, dining & living • Sandy loam scrub soil and rich loam along Turners Creek • Dams and creek frontage Avoid COVID escape populated areas

53 FITZROY STREET, WARWICK www.helenharm.com

$ 395,000 ALLORA - Business situated in main street • 2 Showrooms • 2 Offices • Storage • Staff amenities – kitchen, bathroom & laundry • Solar System – leased with income • Parking off back street entry • Rainwater tank in fenced backyard on 1019m²

PRESS Call …Helen Harm Real Estate 4661 3663

RURAL LIFESTYLE WITH INCOME

$ 265,000 LEYBURN • 3 bed + office • 1 Bath • Separate lounge, dining, eat-in kitchen • Large 3794m2 (almost 1 acre) block • Undercover outdoor areas • Gazebo & garden features in established yard • 2 car garage • Toowoomba & Warwick approx . 45 mins

Potential to subdivide 1325m² lot •1960’s timber 3 built-in bed home •Window air-cons in lounge, main bed •Lounge media off entry hall •Open-plan tiled living has aircon •Kitchen has slow combustion+elec . appliances, bench space & pantry •Bath has shower over bath, separate toilet •Laundry utility, ramp to yard •Close to private schools, golf course & sports fields

INVESTORS: Rent as separate facilities

LAND • WARWICK - 2851m², high profile Commercial, flat block, power, town water, curb & channel . . . . $427,000 • WARWICK - 1170m², new estate, bitumen frontage, power, views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $145,000 • WARWICK - 25930m², High profile, 2 street frontage, Zoned specialised . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$2,210,000 • LEYBURN - 2023m², level block, town water available, power, bitumen frontage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $75,000 • PRATTEN - 4047m² (2 available), bitumen road, water & power available . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $90,000 • PRATTEN – 2 .023 Ha, level block, dam, 2 street frontage, RURAL - UNDER CONTRACT . . . . . . . . . . . . . $125,000

See www.helenharm.com for more listings

0408 457 496

COUNTRYJOURNAL

Japan and South Korea loving Australian beef Although China and the USA have long been target markets for Australian beef export, a new industry report reveals that Japan and South Korea are looking to be strong contenders in the coming years. The report, “Uncovering the Value of the Japanese and South Korean Beef Markets” by agribusiness banking specialist Rabobank, said the two smaller countries may not boast headlines of record growth or market-setting prices, but Japan and South Korea provide a steady value with their consistent and stable consumption patterns, ease of doing business and ability to optimise carcase value. This could impact Queensland beef producers since Queensland is the beef capital of Australia with 48% of the national herd. Local business John Dee Warwick is

Australia’s oldest single-family owned meat processor and supplies beef from the Southern Downs and New England Tableland to over 37 export markets, including

Japan. In 2020, Japan and South Korea represented 38 percent of Australia’s total beef exports by value, and Rabobank expects total import volumes for Japan to grow over the next five years at an average of just over two per cent per year, while South Korean total beef imports are forecast to grow slightly faster at just under four per cent per annum. Report co-author, Rabobank senior animal proteins analyst Angus Gidley-Baird said while neither Japan nor South Korea represented the import volume growth prospects of China and some other countries, they were nonetheless very import-

ant markets for Australian beef into the future. “What we need at the moment is strong trade partners who value the Australian product,” Gidley-Baird said. “Over the past 20 years, the Japanese and South Korean markets have remained true to form, providing major beef-exporting countries, such as Australia, with a stable, reliable market. At the same time, the strength of demand in these markets also means they hold their own on volumes and prices.” He believes that Japan and South Korea provide a foundation for Australia’s beef exports. “These countries will continue to form the cornerstone of the Australian beef export market and, as such, help to underwrite the success of the Australian beef industry,” Gidley-Baird said. “This makes them critically-important trading partners that require ongoing attention.”

COUNTRYJOURNAL

The all-new GWM Ute is born tough, built smart. With a powerful engine, rugged styling, luxury features as standard the GWM Ute has the strength to tackle hard jobs plus the comfort and technology needed for weekends away. Standard features: Cannon-X upgrades:

Alloy Wheels • 8-speed Automatic • Keyless Entry & Push-Button Start • Premium Eco-Leather Comfort-Tek seats • Apple CarPlay & Android Auto AEB with Pedestrian & Bicycle Detection • Lane Keep Assist • Active Cruise Control • Reverse Camera • Automatic LED Headlights Heated Front Seats • 6-way Power Adjustable Driver’s Seat • Leather Steering Wheel • 360 Around View Camera • Automatic Air Conditioning Cargo Ladder • Wireless Phone Charging • Power Assist Steering • Black Luxury Interior • Privacy Glass • Second row 60:40 split seats

* Overseas model shown. Sports bar not included, actual front grille is different. 7 Year Unlimited KM Warranty for private buyers, for commercial use Warranty is 7 Years up to 150,000 KM. Metallic paint + $595. Vehicles must be ordered and delivered by 31st December 2021 or whilst stocks last. T&Cs apply. E&OE. # Terms and conditions apply. Full details available in store.

DRIVE AWAY

JOLION PREMIUM

JOLION ULTRA

H6 PREMIUM

H6 ULTRA

• • • • • •

All Lux features plus/or: • 18” Alloy Wheels • Panoramic sunroof • 12.3” Multimedia Touchscreen • Wireless Charging • Heads Up Display

• • • • •

All Lux & Premium features plus/or: • Panoramic sunroof • Electric tailgate • Wireless charging • Heated and ventilated front seats • Fully automatic parking • Heads-Up display...& MORE

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Reverse camera + sensors 10.25” Multimedia Touchscreen 17-inch alloy wheels Roof rails Advanced Safety Features

Apple CarPlay 10.25” Multimedia Touchscreen Reversing camera + sensors 18” Alloy Wheels LED headlamps, tail lamps, DRL and rear fog lamps • Advanced Safety Features

At HAVAL, we are dedicated to providing drivers with the best technology, features and safety advances from around the globe to deliver premium SUVs at an affordable price. ^All prices are driveaway. Metallic/Pearlescent and Two Tone paint (excluding White Silk) + $495. Offer applies to private buyers of new and demo HAVAL SUV’s ordered and delivered by the 31st December 2021 (while stocks last). Model showns are Jolion Ultra $31,990 drive away and H6 Ultra 4WD from $39,990 driveaway. T&Cs apply. * 7 Year Unlimited KM Warranty for private buyers, for commercial use Warranty is 7 Years up to 150,000 KM. T&Cs apply. E&OE. # Terms and conditions apply. Full details available in store.

Discover the more about the exciting GWM HAVAL range today! 20 Alexandra Drive, Warwick

casselsauto.com.au

4661 2533

COUNTRYJOURNAL

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD

9 10 11

17 18

19 21

Ashes Bee Boy Code

22 23 24

acacia found in drier parts of Australia (5) 6 What are cows that have not produced calves and are under three years of age (7) 7 Who in Roman legend was the twin brother of Romulus (5) 13 When one feels contrition for past conduct, one does what (7)

DOWN 1 Who founded Singapore

in 1819, Sir Thomas Stamford ... (7) 2 What is the meat of the coconut (5) 3 Which nickname applies to the Collingwood AFL club (7) 4 What is spun by a spider to catch its prey (6)

E-QUATIONS 7

C O D E R S

Cubic Hop Ice Mercy

15 What is a place of abode (7) 16 Which term describes 17 18 19 20

freedom from captivity or the like (7) What is a way in which a thing may be viewed (6) Name a young eel (5) To get around by trickery is to do what (5) What is a Hindu religious ascetic called (5)

Letters A to Z have a number value. Some are shown in the right-hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.

CLUES: Authoritative text (5) Build flood barrier (7) Caresses (7) Penalties (5) Small pants pocket (3) Stomach (5) The end (5) Use eyes (3) Utter (3) Wonderful (coll) (3)

DOWN 1 Purrs 2 Region 3 Hideous 4 Leases 3

5 A

22 13 19

Ton Track Use

025

E E E F F F

G I I L L N

O S S S S Y

SOLUTIONS

BIYWORD

ACROSS 1 Cart 5 Advocate 6 Defrost 7 Articulates

025

QUICK THINK Solve the crossword. Each answer has four letters.

148-025

13 19

A A B B B D

ACROSS: 1 Haul, F 5 Urge, 6 Melt, 7 Says. F O B DOWN: 1 Hums, F I N I S © 2 Area, 3 Ugly, 4 Lets. S A N D B A G B E L L Y S E E S

A:9, J:26, M:7, P:2, T:22, X:13, Z:19

Pot Rich Ski Ten

Build it yourself using the clues and each of the twenty-four letters once only to form ten words: five across and five down. A key word (bold clue) builds on the letter set in the grid.

025

Y C R E M U

BIYWORD

E-QUATIONS

C O C I K S

Honeybees have a fantastic sense of smell. They use it to find and pollinate their favourite flowers. They learn to identify sick bees by smell and quickly remove them from the hive. Scientists are now training honeybees to sniff out explosives and forage for landmines!

Some values are in the right hand cells. Create remaining values using 035 clues in centre cells.

P+M XxP J-Z J÷X A+X T-A J-M

C I B U C E

CURIO

Letters have a number value

A J M P T X Z

H E N E A H

Find the following words in the grid. They may read in any direction, even diagonally. Some letters are used more than once.

5 Name a species of

T O P B T A

6 7 SUDOKU

household insect deterrent (7) What is an alligator pear also known as (7) Brussels is the capital of which European kingdom (7) What do we call either of the front feet of a particular animal (7) What are rubbers called (7) To emphasise is to do what (6) Which steel tool is used for cutting or shaping wood, stone, etc (6) To put into words is to do what (7) What is a soldier of the lowest military rank (7) Name the wine from a particular harvest or crop (7) What was a twowheeled vehicle used by the ancients (7) What is the condition of being esteemed or honoured (7)

CROSSWORD

O R E U M U R S

E L I B T E R O T Y

C A M P H O U E B E L G I W G F E R A S E B R C H I S A A S B F P R I V A E T K C H A R I T T R

11 12 14

025

R C M A V O C A D F P G F O R E P A L A I E E S T R E S S E E X P R E S L E V V I N T A G E T D R E S P E C

QUICK THINK

E-QUATIONS A:9, J:26, M:7, P:2, T:22, X:13, Z:19

MINI WORD FIND

Y C R E M U

ACROSS 4 Which substance is used as a

724

MINI WORD FIND T C H C C O O E I O P D N B C B E E U I T R A C K A S H E S

COUNTRYJOURNAL

Around the halls: Swan Creek

GERARD WALSH

Tuesday night dance lessons are one of the main activities at the Swan Creek School of Arts. Some halls were originally a school of arts but later became halls, some still are School of Arts, Swan Creek and Yangan to mention two. Elaine Wiedman is the current president of the school of arts committee at Swan Creek. She is joined on the committee by secretary Colleen O’Brien, treasurer Anne Coy and vice-president AnnMaree Cutmore. Each Tuesday night, between 20 and 30 people turn up, some from Warwick and Stanthorpe, and others from the area east of Warwick for dance lessons. Anne and Ian Coy are the dance teachers. While dancing is each Tuesday during the year, there is supper for the dancers on the first Tuesday of each month. The community organises a barbecue Swan Creek four to five times a year and attracts School of Arts some visitors from Warwick and all has seen a local areas. The next barbecue is on December 4 number of improvements recently. and all Southern Downs Regional Photo: Gerard Walsh. Councillors have been invited as the council funded research on each of the The area near soldiers on the First World War and the Swan Creek Second World War honour boards at the Hall and the hall school of arts. have also been The history and photos will be mounted used for cycle races on the walls around the honour boards in the region and and unveiled on December 4. Swan Creek is also Paper records of the history will be kept on the route of the in a filing cabinet at the school of arts. half marathon as Rhonda Gresinger has spent three years part of the on the research. Warwick PentathLike most halls in the Southern Downs run each May. Regional Council area, the committees runWhile the walls ning the hall have sought funding to between supper improve the halls or school of arts. rooms and the The most recent upgrading at Swan halls have been Creek was new carpet on the stage, cushopened up at some ions on the stools and new floor coverings halls, Swan Creek for the toilets and entrance. has a separate supA landing has been constructed on the per room. eastern side of the hall which allow winMore information dows to be open even if rain is falling. on hall hire, funcTables are often placed on the landing for tions or weekly barbecues. dancing from Anne There is now also wheelchair access to on 0488 466646. the school of arts. See more about The barbecue is on wheels and can be the wartime histooperated in the kitchen or on the eastern ry of the Swan landing. Creek area in a The school of arts was opened in 1908 future story in the and is at 3 Swan Creek Hall Rd. Daily Journal.

Pencilhead solutions S U M M E R M D Y N O A

U P F E D H E A L I F E

N N O R M A L Y U N I T

S P R I N G O B T E E R

E E T W E L F T H T L E

T O Y C H U R C H Y D L

S L E E P E S L H A S I

T M P O A B B E Y L P G

Moment Wordfind: Hidden Phrase: “Most people only judged the time of day by the call to prayers.”

R O L W G R F R R L P I

A V E N D T L G E F A O

C E V L A I W Y C T S U

K M A Y W I H O U R S S

M E R A N F L U I D A Y

O N I T E O R D E R G E

S T E J D B E L L S E R

T R D U T G L A R E R S

Spot the 5 Differences: 1. Flower changed 2. Sundial changed 3. Belt upside down 4. Dress meets higher 5. Dress hem changed colour

COUNTRYJOURNAL

Soft week for wool CONTRIBUTED BY: BRUCE MCLEISH ELDERS

Thomas Elder Markets showing the low environmental footprint of sheep. Considering the conversion of plant material to high quality, nutrient rich meat proA fairly lack-lustre week in the wool martein, and importantly storing carbon every ket saw prices decline, then steady, before time you hang up a woollen garment – finishing on a firmer note across Australia this week. The superfine merino basis con- given that up to 50% of the garment’s weight is carbon, livestock are not the cartinues to close up, from its extreme levels, but all types were down a bit and the overall bon bogey creatures the animal rights activmarket indicator closed off 20 cents for the ists would have us believe. As TEM says sheep are natural carbon capture and storweek. The yo-yo effect is still present as age machines, and a fine quality woollen Australian exporters and overseas buyers operate cautiously with neither side willing garment, when cared for appropriately, can last decades in the wardrobe. More of this to take a large position. Over the past 9 sort of analysis will hopefully be forthcomweeks the market has managed to oscillate ing, in a language and format which the every week from positive to negative and next week should continue that trend with a millennials can understand and the online small gain. Aside from the headline number retailers can promote. The largest online shopping event on the moving up and down the individual segplanet took place this week with Singles Day ments are moving back towards a more (November 11th) being promoted in China. normal relativity as traders and processors By virtue of the target population and their search for value and chase types they can propensity for shopping online, it has sell more easily. The superfine merino segment has slowed a little, and because of the become the largest single selling event in China, if not the world since its creation by extremes it has reached prices have seemingly fallen a long way, when in fact it is still Alibaba in 2009. Although like all good selling at a very healthy level. The 17-micron retail events it now stretches over 11 days rather than the original one. It does howevMPG in USD terms has fallen a couple of er provide a gauge of consumer sentiment dollars, but is still 7 dollars higher than it in the world’s second largest economy. The was 12 months ago and now is potentially largest players, Alibaba and JD.com sought back to a level where we will see demand start to increase again. Medium merino, also to keep a lid on expectations this year given in USD terms, is range trading between 900 the government policy of “common prosperity” which is acting like a tax on the giant and 1050 cents. Again 3 dollars US higher profitable tech companies as they quickly than it was during the depths of the panbecome very philanthropic to appease demic, but could easily add another couple Beijing. Initial sales figures indicate that of dollars and everyone would still feel new records have again been set with this comfortable with the price level. Crossbred wools are finally finding a bit of love, even if year’s sales, even if the rate of increase was slightly below last year. How the Chinese only as a blend component, although the New Zealand market did also rise this week. consumer is coping with a slowing economy, wobbly real estate values and the govSustained higher prices for this segment ernment zero covid policy is vitally importwill be a difficult task until some of the ant to the wool industry. global stocks are cleared, but in the afterEuropean processors continue to make up math of COP26 public companies would dare to fit out their new office or hotel with for lost time, and plenty of woollen garments are being pulled off the shelves as nylon carpet when wool provides such a temperatures decrease and gas prices more sustainable and cheaper option. increase. India, despite being out of the Some sensible analysis was provided world cup early, continues to buy an during the week by Matt Dalgleish of

increasing volume of wool compared to last year. But, the Chinese domestic market is the one area that has been worrying processors, traders and exporters over the past couple of months. Exports from China to America and Europe are progressing as fast as the constipated supply lines will allow at present, and the domestic pipeline has been filled, but processors are keenly awaiting more signals to pump some more product in when sales occur at the other end. Even if prices in USD terms are just maintained whilst the industry awaits a more positive signal from retail activity, the prices in Australia should rise courtesy of a falling currency. The stars are aligning to push the US Dollar higher, and also weaken the Aussie at present with the drivers for strength in the Australian currency all beginning to wane. Chinese growth and therefore their consumption of raw materials has weakened, so while on one hand the Australian grower wants active Chinese consumers, a weaker Australian dollar because of lacklustre Chinese consumer activity may offset some of the pain. Not that the slowdown in China is dramatic, and the predictions of a real estate collapse may have been premature as Evergrande and others seem to find a way to meet their payments at the last minute. So, nervous times ahead for the wool industry, and many other commodities, as the world grapples with inflationary pressures, and economic realignment, but most would consider for the wool industry there is more potential for upside than downside over the coming months.

Dispute resolution Caught in a land access dispute? The LAO can help The Land Access Ombudsman offers FREE and independent dispute resolution service. A pop-up office will be visiting Chinchilla and Dalby later this month. Visit lao.org.au/publications/events for details.

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